Bi-directional Leaf Rake Pivoting Hoop Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing manual pole-based leaf and debris collection baskets are difficult to use when moving directly toward and away from the user, especially when far away, due to the basket opening becoming more upwardly or downwardly oriented, leading to fatigue and joint pain from constant twisting.
Innovation Solution
A bi-directional leaf rake with a pivoting mechanism on the hoop allows for easy orientation of the basket when moving in both directions, maintaining a perpendicular configuration to the water surface, and is designed to be neutrally or slightly negatively buoyant for use at various depths, minimizing the need for additional equipment and reducing weight at the end of the pole.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If the basket is moved far away from the user on a long pole, then the coverage area increases, but the basket opening becomes misoriented (facing upward or downward) making it difficult to collect debris
Solution Approach 1:
The basket assembly incorporates a swivel mechanism that allows the hoop and basket to rotate freely relative to the pole, enabling automatic orientation adjustment as the basket moves through the water. This dynamic adjustment maintains the basket opening perpendicular to the direction of motion regardless of distance from the user.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the orientation parameter of the basket by introducing a rotational degree of freedom. The basket can pivot around the pole axis, transforming from a fixed orientation to a variable orientation that adapts to the direction of movement, thereby maintaining effective debris collection at various distances.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the pole is twisted to reverse direction for bi-directional use, then the basket can collect debris when moving toward and away from the user, but user fatigue and joint pain increase
Solution Approach 1:
The swivel mechanism provides continuous rotational freedom, allowing the basket to dynamically reorient itself as the user moves the pole in any direction. This eliminates the need for manual twisting to adjust orientation, enabling smooth bi-directional operation without user fatigue.
Solution Approach 2:
The basket assembly performs self-orientation through the swivel mechanism, automatically adjusting its opening direction to face the oncoming water flow. This self-adjusting capability removes the burden of manual orientation control from the user, facilitating effortless bi-directional debris collection.
3Ease of operation
If additional equipment is added to maintain basket angle at a distance, then orientation control improves, but the weight at the end of the pole increases making it difficult to handle
Solution Approach 1:
The swivel mechanism introduces a single rotational degree of freedom that provides effective orientation control without requiring complex rigid structures or additional stabilizing equipment. This simple dynamic joint maintains basket angle through natural movement rather than through added weight.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes from a fixed rigid structure to a flexible articulated structure with one rotational joint. This parameter change in structural rigidity allows the basket to maintain proper orientation through controlled movement rather than through additional stabilizing mass, reducing overall assembly weight.
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 of leaves and debris in both directions without requiring rotation of the pole, reducing user fatigue and improving handling ease, especially when the basket is far from the user, while maintaining effective orientation and buoyancy for different water elevations.
Implementation Method 1
designed to be neutrally or slightly negatively buoyant for use at various depths
Data Source
AI summary
Leaves and other debris within water are collected into a porous basket by passing a hoop surrounding an opening of the basket through the water, typically while mounted to a tip of a pole. An interface (such as an elbow) and an attachment couple the hoop of the basket to the tip of the pole. The interface and attachment are pivotally attached together. The interface has a leading portion opposite of trailing portion, with the trailing portion coupled to the hoop and the leading portion forward of a hoop plane. The attachment pivotally attaches to the leading portion of the interface. The attachment and pole can pivot through a wide range of angles relative to the interface and the hoop, and facilitate collection of leaves both when the basket is being maneuvered away from a user and toward a user, and without requiring any rotation of the pole.