Reversible Wing Plow Moldboard Rotation Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current snow removal technologies, such as side wing plows, are limited in their ability to easily switch between sides of a vehicle, increasing operational complexity, weight, expense, and safety risks, particularly due to their bulkiness and lack of maneuverability, which hinders efficient snow clearance and operator visibility.
Innovation Solution
A reversible wing plow system with a moldboard that can be rotated between sides of a vehicle using a hitch and moldboard shifting mechanism, comprising linear actuators and a rotation crank plate, allowing for easy side switching and compact transport, enhanced by an electro-hydraulic control system and automatic safety locking mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a side wing plow is mounted to one side of a vehicle, then snow clearance capability is improved, but the vehicle width increases and operator visibility decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The moldboard is made dynamically positionable, allowing it to be rotated between a horizontal plowing position and a vertical transport position. This dynamic positioning capability enables the moldboard to be compact during transport (improving visibility) and functional during plowing (maintaining productivity).
Solution Approach 2:
The moldboard transitions from a two-dimensional horizontal plane to a three-dimensional configuration by rotating into a vertical position. This dimensional change allows the moldboard to occupy less horizontal space during transport while maintaining its full snow-clearing capability when in the horizontal plowing position.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a side wing plow is mounted to the opposite side of the vehicle, then snow discharge on either side is enabled, but device complexity and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
A single moldboard serves multiple functions by being rotatable to different positions. The same moldboard can clear snow on either side of the vehicle by rotating to the appropriate horizontal position, eliminating the need for separate moldboards for each side and reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The functionality of multiple fixed moldboards (one for each side) is merged into a single rotatable moldboard. This consolidation reduces the total weight and complexity of the plowing apparatus while maintaining the capability to discharge snow on either side of the vehicle.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a large and cumbersome plowing apparatus is mounted on the rear of a vehicle, then snow discharge on either side is achieved, but operator visibility and safety are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The moldboard's dynamic positioning capability allows it to be rotated into a vertical transport position that minimizes its horizontal footprint. This reduces the overall width of the vehicle-plow combination, improving operator visibility and reducing safety risks during transport while maintaining full snow discharge capability when in the horizontal plowing position.
4Productivity
If a side wing plow is used to increase swath width, then productivity is improved, but the plow becomes bulky and difficult to maneuver
Solution Approach 1:
The moldboard's ability to rotate between horizontal and vertical positions provides dynamic size adjustment. During plowing operations, the moldboard extends horizontally to maximize swath width and productivity. During transport or maneuvering, the moldboard rotates to a vertical position, reducing the vehicle's overall width and improving ease of operation and maneuverability.
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 reversible wing plow system increases operational efficiency by allowing snow clearance on either side of the vehicle without significant weight or expense addition, improves operator visibility, and reduces safety risks by enabling easy side switching and compact transport, thus enhancing snow removal productivity and safety.
Implementation Method 1
comprising linear actuators and a rotation crank plate
Implementation Method 2
enhanced by an electro-hydraulic control system
Data Source
AI summary
A reversible wing plow including a hitch, a moldboard and a moldboard shifting mechanism. The hitch is coupleable to the rear of a prime mover. The moldboard is operably coupled to the hitch proximate an inboard end and rotatable about a first horizontal axis that extends outwardly from the hitch generally parallel to a direction of forward movement of the prime mover. The moldboard shifting mechanism includes first and second linear actuators, both of which are coupled to the hitch at one end and coupled to opposing sides of a rotation crank plate on the other end. The crank plate is further operably coupled to the moldboard, whereby the moldboard is rotatably shiftable to the driver or passenger side of the prime mover, or to a vertically oriented transport position.