Low-Elevation Salt Spreader for Earth-Moving Equipment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional salt trucks lack control over rock salt distribution speed and volume, and are limited in their ability to distribute salt under parked vehicles due to high exit ports located above the tires, requiring roads to be cleared before salting can occur.
Innovation Solution
A salt spreader with augers for controlling rock salt movement and spinner controls for precise distribution, allowing for low-elevation salt dispersal from earth-moving equipment, enabling control over distance, density, and direction of salt distribution, including under parked cars.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional salt trucks use large chutes for salt distribution, then salt can be distributed at high rate, but control over speed and volume of salt distributed is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the salt distribution system into multiple ejection ports along the bottom surface of the bucket, with each port equipped with its own spinner control and auger mechanism. This segmentation allows independent control of salt distribution at different locations, enabling precise adjustment of salt speed, volume, and pattern while maintaining high overall distribution rates
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic control through variable speed motors that drive the augers and spinners independently. Each ejection port can operate at different speeds and rates, allowing the operator to dynamically adjust salt distribution characteristics in real-time based on road conditions, traffic patterns, and salt adherence requirements
2Length of stationary object
If salt trucks have exit ports located above the tires, then salt can be distributed from high elevation, but roads and parking lots must be cleared of cars for salt to be distributed along the area in need
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from vertical high-elevation salt distribution to horizontal low-elevation distribution by positioning ejection ports along the bottom surface of the bucket at ground level. This dimensional change enables salt to be distributed directly under parked vehicles and along curbs without requiring road clearance, while the bucket can still be raised to high elevations for transport and loading
3Area of stationary object
If conventional salt trucks use large chutes, then salt distribution covers wide area, but precision control over distribution patterns is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the distribution system into multiple independently controlled ejection ports, each with its own spinner and auger. This allows precise control over salt distribution patterns while maintaining wide area coverage through coordinated operation of multiple ports across the bucket width
Solution Approach 2:
Each ejection port is equipped with local control mechanisms (spinner controls and augers) that can be independently adjusted to deliver specific salt rates and patterns. This local quality control enables precise tailoring of salt distribution to match varying road conditions, traffic patterns, and salt adherence requirements across different areas
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
Enables precise and efficient rock salt distribution under parked vehicles, increasing operational hours and providing better control over distribution patterns and density, creating an additional distribution solution for the construction industry.
Implementation Method 1
Rotation of the first and second augers moves rock salt along the base of the bucket toward first and second ejection ports
Implementation Method 2
First and second spinner controls positioned below the first and second ejection ports, respectively, operate to distribute rock salt away from the salt spreader onto the surrounding area
Data Source
AI summary
A salt spreader for distributing a material includes a bucket including a front surface, a rear surface, and first and second side surfaces. The front and rear surfaces tend toward one another at a base of the bucket, and the bucket includes first and second ejection ports in the base. The salt spreader further includes a separator positioned in a center of the bucket parallel to the first and second side surfaces, and first and second covers within the bucket extending downwardly from the first and second side surfaces, respectively, toward the separator.