Wing Plow Side Plate Actuation and Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wing plows, which combine the features of snowplows and snow pushers, are complex and prone to mechanical issues due to numerous moving components, making them difficult to operate efficiently and effectively, especially when encountering obstacles or needing to change between plowing and pushing modes.
Innovation Solution
The integration of programmable logic controllers (PLCs), sensors, and electrical actuators allows for automatic adjustment of side plates to pre-determined positions, reducing operator complexity and mechanical stress, with a slip clutch system for protection against obstacles and a high-capacity storage battery for independent power, enabling efficient switching between plowing modes without manual intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If wing plows combine features of snowplows and snow pushers with movable side plates, then versatility and adaptability improve, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The wing plow is designed to perform multiple functions by combining features of both snowplows and snow pushers. The main moldboard can function as a traditional plow for lateral snow displacement, while the addition of movable side plates enables snow pushing and containing operations. This multi-functionality allows a single device to replace what would traditionally require separate plow and pusher attachments.
Solution Approach 2:
The side plates are designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing them to be positioned in different configurations based on operational needs. The side plates can be raised, lowered, and angled independently to adapt to various snow conditions and clearing requirements, providing dynamic adaptability that enhances versatility while managing complexity through controlled mobility.
2Adaptability or versatility
If wing plows have numerous moving components and hinge points, then adaptability improves, but reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Hydraulic cushions are incorporated into the side plate mounting system to absorb shocks and mitigate the impact of obstacles encountered during operation. These cushions prevent sudden stress transfers to the hinge points and structural components, reducing the risk of mechanical failure and improving overall system reliability while maintaining the adaptability of movable side plates.
Solution Approach 2:
Hydraulic systems with position sensors provide feedback control for the side plate positioning. The sensors monitor the position and movement of side plates, allowing the hydraulic control system to make real-time adjustments and prevent excessive forces that could damage components. This feedback mechanism enhances reliability by preventing overload conditions while maintaining full adaptability of the movable components.
3Ease of manufacture
If manual operation of side plates is required, then ease of manufacture improves, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Manual mechanical operation of side plates is replaced with an automated hydraulic control system. The hydraulic system uses fluid pressure to move and position the side plates automatically based on operator input from the cab controls, eliminating the need for manual mechanical manipulation while significantly improving ease of operation. The manufacturing complexity increase is offset by the substantial operational benefits.
Solution Approach 2:
Hydraulic actuators and control systems are used to automatically position the side plates and main moldboard. The operator can control the position and angle of these components from the cab using hydraulic valves and switches, allowing for precise and effortless adjustment of the plow configuration without leaving the operator's position. This hydraulic automation dramatically improves ease of operation while maintaining manufacturing feasibility.
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
This solution simplifies the operation of wing plows by automating side plate adjustments and protecting against mechanical damage, allowing operators to focus on driving while maintaining efficient snow removal capabilities, including over 180 degrees of side plate rotation and reduced downtime.
Implementation Method 1
an electrical actuator operably coupled to the side plate and the main moldboard. The electrical actuator drives movement of the side plate
Implementation Method 2
at least one slip clutch operably coupled to at least one of the first side plate and the second side plate and adjusted to slip to allow the at least one of the first side plate and the second side plate to yield and mitigate damage if an obstacle is encountered
Data Source
AI summary
A wing plow including a main moldboard; a first side plate secured to a first end of the main moldboard by a first hinge having a first vertical axis of rotation and a second side plate secured to a second opposing end of the main moldboard by a second hinge having a second vertical axis of rotation. The wing plow further includes a first actuator driving the first side plate and a second actuator driving the second side plate. Optionally, a programmable logic controller (PLC) is operably coupled to the first actuator and the second actuator and is programmed to control the first actuator and the second actuator to position the first side plate and the second side plate based on a sensed angle of orientation of the main moldboard and a plurality of modes that are operator selectable.