Vertical LED Marker Mounting for Snow Plows
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing illuminated markers for snow plows face challenges in maintaining a vertical orientation due to the lack of horizontal surfaces on curved snow plows, leading to instability and potential damage from snow and ice buffeting.
Innovation Solution
A vertically oriented marker system featuring an elongated tubular member with a crimped and cylindrical enclosing cap, along with a perpendicular mounting bracket, allows for secure vertical mounting to a snow plow's vertical rib, ensuring stability and protection from environmental buffeting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If an illuminated marker is mounted on a horizontal surface of the snow plow, then the marker can be securely mounted, but the marker cannot maintain a reliable vertical orientation due to snow plow curvature and lack of horizontal surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting bracket transitions from a traditional horizontal mounting approach to a vertical mounting configuration. The bracket includes a vertical mounting surface that attaches to the vertical rib, while the horizontal mounting surface connects to the marker body, creating a perpendicular relationship that enables vertical orientation on curved surfaces without requiring horizontal mounting surfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting system is divided into distinct functional components: a mounting bracket with perpendicular mounting surfaces, an enclosing cap with integrated nut portion, and a vertical rib attachment interface. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function - the bracket provides orientation, the cap provides electrical connection and securing, and the rib interface provides structural attachment.
2Ease of operation
If an illuminated marker is mounted on a horizontal wing of the snow plow, then the marker can be positioned, but the marker is exposed to snow and ice buffeting that can cause damage
Solution Approach 1:
The vertical mounting configuration acts as a preliminary protective measure against snow and ice buffeting. By mounting the marker vertically on the vertical rib rather than horizontally on the plow wing, the marker is positioned in a location that is less exposed to the full force of snow and ice spillage, thereby preemptively reducing damage risk.
Solution Approach 2:
The vertical rib serves as an intermediary structural element between the snow plow blade and the marker. Instead of mounting directly to the horizontal wing which is exposed to buffeting, the marker is mounted to the vertical rib which is structurally integrated into the plow assembly and experiences less direct impact from snow and ice.
3Reliability
If the enclosing cap includes a nut portion for wrench reception, then the cap can be securely fastened, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The nut portion is integrated directly into the enclosing cap as a unified component rather than being a separate part. This merging of the cap and nut into a single piece reduces the total number of components, simplifies assembly, and maintains secure fastening capability without significantly increasing overall device complexity.
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 stable and damage-resistant vertical illumination for snow plows, ensuring adequate visibility in extreme conditions by maintaining a vertical orientation and protecting the marker from snow and ice impact.
Implementation Method 1
an elongated tubular member having top and bottom ends for transmitting at least a portion of light from its interior
Implementation Method 2
An enclosing cap includes a crimped end portion configured to be secured to the bottom end of the elongated tubular member
Implementation Method 3
The cylindrical end portion preferably includes a threaded exterior for receiving a securing nut, which is tightened along the threaded exterior to secure the enclosing cap against the horizontal mounting surface
Data Source
AI summary
Provided in this disclosure is an apparatus for marking an implement, such as a snow plow. An elongated tubular member retains an illuminated member such an LED element within the interior. Conductor wiring connects a source of electrical energy to the LED. An enclosing cap includes a crimped end portion secured to the bottom end of the elongated tubular member. A cylindrical end portion has a hollow interior for admitting the conductor wiring for connection to the source of electrical energy. A perpendicular mounting bracket has a horizontal mounting surface and a vertical mounting surface, formed together at a right angle. The horizontal mounting surface is configured for connecting to the cylindrical end portion of the enclosing cap so that the elongated tubular member is disposed in a substantially vertical position. The vertical mounting surface is configured for connecting to a vertical portion of the snow plow.