Back-Mounted Blower Articulation with Return Effect
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing back-mounted blower equipment generates high thrust forces and weights, leading to discomfort and fatigue due to poor force channeling and imbalance, making it difficult to maneuver and use for extended periods.
Innovation Solution
A blower equipment with a carrying harness featuring a dorsal support frame, lateral fastener, and a fan body with an elastic bellows connected to a nozzle, along with an articulation that provides return torque to maintain the nozzle's rest position, reducing horizontal and vertical deflections and improving force transfer to the carrying frame.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If powerful fans are used to generate high thrust forces greater than 20 newtons, then the blower's air flow power is improved, but the weight increases to between 8 and 15 kg making it difficult to carry and maneuver
Solution Approach 1:
The blower system is divided into two separate components: a powerful stationary blower unit that generates high thrust air flow, and a lightweight portable nozzle assembly that can be easily carried and maneuvered by the operator. This segmentation allows the heavy power-generating component to remain fixed while the light control component is portable.
Solution Approach 2:
An elastic bellows connects the stationary blower to the portable nozzle, serving as a flexible intermediary that transmits air flow while allowing relative movement between the two components. This intermediary enables the operator to move the nozzle independently while maintaining the connection to the powerful stationary blower.
2Ease of operation
If the nozzle is connected rigidly to the fan, then the structure is simplified, but the operator cannot maneuver the nozzle independently without moving the entire heavy blower unit
Solution Approach 1:
An elastic bellows is used to connect the stationary blower to the portable nozzle. This flexible elastic structure allows the nozzle to be maneuvered independently by the operator while maintaining the air flow connection, eliminating the need to move the entire heavy blower unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection between the blower and nozzle transitions from a rigid static structure to a dynamic flexible system. The elastic bellows enables relative movement and flexibility, allowing the nozzle to be positioned and directed independently while the blower remains stationary.
3Power
If high thrust air flow is generated, then the blower's effectiveness is improved, but high reaction forces are generated that cause discomfort and fatigue to the operator
Solution Approach 1:
The heavy blower unit that generates the high thrust air flow and associated reaction forces is extracted from the portable nozzle assembly. By separating the power-generating component from the maneuverable component, the operator only handles the lightweight nozzle while the reaction forces are absorbed by the stationary blower structure.
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
Enhances comfort and maneuverability by distributing reaction forces effectively, reducing fatigue and improving precision in directing the air flow, while maintaining the blower's position close to the body, allowing for efficient use over prolonged periods.
Implementation Method 1
the blower including a nozzle, connected downstream of the air outlet by means of an elastic bellows with return effect
Implementation Method 2
the articulation having a return effect, tending to return the air-outlet axis of the air outlet of the fan body towards a rest position
Data Source
AI summary
A blower appliance includes: a carrying harness, at least one blower fastener, a blower having an air outlet, and a nozzle, connected downstream of the air outlet by way of an elastic bellows having a return effect. The blower fastener having an articulation having a return effect, which tends to return the axis of the air outlet of the fan body towards a rest position, the articulation having a return component, parallel to the spinal axis, with a second spinal return stiffness, the second spinal return stiffness being greater than the first spinal return stiffness of the elastic bellows. The blower appliance finds applications in the maintenance of parks and gardens.