Reversible Elastomeric Plow Edge with Carbide Adapter
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Solution Overview
Problem
Snow plow blades face durability and performance issues due to exposure to rough terrain and cold weather, leading to frequent damage and corrosion, and their rigidity causes shock loads that can harm vehicles and drivers, while being ineffective in plowing fluid-like media.
Innovation Solution
A plow blade edge system featuring an adapter blade with carbide inserts and a reversible elastomeric blade mounted between the adapter blade and a clamp bar, allowing for extended wear and reduced material costs, improved performance, and effective plowing of various media types.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If rigid metallic plow blade edges are used, then structural strength is improved, but shock loads are transmitted to the vehicle and mounting components causing damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a flexible elastomeric blade edge instead of rigid metallic edges. The elastomeric material absorbs shock loads through its inherent flexibility and elasticity, preventing transmission of impact forces to the vehicle and mounting components while maintaining the structural integrity needed for plowing operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite construction combining an adapter blade with elastomeric material to create a hybrid edge system. This composite structure integrates the strength benefits of rigid materials with the shock-absorbing properties of flexible elastomeric materials, resolving the contradiction between structural strength and shock load transmission.
2Reliability
If metallic plow blade edges are used, then durability against wear is improved, but corrosion occurs due to exposure to road salt and moisture
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs composite materials combining corrosion-resistant adapter blade with elastomeric edge material. The elastomeric component is inherently resistant to corrosion from road salt and moisture, while the adapter blade provides structural support, together resolving the contradiction between wear resistance and corrosion resistance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the material parameter from metallic to elastomeric for the blade edge, fundamentally altering the chemical properties to resist corrosion while maintaining mechanical functionality. This material substitution eliminates the electrochemical corrosion mechanisms that affect metallic materials in salted environments.
3Productivity
If rigid plow blade edges are used, then cutting effectiveness on solid surfaces is improved, but damage to the plowed surface occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible elastomeric blade edge conforms to the contours of the plowed surface, distributing cutting forces over a larger area and reducing localized damage. The flexibility allows the blade to adapt to surface irregularities, maintaining cutting effectiveness while minimizing harm to the underlying surface structure.
4Strength
If metallic plow blade edges are used, then structural integrity is improved, but effectiveness in plowing fluid-like media such as slush and water is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The elastomeric blade edge exhibits flexibility and surface compliance that enables effective interaction with fluid-like media. The material can deform and adapt to slush, water, and other non-rigid substances, maintaining structural integrity while achieving versatility across different media types including both solids and fluids.
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 enhances durability and performance by reducing wear and tear, minimizing vehicle damage, and effectively handling both solid and fluid media, while reducing maintenance time and costs.
Implementation Method 1
The resilient construction of the present disclosure also transmits less load to vehicles, vehicle mounting equipment, and vehicle operators than prior art plow blade edges
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 including a bottom edge having a carbide insert along a portion of the bottom edge; an elastomeric blade selectively reversible to present first and second edges; a clamp bar wherein the clamp bar is mounted to the adapter blade with the elastomeric blade secured therebetween; and, the elastomeric blade secured selectively in a first position or a second position.