Backpack Rake Vacuum With Hollow Handle for Easier Leaf Collection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing leaf collection methods, such as simple rakes and motorized lawn tractors, are inefficient or expensive, and existing backpack-style devices lack a combination of a rake and vacuum with biodegradable leaf storage.
Innovation Solution
A combination rake/vacuum apparatus with a battery-driven brushless motor, interchangeable rake heads, and a biodegradable leaf collection bag, allowing users to collect and dispose of leaves efficiently without a large vehicle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a motorized lawn tractor is used to collect leaves, then leaf collection capability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines a rake and vacuum blower into a single integrated apparatus. The rake portion collects leaves while the vacuum portion simultaneously sucks them up, merging two separate functions (raking and vacuuming) into one device. This eliminates the need for separate tools and reduces overall system complexity compared to using a full lawn tractor.
Solution Approach 2:
The apparatus serves multiple functions: the rake portion gathers leaves, the hollow handle provides structural support and air passage, and the vacuum portion collects and stores leaves. This multi-functional design replaces the need for multiple separate devices (rake, vacuum, storage bag) that would otherwise be required.
2Productivity
If a vacuum cleaner at the end of a pole is used, then leaf collection is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to cumbersome design
Solution Approach 1:
The vacuum unit is relocated from the end of a long pole to the user's back, changing the spatial dimension of the device. This backpack configuration brings the vacuum closer to the user's center of gravity, improving balance and maneuverability while allowing hands-free operation of the rake portion.
Solution Approach 2:
The apparatus features self-draining capability where collected leaves automatically empty from the collection bag, eliminating the need for manual emptying. The design also allows the bag to be easily removed and replaced without removing the entire backpack, enabling quick bag changes during extended use.
3Quantity of substance
If a large bag and unwieldy suction device are used, then leaf storage capacity is improved, but ease of operation worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The collection system is segmented into a removable bag portion and a fixed backpack housing. The bag can be detached and replaced independently without removing the entire vacuum unit from the user's back. This segmentation allows for easy bag changes while maintaining adequate storage capacity throughout the day.
Solution Approach 2:
The apparatus incorporates flexible hoses and adjustable components that adapt to different operating conditions. The flexible hose allows the user to reach leaves in various positions while the backpack remains stationary on the back, providing dynamic adaptability without compromising storage capacity.
4Device complexity
If simple rakes are used, then device complexity is reduced, but productivity deteriorates due to manual leaf containment requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The rake and vacuum are merged into a single apparatus where the rake portion collects leaves and the vacuum portion simultaneously sucks them up through the hollow handle. This combination eliminates the need for manual leaf containment and transfer operations, significantly improving collection efficiency while keeping the device relatively simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The hollow handle serves as an intermediary component that provides both structural support for the rake and serves as an air passage for the vacuum system. This dual-function intermediary element connects the rake portion to the vacuum unit, enabling efficient leaf transfer without complex mechanical linkages.
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 effective and efficient leaf collection and disposal using a portable, cost-effective device that combines a rake and vacuum, with interchangeable rake heads and a removable, biodegradable bag for easy leaf storage and disposal.
Implementation Method 1
The vacuum unit contains a battery-driven brushless motor that turns on an alloy impeller... The vacuum unit sucks leaves and other debris collected by the rake portion, through the hollow tube and the connector portion, and directs them to the leaf vacuum bag
Data Source
AI summary
A combination rake/refuse collector has a rake portion which traps leaves and other debris, a handle portion which contains a hollow tube, a connector portion which connects the hollow tube to a vacuum unit, and a storage/processing container. The vacuum unit and storage processing container are carried via a shoulder harness with two straps on the back of user. The vacuum unit sucks leaves and other debris collected by the rake portion, through the hollow tube and the connector portion, and directs them to the vacuum storage bag where they are shredded and exhausted into the leaf vacuum bag. The handle portion allows the user to direct the rake portion.