Blower Vacuum Attachment Interlock With Cam Blocking Plate
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing blower vacuum devices lack effective safety interlocks to prevent accidental activation of the motor when attachments are not properly secured, allowing objects or hands to potentially activate the fan, leading to safety hazards.
Innovation Solution
A blower vacuum device with an interlock mechanism featuring a moveable cam surface and blocking plate that prevents the actuating projection from activating the switch unless the attachment is correctly mounted, combined with a user-operated switch and electronic braking circuitry to stop the fan quickly when the attachment is removed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a simple button switch is used to activate the motor, then the device is easy to operate, but the safety protection is insufficient allowing accidental activation when attachments are removed
Solution Approach 1:
The interlock mechanism performs a preliminary safety check by requiring the attachment to be properly secured before the switch can be actuated. The protrusion on the attachment must engage with the switch housing, and the button can only be depressed when the attachment is correctly in place, preventing accidental activation before operation begins.
Solution Approach 2:
The interlock mechanism acts as an intermediary between the attachment and the switch. It mediates the activation process by requiring both the attachment to be properly secured and the user to deliberately press the button, creating a middle layer of safety control that prevents direct activation of the motor without proper preparation.
2Ease of operation
If the switch is exposed and accessible, then the device is easy to activate, but objects or hands can accidentally activate the switch when attachments are removed
Solution Approach 1:
The system requires the attachment to be properly secured as a preliminary action before the switch becomes accessible or activatable. The interlock mechanism ensures that the button is only depressible when the attachment is correctly in place, preventing objects or hands from accidentally activating the switch when attachments are removed.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the attachment can be easily removed, then the device is versatile and easy to change configurations, but the fan can be operated when attachments are not properly secured
Solution Approach 1:
The interlock mechanism dynamically adapts its state based on the attachment status. When the attachment is properly secured, the mechanism allows switch activation. When the attachment is removed or improperly secured, the mechanism automatically prevents activation. This dynamic behavior enables easy configuration changes while maintaining safety throughout the process.
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 electrical safety by ensuring the motor can only be activated when the attachment is securely attached, preventing accidental starts and providing a physical barrier to the switch, thus protecting users from injury and ensuring safe operation.
Implementation Method 1
the interlock mechanism comprises an engageable lug provided on the attachment and a moveable cam surface mechanically coupled to a blocking plate, wherein the blocking plate is moveable between an unblocking position when the engageable lug engages with the moveable cam surface and a blocking position when the engageable lug is not in engagement with the moveable cam surface; wherein the blocking plate prevents the actuating projection from moving to actuate the first switch
Implementation Method 2
a housing comprising a motor located therein, the motor being operable with a first switch; a fan located in the housing, the fan being drivable by the motor
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a blower vacuum device and in particular to a blower vacuum device for use in the collection of garden debris. The device is preferably one which is operable in a blowing mode to generate an air stream for blowing the debris into piles and also operable in a vacuum mode to suck debris into the device.