Flexible Sheet Snow Shield for Truck Scale Gap Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Snow accumulation between the truck scale deck and the supporting surface during winter months affects the accuracy of the scale and can damage load cells when attempting to remove snow with rakes or shovels.
Innovation Solution
A snow shield system comprising elongated flexible sheet members secured to the frame siderails of a truck scale, extending downward to cover gaps between the scale deck and the supporting surface, with removable supports and weights to maintain position and allow for easy installation and removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If snow shields are installed to prevent snow accumulation, then scale accuracy is maintained, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses flexible sheet members (vinyl or plastic material) as snow shields instead of rigid structures. These sheets are attached to the frame siderails and extend down to the supporting surface, forming a flexible barrier that prevents snow accumulation while maintaining simplicity and allowing for easy installation and removal.
Solution Approach 2:
The snow shield system is divided into separate sheet members for each side of the scale deck. Each sheet can be independently installed, adjusted, and removed. The sheets are segmented into upper portions attached to frame siderails and lower portions that can be secured to the supporting surface, allowing modular installation and maintenance.
2Reliability
If snow shields are permanently installed, then snow prevention is effective, but ease of operation deteriorates due to inability to remove during non-winter months
Solution Approach 1:
The snow shields are designed with dynamic installation characteristics - they can be easily installed during winter months and just as easily removed during non-winter months. The attachment mechanism allows the sheets to be secured when needed and detached when not needed, adapting to seasonal requirements without permanent installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The sheet members are pre-cut to appropriate lengths and have attachment features (grommets, eyes, or fastening points) prepared in advance. This allows for quick installation by simply attaching the upper ends to the frame siderails and securing the lower ends to the supporting surface, and equally quick removal when seasons change.
3Reliability
If rigid snow barriers are used, then snow blocking is effective, but ease of manufacture and installation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs flexible vinyl or plastic sheet members instead of rigid barriers. These flexible sheets can be easily manufactured in various lengths and widths, transported, and installed by simple attachment to existing structures (frame siderails and supporting surface), dramatically simplifying both manufacture and installation compared to rigid alternatives.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible sheet members act as intermediary elements between the frame siderails and the supporting surface. Rather than requiring complex rigid structures spanning the gap, the sheets provide a simple intermediate barrier that is easy to manufacture and install, yet effective at preventing snow accumulation.
Data Source
AI summary
A snow shield for a truck scale for covering the gap between the lower side of the scale deck of the truck scale and a support surface at each side of the truck scale. A first flexible sheet member has its upper end secured to the outer side of the first frame siderail of the truck scale for the length thereof and extends downwardly therefrom outwardly of the gap at one side of the truck scale. A second flexible sheet member has its upper end secured to the outer side of the second frame siderail of the truck scale for the length thereof and extends downwardly therefrom outwardly of the gap at the other side of the truck scale. The lower ends of the sheet members are secured in place to either the supporting surface or the ground adjacent thereto.