Backpack Leaf Blower Layout for Straight Airflow and User Comfort
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing leaf blower designs suffer from reduced efficiency due to air flow resistance caused by elbows or bends in the air path and are uncomfortable to wear due to the motor's position away from the user's back, increasing strain.
Innovation Solution
A backpack leaf blower design with a frame that positions the blower system to eliminate the need for elbows, aligning the motor's center of gravity closer to the user's back by forming specific angles between the back plate and base plate, and using vibration isolating members to absorb vibrations, allowing direct air flow without resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the motor is positioned far away from the user's back, then the blower system can be configured with standard components, but the strain on the user increases and comfort decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent repositions the motor along the longitudinal axis of the backpack frame, moving it from a rear position to a position closer to the user's back. This dimensional repositioning along the length of the frame allows the motor to be closer to the user's center of gravity, reducing strain and improving comfort while still allowing standard blower system configuration
2Volume of moving object
If elbows or bends are included in the air path, then the blower system can be compact, but air flow resistance increases and efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using elbows or bends to change the direction of air flow, the patent inverts the conventional approach by aligning the air flow path in a straight line from the blower outlet through the nozzle. The air flow moves directly forward without requiring directional changes, eliminating resistance and improving efficiency while maintaining a compact form factor
3Ease of operation
If the motor is positioned closer to the user's back, then user comfort improves, but the blower system configuration becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a universal mounting bracket design that can accommodate standard blower systems while adapting them to the repositioned motor location. This multi-functional bracket serves both to mount the blower and to position it optimally in the air flow path, simplifying the overall configuration despite the motor repositioning
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
The design enhances efficiency by reducing air resistance and improves comfort by distributing the weight closer to the user's back, making the leaf blower more efficient and easier to wear.
Implementation Method 1
The frame includes vibration isolating members positioned between the blower system and the frame to absorb vibrations
Data Source
AI summary
A leaf blower to be worn by a user. The leaf blower including a frame having a back plate defining a back plate plane and a blower system coupled to the frame. The blower system includes a motor having drive shaft, the drive shaft defining an axis, and the axis forms an angle with respect to the back plate plane between about 5 degrees and about 35 degrees.