Airflow Tube Grounding Structure for Static Shock Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional blower apparatuses fail to effectively prevent electrostatic discharge from accumulating on the airflow tube, leading to uncomfortable shocks for operators, and existing solutions either create potential differences between the engine and operator or are inconvenient to use.
Innovation Solution
A work apparatus with an electrically conductive member within the airflow tube and an electrically grounding member at the open distal end, allowing for easy discharge of electrostatic charges to the ground when the operator holds the grip handle, preventing shocks and avoiding the risk of stepping on conductive chains.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a conductive chain is hung from the engine to reach the ground for charge discharge, then electrostatic charge is conducted to ground, but the operator may erroneously step on the chain during operation
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the grounding function from the engine area and relocates it to the airflow tube's distal end. This separates the discharge path from the operator's working area, eliminating the risk of the operator stepping on the grounding component while maintaining effective charge discharge to ground.
Solution Approach 2:
The grounding member is positioned at the distal end of the airflow tube, extending in a different spatial dimension away from the operator's feet. This dimensional separation ensures the grounding path does not intersect with the operator's working area, preventing accidental contact while maintaining discharge functionality.
2Strength
If the distal end of the airflow tube is made of hard material to prevent wear, then the tube opening is protected from damage, but the tube may still accumulate electrostatic charge that discharges to the operator
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the protective function and electrostatic discharge function into a single integrated grounding member. This member provides both mechanical protection against wear and electrical conductivity for charge discharge, eliminating the need for separate components and ensuring both functions work together synergistically.
Solution Approach 2:
The grounding member at the distal end serves multiple functions: it protects the tube opening from wear through its hard material construction, provides electrostatic charge discharge through its conductive properties, and extends beyond the tube to ensure effective grounding. This multi-functional design resolves both the wear protection and electrostatic discharge requirements simultaneously.
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
Effectively discharges electrostatic charges to the ground, preventing operator discomfort and reducing the risk of accidental contact with conductive components, while ensuring safe and convenient operation.
Implementation Method 1
the electrostatic charge generated on the inner wall of the airflow tube is gathered by the charge removing conductive wire
Implementation Method 2
an electrically conductive member arranged within the airflow tube... and an electrically grounding member provided at the open distal end of the airflow tube and electrically connected to the electrically conductive member
Data Source
AI summary
A work apparatus is comprised of a blower unit including a drive motor, a volute casing, a fan rotatably supported within the volute casing and driven by the drive motor, and an airflow duct connected to the volute casing, thereby blowing out or sucking in air through the airflow duct; and of an airflow tube coupled to the airflow duct of the blower unit and having an open distal end for blowing out or sucking in air through the airflow tube. The airflow tube is provided with a grip handle adapted for being held and operated by the operator. Within the airflow tube is arranged an electrically conductive wire at least between the grip handle and the open distal end, beyond which is provided an electrically grounding wire connected to the electrically conductive wire and drooping therefrom to be touchable to earth.