Snow Remover Shooter Hinge With Elastic Wire Retainer

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing hinge mechanism in snow removers is prone to loosening when the shooter guide is repeatedly swung, leading to snow leakage through the gap formed by the hinge halves, which complicates maintenance and reduces the effectiveness of snow removal.

Innovation Solution

A hinge system with an interlocking member made of elastic wire material, featuring a pin member linked between the shooter main body and guide, and pressure parts that prevent the pin from falling out, ensuring secure alignment and sealing the gap between the shooter main body and guide to prevent snow leakage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the shooter guide is repeatedly swung in relation to the shooter main body, then the shooting angle can be adjusted, but the hinge member may come loose from the hinge halves

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveshooting angle adjustmentVSAvoidhinge member retention

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The hinge member is designed with self-retaining features including a head portion with a diameter larger than the through-hole, preventing it from falling out automatically. The interlocking member with elastic properties provides continuous retention force without requiring external intervention or frequent maintenance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The interlocking member is installed beforehand to prevent the hinge member from coming loose. The elastic properties of the interlocking member provide continuous retention force, cushioning against the loosening that would occur during repeated swinging operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

2Ease of repair

If the hinge member comes loose from the hinge halves, then maintenance complexity increases, but the pin member alignment may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemaintenance simplicityVSAvoidpin member alignment

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of repairVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The hinge member's head portion is designed with a diameter larger than the through-hole, creating a self-retaining structure that prevents accidental loosening during operation. This design reduces maintenance frequency and complexity while maintaining precise alignment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The interlocking member is installed beforehand to secure the hinge member, preventing it from coming loose and compromising alignment. This preventive measure reduces maintenance needs while preserving manufacturing precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Ease of operation

If the hinge halves form a gap, then the structure remains flexible for movement, but snow leakage occurs through the gap

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehinge movement flexibilityVSAvoidsnow leakage

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The seal member functions as a flexible element that can deform to accommodate hinge movement while maintaining contact with the hinge halves. This flexibility allows the hinge to move freely while the seal member continuously blocks the gap to prevent snow leakage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The seal member is integrated into the hinge structure, combining the movement function with the sealing function in a single assembly. This allows the hinge to maintain flexibility for operation while simultaneously preventing snow leakage through the gap.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 interlocking member enhances the stability and maintenance simplicity of the hinge system, effectively preventing snow leakage and improving the efficiency of snow removal by ensuring the pin member remains securely aligned and the gap is sealed.

Implementation Method 1

The interlocking member is formed from a wire material, possesses spring properties, and comprises a rectilinear part positioned on the side of the shooter main body or the side of the shooter guide; coiled parts formed at the ends of the rectilinear part; and pressure parts that are formed into a U shape so as to protrude towards the center of the rectilinear part in order for the wire material extending continuously from the ends of the coiled parts to press against the ends of the pin member.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS7591086B2Shooter for snow remover

Publication Date: 2009.09.22 HONDA MOTOR CO LTD

AI summary

A shooter for a snow remover has a shooter main body and a shooter guide swingably mounted on the top end of the shooter main body by a hinge. The hinge has an interlocking member for preventing a pin member from falling out from the hinge. The interlocking member is formed from a wire material so as to have elasticity and has pressure parts for applying pressure to both ends of the pin member to retain the pin member in the hinge.