Shovel Blade Orientation Conversion via Hinged Linkages
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing shovel systems do not efficiently convert between orientations for digging/lifting and snow pushing, lacking safety, convenience, and economic efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A shovel system with a pole, blade, and converting assembly that uses hinges, linkages, and a pivot pin to transition between a digging/lifting orientation and a snow pushing orientation, facilitated by a housing and coil spring mechanism, allowing for safe, convenient, and economical operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a shovel system is designed for digging/lifting, then it performs well for digging/lifting operations, but it cannot perform snow pushing operations
Solution Approach 1:
The shovel blade is designed with movable side sections that can be rotated relative to the central section via hinges, allowing the blade to dynamically change its configuration between a V-shape for snow pushing and a planar shape for digging/lifting. This dynamic adaptability enables a single shovel system to perform multiple functions without requiring separate dedicated tools.
Solution Approach 2:
The blade is segmented into a central section and two side sections that can move independently relative to each other. The side sections are hinged to the central section, allowing them to be rotated into different positions. This segmentation enables the blade to transform its overall shape while maintaining structural integrity, resolving the contradiction between versatility and complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a converting assembly with multiple linkages and hinges is added to enable orientation conversion, then versatility improves, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The converting assembly utilizes the shovel's existing pole and blade structures as integral components of the conversion mechanism. The side sections of the blade themselves serve as part of the linkage system, eliminating the need for separate, complex converting mechanisms. This self-service approach reduces manufacturing complexity while maintaining orientation conversion capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The converting assembly merges the blade structure with the conversion mechanism by integrating the side sections directly into the linkage system. The hinges connecting the side sections to the central section serve dual purposes: maintaining blade structural integrity and enabling orientation conversion. This merging reduces the number of separate components and simplifies manufacturing.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the blade side sections are made movable to enable orientation conversion, then functional versatility improves, but structural stability and strength may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The side sections are designed to be movable during the conversion process but become fixed and stable during actual digging or snow pushing operations. The hinges allow movement only when changing orientation, not during use. This dynamic design provides both versatility during conversion and structural strength during operation, resolving the contradiction between flexibility and strength.
Data Source
AI summary
A pole has an upper end and a lower end. A blade has a forward surface, a rearward surface, a central section, a left side section, and a right side section. Hinges couple the left side section and the right side section to the central section respectively. A converting assembly facilitates movement of the pole and conversion of the blade between a first orientation for digging/lifting and a second orientation for snow pushing. housing is secured to and extends rearwardly from the central section. A pivot pin couples the lower end of the pole to the housing. A block is slidably received within the housing. A left linkage assembly couples the left side of the blade to the block. A right linkage assembly couples the right side section of the blade to the block.