Snow Clearing Apparatus with Helical Augers and Adjustable Rotor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional surface clearing devices are inefficient in handling large-scale accumulation of snow and other matter on airport runways, requiring improved methods to ensure timely and effective clearance for safe operations.
Innovation Solution
A multifunctional apparatus comprising a collecting section with a blade and augers, a casting section with a rotor and volute, and shifting sections like diverting, sweeping, and air blowing, designed to efficiently collect, expel, and redistribute snow and debris, with adjustable components for optimal performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional surface clearing devices are used, then the structure is simple, but the productivity is insufficient for large-scale snow accumulation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple clearing mechanisms (blade, first auger, second auger, third auger, fourth auger) into a single integrated device that can collect, lift, and redistribute snow simultaneously, thereby achieving high productivity while managing complexity through functional integration
Solution Approach 2:
The clearing device performs multiple functions (collecting snow, lifting snow, redistributing snow) in one apparatus, allowing it to handle large-scale accumulation efficiently without requiring multiple separate devices
2Area of stationary object
If a single clearing device is used, then the device complexity is low, but the ability to handle vast areas is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extends the clearing area by arranging augers laterally at different positions and orientations, effectively utilizing horizontal and angular dimensions to cover broader surfaces without requiring multiple separate devices
3Productivity
If the blade collects matter efficiently, then the snow collection is improved, but the matter may be deposited back on the cleared surface
Solution Approach 1:
The augers act as intermediary mechanisms that lift snow from the blade and transport it to redistribution locations, preventing direct deposition back on the cleared surface and ensuring reliable clearing effectiveness
4Productivity
If the ribbons are arranged helically with increasing pitch, then the matter transport efficiency is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The helical ribbons are designed with variable pitch that changes along their length, creating a dynamic transport mechanism that optimizes snow movement efficiency while the modular construction approach maintains reasonable manufacturing feasibility
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
The apparatus effectively clears snow and debris from large surfaces by efficiently collecting, directing, and redistributing matter, ensuring the surface is usable quickly and safely, even in vast areas like airport runways.
Implementation Method 1
The lateral portions of the blade are located forwardly of the central portion during forward movement of the apparatus so as to direct matter toward the central portion of the blade
Implementation Method 2
The first ribbon and a second ribbon are located adjacent the blade and are arranged helically about a first axis and a second axis respectively
Implementation Method 3
The central portion of the blade leads to an impeller
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A
AI summary
An apparatus and method for clearing an accumulation of matter from a surface that includes a blade configured to collect matter upon movement of the apparatus and means to shift the collected matter and distribute it laterally from the apparatus. The apparatus may include a plurality of helically arranged ribbons adjacent the blade formed such that the radial distance from a central axis decreases away from a center portion of the blade. A sealed rotor chamber may also include a rotor with blades that are adjustable in a radial direction or flared in both first and second rotational directions.