Driveway Snow Plow With Salt Spreader for Ice Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing snow removal devices lack efficiency and user convenience, particularly for physically limited individuals, as they require manual operation and do not effectively address both snow and ice formation on driveways.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle-based snow removal device with a pivotally mounted snow plow and a salt spreader, allowing for adjustable snow plow angles and automated salt distribution, enabling efficient snow removal and ice prevention without manual exertion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual snow removal operation is used, then device complexity is reduced, but ease of operation deteriorates for physically limited individuals
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the snow plow and salt spreader into a single integrated vehicle-mounted system. The snow plow and salt spreader are both attached to the vehicle, allowing simultaneous or coordinated operation for comprehensive snow and ice removal, resolving the contradiction by merging multiple functions into one system that remains operable by a single user
Solution Approach 2:
The vehicle serves multiple functions: it provides propulsion, mounts the snow plow for snow pushing, and carries the salt spreader for ice prevention. This multi-functional design allows physically limited individuals to operate a single system that handles both snow removal and ice prevention without requiring separate manual operations
2Adaptability or versatility
If fixed snow plow angle is used, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to different snow removal needs deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The snow plow is designed with adjustable angling capability, allowing the operator to change the plow angle relative to the vehicle direction of travel. This dynamic adjustment feature enables adaptation to different snow conditions and removal needs while maintaining a relatively simple mechanical attachment structure
3Productivity
If automated salt distribution is used, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The salt spreader is designed to automatically distribute salt along the driveway without requiring continuous manual intervention. The system can be activated by the operator and then performs the salt distribution function autonomously as the vehicle moves, improving productivity while keeping the control mechanism simple
Data Source
AI summary
A snow removal assembly for removing snow from a driveway includes a vehicle that has a cab and a plurality of wheels. The vehicle has a pair of doors each hingedly attached to the cab and each of the doors pivots vertically on the cab when the doors are opened. A snow plow is movably attached to the vehicle thereby facilitating the snow plow to push snow from a driveway when the vehicle is driven on the roadway. Additionally, the snow plow is positionable at a variety of angles on the vehicle thereby facilitating the snow plow to push the snow in a chosen direction on the driveway. A salt spreader is attached to the vehicle and the salt spreader contains granular salt. The salt spreader releases the granular salt onto the driveway when the salt spreader is turned on to inhibit the formation of ice on the driveway.