Rotating Snow Bucket Support for One-Handed Ice Resurfacer Operation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing support systems for snow buckets on ice resurfacing machines require manual handling, increasing the risk of personal injury and are cumbersome, necessitating the removal of gloves and requiring both hands to operate.
Innovation Solution
A bucket support system with a rotating handle that allows one-handed operation, eliminating the need for manual placement of a pipe by using a metal triangular plate attached to a rod with a brace support and a top bracket that can be secured to the ice resurfacing machine, enabling the snow bucket to be easily raised and lowered without leaving the driver's seat.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a manual pipe support system is used, then the snow bucket can be supported at an incline, but the operation requires both hands and removal of gloves, increasing safety risk and reducing ease of operation
Solution Approach 1:
The support system is designed to be self-positioning through the rotating plate mechanism. When the plate rotates to the inclined position, the support bracket automatically engages with the snow bucket, eliminating the need for manual dexterity and glove removal. The system serves itself by using the rotation mechanism to automatically place the support in the correct position.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual pipe handling system is replaced with a mechanical rotation system. The rotating plate with integrated support bracket substitutes the manual placement of a separate pipe, converting a dexterity-dependent task into a simple rotational motion that can be performed with one hand while wearing gloves.
2Productivity
If a manual pipe support system is used, then the snow bucket can be supported, but the process requires multiple steps and leaves the driver's seat, increasing time consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The support function is merged with the driver's seat control system. The rotating plate is controlled from the driver's seat, combining the support operation with the existing control station. This eliminates the need to leave the seat and perform multiple separate actions (picking up pipe, positioning it, securing it), consolidating the entire operation into a single controlled rotation.
Solution Approach 2:
The support bracket is pre-positioned on the rotating plate at the correct angle. When the plate rotates to the inclined position, the bracket is already in the correct position to support the snow bucket, eliminating the need for multiple adjustment steps during the support operation.
3Stability of the object's composition
If a simple pipe support is used, then the structure is simple, but it provides insufficient support stability for the snow bucket
Solution Approach 1:
The support system is segmented into distinct functional components: the rotating plate for positioning, the support bracket for bearing the load, and the mounting mechanism for attachment. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function, with the bracket providing enhanced stability through its L-shaped design and mounting holes for secure attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The support system transitions from a static pipe to a dynamic rotating plate mechanism. The plate can rotate between a horizontal storage position and an inclined support position, providing both stability when supporting the bucket and ease of access when stored. The dynamic capability allows the same structure to serve multiple functions without compromising stability during operation.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is defined by having a bucket support configured to support a snow bucket on an ice resurfacing machine. The support includes a plate welded to an intermediate portion of a rod. A handle formed into an upper portion of the rod. A top bracket defined to include a notch sized to receive, for rotation therein, the intermediate portion of the rod. The top bracket further including machine openings to secure the top bracket to a first portion of the ice resurfacing machine. A base bracket configured to secure against a base portion of the ice resurfacing machine. The base bracket including a base opening sized to receive the lower portion of the rod, permitting rotation of the rod therein.