Robotic Air Blower System for Automated Snow Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current snow removal methods are costly, require physical dexterity and strength, and lack efficiency, especially for aging populations and individuals with impairments, and existing automated systems have limitations in coverage and adaptability.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising high-flow, high-pressure air blower systems with a control system that pivots over a wide sweep angle, equipped with a processor and memory for algorithmic control, and multiple blower systems positioned at spaced locations to effectively clear snow from surfaces like driveways and roofs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual snow removal methods (shoveling, powered snow blowers) are used, then snow can be removed from surfaces, but significant expense and physical requirements are incurred
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical snow removal (shoveling, powered snow blowers) with an automated system that uses compressed air nozzles directed by a robotic arm. The system substitutes human physical effort with automated mechanical manipulation, where the robotic arm positions nozzles to blow snow off surfaces without requiring human strength or dexterity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables surfaces to clear their own snow autonomously. The robotic arm automatically positions and moves the compressed air nozzles along the surface, and the system can operate without continuous human intervention, adjusting its operation based on the surface geometry and snow conditions.
2Ease of operation
If automated snow removal systems are deployed, then physical requirements are reduced, but system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic arm system is designed to handle multiple surfaces and configurations. The same robotic arm can service roofs, driveways, and walkways by adjusting its position and orientation. The compressed air delivery system can adapt to different surface geometries, making the system versatile rather than requiring specialized equipment for each application.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs a dynamic robotic arm that can move and reposition itself along the surface to be cleaned. Rather than a fixed installation, the robotic arm dynamically adjusts its position, angle, and movement speed to follow the surface contours and optimize snow removal efficiency, reducing the need for multiple static installations.
3Productivity
If compressed air nozzles are positioned at various angles, then snow removal effectiveness improves, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The conduit system is integrated with the movable robotic arm, allowing the nozzles to dynamically change their orientation and position relative to the surface. As the robotic arm moves along the surface, the conduits flex and reposition to maintain optimal nozzle angles, eliminating the need for multiple fixed conduits at different angles.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the spatial parameters of the nozzle positions and orientations dynamically during operation. By controlling the robotic arm's movement and the conduit flexibility, the system adjusts the nozzle angle, distance from surface, and sweep pattern to optimize snow removal for different surface geometries and snow conditions.
4Area of stationary object
If multiple blower systems are positioned at spaced locations, then coverage area increases, but system cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic arm system is designed to traverse along the surface and service multiple locations sequentially. Rather than requiring multiple simultaneous blower systems, a single robotic system moves dynamically to cover the entire area, reducing the number of systems needed while maintaining comprehensive coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The system adds the dimension of time and movement to the coverage problem. Instead of expanding coverage by adding more spatially distributed systems, the single system achieves comprehensive coverage through temporal sequencing and spatial movement along the surface, effectively trading space for time.
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 efficiently removes snow with adjustable parameters, suitable for various surface types, reducing snow residue and operational costs, while being accessible and adaptable for different areas and conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a blower to pressurize air, a conduit in fluid connection with the blower... from which pressurized air is blown to remove snow from the surface
Data Source
AI summary
A system for snow removal from a surface includes one or more blower systems. Each blower system includes a blower to pressurize air, a conduit in fluid connection with the blower, and a control system to control parameters of operation of the blower system. The conduit includes one or more passages therein from which pressurized air is blown to remove snow from the surface adjacent the position of the one or more blower systems. The control system is configured to pivot the conduit about a sweep axis over a determined sweep angle of at least 100 degrees.