Spreader Assembly External Conveyor and Gravity Hopper
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bed-mounted salt and sand spreader assemblies for vehicles are heavy, require modifications to the vehicle, and have conveyor devices within the hopper, which can lead to jamming and inefficiencies in large area snow and ice control applications.
Innovation Solution
A bed-mounted sand and salt spreader assembly featuring a molded, seamless hopper with a downward-sloping inner wall and external conveyor system, a detachable spinner assembly, and leg portions for easy mounting and removal, allowing for efficient distribution of materials without altering the vehicle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional spreader assemblies with internal conveyor devices are used, then material distribution capability is achieved, but the device becomes heavy and prone to jamming
Solution Approach 1:
The conveyor device is extracted from the hopper interior and repositioned to the exterior bottom surface of the hopper. This separation eliminates the complexity of internal conveyor mechanisms while maintaining material conveyance functionality, thereby reducing overall assembly weight and improving reliability by removing jamming-prone internal components.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of placing the conveyor device inside the hopper as in conventional designs, the invention inverts the arrangement by positioning the conveyor on the external bottom surface of the hopper. This inversion simplifies the internal hopper structure, reduces weight, and improves reliability by eliminating internal jamming points.
2Stability of the object's composition
If permanent mounting structures are used, then stability is improved, but vehicle modification requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The spreader assembly is segmented into separable components including the hopper, conveyor device, and mounting brackets. This segmentation allows the assembly to be installed and removed without permanent vehicle modifications, achieving stability during operation while maintaining ease of installation and removal.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting system transitions from static permanent installation to dynamic removable installation. Mounting brackets with adjustable features allow the spreader to be securely fixed during operation for stability, yet easily removed when needed, eliminating the need for permanent vehicle modifications.
3Productivity
If complex internal conveyor systems are used, then material conveying capability is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The conveyor device is extracted from the complex internal hopper system and positioned externally on the hopper bottom. This simplification maintains material conveying capability while dramatically reducing device complexity by eliminating internal conveyor structures, joints, and associated mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The conveyor system is inverted from an internal complex arrangement to an external simple arrangement on the hopper bottom. This inversion maintains productivity by effectively conveying material while reducing device complexity through a simpler, more accessible design.
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 provides a lightweight, easy-to-mount spreader assembly that reduces the risk of jamming, maintains material flow efficiency, and does not require vehicle modifications, enhancing snow and ice control operations in large areas.
Implementation Method 1
The hopper has an inner wall that slopes downwardly toward an opening in the bottom of the hopper
Implementation Method 2
An elongated conveyor device extends along the bottom of the hopper beneath the opening for conveying particulates from the opening toward the back end of the hopper
Implementation Method 3
A spinner assembly is attached to the hopper at the back end and is disposed to receive particulates from the hopper and throw the material over a distribution area
Data Source
AI summary
A spreader assembly for spreading sand or salt comprised of a molded, double-walled hopper having a bin portion and leg portions. The hopper has an inner wall and an outer wall, wherein the inner wall has a front end section and opposing side sections. The end sections and the side sections define a media-holding chamber within the bin portion of the hopper. The chamber has a generally rectangular upper portion, a funnel-shaped lower portion and a bottom having an opening extending through the bin portion. The funnel-shaped lower portion of the chamber slopes toward the opening. The outer wall of the hopper defines the leg portions, and the leg portions are dimensioned to extend below the opening in the bin portion.