Snow Plow Wing Light Transmissive Window Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional snow plow configurations interfere with vehicle headlamp light output when raised for transport, necessitating supplemental lighting, which adds cost and complexity, and requires customization for different vehicle makes due to varying control protocols.
Innovation Solution
A snow plow design with a light transmissive window integrated into the upper portion of the plow face, allowing light to pass through while maintaining the plow's functionality, and an actuator system for adjusting the blade and wings to accommodate transport mode without blocking headlamp light.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the snow plow is raised off the ground for transport, then the vehicle can travel from one area to another, but the snow plow blocks light output from the vehicle headlamps
Solution Approach 1:
The upper portion of the plow face is made light transmissive rather than fully opaque, allowing light to pass through this specific local area while maintaining the structural integrity and snow-plowing function of the rest of the plow assembly
2Illumination intensity
If supplemental lighting is added to compensate for blocked headlamp light, then visibility is improved during transport, but cost and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the light-blocking function from the plow assembly by incorporating a light transmissive window, eliminating the need for separate supplemental lighting systems and reducing overall system complexity
3Ease of operation
If conventional supplemental lighting is integrated with vehicle headlamp control, then operation is simplified, but customization is required for different vehicle makes due to varying control protocols
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the need for electronic control integration by using a passive light transmissive window design, thereby eliminating compatibility issues with different vehicle control protocols while maintaining ease of operation
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 unobstructed light output from vehicle headlamps during transport, reducing the need for supplemental lighting and simplifying integration with various vehicle systems by maintaining snow plowing functionality without additional lighting costs or complexity.
Implementation Method 1
a window coupled to the upper portion of the plow face, the window being transmissive to light output from the vehicle
Data Source
AI summary
A snow plow having a wing that is rotatably coupled to a side of a primary plow, and configured to rotate about an axis relative to a side of the primary plow. The wing may include a window that allows passage of light output from the vehicle headlamps.