Spreader Motor Control via Vehicle Signals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing spreader assemblies fail to effectively reduce or stop the spreading of salt and sand when a vehicle slows down, stops, or changes direction, leading to excessive material concentration on the ground surface.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a hopper, spinner mechanism, motor, and controller that regulates the spinner mechanism's operation based on signals from the vehicle's brake light, reverse light, or gear shift, allowing for controlled reduction or cessation of spreading operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the spinner mechanism operates continuously at full speed, then material is spread efficiently and uniformly, but excessive material concentration occurs when the vehicle slows down or stops
Solution Approach 1:
The spinner mechanism motor speed is made dynamically adjustable based on vehicle motion state. The controller receives signals from brake lights, reverse lights, or gear shift indicators and automatically adjusts the motor speed accordingly, transitioning from full speed during normal driving to reduced or zero speed during stopping or reversing, thus preventing excessive material concentration while maintaining spreading efficiency during movement
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback control by monitoring vehicle operational signals (brake light, reverse light, gear shift) and using this information to automatically adjust the spinner mechanism motor speed. This closed-loop control ensures the spreading operation responds appropriately to vehicle deceleration or direction changes, preventing material over-application without requiring manual intervention
2Quantity of substance
If the spinner mechanism motor speed is reduced or stopped when vehicle slows down, then excessive material concentration is prevented, but spreading operation continuity is disrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the spinner mechanism operation based on real-time vehicle state signals. During normal driving, the spinner operates continuously at full speed. When the vehicle slows down, stops, or reverses (detected via brake light, reverse light, or gear shift signals), the controller automatically reduces or stops the spinner motor, preventing material over-application while restoring continuous operation when the vehicle resumes normal movement
3Adaptability or versatility
If a controller is added to regulate the spinner mechanism motor, then spreading operation can be automatically adjusted based on vehicle conditions, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the vehicle's existing operational signals (brake lights, reverse lights, gear shift indicators) to automatically control the spinner mechanism motor speed. The controller interprets these readily available signals and adjusts the spreading operation accordingly without requiring additional sensors or complex control systems, achieving automatic adaptation while minimizing added complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The controller is designed to respond to multiple different vehicle signals (brake light, reverse light, gear shift) using the same control logic, making the system versatile in detecting various vehicle stopping or reversing conditions. This multi-functional signal interpretation capability allows the system to adapt to different vehicle types and operating conditions without requiring separate control mechanisms for each scenario
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
Enables precise control over the spreading process, preventing excessive material distribution and ensuring uniform coverage by adjusting power to the spinner mechanism in response to vehicle conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a spinner mechanism motor, operatively attached to the spinner mechanism, the spinner mechanism motor selectively providing rotational forces to the spinner mechanism
Implementation Method 2
a conveyor belt motor and transfer particulate materials contained within the hopper to a spinner mechanism
Data Source
AI summary
The invention is directed at devices and methods for regulating the operation of a spreader assembly's particulate material distribution in response to changing vehicle conditions.