Blower/vacuum
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing handheld blower/vacuums are cumbersome and tiring to use due to their weighty combined components, which require carrying inactive parts during operation, making it difficult to switch between blowing and vacuuming functions efficiently.
Innovation Solution
A handheld blower/vacuum design featuring a base with a housing, handle, and power source, incorporating a mixed-flow fan member with both axial and centrifugal fan blades, and a rear flywheel that generates cooling airflow to improve performance and reduce weight by allowing efficient switching between blower and vacuum configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If both blower nozzle and vacuum tube are combined in a single tool, then both functions can be performed with one device, but the combined component becomes cumbersome and weighty causing operator fatigue
Solution Approach 1:
The blower and vacuum components are separated into distinct detachable parts. The blower nozzle can be removed and replaced with a vacuum tube, allowing each component to be used only when needed. This segmentation eliminates the need to carry inactive components, reducing overall weight and operator fatigue while maintaining dual functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a static combined design to a dynamic reconfigurable design. Components can be quickly attached and detached based on operational needs, allowing the tool to adapt its configuration. This dynamic approach enables the operator to optimize the tool for either blowing or vacuuming functions without being burdened by unnecessary components.
2Adaptability or versatility
If components are detached and reattached to switch between functions, then function switching is possible, but the method becomes cumbersome and difficult for the operator
Solution Approach 1:
The blower and vacuum systems are divided into separate modular components that can be independently attached and detached. Standardized connection interfaces enable quick tool-free assembly and disassembly, allowing operators to switch between functions without complex procedures or multiple steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates quick-connect mechanisms that enable dynamic reconfiguration during operation. The standardized interfaces allow components to be rapidly attached and detached with minimal effort, transforming the switching process from a cumbersome multi-step procedure into a simple, efficient operation.
3Device complexity
If a single combined component is used for both blower and vacuum functions, then component quantity is reduced, but the component becomes weighty and causes operator fatigue
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of one heavy combined component, the system uses multiple lighter specialized components. The blower nozzle and vacuum tube are separate, each optimized for its specific function and weighing less than a combined version would. Operators only attach the component needed for the current task, reducing the weight of the active tool configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The inactive vacuum tube or blower nozzle is extracted from the active configuration and stored separately. This extraction principle ensures that only the necessary component is attached to the base during operation, eliminating the need to carry unnecessary weight and reducing operator fatigue while maintaining the capability to switch functions.
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 user comfort and efficiency by allowing easy switching between blowing and vacuuming modes while reducing operator fatigue through improved airflow and cooling, allowing the same tool to perform both functions effectively.
Implementation Method 1
A flywheel extends rearwardly from the power source, and the flywheel is positioned adjacent to a rear of the housing. At least one rear vent formed into the rear of the housing adjacent to the flywheel. Rotation of the flywheel draws ambient air into the housing through the at least one rear vent
Implementation Method 2
rotation of the flywheel generates a cooling air flow that directs the ambient air across the power source to cool the power source during operation thereof
Data Source
AI summary
A blower including a base having a housing, a handle extending from the housing, a power source positioned within the housing, the blower including: a drive shaft extending forwardly from the power source, wherein the drive shaft is rotatable by the power source; a fan member operatively connected to the drive shaft; a flywheel extending rearwardly from the power source, the flywheel being positioned adjacent to a rear of the housing; and at least one rear vent formed into the rear of the housing adjacent to the flywheel, wherein rotation of the flywheel draws ambient air into the housing through the at least one rear vent, and rotation of the flywheel generates a cooling air flow that directs the ambient air across the power source to cool the power source during operation thereof.