Scalloped Edge Snow Removal Device with Load Belt
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for removing snow from large flat roofs are labor-intensive, time-consuming, costly, and pose safety risks due to the need for extensive physical effort and mechanical equipment, with limitations in distance and efficiency of snow transport.
Innovation Solution
A manually operated, box-shaped snow removal device with a scalloped leading edge, flexible load belt, and adjustable design, featuring a no-drop leading edge and snow lock tab, allowing for efficient cutting through snow and transporting significant quantities to a safe dumping area.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If snow shovels are used for shoveling, pushing, carrying and throwing snow off the roof, then snow removal is achieved, but tremendous effort, time and energy are required and safety risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The snow removal device divides the snow removal process into distinct functional segments: the box-shaped body for collecting snow, the scalloped leading edge for cutting through snow accumulation, and the load belt for transporting snow. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently, reducing the overall physical effort required compared to manual shoveling where one tool must perform all functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The load belt acts as an intermediary mechanism between the snow collection area and the roof edge. It transports snow across the roof surface without requiring workers to manually carry or throw snow over long distances, thereby reducing physical effort and energy consumption while maintaining productivity.
2Productivity
If a snow blower is used to blow snow off the roof, then snow removal is achieved, but the snow blower is heavy and difficult to transport to the roof and only throws snow a maximum distance
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into a lightweight box-shaped body and a separate load belt system, allowing the main structure to be minimal and light while still achieving snow removal functionality. This segmentation eliminates the need for heavy motors and mechanical throwing mechanisms found in snow blowers.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of throwing snow vertically or in a limited arc like traditional snow blowers, this device transports snow horizontally across the roof surface using the load belt, effectively utilizing the two-dimensional roof plane to move snow to safe dumping areas regardless of distance from the collection point.
3Productivity
If heating hoses are used around the roof surface to melt snow, then snow removal is achieved, but the process is costly and requires much mechanical equipment and physical effort
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the snow from the roof surface and removes it physically rather than attempting to melt it in place. This eliminates the need for complex heating hose systems, mechanical equipment for moving melted water, and the associated costs and complications of thermal snow removal methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The device uses simple, inexpensive materials such as the box-shaped body and load belt that can be easily replaced or maintained, avoiding the costly and complex mechanical equipment required for heating and melting snow systems.
4Productivity
If multiple shovels and users are used to remove snow from the center of a large flat roof, then snow removal is achieved, but the distance snow must be transported makes the process especially difficult and challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The load belt serves as an intermediary transport mechanism that extends across the roof surface, allowing snow to be moved from collection points anywhere on the roof to edge dumping areas. This intermediary system eliminates the difficulty of long-distance manual snow transport by providing a continuous conveyor-like surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The device can be deployed at any location on the roof and the load belt can transport snow to any edge, making the system universally applicable regardless of where snow accumulates on large flat roofs. This multi-functionality addresses the challenge of transporting snow from various locations across large roof areas.
Data Source
AI summary
A manually operated snow removal device designed for generally flat surfaces such as roofs includes a box-shaped device having a scalloped or undulating front and rear edge to cut through the snow; a leading bottom edge which protrudes from the box-shaped device to prevent the device from falling off roofs and a load belt made of a length of HPDE material for transporting the snow loaded on the load belt. A telescopic pole attaches to the device and allows the operator to remove approximately 10 square feet of snow and subsequently moved that snow to a desired location on the roof. The operator than moves the device such that the load belt folds over the edge of the roof dumping the snow in a desired location.