Snow Plow Auger Housing Control for Precise Angle Adjustment

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing self-propelled snow plows face inefficiencies in quickly and precisely adjusting the auger housing angle when reversing and then resuming forward motion, leading to potential catching on road surfaces and uneven snow removal.

Innovation Solution

A control unit with an acceleration sensor that raises the auger housing to a predetermined upper limit angle during reverse travel and then lowers it at varying speeds to precisely reach the pre-reversing angle, using an intermediate target angle and adjusting lowering speed based on forward acceleration to prevent overshooting.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of time

If the auger housing is lowered quickly when the travel device resumes forward motion, then the response time is reduced, but the positioning precision deteriorates due to overshooting

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresponse timeVSAvoidpositioning precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The lowering process is divided into two distinct phases: a first lowering phase at a first lowering speed, and a second lowering phase at a second lowering speed. This periodic action allows the system to quickly reduce the majority of the angle first, then slowly approach the target angle to eliminate overshooting.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The lowering speed is dynamically adjusted based on the current angle of the auger housing. The control unit switches between two lowering speeds depending on whether the current angle is greater than or equal to the target angle, allowing the system to adapt its behavior to the current state.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Device complexity

If manual adjustment of the auger housing angle is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to manual labor burden

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice complexityVSAvoidease of operation

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The control unit automatically detects when the travel device has switched from reverse to forward motion and autonomously controls the lowering process. The system serves itself by using its own sensors and control mechanisms to adjust the auger housing angle without external intervention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The manual mechanical adjustment process is replaced with an automated control system that uses sensors to detect travel direction changes and electronically controls the lowering mechanism, substituting human operation with an automated system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Ease of operation

If the auger housing angle is not precisely controlled, then the ease of operation is improved, but the productivity deteriorates due to inefficient snow removal

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of operationVSAvoidproductivity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The control unit continuously monitors the angle of the auger housing and compares it with the target angle. Based on this feedback, the control unit adjusts the lowering speed and determines when to switch between the two lowering phases to achieve precise positioning.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

Precise angle control is achieved through electronic control systems rather than manual mechanical adjustment, allowing for more accurate and consistent positioning that improves snow removal efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

Enables quick and precise adjustment of the auger housing angle, minimizing the impact of forward travel acceleration and ensuring efficient snow removal by accurately maintaining the pre-reversing angle, thus preventing catching and improving snow plowing performance.

Implementation Method 1

an acceleration sensor for detecting acceleration produced in the auger housing, the control unit determines an angle of inclination of the auger housing on the basis of the acceleration detected by the acceleration sensor

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAcceleration detection: Accelerometer

Data Source

PatentEP2873774B1Snow plow

Publication Date: 2016.10.05 HONDA MOTOR CO LTD

Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3

AI summary

A snow plow (10) includes a control unit (81) for raising an auger housing (21) to a predetermined upper limit angle (βhu) when travel device (14) is reversing, and an acceleration sensor (83) for detecting acceleration (αh) produced in the auger housing (21). The control unit (81) determines an angle of inclination (θh) of the auger housing (21) on the basis of the acceleration (αh). When the travel device (14) starts moving forward after having temporarily moved in reverse, the control unit (81) sets an intermediate lowering target angle of inclination (θm), which is in the lowering path of the auger housing (21) from the upper limit angle (βhu) to a pre-reversing angle of inclination (θmin), in accordance with the forward acceleration (αh); lowers the auger housing (21) at a given lowering speed (Sc) from the upper limit angle (βhu) to the intermediate lowering target angle of inclination (θm); and lowers the auger housing (21) at a gradually decreasing lowering speed (Sv) from the intermediate lowering target angle of inclination (θm) to the pre-reversing angle of inclination (θmin).