Adjustable Chute for Lawn Mower Grass Debris Transfer

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing lawn maintenance methods, such as grass catchers, require users to manually transfer and empty heavy, cumbersome grass debris, which is labor-intensive and prone to spills, after mowing a lawn.

Innovation Solution

A specially configured Adjustable Chute that attaches to the lawn mower grass catcher bag, serving as a funnel to efficiently transfer grass debris into a collection bag, featuring a tapered end for easy disposal and a clamping system for secure attachment to the catcher and collection bag.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual transfer of grass debris is used, then no additional device is needed, but labor intensity increases and spills occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of disposalVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The chute serves as an intermediary device between the grass catcher and collection bag, facilitating the transfer of grass debris without requiring manual handling. This mediator structure enables gravity-assisted flow while preventing spills that occur during direct manual transfer.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a fixed chute structure is used, then attachment is simple, but adaptability to different grass catcher models is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveversatilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The chute incorporates adjustable and flexible components that allow it to adapt to different grass catcher models and configurations. This dynamic design enables the same device to work with various mower types while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Productivity

If a tapered end design is used, then debris transfer efficiency improves, but manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransfer efficiencyVSAvoidtaper precision
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The chute employs gradual parameter changes in its tapered design, transitioning smoothly from the wider opening to the narrower discharge end. This approach optimizes debris flow and transfer efficiency while keeping manufacturing requirements within practical limits through controlled geometric progression.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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

Enables hassle-free, spill-free disposal of grass debris, reducing manual labor and making the process accessible for users of all ages, while being durable and versatile for use with any grass catcher model.

Implementation Method 1

a lower portion (160) that is tapered

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGravity: Gravitation

Data Source

PatentUS10131458B2Adjustable chute
Publication Date: 2018.11.20 WILLIAMS SR RAALAKHANN LLINEAR
  • US10131458B2 patent drawing
  • US10131458B2 patent drawing
  • US10131458B2 patent drawing

AI summary

The Adjustable Chute is a user friendly product for consumers to dispose of lawn debris and or grass clippings collected from a grass catcher from a lawn mower. The Adjustable Chute is constructed of durable materials for longevity and reliability purposes. The unique design of the Adjustable Chute with the upper portion rectangular for easy attachment of the grass catchers itself, and lower portion tapered for easy disposal of yard waste or grass clippings, allows hands free transfer of yard waste from a grass catcher through the Adjustable Chute into the waiting collection brown bag. The Adjustable was conceived through personal necessity after realizing how incredibly difficult it is to transfer grass clippings after being collected in a grass catcher from the grass catcher into the brown recycle bag. This time saving product will give consumers peace of mind in knowing they can transfer grass clippings from the grass catcher effortlessly, quickly, neatly and without the need of ever having to touch the grass by hand.