Snowplow Laser Guidance System for Wing Plow Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Snowplow operators face difficulty in determining the location of wing plow blades, leading to potential collisions due to the blades being outside their field of vision, resulting in overcompensation or accidents.
Innovation Solution
A snowplow laser guidance system that includes a laser light source, a pressurized gas conduit, and a control module to direct a laser beam as a visible indicator of the wing plow blade's edge, with features like a heated exit window and air removal system to maintain visibility through snow and ice, and adjustable mounting for optimal positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a wing plow blade is added to increase snow clearing capacity, then the amount of snow that can be cleared increases, but the operator's ability to monitor the blade position deteriorates because the blade is positioned behind the operator's field of vision
Solution Approach 1:
A laser beam is introduced as an intermediary visual indicator that projects the blade's position and orientation in front of the operator. The laser acts as a mediator between the blade (which the operator cannot see) and the operator's field of vision, allowing real-time monitoring of blade position without compromising the blade's extended snow clearing capability
Solution Approach 2:
The laser system creates a visual copy or representation of the blade's position and orientation. Instead of the operator directly viewing the physical blade, the laser projects a light beam that replicates the blade's spatial information, enabling the operator to monitor blade position through this optical copy rather than direct visual contact
2Illumination intensity
If the laser exit window is exposed to the environment to allow laser beam transmission, then laser visibility is improved, but the window becomes obscured by snow and ice accumulation
Solution Approach 1:
The heating element provides continuous thermal action on the laser exit window to prevent snow and ice accumulation. By maintaining a temperature differential that continuously melts and prevents freezing of precipitation, the system ensures uninterrupted laser beam transmission without requiring periodic manual intervention to clear the window
Solution Approach 2:
The heating element induces phase transition of water from solid (ice) or liquid (water) to gas (vapor) on the laser exit window surface. This thermal phase change removes accumulated precipitation and maintains the window's optical clarity, allowing the laser to continue operating without interruption
3Illumination intensity
If gas is directed continuously across the laser exit window to prevent accumulation, then visibility is maintained, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of continuous operation, the gas flow is implemented in periodic cycles - flowing across the laser exit window during operation to prevent accumulation, then stopping during idle periods. This periodic gas flow maintains visibility while significantly reducing overall energy consumption compared to continuous operation
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the snowplow vehicle's existing pressurized gas source (such as exhaust gas or compressed air from the vehicle's pneumatic system) rather than requiring a separate dedicated gas supply. This self-service approach leverages available resources on the vehicle to maintain laser visibility without adding separate energy infrastructure
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 system effectively guides snowplow vehicles by providing a visible indicator of the wing plow blade's edge within the operator's field of vision, reducing the risk of accidents and property damage by ensuring precise navigation.
Implementation Method 1
a laser light source (e.g., a DC-powered laser light source), a laser exit window through which a laser beam generated by the laser light source is transmitted
Implementation Method 2
a heater (e.g., a resistive heater) connected to the laser exit window
Implementation Method 3
a pressurized gas conduit. The pressurized gas conduit can have an opening (e.g., the opening of an adjustable nozzle) positioned such that gas released through the opening flows across a face of the laser exit window
Data Source
AI summary
A snowplow laser guidance system is disclosed. The system can include, for example, a laser light source, a laser exit window through which a laser beam generated by the laser light source is transmitted, and a pressurized gas conduit. The pressurized gas conduit can have an opening positioned such that gas released through the opening flows across a face of the laser exit window. This can be useful to remove accumulated material, such as snow, ice, water, and dirt. The gas can be, for example, pressurized gas from a pressurized gas source of a snowplow vehicle. Release of pressurized gas across the face of the laser exit window can occur at a programmed frequency and/or in response to an operator signal, such as a signal from a switch on a control panel. The system also can include a heater connected to the laser exit window for defrosting.