ARTIFICIAL SNOWMAKING MACHINE

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Ser. No. 63/729,124, filed on Dec. 6, 2024, and to Canadian Patent Application No. 3288455, filed Oct. 7, 2025, the disclosures of which are incorporated by reference herein in their entirety.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

The disclosed implementations were made with Government support under award 693KA8-20-F-00413, awarded by the Federal Aviation Administration. The Government has certain rights in the disclosed implementations.

BACKGROUND

Artificial snow for skiing is produced by machines that spray cold water through an air-injected nozzle into sub-freezing temperatures, creating frozen water droplets. However, this method does not sufficiently replicate natural snow for certain applications, such as laboratory testing of aircraft de-icing and de-icing fluids. For such specialized testing, shaved ice is often used instead to simulate snow conditions.

SUMMARY

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to an artificial snowmaking machine including: a surface shaving unit including: a motor configured to rotate a motor shaft over a range of programable motor speeds; and a bit coupled to the motor shaft, the bit configured to shave along a work surface orthogonally oriented to an axis of the motor shaft when the bit is rotated.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a method for generating artificial snow, including: positioning an ice column at a first end against a bit configured to shave a work surface orthogonal to a rotational axis of the bit; applying pressure to a second end of the ice column opposing the first end; and rotating the bit to shave the work surface with a blade having a scalloped edge.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a device including: a bit including: a shaft portion; a blade seat coupled to the shaft portion, the blade seat configured to secure a blade to shave along a work surface orthogonally oriented to a rotational axis of the bit; and a blade clamping element configured to secure the blade within the blade seat.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to an ice deflection device, including: a concave member including a compliant surface; a main body portion coupled to the concave member and configured to provide a gap between the compliant surface and the main body portion; and a displacement member configured to cause displacement of the compliant surface.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A depicts a perspective view of a housing, according to examples.

FIG. 1B depicts a front view of a housing, according to examples.

FIG. 2A depicts a perspective view of a surface shaving unit, according to examples.

FIG. 2B depicts a bottom view of a surface shaving unit, according to examples.

FIG. 3A depicts a side view of a motor and a bit, according to examples.

FIG. 3B depicts a bottom view of a motor and a bit, according to examples.

FIG. 4A depicts a lower perspective view of a bit, according to examples.

FIG. 4B depicts an upper perspective view of a bit, according to examples.

FIG. 4C depicts a side view of a bit, according to examples.

FIG. 4D depicts a top view of a bit, according to examples.

FIG. 4E depicts a bottom view of a bit, according to examples.

FIG. 4F, depicts the cross-section A-A of the head portion indicated in FIG. 4D and a detail A of a blade, according to examples.

FIG. 4G depicts examples of a blade, according to examples.

FIG. 5A depicts a side perspective view of a rotational motor, a bit, and an ice deflection unit, according to examples.

FIG. 5B depicts a front view of a rotational motor with a Detail A, a bit, and an ice deflection unit, according to examples.

FIG. 5C depicts a bottom view of a rotational motor, a bit, and an ice deflection unit, according to examples.

FIG. 5D depicts an ice deflection unit without a cover, according to examples.

FIG. 5E depicts an ice deflection unit, according to examples.

FIG. 6 depicts a front view of a rotational motor, a bit, and an ice deflection unit, according to examples.

FIG. 7 depicts a method 700, according to examples.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure describes methods and improvements for artificial snowmaking that help generate artificial snow with a more configurable ice shaving size, a more even distribution over a target area, and/or with less snow build up on the machine. In an implementation, an artificial snowmaking machine comprises a surface shaving unit. The surface shaving unit includes a motor configured to rotate a motor shaft over a range of programmable speeds, and a bit coupled to the motor shaft. In an implementation, a bit may be configured to shave along a work surface oriented orthogonal to the motor shaft's axis of rotation. The bit itself comprises a shaft portion, a blade seat configured to secure a blade to shave along the work surface, and a blade clamping element to couple the blade within the blade seat.

It is a technical problem that some current artificial snowmaking machines generate frozen-liquid water droplets that are poor replications of natural snow conditions. Other artificial snowmaking machines generate ice shavings with limited sizes, which does not adequately replicate the range of snowflake sizes found in nature. Many lab applications require a more precise size distribution and density of artificial snow than present artificial snowmaking methods can provide. Previous methods struggle, in particular, to generate artificial snowflakes with diameters in the range of 0.5 mm to 25 mm. There is a need to generate artificial snow with more controlled parameters. Another technical problem arises from snow buildup on artificial snowmaking machines, which falls in clumps on the target, interfering with the creation of the uniform snow layer needed for many lab applications. Accordingly, there is also a need to prevent snow buildup on artificial snowmaking equipment. Accordingly, technical problems associated with current snowmaking systems include such systems failing to provide an even distribution of snow across a target and excessive snow buildup on the machine that can cause clumps to fall on the target.

The present disclosure provides a technical solution of an improved artificial snowmaking machine that uses a variable speed AC motor to adjust the size of ice-shavings. A novel planar surface cutting bit with a blade seat and changeable ice-shaving blades may also be used, including in conjunction with the variable speed motor, to determine the size of ice-shavings produced. Blades with a novel scalloped edges may be used with the planar surface cutting bit to generate ice-shavings with smaller diameters. A snow buildup remediation assembly may be used that includes an agitator coupled to a bit that may be used to create small displacements in the inner surface of a concave member positioned around where the bit shaves the ice core. Finally, a translation system may be used to help distribute the snow over a target.

FIG. 1A depicts an example perspective view and FIG. 1B depicts an example front view of a housing 100 of an artificial snowmaking machine, according to examples. In examples, the housing 100 may include a frame 102 defining the housing 100. In examples, the frame 102 may be a substantially rectangular frame supporting one or more panels 104. The rectangular frame is not intended to be limiting, however. In examples, the frame 102 may taper near the top. In one example, the frame 102 may be made from a metal or any sufficient framing material, such as aluminum, and configure to support one or more panels 104. The one or more panels 104 may be polycarbonate, or similar transparent materials. The housing 100 formed by the frame 102 and one or more panels 104 may contain the material shavings, such as artificial snow, within the housing 100 as the shavings fall from a surface shaving unit 108. The housing 100 may prevent room air currents from perturbing the controlled airflow and fall patterns within the housing 100. The height of the housing 100 may be configured to allow the material shavings to reach terminal velocity before reaching the target surface 106 at the bottom of the housing 100.

The housing 100 encloses a target surface 106. In examples, the target surface 106 may be used to execute research tasks. In examples, the target surface 106 may replicate the surface of an object subject to a research task. In examples, the target surface 106 may replicate a wing or another portion of a fixed wing aircraft, a drone, or any other type of aircraft. One or more sensors, for example any combination of temperature thermistors, weighing scales, humidity sensors, pressure sensors, and/or other sensors may be embedded within or couple to the target surface 106.

At least one instance of a surface shaving unit 108 is mounted at the top of the housing 100. The surface shaving unit 108 may be mounted at a height within the housing 100 to allow the shavings produced by the surface shaving unit 108 to reach terminal velocity before reaching the target surface 106. In the example of FIGS. 1A and 1B, two instances of the surface shaving unit 108 are mounted to the top of the housing 100.

The surface shaving unit 108 is operable to shave a material. While the example of ice as the material and snow as the shavings is used throughout the disclosure for ease of discussion, it is not intended to be limiting. In further examples, the methods and apparatuses described herein may be used with other materials as well.

The surface shaving unit 108 may create snow-like particles that may then fall towards the bottom of the housing 100, potentially landing on the target surface 106. In examples, the surface shaving unit 108 and the housing 100 may be used to create a specialized testing environment that replicates natural snowfall. Such a specialized testing environment can be used to test aircraft deicing and anti-icing fluids, pavement samples, and precipitation gauges. In examples, the specialized testing environment may also be used to test drones and small unmanned aircraft systems for operations in snowfall conditions.

FIG. 2A depicts a perspective view and FIG. 2B depicts a bottom view of the surface shaving unit 108, according to examples. The surface shaving unit 108 includes a rotational motor 210, coupled to a bit 212. The rotational motor 210 rotates a motor shaft, which may be coupled to the bit 212. The bit 212 may be operable to shave material off an object to generate a surface on the material. The surface may be a planar surface. In the example of an artificial snowmaking machine, the bit 212 may be operable to shave material of the end of an ice column 213. The rotational motor 210 and bit 212 comprise a motor and bit unit 324.

The rotational motor 210 may be a variable speed motor, for example a variable speed AC motor. The size of artificial snowflakes produced by the surface shaving unit 108 may vary based on the speed of the rotational motor 210. For at a given temperature and pressure of the ice column 213 against one or more blades coupled to the bit 212, varying the motor speed may change the range of artificial snowflake sizes produced. In examples the speed of the rotational motor 210 may be controllable and/or programmable via an input signal sent from a 412 (e.g., an operator computer) to a motor drive to sequence the phases of the rotational motor 210. In examples, the rotational motor 210 speed may be set to a constant speed to obtain a desired range of artificial snowflake sizes with consistency. In examples, the rotational motor 210 speed may be varied according to a profile during an artificial snowmaking exercise to widen the range of artificial snowflake sizes produced. For example, a profile stepping through a range of speeds may be used. Put another way, controller may be configured to operate motor drive to operate the rotational motor 210 over a range of programmable motor speeds.

FIG. 3A depicts a side view and FIG. 3B depicts a bottom view of the motor and bit unit 324. The rotational motor 210 is operable to rotate a motor shaft 306. The bit 212 is operable to shave a work surface 302 oriented orthogonally to a rotational axis 304 of the motor shaft 306 when the bit 212 is rotated by the motor shaft 306. The work surface 302 is a surface of the material being shaved. In examples, the work surface 302 may be a planar surface. In examples, the work surface 302 may include texture or surface features created by a cutting edge of the bit 212, as will be further described below. In examples, the work surface 302 may be the end of a column of the ice column 213.

FIG. 4A depicts a lower perspective view, FIG. 4B depicts an upper perspective view, FIG. 4C depicts a side view, FIG. 4D depicts a top view, and FIG. 4E depicts a bottom view of the bit 212, according to examples. The bit 212 includes a head portion 402 and a shaft portion 404.

The shaft portion 404 is configured to couple to the motor shaft 306. In examples, the shaft portion 404 may include a shaft borehole 406 in an end of the shaft portion 404 opposite the head portion 402 end of the bit 212. The shaft borehole 406 is aligned with the rotational axis 304 of the motor shaft 306, which also the rotational axis of the shaft portion 404. The shaft borehole 406 may be configured to allow the motor shaft 306 to be inserted therein. The shaft portion 404 may include a motor shaft clamping element 408 operable to secure the bit 212 to the motor shaft 306. In the example illustrated in FIG. 4A, the motor shaft clamping element 408 is a motor shaft set screw, which threads into a threaded borehole in the shaft portion 404 to apply pressure between the shaft portion 404 and the motor shaft 306. The example shaft portion 404 of the figures is not intended to be limiting, and motor shaft clamping element 408 may be configured to use other coupling methods to couple the secure the bit 212 to the motor shaft 306. In examples, the shaft portion 404 may be configured to couple to the motor shaft 306 via a chuck bit. Coupling the bit 212 directly to the motor shaft 306 instead of using a chuck bit may allow for a shorter distance between the work surface 302 and the rotational motor 210 along the rotational axis 304, which may allow for a longer ice column 213. A longer ice column 213 may mean fewer operator interventions to replace the ice column 213 during snowmaking exercises. Coupling the bit 212 directly to the motor shaft 306 may also allow for simplified assembly of the surface shaving unit 108.

The head portion 402 may occupy a disk-like space when rotated, oriented orthogonally with respect to the rotational axis 304 of the bit 212, meaning that the diameter 446 (see FIG. 4A) of the disk-like volume may be substantially greater than its height. The bit 212 may be formed from one or more instances of a pie-segment 440 of a disk shape. Each pie-segment 440 may include one or more instances of a blade seat 410. By providing pie-segment 440 with empty sections between, it may be possible to allow artificial snow to shed away from the ice column 213.

Turning to FIG. 4B, in examples, the head portion 402 may include one or more instances of a blade seat 410. The blade seat 410 is operable to secure a blade 412 within the head portion 402 to shave the work surface 302 oriented perpendicular to the rotational axis 304 of the bit 212. In examples, the blade seat 410 may comprise a rectangular slot within the head portion 402 with a longest dimension predominantly aligned with a radial direction 434 of the head portion 402. The blade seat 410 may be configured for a blade having a rectangular-shaped cross-section in a direction predominantly aligned with the axis to be seated therein.

FIG. 4F, depicts the cross-section A-A of the head portion 402 indicated in FIG. 4D. In FIG. 4F, it may be seen that the blade seat 410 is configured to seat the blade 412 so that a portion of the blade 412 extends outside of the blade seat 410, where it is positioned to make contact with the work surface 302.

In examples, the blade 412 may be secured within the blade seat 410 with a blade clamping element operable to couple, retain, or clamp the blade within the blade seat. In the example of FIG. 4F, the blade clamping element comprises three instances of a set screw 414. The set screw 414 may thread into a threaded borehole within the head portion 402. When tightened, the set screw 414 may apply pressure between the head portion 402 and the blade 412.

In examples, a shim 416 may be used to help apply even clamping pressure across the blade 412 so that it holds its position when in use. For example, the three instances of the set screw 414 may apply pressure at 3 locations across a longitudinal length of the blade 412. The shim 416 may be positioned between the instances of the set screw 414 and the blade 412. The blade seat 410 may be configured to accommodate a combined width of the shim 416 and the blade 412. The shim 416 may help spread the pressure evenly along the blade 412, thereby ensuring that the blade 412 is less likely to be displaced with respect to the blade seat 410 when in use. In an example, the shim 416 may be made of stainless steel.

In examples, the blade seat 410 may be angled with respect to the rotational axis 304. For example, in FIG. 4F it may be seen that a blade seat angle 418 between a side surface of the blade seat 410 and the rotational axis 304. In some examples, the blade seat angle 418 is 36 degrees. Experimentation has shown that a blade seat angle 418 between 35-37 or 34-38, or 31-41 degrees may provide the most realistic snowflake size distributions for the range of motor speeds that are typical or optimal for the rotational motor 210 and/or reduce chatter of the blade 412 on the ice column 213. Careful selection of the blade seat angle 418 may therefore prevent failure of the ice column 213 and/or the premature dulling of the blade 412.

When the bit 212 shaves the ice column 213, the artificial snowflakes may exit the spinning bit 212 via centripetal force in a radial direction. The longer the artificial snowflakes must travel to exit radially along the length of bit 212, the more likely they are to be broken into even smaller diameters. Because artificial snowflakes are shaved at different positions along a length of bit 212, providing a blade 412 with a longer width may help generate a wider range of snowflake sizes as outputs, which may help the surface shaving unit 108 better replicate snow conditions found in nature. In an example, the head portion 402 may have a diameter of approximately 76 mm for example.

FIGS. 4F and 4G depict a blade 412A, an example straight edge blade. In examples, the blade 412A may have a height 424 of 11 mm and a width 438 of 39 mm and a depth 442 of 3 to 5 mm. In examples, the blade 412A may have a height 424 of 8-13 mm and a width 438 of 37 to 41 mm. In examples, the width 438 may be related to the diameter 446 (see FIG. 4A) of the bit 212.

A detail A of a side view of the blade 412A is provided in FIG. F. In examples, the blade 412A may include a beveled or angled edge along a cutting edge 422 of the blade. The profiles of 4G may represent the tallest part of the angled edge of cutting edge 422. In examples, the cutting edge 422 may be machined or fabricated to have a cutting edge angle 420 with respect to the rotational axis 304. In examples, the cutting edge angle 420 may be the same as the blade seat angle 418. This may allow the surface of the cutting edge 422 to be substantially parallel to the work surface 302. In examples, the cutting edge angle 420 may allow for a more even pressure of the blade 412 against the work surface 302. For example, a normal of the surface 444 of the cutting edge 422 may be within 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 degrees of alignment with a normal of the work surface 302, placing at least a portion of the surface 444 and the work surface 302 in contact or substantially in contact.

In examples, the blade 412 may have any scalloped or non-scalloped edge. For example, a blade 412B includes scallops along a cutting edge 422 of the blade 412. The scallops may include an edge that varies a height 424 of the blade 412. The scallops may include a series of smooth, semicircular curves or indentations distributed along a cutting or scraping surface. The scallops may take on various profiles, such as toothed, sinusoidal, undulating, serrated, a truncated sinusoid, parabolic arcs, shark teeth, a triangle wave, or any other type of periodically varying or irregular shape etc.

Scallops in the cutting edge 422 of the blade 412 may extend the surface 444 of the cutting edge 422 so that an artificial snowflake must travel further via centrifugal force experienced due to the spinning reference frame of the bit 212 from a central portion on the work surface 302 to an outer portion of the work surface 302 via the scallops. The movement of snowflakes across surface 444 of the bit 212 may help generate smaller artificial snowflake sizes and/or a wider range of artificial snowflake sizes without having to increase a diameter of the head portion 402 of the bit 212 or further increase the speed of the rotational motor 210 (which also may decrease snowflake sizes and/or snowflake size range).

Aligning the surface 444 and work surface 302 may allow the scallops to leave small channels, troughs, and/or ridges in the work surface 302 of the ice column 213. The channels may act as guides so that the blade 412 may follow the same path with each rotation, thereby stabilizing the core during operation as it shaves a substantially planar surface on the end of the ice column 213. As the blade 412 rotates, the channels may also help gather and direct the shaved or scraped material away from the work surface 302, thereby improving flow of artificial snowflakes outward, preventing snow buildup between the blade 412 and the work surface 302.

FIG. 4G depicts several example cutting edges of blade 412. In examples, the blade 412 may include any of the cutting edge options depicted in FIG. 4G, the various cutting edge options labeled with letters A-G. Accordingly, FIG. 4G depicts various instances of the blade 412, labeled 412A to 412G, that may be coupled to the bit 212 to shave artificial snowflakes, according to examples. Because the blade seat 410 and set screw 414 allow for an operator to select different instances of the blade 412 with different features, the cutting edge options of FIG. 4G may provide an artificial snowmaking machine that can make snow with configurable properties.

FIG. 4G depicts example blade 412B, which includes scallops. The scallops of 412B include a sinusoidal profile that is truncated horizontally, creating a straight edge cutting surface that is interrupted by a number of curved channels. In examples, the channels may be evenly spaced within the blade 412B edge to create a repeating, periodic scallop pattern. In examples, reducing the continuous straight edge cutting surface of the blade 412B by including channels may provide less friction, drag, noise, and chatter of the continuous cutting edge surface.

FIG. 4G also depicts an example blade 412C. Blade 412C may include scallops similar to blade 412B, but offset by half a phase. The wing overlap between blade 412B and blade 412C may be seen in blades 412D. In examples, using the offset blades 412B and 412C in each instance of the blade seat 410 may allow the scallops to follow one another to track a spiral channel or grove in a surface of the work surface 302. In examples the spiral channel may provide for improved alignment of the bit 212 with respect to the work surface 302. In examples, the spiral channel may allow for improved snow clearing from the space between the blade 412 and the work surface 302. In examples, any scalloped blade may be paired with another blade with scallops that are offset to generate a spiral channel for snow particle clearance.

In examples, wider gaps between scallop peaks may generate coarser, less uniform artificial snow particle sizes. Wider gaps between scallop peaks may also create wider channels that provide greater artificial snow clearance rates for the bit 212. For example, the scallops of the blades 412E, 412F, and 412G are spaced apart more widely than the blades 412B and 412C and therefore may produce a wider range of artificial snow particle sizes, which may be cleared more efficiently. By clearing snow efficiently, blades

In examples, the height of the scallop peaks may selected to determine the clearance rate of the blade. The example blades 412E, 412F, and 412G may have the same spacing between scallop peaks, but the blade 412F has scallops with a larger height than the blades 412E and 412G, therefore clearing snow more efficiently. The more efficiently a blade 412 clears artificial snow particles, the faster it may be possible to rotate the blade 412 while creating high quality artificial snow particles.

In examples, the sharpness of the scallop peak shape may affect the coarseness of the artificial snow produced. For example, a blade with scallop peak shape that is shaped to be more triangle or shark tooth-like, such as the blade 412E, may produce a coarser artificial snowflakes. Contrasting that, blades 412B, 412C, 412F, and 412G, which include truncated, flat-topped scallop peaks, may generate smoother or finer artificial snow particles. Blade 412G has scallop spacing that is similar to blades 412E and 412F, but includes scalloped peaks with the most flat-topped shape, which may provide smoother or finer artificial snow particles with similar snow-clearing capacity.

In examples, further configurations of blade are possible to generate the desired combination of artificial snowflake size range, coarseness, and clearance rate.

Returning to FIG. 4D, it may be seen that the bit 212 may include one or more instances of a clearance space 426 between instances of the blade seat 410. The clearance space 426 may allow artificial snowflakes an opportunity to exit the bit 212.

In FIG. 4C, the bit 212 includes an example of an alignment feature operable to help center the bit 212 with respect to the work surface 302. The bit 212 may include a drill bit borehole (not depicted) to couple a drill bit 430 into a center of the head portion 402. In examples, a drill bit set screw 428 may be used to secure the drill bit 430 within the bit 212.

The drill bit 430 may contact the ice column 213 first before the rest of bit 212 contacts with work surface 302. Drill bit 430 may bore a hole into the ice column 213, thereby anchoring and centering the bit 212 before and after the blade 412 comes into contact with ice column 213, maintaining alignment.

In examples, the body of the bit 212, including any combination of the head portion 402 and the shaft portion 404, may be fabricated by machining a block of steel. The steel may help reduce vibrations in the bit 212, thereby preventing potential fracturing of any portion of the head portion 402 or shaft portion 404 of the bit 212. In examples, the bit 212 may have a nickel plated surface to prevent corrosion and improve wear resistance.

Returning to FIGS. 2A and 2B, the surface shaving unit 108 may include further components. In examples, the surface shaving unit 108 may include a first support 214 and a first translation motor 216. The first support 214 may be coupled to both the rotational motor 210 and the first translation motor 216.

In examples, the first translation motor 216 may be configured to linearly displace a second support 218 towards the surface shaved by the bit 212. The second support 218 may be coupled to an end of the ice column 213 opposite the end of the ice column 213 adjacent to (being shaved by) the bit 212. Coupling the second support 218 to the end of the ice column 213 allows the first translation motor 216 to move the ice column 213 via the second support 218. In examples, the rate of movement caused by the first translation motor 216 may alter the pressure of the ice column 213 upon the one or more blades 412 of the bit 212. The change in pressure may alter the rate at which the surface shaving unit 108 generates artificial snow by altering the cutting depth of the surface shaving unit 108.

In examples, the surface shaving unit 108 may further include a second translational motor 220 configured to linearly displace any combination of: the rotational motor 210, the bit 212, the first support 214, the first translation motor 216, and the second support 218. The second translational motor 220 may be coupled to a third support 222, which in the example of FIG. 2A is a rail. In examples, the second translational motor 220 may be operable to translate the first support 214 along the third support 222, which may further move any combination of: the rotational motor 210, the bit 212, the first translation motor 216, and the second support 218. The second translational motor 220 may allow for the rotational motor 210 and bit 212 to be moved back and forth over the target surface 106, raining snow over the target surface 106 with a more uniform density.

In examples, the housing 100 may include two or more instances of the surface shaving unit 108. In examples, the additional instance of the surface shaving unit 108 may allow for additional artificial snow to be generated more quickly or allow for artificial snow to be spread over a wider target area.

The surface shaving unit 108 may further include a mechanism to mitigate snow buildup on the machine. In prior methods, a section of rigid pipe was used to shroud the apparatus performing the ice shaving. Instead of directing snow down towards the target surface 106, however, snow would sometimes build up on the shroud. Not only did snow buildup reduce the amount of individual snowflakes falling onto the target surface 106, but it also created a risk of clumps falling down onto the target surface 106.

To address the technical problems of prior methods, disclosed implementations may include an ice deflection unit 226. In examples, the first support 214 may be further coupled to the ice deflection unit 226. In examples, the ice deflection unit 226 may be positioned to shroud a substantial portion of the head portion 402 of the bit 212.

FIG. 5A depicts a side perspective view, FIG. 5B depicts a front view with a detail view of ?, and FIG. 5C depicts a bottom view of the rotational motor 210, the bit 212 and the ice deflection unit 226, according to examples. The bit 212 is illustrated in FIGS. 5A-5C as a disk to reduce complexity in the figures, but it will be understood that, the bit 212 in these figures may include any of the features described above.

In the example of FIGS. 5A-5C, the ice deflection unit 226 comprises a concave member 504 comprising a half-pipe element, or a section of a cylinder surface with a cross section cut by a plane positioned parallel to (e.g., passing through) the axis 508 of the concave member 504. A cross-section of the concave member 504 cut perpendicular to the axis 508 of the concave member 504 may comprise a circle cut by a cord so that the ice deflection unit 226 appears with open ends. In examples, the ice deflection unit 226 may be positioned to surround a portion of the circumference of the head portion 402 and spaced to allow artificial snow ejected upwards by the bit 212, away from the target surface 106, to be directed back down towards the target surface 106, while also preventing artificial snow from clumping on other elements of the surface shaving unit 108.

The example of ice deflection unit 226 in FIGS. 5A-5C is not intended to be limiting. In examples, the concave member 504 may take further concave shapes that cover a portion of the space opposite the bit 212 from the target surface 106. In examples, the cross section of concave member 504 may comprise an elliptical, a parabolic, or another concave shape.

The ice deflection unit 226 may comprise a main body portion 502 and a concave member 504 having a compliant contact surface 510. In examples, the main body portion 502 may be configured to couple the concave member 504 to the first support 214 (see FIG. 2A). In examples, the main body portion 502 may be fabricated from machining aluminum.

In examples, the concave member 504 may be fabricated from a compliant material that is deformable, flexible, elastic, or soft, in which it is relatively easy to generate small displacement when a force normal to a surface of the compliant material is applied. In examples, the concave member 504 may be fabricated with a plastic and/or a rubberized material, for example a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE). In examples, the concave member 504 may be fabricated using a TPE material with a shore hardness between 85 A and 90 A, or a shore hardness of 87 A. In examples, the concave member 504 may be 3D printed with a wall thickness between 0.7-0.9 mm, or 0.8 mm. TPE In further examples, the concave member 504 may be blow molded, extruded, or extrusion blow molded.

In examples, the concave member 504 includes a compliant contact surface 510. The compliant contact surface 510 may be configured within the ice deflection unit 226 so that it has space to move and/or be displaced. An example of the compliant contact surface 510 is depicted in FIGS. 5A and 5C. In examples, the compliant contact surface 510 may be oriented around an inner surface 522 of the concave member 504 with a normal substantially perpendicular to an axis 512 of the rotational motor 210. At least one instance of a displacement member 506 of the ice deflection unit 226 may be positioned to contact or engage the compliant contact surface 510. When the compliant contact surface 510 is displaced, the snow attached therein may be released and fall towards the target surface 106 or floor.

In examples, the concave member 504 may have a hollow body, which may provide improved deformation properties. The hollow body may provide a gap 524 or space between the compliant contact surface 510 and the main body portion 502 to allow for easier deformation and/or displacement of the concave member 504 along the compliant contact surface 510. In examples, the compliant contact surface 510 may be a surface substantially perpendicular to the axis 508 of the concave member 504.

In examples, the concave member 504 may include one or more elongated, rod-like extensions 514. The concave member 504 may be coupled to the main body portion 502 by inserting the rod-like extensions 514 into one or more corresponding grooves 516 within an inner surface of the main body portion 502. The rod-like extensions 514 may be shaped and positioned on the surface of the concave member 504 to pair with the one or more grooves 516 that form apertures in the surface of the main body portion 502. The rod-like extensions 514 may be sized to be slightly deformed and pressed into the one or more corresponding grooves 516, thereby securing the concave member 504 to the main body portion 502.

In examples, the surface shaving unit 108 may further include one or more instances of the displacement member 506. In examples, two instances of the displacement member 506 are coupled to the bit 212 so that both of the displacement members 506 circulate with the bit 212 and press into the compliant contact surface 510 every 180 degrees of rotation. For example, as may be seen in FIG. 4D, the bit 212 may include one or more instances of a threaded borehole 432 (four instances of the threaded borehole 432 are depicted in the example). The threaded borehole 432 may be used to couple the displacement member 506 to the head portion 402 of the bit 212 with a fastener. The displacement member 506 rotating across the surface of the compliant contact surface 510 may create a kind of rolling displacement of the compliant contact surface 510.

In examples, artificial snow may adhere to the concave member 504 as the bit 212 shaves the work surface 302. A thin layer of water molecules on the surface of the snow may form a weak bond with concave member 504, allowing the artificial snow to accumulate. The displacement member 506 may displace and/or vibrations in the surface of the concave member 504 to release the snow from the bond to the concave member 504. Releasing the snow may prevent the snow buildup on the ice deflection unit 226.

The displacement member 506 may be configured to displace an inner surface of the concave member 504. For example, the displacement member 506 may displace the concave member 504 by directly contacting it. In the example implementation depicted in FIGS. 5A and 5B, the displacement member 506 contacts the compliant contact surface 510 with a roller 520. In examples, the displacement member 506 and roller 520 may be sized so that, when the bit 212 turns, the roller 520 may contact the concave member 504. In examples, the displacement member 506 may have a spring providing tension for the roller 520. In examples, the concave member 504 may be displaced by 3-4 mm in a radial direction.

FIG. 5B illustrates Detail A, which depicts the contact interface between the concave member 504 and the displacement member 506. As may be seen in Detail A, the displacement member 506 includes a roller 520 that contacts the compliant contact surface 510. The compliant contact surface 510 is displaced by the roller 520 a displacement distance 518. The displacement distance 518 may be oriented in a substantially radial direction with respect to the axis 508.

FIG. 5D depicts a main body portion 502 and concave member 504 assembly. In examples the rotational axis 304 of the rotational motor 210 may be offset 530 upwards with respect to axis 508 of the concave member 504. For example, rotational axis 304 may have an offset 530 a distance of 4 mm above the axis 508. The offset 530 may result in an upper portion 526 of the compliant contact surface 510 being displaced further inward when the displacement member 506 makes a pass during a rotation of the rotational motor 210. The force applied to compliant contact surface 510 in the upper portion 526 may cause strain transfer to other portions of the contact surface 510. For example, exerting an inwards force (represented by the upward arrows in upper portion 526 pointing away from axis 508) with the displacement member 506 on any portion of the compliant contact surface 510 within the upper portion 526 may cause a force to be applied outward on compliant contact surface 510 within the lower portions 527 (represented by arrows pointing towards axis 508). The displacement of the upper portion 526 inwards by the displacement member 506 and the lower portions 527 upwards in response to strain transfer may cause the snow adhering to the concave member 504 to disengage over a large portion of the concave member 504, releasing the snow.

In examples, the concave member 504 may include a leading edge 536 and a trailing edge 534. The ice deflection unit 226 may be designed to allow for smooth transfer of force from displacement member 506 to the compliant contact surface 510 as it rotates with the rotational motor 210. A gentle ramp in the compliant contact surface 510 that the roller 520 may engage from the leading edge 536 to the trailing edge 534 may avoid sudden bumps at high speed, which may damage components of the ice deflection unit 226.

In examples, an upper portion 526 may cover 110 degrees the compliant contact surface 510. The offset 530 of the rotational axis 304 upwards may configure the displacement member 506 to not make contact with lower portions 527 of the compliant contact surface 510 during rotation of the bit 212. In examples, it is not necessary for displacement member 506 to make contact with the full surface of the compliant contact surface 510 within the lower portions 527 so long as it can deform the compliant contact surface 510 when making contact with upper portion 526.

FIG. 5E depicts the ice deflection unit 226 assembled with a cover 532. In example, the cover 532 may protect and/or house portions of the artificial snowmaking machine. In examples, the cover 532 may help contain and/or manage the artificial snow being shaved from the work surface 302. The cover 532 may be coupled to the

FIG. 6 depicts a further implementation of the ice deflection unit 226. In the example of FIG. 6, the ice deflection unit 226 includes displacement member 602. In the example of FIG. 6, the ice deflection unit 226 may include at least one instance of a first magnet 604 embedded within the concave member 504. In the example of FIG. 6, seven instances of first magnet 604 are illustrated, but implementations are not limited to any particular number. In the example of FIG. 6 the displacement member 602 may include a second magnet 606. In an example, each of the first magnets 604 may have a same polarity as the second magnet 606. The similar polarity may cause the first and second magnets to repel one another, which will displace the concave member 504 away from the head portion 402 of the bit 212, generating vibrations. In examples, the implementation of FIG. 6 may include any of the features described above, including a second instance of the displacement member 602 with a respective second magnet 606.

In a further implementation (not depicted) a small electronic motion system including servos, actuators, or motors may be embedded in the half-moon assembly, connected to the flexible surface with linkages. Custom software, for example firmware on a motion control board, may provide a signal to energize a circuit to activate the electronic devices and move the linkages to push or pull on the flexible surface at a given rate.

FIG. 7 depicts a method 700, according to examples. The method 700 may be used to generate artificial snow. In examples, the method 700 may begin with step 702.

In step 702, a first end of an ice column may be positioned against a bit configured to shave a work surface oriented orthogonally to a rotational axis of the bit. For example, the ice column 213 may be positioned against the bit 212, as described above.

In examples, the method 700 may continue with step 704. In step 704, a motor speed may be determined. The motor speed may be operable to generate a predetermined range of ice-shaving sizes. In examples, an operator may experiment with motor speeds and measure the artificial snowflakes generated at various temperatures, then select a motor speed for a given range of ice-shaving sizes desired.

In examples, the method 700 may continue with step 706. In step 706, pressure may be applied to a second end of the ice column opposing the first end. For example, the first translation motor 216 may be used to translate the ice column 213 towards the bit 212.

In examples, the method 700 may continue with step 708. In step 708, the bit may be rotated to shave the surface with a blade having a scalloped edge. For example, the rotational motor 210 may be operated to turn bit 212 against a surface of the ice column 213 with a scalloped edge blade secured inside a blade seat 410.

In examples, the method 700 may continue with step 710. In step 710, the bit and the ice column may be translated together back and forth. For example, the second translational motor 220 may be used to move the rotational motor 210 and bit 212 back and forth via the first support 214.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to an artificial snowmaking machine, wherein the motor is a first motor and the surface shaving unit further includes: a first support coupled to the first motor; and a second motor coupled to the first support and configured to linearly displace a second support towards the work surface shaved by the bit.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to an artificial snowmaking machine, wherein the surface shaving unit further includes: a third motor configured to linearly displace the surface shaving unit.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to an artificial snowmaking machine, wherein the surface shaving unit is a first surface shaving unit and the artificial snowmaking machine further includes: a third support coupled to the third motor; a second surface shaving unit; and a fourth motor coupled to the third support and configured to linearly displace the second surface shaving unit.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to an artificial snowmaking machine, wherein the bit is configured to shave the work surface using a blade having a scalloped edge.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to an artificial snowmaking machine, wherein the bit includes a blade seat with a blade clamping element.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to an artificial snowmaking machine, wherein the surface shaving unit includes: a first support coupled to the motor; a half-pipe surface coupled to the first support, the half-pipe surface including an inner cylinder surface with a compliant material; and a displacement member coupled to the bit, the displacement member configured to displace the inner cylinder surface.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to an artificial snowmaking machine, wherein the displacement member includes a roller.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to an artificial snowmaking machine, wherein the inner cylinder surface is coupled to a first magnet and the displacement member includes a second magnet, the first magnet having a same polarity as the second magnet.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to an artificial snowmaking machine, wherein the blade is a first blade and the scalloped edge is a first scalloped edge, and the bit includes a second blade with a second scalloped edge.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to an artificial snowmaking machine, wherein the first scalloped edge and the second scalloped edge are configured to generate a spiral channel in the work surface.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a method, further including: determining a motor speed operable to generate a predetermined range of ice-shaving sizes, wherein rotating the bit includes rotating the bit at the motor speed.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a method, wherein the bit is rotated over a range of motor speeds.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a method, further including: translating the bit and the ice column together back and forth.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a device, wherein the shaft portion includes a borehole opposite at an end of the shaft portion opposite the blade seat, the borehole aligned with the rotational axis of the shaft portion, and the bit further includes: a motor shaft clamping element configured to couple a motor shaft within the borehole of the shaft portion.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a device, wherein the bit includes steel.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a device, wherein the blade seat is configured to angle the blade at 32-40 degrees with respect to the rotational axis of the bit.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a device, further including: a blade coupled to the blade seat with the blade clamping element.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a device, wherein the blade includes a scalloped edge.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a device, further including: a shim coupled between the blade clamping element and the blade.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a device, further including: an ice deflection device including: a concave member including a compliant surface; a main body portion coupled to the concave member and configured to provide a gap between the compliant surface and the main body portion; and a displacement member configured to cause displacement of the compliant surface.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a device, wherein the compliant surface is displaced in a radial direction.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a device, wherein the concave member is hollow.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a device, wherein the compliant surface is aligned with a plane orthogonal to an axis of the concave member.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a device, wherein the displacement member is coupled to a rotatable member positioned within the concave member.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a device, wherein the displacement member includes a roller configured to contact the compliant surface.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a device, wherein the displacement member includes a first magnet and the compliant surface includes a second magnet, the first magnet configured to repel the second magnet.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to an ice deflection device, wherein the compliant surface is displaced in a radial direction.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to an ice deflection device, wherein the concave member is hollow.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to an ice deflection device, wherein the compliant surface is aligned with a plane orthogonal to an axis of the concave member.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to an ice deflection device, wherein the displacement member is coupled to a rotatable member positioned within the concave member.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to an ice deflection device, wherein the displacement member includes a roller configured to contact the compliant surface.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to an ice deflection device, wherein the displacement member includes a first magnet and the compliant surface includes a second magnet, the first magnet configured to repel the second magnet.

The improvements described herein may help provide artificial snowflake sizes that can be configured to meet the needs of the operator. In examples, the surface shaving unit 108 may be configured to obtain snowflake sizes in a range that covers any portion of 0.5 mm to 25 mm.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular example implementations only and is not intended to be limiting. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” may be intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “including,” and “having,” are inclusive and therefore specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. The method steps, processes, and operations described herein are not to be construed as necessarily requiring their performance in the particular order discussed or illustrated, unless specifically identified as an order of performance. It is also to be understood that additional or alternative steps may be employed.

When an element or layer is referred to as being “on,” “engaged to,” “connected to,” or “coupled to” another element or layer, it may be directly on, engaged, connected or coupled to the other element or layer, or intervening elements or layers may be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being “directly on,” “directly engaged to,” “directly connected to,” or “directly coupled to” another element or layer, there may be no intervening elements or layers present. Other words used to describe the relationship between elements should be interpreted in a like fashion (e.g., “between” versus “directly between,” “adjacent” versus “directly adjacent,” etc.). As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

Although the terms first, second, third, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections, these elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms may be only used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer or section from another region, layer or section. Terms such as “first,” “second,” and other numerical terms when used herein do not imply a sequence or order unless clearly indicated by the context. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer or section discussed below could be termed a second element, component, region, layer or section without departing from the teachings of the example implementations.

Spatially relative terms, such as “inner,” “outer,” “beneath,” “below,” “lower,” “above,” “upper,” “bottom,” “lower,” and the like, may be used herein for ease of description to describe one element or feature's relationship to another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. Spatially relative terms may be intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is turned over, elements described as “below” or “beneath” other elements or features would then be oriented “above” the other elements or features. Thus, the example term “below” can encompass both an orientation of above and below. The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly.