Autonomous Snow Blower Control for Safe High-Speed Snow Throwing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current snow removal methods, including manual sweeping, snow melting, and mechanical snow blowers, are labor-intensive, costly, and inefficient, with mechanical devices often causing damage to road surfaces and having poor snow removal effects.
Innovation Solution
An automatic snow removal device equipped with a working module, moving module, energy module, detection module, and control module that autonomously navigates and operates to efficiently collect and throw snow, adjusting its path and energy usage based on environmental conditions and internal parameters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If mechanical snow removal devices are used, then snow removal efficiency is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The snow removal device is divided into multiple independent working modules including snow collection module, snow throwing module, and moving module. Each module performs a specific function and can operate independently, simplifying the overall system complexity while maintaining high snow removal efficiency through coordinated operation of these segmented functional units
Solution Approach 2:
The control module integrates multiple functions including path planning, obstacle detection, module coordination, and energy management into a single universal control system. This multi-functional approach reduces the number of separate control systems needed, thereby decreasing device complexity while preserving comprehensive snow removal capabilities
2Productivity
If mechanical snow removal devices are used, then snow removal efficiency is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the device into standardized working modules (collection, throwing, moving), each module can be manufactured independently using optimized processes and assembly techniques, reducing overall manufacturing cost while maintaining high snow removal efficiency through modular coordination
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs simpler, more cost-effective materials and structural designs for the snow collection and throwing mechanisms, replacing expensive durable materials with cheaper alternatives that achieve the required performance for the intended service life, thereby reducing manufacturing cost while preserving snow removal efficiency
3Productivity
If traditional mechanical snow blowers are used, then snow removal capability is improved, but damage to road surface occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The snow collection wheel uses a localized soft material design at its contact point with the road surface, while other parts of the device use harder materials for structural integrity. This local application of soft material properties protects the road surface during snow collection without compromising the overall snow removal capability of the device
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the snow collection mechanism by using a rotating wheel with controlled pressure and speed, rather than traditional high-force plows. This parameter modification reduces the harmful impact on road surfaces while maintaining effective snow removal capability through optimized mechanical interaction
4Ease of operation
If automatic moving capability is added, then labor intensity is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device incorporates self-service capabilities through autonomous navigation and automatic module coordination functions. The control module automatically manages the operation of moving and working modules without human intervention, reducing labor intensity while the integrated control architecture minimizes the increase in device complexity through unified management
5Productivity
If snow throwing speed is increased, then snow removal efficiency is improved, but safety risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The snow throwing mechanism uses dynamic speed control where the throwing wheel rotates at high speed for efficient snow ejection, but the system dynamically adjusts operation based on real-time conditions detected by sensors. This dynamic operation maintains high snow removal efficiency while reducing safety risks by adapting to environmental factors and preventing uncontrolled snow projection
Solution Approach 2:
The control module receives feedback from detection modules that monitor snow throwing conditions and adjusts the throwing speed and direction accordingly. This feedback mechanism ensures optimal snow removal efficiency while preventing safety hazards by automatically reducing throwing intensity when obstacles or unsafe conditions are detected
Data Source
AI summary
An automatic moving snow removal device including a moving module, driving a snow blower to move; a working module, including a working motor and a snow throwing mechanism driven by the working motor, the snow throwing mechanism is driven by the working motor to collect accumulated snow and inclusions on the ground and throw out of the snow throwing mechanism; and a control module, configured to control a rotary speed of the working motor to cause a speed when the inclusions depart from the snow throwing mechanism is not higher than 41 m/s.