Rotating Brush Snow Removal on Heavy Equipment Arms
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for removing snow and ice from the roofs of large vehicles, such as tractor trailers, are complex and expensive due to the need for dedicated height adjusters to accommodate varying roof heights.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing a rotating brush assembly mounted on heavy equipment with adjustable arms, capable of raising and lowering, and a spray assembly to effectively remove snow and ice from vehicle roofs, with the brush oriented at an angle to facilitate efficient snow removal and deposition into a designated area.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If dedicated height adjusters are used to accommodate varying roof heights, then the system can effectively remove snow from different vehicle types, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by using commonly available heavy equipment (front-end loaders, backhoes, skid steers) that already possess height adjustment capabilities through their standard arms and buckets. This eliminates the need for dedicated height adjusters, as the existing equipment can be configured for multiple vehicle types by adjusting arm position and bucket height, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining adaptability across different roof heights
2Adaptability or versatility
If dedicated height adjusters are used to accommodate varying roof heights, then the system can effectively remove snow from different vehicle types, but the manufacturing and purchase cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reduces manufacturing and purchase costs by utilizing commonly available heavy equipment that operators already possess or can rent. These equipment pieces do not require specialized dedicated height adjusters, as their standard hydraulic arms and buckets provide sufficient height variation capability. This approach eliminates the need to manufacture or purchase expensive dedicated adjustment mechanisms while maintaining the ability to service different vehicle types
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables self-service by allowing equipment operators to adjust the height and position of the rotating brush assembly using the equipment's existing controls and hydraulic system. The operator can manually position the arms and adjust the brush height to match different roof heights without requiring specialized adjustment mechanisms or additional personnel, thereby eliminating costs associated with dedicated height adjusters
3Productivity
If the rotating brush is oriented at an angle with respect to the direction of travel, then snow removal efficiency improves, but the frame complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by orienting the rotating brush at a specific angle (e.g., 30-60 degrees) relative to the direction of vehicle travel rather than perpendicular to it. This angled orientation allows the brush to effectively push snow forward and off the roof in the direction of travel, improving snow removal efficiency. The asymmetric mounting configuration optimizes the mechanical action of the brush bristles against the snow accumulation, enhancing productivity while the frame design accommodates this angle through standard mounting configurations
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 an efficient and cost-effective method for removing snow and ice from vehicle roofs by using commonly available heavy equipment for height adjustment, ensuring effective snow removal and preventing re-accumulation through the use of a melting agent.
Implementation Method 1
a spray assembly secured to the second portion of the frame and configured to spray the rotating brush during operation of the rotating brush
Implementation Method 2
a rotating brush assembly coupled to the at least one arm of the piece of heavy equipment to remove snow and ice from the roof of the vehicle
Data Source
AI summary
A system for removing snow and ice from a roof of a vehicle includes a piece of heavy equipment having at least one arm capable of raising and lowering, and a rotating brush assembly coupled to the at least one arm of the piece of heavy equipment to remove snow and ice from the roof of the vehicle. The rotating brush assembly includes a rotating brush, and a frame including a first portion configured to secure the rotating brush, and a second portion coupled to the first portion and configured to be secured to an apparatus capable of raising and lowering the frame. The first portion of the frame is configured to orient the rotating brush at an angle with respect of a direction of travel of the vehicle. A method of removing snow from a roof of a vehicle is further disclosed.