Back-Mounted Leaf Vacuum Collector With Wearable Emptying Lid
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing leaf collection devices are unwieldy, making it difficult to maneuver and empty bulky debris, requiring frequent and inefficient emptying.
Innovation Solution
A portable, vacuum-powered leaf collector with a collection unit worn on the back, featuring a selectively openable lid mechanism and flexible tubing for easy access and efficient debris disposal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of stationary object
If the collection bag is made bulky to increase capacity, then the volume of debris that can be collected increases, but the device becomes unwieldy and difficult to maneuver
Solution Approach 1:
The collection bag is repositioned from a ground-based configuration to a back-mounted configuration, utilizing the vertical dimension and the user's body space. This allows the bag to be positioned between the user's shoulders, effectively using the user's back as support structure and freeing up ground space for maneuverability while maintaining collection capacity.
2Volume of stationary object
If the collection bag is made bulky to increase capacity, then the volume of debris that can be collected increases, but the frequency of emptying becomes more problematic
Solution Approach 1:
The emptying mechanism is designed to be self-contained and user-operated through a simple cable-pulley system. The user can open the bag and empty its contents independently without requiring external assistance or complex mechanisms, making the emptying process quick and convenient even when the bag is full.
3Device complexity
If a traditional ground-based collection setup is used, then the structure is simple, but the user has difficulty accessing hard-to-reach places
Solution Approach 1:
The collection system is segmented into separate functional components: the vacuum unit held by the user, the flexible hose connecting to it, and the collection bag mounted on the user's back. This segmentation allows the user to maneuver the vacuum unit independently through tight spaces while the collection bag remains positioned on the back, providing both accessibility and collection capacity.
4Ease of operation
If the collection unit is positioned on the back, then maneuverability in tight spaces improves, but the mechanism for emptying the unit becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
A cable-pulley system serves as an intermediary mechanism connecting the user's hand operations to the lid opening action. The cable runs from the user's accessible location through a pulley system to the lid on the back-mounted bag, translating simple pulling motion into lid opening without requiring complex mechanical linkages or electrical components.
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 efficient collection and disposal of yard debris in tight spaces without removing the device from the back, reducing the need for frequent emptying and improving maneuverability.
Implementation Method 1
A vacuum unit is coupled to the intake passage and the collection unit so that it moves leaves through the intake passage and into the collection unit
Data Source
AI summary
A portable, vacuum-powered collection device is useful in yard maintenance and other similar applications where debris, some of which may be bulky, is being collected. The collection device makes use of a receptacle adapted to be worn on a user's back during operation. The receptacle has an opening for emptying its contents. A vacuum unit is operatively associated with the receptacle so that it can move leaves through an intake passage and collect them in the receptacle. In one implementation, the receptacle includes a lid secured to cover a corresponding opening in the bottom portion of the receptacle. When the lid is opened, the contents of the receptacle can be emptied. In certain other implementations, a mechanism is included in the collection device which is configured or adapted so that the user can selectively open the lid to empty the contents of the receptacle while still wearing the receptacle on the back.