Snow Blower Chute Outlet Opening Ratio Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing snow blowers often experience chute clogging due to snow packing, which restricts snow flow and can lead to damage if not manually cleared, disrupting snow clearing operations.
Innovation Solution
A snow blower design featuring a chute outlet with an opening ratio greater than or equal to 350, combined with a rotatable auger and a breaker collar with radial blades to disperse snow, preventing clogging without user intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the chute outlet opening is reduced in size, then snow packing and clogging increase, but if the outlet opening is increased, then the structural integrity and containment of the chute may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by optimizing the outlet opening dimensions to achieve a specific opening ratio (geometric parameter) that prevents snow packing while maintaining structural integrity. The outlet opening is designed with specific dimensional parameters that balance flow capacity and structural strength, resolving the contradiction between preventing clogging and maintaining chute integrity.
2Reliability
If manual intervention is used to clear clogs, then clogging is removed, but snow clearing operations are disrupted and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by designing the outlet opening with sufficient natural opening capacity to prevent snow packing without requiring manual intervention. The geometric parameters of the outlet opening are optimized to allow snow to pass through freely, enabling the system to maintain continuous operation without human assistance, thus preserving productivity while ensuring reliable snow flow.
3Reliability
If the outlet opening is enlarged to prevent packing, then snow flow improves, but the enclosed outlet volume decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves this contradiction through parameter changes by optimizing the outlet opening geometric parameters (dimensions, shape, position) to achieve an optimal balance. The outlet opening is designed with specific dimensional parameters that provide sufficient opening ratio for free snow flow while maintaining adequate enclosed volume within the chute structure, preventing both packing and excessive volume loss.
Data Source
AI summary
A snow blower may include a frame, a rotatable auger, one or more wheels, and a chute body. The frame may define an inlet opening and an outlet opening. The outlet opening may be circumferentially bounded about a chute axis. The rotatable auger may be mounted to the frame rearward from the inlet opening and below the outlet opening to motivate snow to the outlet opening. The one or more wheels may be mounted to the frame apart from the rotatable auger to support the snow blower. The chute body may extend from the frame along the chute axis above the outletopening.