Snowthrower Deflector Control Latch Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing snowthrowers with rotatable chutes and pivotal deflectors require strong friction to adjust the deflector, making it difficult for operators to pivot the deflector, especially on smaller, less expensive models, and there is a need for a simpler and cost-effective solution to securely maintain adjusted positions.
Innovation Solution
A U-shaped handle with a movable latch on the deflector that allows the operator to pivot the deflector by squeezing their fingers, enabling the latch to move between engaged and disengaged positions, allowing for easy adjustment and secure locking of the deflector's position using a toothed rack and spring mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If friction is used to hold the deflector in place, then the deflector can be retained in an adjusted position, but the operator must apply a great deal of force to pivotally adjust the deflector
Solution Approach 1:
A latch mechanism is introduced as an intermediary between the deflector and the chute. The latch engages with a rack on the chute to hold the deflector in position, replacing the direct friction-based retention. This mediator allows easy manual operation while maintaining secure positioning through mechanical engagement.
Solution Approach 2:
The friction-based mechanical retention system is replaced with a positive mechanical latch and rack engagement system. This substitution eliminates the need for high friction coefficients and allows the deflector to be easily adjusted by manual manipulation of the latch, while still providing reliable position retention when engaged.
2Ease of operation
If a remotely located control handle and mechanical linkage are used, then the friction between the deflector and chute can be lessened, but the device becomes more complex and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The control mechanism is segmented into two independent parts: a simple handle attached directly to the deflector for easy operation, and a separate latch mechanism that engages with the chute rack. This segmentation allows the handle to remain simple and directly operable while the latch provides the positioning function, avoiding the need for complex remote linkages.
Solution Approach 2:
The latch acts as an intermediary between the simple handle and the chute rack. This intermediary allows the handle to remain simple and directly attached to the deflector, while still achieving easy adjustment through the latch's engagement and disengagement mechanism, without requiring complex remote control linkages.
3Device complexity
If a simple handle directly attached to the deflector is used, then the device is less expensive and simpler, but the friction makes it difficult to adjust the deflector
Solution Approach 1:
The latch mechanism is introduced as an intermediary between the simple handle and the chute. This intermediary allows the handle to remain simple and directly attached to the deflector, while the latch provides the mechanical engagement needed to overcome friction and enable easy adjustment through manual manipulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The direct friction-based adjustment mechanism is replaced with a latch-and-rack mechanical engagement system. This substitution maintains the simplicity of a directly attached handle while enabling easy adjustment through the latch's engagement and disengagement, eliminating the need for high friction coefficients.
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 solution allows for easy and secure adjustment of the deflector's position without requiring excessive force, maintaining the simplicity and cost-effectiveness of a handle attached to the deflector while ensuring the deflector remains locked in place, even under snow pressure.
Implementation Method 1
A movable latch is carried on the deflector, the latch being movable on the deflector between an engaged position in which the deflector is locked against being pivoted and a disengaged position in which the deflector is free to be pivoted
Implementation Method 2
A movable latch is carried on the deflector... the latch being movable on the deflector between an engaged position in which the deflector is locked against being pivoted
Data Source
AI summary
A U-shaped handle is physically attached to the back of a deflector atop a snow directing chute on a snowthrower. The deflector pivots atop the chute to adjust the trajectory of a stream of snow being thrown by the snowthrower. The handle is gripped and moved up and down to effect a pivotal adjustment of the deflector. A pivotal latch is carried on the handle which latch protrudes into the open interior hand grip space of the handle. The latch is spring biased so that a detent on the latch engages with a toothed rack with the interengagement between the detent and the rack holding the deflector in an adjusted position. When the operator grips the handle and squeezes the fingers of the gripping hand closed, the latch is pivoted to remove the detent from the rack and thereby permit pivotal adjustment of the deflector.