Snow Removal Truck Broom Wear Compensation Controller
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Solution Overview
Problem
Snow removal trucks require frequent manual adjustments of the broom's vertical position to maintain an optimal snow removal pattern due to bristle wear, which is inefficient and labor-intensive.
Innovation Solution
A broom assembly with a controller that automatically adjusts the broom's position over time based on sensor feedback to account for wear, maintaining a consistent contact area with the ground by lowering the broom at varying rates depending on the stage of wear.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual inspection and adjustment of broom position is performed frequently, then consistent snow removal pattern is maintained, but operational efficiency decreases and labor intensity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The broom assembly performs self-adjustment through an automated system that monitors bristle wear and controls the vertical position of the broom without requiring manual intervention. The controller automatically lowers the broom core axle as bristles wear down, maintaining optimal ground contact and snow removal pattern throughout the broom's service life.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates sensors that continuously monitor the vertical position of the broom and provide feedback to the controller. This feedback loop enables the controller to make real-time adjustments to maintain the desired broom-to-ground contact pressure and pattern, ensuring consistent performance without manual inspection.
2Manufacturing precision
If manual adjustment of broom position is performed frequently, then optimal snow removal pattern is achieved, but time consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-positions the broom at the optimal vertical position using the actuator before operation begins. The controller then automatically maintains this position throughout operation by compensating for bristle wear, eliminating the need for repeated manual adjustments and saving operator time.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical adjustment process is replaced with an automated electromechanical system comprising sensors, a controller, and an actuator. This substitution eliminates the need for manual inspection and adjustment operations, reducing time consumption while maintaining or improving position precision.
3Ease of operation
If automated position control system is implemented, then manual labor is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller serves multiple functions: it monitors sensor input, determines bristle wear based on operational time, controls the actuator for vertical position adjustment, and maintains optimal broom-to-ground contact. By consolidating these functions into a single control unit, the system achieves automation without excessive complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuator serves as an intermediary component between the controller and the broom core axle, translating electrical control signals into mechanical vertical position adjustments. This intermediary element simplifies the control architecture by providing a dedicated actuation mechanism while maintaining ease of operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A broom assembly for a vehicle includes a frame, a broom core axle rotatably coupled to the frame and defining an axis around which a broom rotates, an actuator coupled to the frame and positioned to raise and lower the axle relative to the frame, and a controller. The controller has an output for adjusting the actuator and an input for receiving information from a sensor. To account for the estimated wear, the controller is configured to use the received information to automatically lower the axle over a period of operation and use the sensor input to controllably adjust the actuator to a position setpoint changing over the period of operation. After operation, the controller is configured to use the sensor input to determine a current position, add an offset to the current position to achieve a new sensor target setpoint, and use the new setpoint to adjust the output.