DEVELOPMENT OF AN ADVANCED DESIGN OF A WORKING TOOL FOR ICE REMOVAL ON ROADS AND SIDEWALKS

Abstract

Icebreaker machines are essential for maintaining safe and efficient transportation during winter, particularly in regions prone to severe snowfall and ice accumulation. These machines are deployed across railways, highways, and waterways to remove snow and ice, ensuring 
uninterrupted traffic flow and minimizing accidents. This study examines existing designs of icebreaker machines, analyzing their strengths and limitations. Examples include the Raiko, Vicon, and Karey KL 300 ZPB icebreakers, each employing unique mechanisms such as rotating drums, hydraulic systems, and vibration-based impacts. To address identified shortcomings, this research proposes an improved icebreaker design based on a planetary gear system. The design incorporates a drum with spherical impactors, delivering enhanced ice-breaking efficiency while minimizing road surface damage. Geometric and kinematic parameters are derived, and a mathematical model of ice destruction is presented. Computational experiments analyze factors such as drum rotation speed, impactor diameter, and stress distribution. Results demonstrate the proposed design's ability to generate sufficient destructive stress for effective ice removal, contributing to safer and more  reliable winter transport infrastructure.