Snowmobile Snow Lubrication Device Simplification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing snowmobile snow lubrication devices are complex and costly due to their design, which includes springs and stoppers, and are prone to dislodging from the vehicle body.
Innovation Solution
A simplified snow lubrication device with a fixing member and a snow rake member attached to the front of the snowmobile, utilizing a cylindrical member and a rod-shaped member with elasticity, and a blade for raking and scattering snow to lubricate the track belt and snowmobile components, with a seal member to prevent water and rust ingress.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional snow rake-up means with springs and stoppers are used, then the snow lubrication function is achieved, but the device becomes complicated and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the spring and stopper components from the conventional snow rake-up means. By removing these unnecessary parts, the device achieves the same snow scattering function with a much simpler structure, directly resolving the contradiction between reliability and device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The snow rake-up means is divided into separate functional components: the swing arm for scattering snow, the stopper for position control, and the spring for shock absorption. The patent reconfigures these segments to eliminate redundant parts while maintaining essential functions, reducing overall device complexity
2Reliability
If conventional snow rake-up means with multiple parts are used, then the snow lubrication function is achieved, but the cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By removing the spring and stopper components, the patent reduces the number of parts that need to be manufactured and assembled. This directly lowers manufacturing costs while maintaining the essential snow scattering function through the simplified swing arm structure
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the functions of the swing arm, stopper, and spring into a more integrated simpler structure. The swing arm itself incorporates the stopping mechanism and shock absorption features, eliminating the need for separate components and reducing overall manufacturing complexity
3Reliability
If conventional snow rake-up means are used, then the snow lubrication function is achieved, but the device is prone to becoming dislodged from the vehicle body
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a stopper that prevents the swing arm from moving forward beyond a specified position before damage can occur. This preliminary position control ensures the attachment remains stable and prevents dislodgment during operation
Solution Approach 2:
The spring component provides beforehand cushioning by absorbing shock when the swing arm strikes obstacles. This shock absorption prevents excessive forces from dislodging the attachment from the vehicle body, maintaining stability during 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
The device effectively lubricates the contact points between the track belt and snowmobile components, reducing complexity and cost while minimizing the risk of dislodgment, and improving the appearance and durability through the use of seal members.
Implementation Method 1
a rod-shaped member having elasticity with its one end part is inserted into, clamped and/or fixed, in the cylindrical part of the fixing member
Implementation Method 2
lubricates the gap between a track belt and a part of the snowmobile that is in contact with the track belt by raking and scattering snow
Data Source
AI summary
A snow lubrication device attaches to a vehicle body of a snowmobile and includes a pair of snow rake rods extending from the vehicle body to contact a snow surface. A snow rake member located at the end of the snow rake rod scatters snow. The scattered snow lubricates gaps between a track belt and the slide rail and/or between the track belt and the drive wheel. The lubrication of the track belt improves operation of the snowmobile if the lower part of the snow rake rod strikes a stone or the like, the snow rake rod temporarily deflects further rearward. The snow lubrication device has relatively few components, is low in cost, and is hard to dislodge from a snowmobile.