Rotary Broom Double Gearbox Drive for Angle Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rotary brooms with constant velocity joints face premature wear and high labor costs due to the need for frequent lubrication and replacement, especially when operating at acute angles or reversing directions.
Innovation Solution
A rotary broom with a gearbox drive system that allows for easy adjustment to left or right angles without a constant velocity driveline, using a slotted plate and double gearbox configuration to pivot and invert the driveline, enabling operation with readily available hand tools and reducing wear on joints.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a constant velocity joint and driveline are used to allow the broom to operate at various angles and directions, then the broom's adaptability and ease of operation are improved, but the joints wear prematurely and require frequent lubrication and replacement, increasing maintenance costs and reducing reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the constant velocity joint and driveline from the system entirely, replacing them with a gearbox-driven mechanism. The gearbox is mounted on a pivot point that allows direct angular adjustment of the broom without requiring flexible joints, thereby eliminating the wear and maintenance issues associated with CV joints while preserving the ability to operate at various angles.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using a driveline with CV joints to accommodate angle changes, the invention inverts the approach by using a fixed gearbox mounted on a pivot. The pivot point allows the entire gearbox-broom assembly to rotate to the desired angle, eliminating the need for angular compensation mechanisms in the driveline.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a constant velocity joint and driveline are used to enable reversing directions, then the broom's operational versatility is improved, but the complexity of the drive system increases and maintenance requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the driveline and CV joints entirely, replacing them with a simplified gearbox system. The gearbox can be easily repositioned or the broom can be rotated at the pivot point to reverse directions, removing the complex angular compensation mechanisms while maintaining the ability to operate in multiple directions.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a ninety degree gearbox is used to change the direction of power transmission, then the broom can be positioned at right angles to the vehicle path, but the driveline must operate at acute angles causing premature wear
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the driveline entirely and replaces it with a direct gearbox mounting system. The gearbox is mounted on a pivot point that allows the broom to be positioned at any angle relative to the vehicle path without requiring the driveline to operate at acute angles, thereby eliminating the wear problem.
Solution Approach 2:
The pivot point serves as an intermediary between the vehicle frame and the gearbox-broom assembly. This pivot allows angular adjustment without transmitting angular stresses through a driveline, effectively mediating between the fixed power source and the adjustable broom position.
Data Source
AI summary
A rotary broom mounts upon a slotted plate that pivots upon a double gearbox. The broom has bristles upon an axle within a shield that receives power from a chain drive that receives its power from a driveline from a top gear box. The top gearbox orients in the direction of the chain driveline and delivers its power through an output shaft. The top gearbox joins to a slotted plate that turns in the same direction as the broom. The top gear box receives its power through an input shaft perpendicular to the output shaft. The top gearbox input shaft extends downwardly and becomes the output shaft of the bottom gearbox. The bottom gearbox has an input shaft that connects to a power take off. This rotary broom receives rotational power, rotates it 90° upwardly, then rotates it 90° downwardly and at an angle laterally to drive the broom.