Snow Thrower Chute Control via Flexible Torsion Cable
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing snow thrower discharge chute control mechanisms face challenges such as the need for flexible joints, high manufacturing costs, and maintenance difficulties due to rigid shafts and Bowden cables.
Innovation Solution
A flexible torsion member and support member system with a coupling mechanism that allows bidirectional pivoting of the chute using a torsion member and support member, where the torsion member is a cable and the support member is a sheath, and a pinion-tooth set or worm wheel coupling for efficient torque transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a rigid elongate shaft is used to connect the actuator to the worm gear, then torque transmission is reliable, but the positioning of other components is restricted and a flexible joint is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the rigid elongate shaft with a flexible cable that has a helically wound wire structure. This flexible cable can transmit torque while accommodating different component positions and orientations, eliminating the need for a flexible joint and allowing greater design freedom in positioning the actuator and worm gear.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state of the torque transmission element from rigid (shaft) to flexible (cable with helical winding). The helical winding allows the cable to twist and transmit torque effectively while maintaining flexibility, thus resolving the contradiction between reliability and positioning flexibility.
2Device complexity
If Bowden cables are used for bidirectional chute pivoting, then component positioning flexibility is improved, but manufacturing cost increases and maintenance becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a flexible cable with a helically wound wire structure that is simpler and cheaper to manufacture than Bowden cables. The helical winding provides the necessary flexibility for component positioning while being easier to produce and maintain.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a single cable for bidirectional torque transmission, eliminating the need for two separate Bowden cables. This homogeneous solution reduces manufacturing cost and simplifies maintenance while maintaining the ability to pivot the chute bidirectionally.
3Device complexity
If a flexible cable with helical winding is used for torque transmission, then component positioning flexibility is improved, but torque transmission efficiency may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The helical winding of the cable is designed with optimized parameters (wire diameter, pitch, number of turns) that balance flexibility and torque transmission efficiency. The helical structure allows the cable to twist and transmit torque effectively while minimizing energy loss through friction and deformation.
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
This solution reduces maintenance costs, simplifies design, and enhances operational efficiency while allowing flexible positioning of snow thrower components.
Implementation Method 1
a torsion member which is flexible and elongate having first and second longitudinally opposing ends, the first and second ends having respective first and second longitudinal axes
Data Source
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AI summary
A snow thrower comprises a snow discharge chute pivotable about a pivot axis for varying the direction of the snow stream and an improved chute control mechanism allowing a remote user to pivot the chute. The chute control mechanism includes a flexible, elongate torsion member such as a cable, received in flexible tubular sheath. An actuator applies torque to one end of the cable, and a coupling at the other end transmits torque between the opposing end and the chute such that bidirectional movement of the actuator produces bidirectional pivoting of the chute.