Backpack Blower Frame Design to Reduce Operator Arm Fatigue

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional electric-motor-driven blow operation devices cause increased arm fatigue due to the heavy weight of the blower and motor, which is typically held by hand, leading to inefficient operation and discomfort.

Innovation Solution

A backpack-type frame with attached battery and blower body, where the blower body is positioned along the back contact surface, allowing the blower and battery to be carried on the back, reducing weight burden and distributing the reaction force across the body.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the blower body with electric motor is held by hand for operation, then the device can be operated while moving, but the arm fatigue increases due to heavy weight

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemobility during operationVSAvoidweight burden on arm
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions the weight bearing from a one-dimensional arm support to a three-dimensional full-body support system. The backpack-type frame distributes the weight across the operator's back, shoulders, and hips, while the dual blower configuration allows weight distribution across both arms when holding the blow tubes, effectively moving the support structure from localized arm bearing to distributed full-body bearing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Device complexity

If the blower portion is held by one arm for operation, then the device structure is simple, but fatigue in the arm increases as operation progresses

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructure simplicityVSAvoidarm fatigue
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the single blower unit into two separate blower bodies, each with its own blow tube. This segmentation allows the weight and reaction forces to be distributed across both arms rather than concentrated on one arm, reducing fatigue while maintaining operational flexibility. Each blower can be independently controlled, adding functional versatility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines the backpack-type frame carrying system with the dual blower operation system. The frame serves multiple functions: supporting the battery, mounting both blower bodies, and providing structural support for the entire assembly. This merging of support and operational functions creates an integrated system that reduces overall complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Device complexity

If a single blower body is used, then the device structure is simple, but efficient blowing-and-gathering operation from both directions cannot be realized

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenumber of blower bodiesVSAvoidblowing-and-gathering efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the blowing function into two separate blower bodies positioned to blow in opposite directions. This segmentation enables simultaneous blowing operations from both the right and left sides, significantly improving gathering efficiency for leaves and debris. Each blower handles one direction, creating a coordinated dual-directional system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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

This configuration significantly reduces arm fatigue and weight burden, enabling more efficient and comfortable operation by distributing the weight and reaction force across the body, improving operational efficiency and reducing the need for constant arm movement.

Implementation Method 1

discharges compressed air generated with a blower driven by a prime mover to blow and gather fallen leaves, mown grass, or the like scattered on a street or garden

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCompressed air generation:

Data Source

PatentEP3225098B1Blow operation device
Publication Date: 2019.05.01 YAMABIKO CORP
  • EP3225098B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3225098B1 patent drawingFigure 2(a)~2(b)
  • EP3225098B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A blow operation device (1) includes a backpack type frame (10); a battery (2) attached to the frame (10); a blower body (3) having an electric motor (5) to which power is fed from the battery (2) and having an axial fan (6) driven by the electric motor (5); and a blower tube (4) connected to a blow side of the blower body (3), the frame (10) including a back contact surface (10A), and the blower body (3) being attached to the frame (10) such that axial directions of the electric motor (5) and the axial fan (6) are along the back contact surface (10A). In use, the blow operation device (1) reduces fatigue in the arm of an operator.