Segmented Containment Plow Cutting Edge With Multi-Degree Freedom

Solution Overview

Problem

Containment snow plows face challenges in accommodating obstructions and surface irregularities, leading to potential damage and increased passes required for complete clearing of snow and ice from pavements.

Innovation Solution

A containment plow design featuring moldboard and wing cutting edges with multiple degrees of freedom movement, including pivoting and translational movements, supported by biasing elements and torsion springs, allowing for adaptive positioning to navigate obstructions and irregularities effectively.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If the cutting edge is made rigid and fixed, then the structural strength is improved, but the ability to accommodate obstructions and surface irregularities deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural strengthVSAvoidability to accommodate obstructions and surface irregularities

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The cutting edge is divided into multiple segments that can move independently relative to each other and the moldboard. Each segment can pivot and translate to accommodate obstructions and surface irregularities while maintaining overall structural integrity through the modular segmented design

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The cutting edge transitions from a fixed rigid structure to a dynamic multi-degree-of-freedom system. The segments are mounted to permit pivoting and translational movements, allowing the cutting edge to adapt its configuration in real-time to match the varying terrain and obstruction conditions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If the cutting edge is made movable with multiple degrees of freedom, then the ability to accommodate obstructions and surface irregularities is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to accommodate obstructions and surface irregularitiesVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The cutting edge is divided into multiple segments that can move independently relative to each other and the moldboard. Each segment can pivot and translate to accommodate obstructions and surface irregularities while maintaining overall structural integrity through the modular segmented design

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The cutting edge segments are equipped with biasing elements that provide automatic restoration to the neutral position after encountering obstructions or surface irregularities. This self-servicing mechanism reduces the need for complex external control systems while maintaining adaptability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If the cutting edge segments are equipped with biasing elements, then the reliability is improved, but the use of energy increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovereliabilityVSAvoiduse of energy

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The cutting edge segments are equipped with biasing elements that provide automatic restoration to the neutral position after encountering obstructions or surface irregularities. This self-servicing mechanism reduces the need for complex external control systems while maintaining adaptability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The biasing elements are designed as simple, lightweight components that consume minimal energy compared to the benefits gained in reliability and adaptability. The energy cost of these passive elastic elements is negligible relative to the overall system operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

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

Enhances the plow's ability to manage obstructions and surface irregularities, reducing damage and the number of passes needed for complete clearing, thereby improving efficiency and effectiveness in snow removal.

Implementation Method 1

a biasing element positioned behind the segment and biasing the segment forward and downward

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

a torsion spring mounted to the wing and to the wing cutting edge and urging the wing cutting edge into engagement with the pavement

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTorsion spring: Torsion Spring

Data Source

PatentUS20230407586A1Containment plow

Publication Date: 2023.12.21 DOUGLAS DYNAMICS LLC

AI summary

A containment plow adapted to be mounted to a vehicle such as a skid steer, a wheeled loader, or a tractor, comprises a moldboard frame, a moldboard mounted to the moldboard frame, a moldboard cutting edge mounted to a lower edge of the moldboard and comprising a plurality of cutting edge segments, each moldboard cutting edge segment mounted so as to have two rotational degrees of freedom movement relative to the moldboard and one translational degree of freedom movement relative to the moldboard, and a moldboard extension and wing assembly connected to the moldboard frame adjacent each end of the moldboard. The assembly comprises an extension frame, a moldboard extension mounted to the extension frame, a wing connected to the extension frame at an outboard end of the moldboard extension, the moldboard extension having one of the cutting edge segments mounted to a lower edge of the moldboard extension, the moldboard extension cutting edge segment mounted so as to have two rotational degrees of freedom movement relative to the moldboard extension and one translational degree of freedom movement relative to the moldboard extension.