Snow Thrower Chute Collar and Battery Compartment Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional snow throwers face challenges in easy assembly and disassembly of features like the chute, prone to damage, and battery protection from snow and water, with complex motor assemblies and cumbersome battery management.
Innovation Solution
A snow thrower design featuring a body frame with a handle, a rotatable chute attached via a collar, a battery compartment with a recessed groove for fluid redirection, and a compartment lid for tool-free battery access and protection, along with a telescoping handle assembly for user convenience.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional attachment methods are used for the chute, then the chute can be securely attached, but assembly and disassembly require tools and are difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment mechanism is divided into discrete components: a collar with internal features and a chute with external features. These segmented parts can be independently assembled and disassembled through simple rotational engagement without requiring tools, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The chute attachment system employs dynamic engagement through rotation about the body outlet. The collar and chute features are designed to engage and disengage through rotational motion, allowing easy tool-free assembly and disassembly while maintaining secure attachment during operation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If moveable chute systems are implemented to control snow direction, then snow throwing flexibility is improved, but the system becomes expensive and prone to damage
Solution Approach 1:
The chute is designed to rotate dynamically about the body outlet through the collar mechanism. This rotational capability provides snow direction control flexibility while using a simple, robust engagement system that is less prone to damage compared to complex motorized moveable chute systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The chute positioning system operates without requiring external motors or power sources. The user can manually position and secure the chute through the simple rotational engagement with the collar, eliminating expensive motor assemblies and improving reliability.
3Use of energy by moving object
If batteries are used to power snow thrower features, then power supply is provided, but batteries are vulnerable to damage from snow and water
Solution Approach 1:
The battery is extracted from the main body and placed in a separate, removable compartment. This isolation allows the battery to be protected from snow and water exposure while maintaining power supply capability. The compartment can be sealed or covered when not in use, preventing harmful environmental factors from reaching the battery.
Solution Approach 2:
A compartment structure serves as an intermediary between the battery and the harsh outdoor environment. This intermediate barrier protects the battery from snow and water while allowing electrical functionality, resolving the contradiction between power supply and environmental protection.
4Power
If adequate power supply is ensured through larger batteries, then power requirements are met, but the battery mass becomes large and cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The battery system is segmented into modular units that can be configured to provide adequate power. Instead of using one large cumbersome battery, multiple smaller battery units can be combined or selected based on power requirements, reducing overall mass while meeting power needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The battery configuration can be adjusted by changing parameters such as voltage, current, or number of battery units to achieve adequate power supply. This flexibility allows optimization of power output without necessarily increasing battery mass to maximum levels.
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
Enhances user experience by simplifying assembly and disassembly, protecting batteries from environmental damage, and optimizing power supply without the need for large batteries, while maintaining efficient snow direction control.
Implementation Method 1
The recessed groove may be defined between the inner rim and the outer rim radially outward from the battery cavity
Data Source
AI summary
A snow thrower, as provided herein, may include a body frame, a handle, a collar, and a chute. The body frame may define a body inlet and a body outlet. The handle may be attached to the body frame. The chute may be attached to the body frame to direct snow therefrom.