Bi-directional Towed Snowplow Parallel Steering Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional steering mechanisms, such as Ackerman steering geometry, cause wheel misalignment when a towed snowplow operates at an angled orientation, leading to uneven tire wear and operational complications, and fail to prevent over-steering, which can result in the snowplow entering oncoming traffic or obstacles.
Innovation Solution
A bi-directional steering mechanism with a central linkage and tie rods that maintain wheels in a parallel arrangement, utilizing a restriction device to limit rotation and prevent excessive steering, ensuring wheels remain aligned and securely oriented during angled operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If conventional steering mechanisms (Ackerman steering geometry) are used, then wheel alignment is maintained during turning, but wheel alignment becomes misaligned when the snowplow operates at an angled orientation, causing uneven tire wear
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a parallel steering mechanism where both front wheels are turned through the same angle and remain parallel to each other during steering operations, unlike conventional Ackerman geometry where wheels follow different arcs. This dynamic parallel arrangement maintains proper wheel alignment even when the snowplow operates at angled orientations, preventing uneven tire wear while preserving steering functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the fundamental steering parameter from Ackerman geometry (where inner wheel turns at a sharper angle than outer wheel) to parallel steering geometry (where both wheels turn at the same angle). This parameter change in the steering mechanism allows the snowplow to maintain wheel alignment during angled operations, resolving the contradiction between stable wheel alignment and ease of angled operation
2Adaptability or versatility
If the snowplow is allowed to steer freely in both directions, then steering flexibility is improved, but over-steering may occur causing the snowplow to enter oncoming traffic or obstacles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a restriction device that pre-limits the steering angle in both directions before over-steering can occur. This preliminary constraint prevents the snowplow from turning excessively and potentially entering oncoming traffic or obstacles, while still allowing sufficient steering flexibility for normal operational needs
Solution Approach 2:
The restriction device provides mechanical feedback by physically blocking excessive steering movement. When the steering mechanism approaches the predetermined safe angle limit, the restriction device engages to prevent further rotation, giving immediate feedback to the operator and preventing unsafe over-steering conditions
3Productivity
If a towed snowplow is used to extend plowing width, then productivity is improved, but wheel misalignment and tire wear problems persist
Solution Approach 1:
By implementing parallel steering geometry in the towed snowplow, the invention maintains proper wheel alignment during angled operations, which directly reduces uneven tire wear. This allows the snowplow to operate at optimal angles for extended plowing width without the penalty of excessive tire wear, thereby preserving the productivity benefit while eliminating the substance loss
Data Source
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Figure 3A
AI summary
A bidirectional towed snowplowsnow (600) provided with a steering mechanism (200) for steering at least two wheels (110) in a parallel manner throughout their arcs of rotation by removing Ackerman and other steering geometries so that the wheels (110) may remain parallel.The steering mechanism (200) includes a central linkage (210) for modifying the arcs of rotation of the wheels (110). The steering mechanism (200) is controlled by an actuator (410) system (400) that also operates a restriction device (300) to ensure safe operation.