Elastomeric Plow Edge with Reversible Segments
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Solution Overview
Problem
Snow plow blades face durability and performance issues due to rough terrain and cold weather, leading to frequent damage and replacement, as well as transmission of shock loads to vehicles, which can cause damage and discomfort for drivers, and are ineffective in handling fluid-like media.
Innovation Solution
A plow blade edge system featuring an adapter blade with carbide inserts and an elastomeric blade that can be reversed to extend its lifespan, mounted between the adapter blade and a clamp bar, allowing for easy replacement and improved performance in various conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If metallic plow edges are used, then strength and durability are improved, but shock loads are transmitted to the vehicle and driver
Solution Approach 1:
The plow edge assembly combines a rigid adapter blade made of metal with a resilient elastomeric blade. This composite structure allows the metal adapter to provide structural strength while the elastomeric blade absorbs shock loads, preventing their transmission to the vehicle and driver.
2Productivity
If rigid metallic plow edges are used, then cutting performance is improved, but damage to the plowed surface occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter blade provides rigid cutting edges at the contact points where cutting performance is needed, while the elastomeric blade provides a compliant surface that conforms to and protects the plowed surface. This local differentiation of material properties resolves the contradiction between cutting effectiveness and surface protection.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If metallic plow edges are used, then durability against wear is improved, but corrosion from road salt reduces lifespan
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses a metal adapter blade that is resistant to corrosion and an elastomeric blade that is immune to rust and degradation from road salts. This composite approach combines the wear resistance of metal with the corrosion resistance of elastomeric materials, extending overall blade edge lifespan.
4Duration of action of stationary object
If reversible elastomeric blades are used, then service life is extended, but mounting complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The blade system is divided into a permanent metal adapter blade mounted to the mold board and a separate reversible elastomeric blade. This segmentation allows the elastomeric blade to be removed, flipped, or replaced independently, extending service life while keeping the mounting system relatively simple through standardized attachment mechanisms.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system provides enhanced durability and reduced maintenance, improved performance in plowing various media, including fluids, and reduces shock loads transmitted to vehicles, extending the life of the plow blade edges and reducing material costs.
Implementation Method 1
The resilient plow blade edges reduce or eliminate the transmission of shock loads to the vehicle and vehicle mounting components
Implementation Method 2
an adapter blade including a bottom edge having a carbide insert along a portion of the bottom edge
Data Source
AI summary
A plow edge having improved durability and performance is provided which can comprise an elastomeric material, for example, a styrene elastomeric material. The present disclosure provides a plow blade edge system for mounting to a mold board of a plow comprising an adapter blade, at least two elastomeric blade segments wherein each segment is selectively reversible to present first and second edges; a clamp bar wherein the clamp bar is mounted to the adapter blade with the at least two elastomeric blade segments secured therebetween; and, each of the at least two elastomeric blade segments secured selectively in a first orientation or a second orientation.