Segmented Scraping Edge for Irregular Surface Cleaning
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional snow pushers or containment plows face difficulties in effectively clearing snow from depressions and irregular surfaces due to rigid contact and inability to adapt to surface irregularities, leading to incomplete cleaning and potential damage.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a flexible, multi-component scraping edge, compliant wear shoes, and a shock-absorbing coupler system with sensors to monitor and adjust the pusher's position and tilt, ensuring optimal contact with the surface and preventing damage, along with a detachable side plate configuration for improved adaptability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a rigid scraping edge is used to contact the surface, then the plow can apply sufficient force to move snow, but it cannot adapt to depressions and irregular surfaces, resulting in incomplete cleaning
Solution Approach 1:
The scraping edge is divided into multiple rigid segments that can move independently relative to each other. Each segment can adapt to local surface irregularities while maintaining overall structural integrity, allowing the plow to effectively clear depressions without compromising the strength needed to move snow.
Solution Approach 2:
The scraping edge transitions from a completely rigid structure to a dynamic system where segments can move and adjust their positions. This allows the edge to conform to the surface profile in real-time, improving contact with depressions and irregularities while maintaining the force application needed for effective snow removal.
2Strength
If the side wear shoe is rigidly attached to the side plate, then structural strength is maintained, but the plow cannot reliably track the surface when one side is lifted over raised regions
Solution Approach 1:
The side wear shoe is separated from the side plate structure, allowing it to function as an independent component. This segmentation enables the wear shoe to move and adjust independently to maintain contact with the surface, improving surface tracking while the side plate maintains its structural integrity through the tab-and-slot connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection between the side wear shoe and side plate is changed from a rigid fixed connection to a compliant connection that allows relative movement. This parameter change in the connection stiffness enables the wear shoe to adapt to surface irregularities and maintain reliable surface tracking.
3Strength
If a rigid coupling mechanism is used to attach the pusher to the bucket, then secure attachment is achieved, but shock and vibration from surface irregularities are transmitted to the loader
Solution Approach 1:
A shock-absorbing element is introduced between the coupling mechanism and the bucket to cushion and absorb shock and vibration before these forces can be transmitted to the loader. This beforehand cushioning protects the loader from harmful vibrations while maintaining secure attachment through the rigid coupling mechanism.
4Ease of manufacture
If the scraping edge is rigidly fixed to the blade, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but the edge cannot adapt to depressions causing bird bath puddles to be missed
Solution Approach 1:
The scraping edge is segmented into multiple rigid sections that can move independently. This segmentation allows each section to adapt to local depressions and bird bath puddles while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through modular construction. The segmented design enables effective cleaning of irregular surfaces without complex manufacturing processes.
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
This configuration allows for thorough snow removal from large areas like parking lots and runways, ensuring effective material pushing performance by adapting to surface irregularities and preventing damage, while maintaining optimal plowing orientation.
Implementation Method 1
an equipment coupler having a shock absorbing compliant interface
Implementation Method 2
the use of flexible/compliant materials, the re-positioning of wear shoes and an improved coupling mechanism
Data Source
AI summary
A material pushing apparatus is disclosed that has a central blade, at least one removable side plate attached to the central blade and a segmented scraping edge flexibly attached to the central blade along the bottom longitudinal edge of the blade. A position sensor is attached between the blade and the scraping edge and produces a position signal that is displayed to indicate the relative position between the blade and edge in order to characterize the amount of downward pressure applied to the scraping edge. Other aspects and features of the disclosed apparatus include a tilt sensor and display, and an improved coupler having shock-absorbing features and a cam-type clamping arrangement.