Chimney Blocking Apparatus with Automatic Resilient Collapse
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing chimney blocking devices are cumbersome to use, time-consuming to inflate/deflate, and fail to collect debris effectively, leading to inefficiencies and potential messes when removed.
Innovation Solution
A chimney blocking apparatus with a handle and extendable support means, featuring a dual actuation mechanism with resilient components for easy deployment and collapse, a flexible tension member for controlled movement, and a collapsible spoked frame with a flexible membrane that automatically deploys and collects debris.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an inflatable bag is pushed up the chimney and inflated to block it, then the chimney can be blocked, but the device is awkward to use and requires time-consuming inflation/deflation with a pump
Solution Approach 1:
The device transitions from a static blocked state to a dynamic collapsed state through automatic deflation. The resilient means (springs) automatically collapse the blocking means inwardly towards the longitudinal axis, causing the blocking means to deflate and retract into the support means, eliminating the need for manual pumping operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The device performs self-service through its automatic deployment and removal mechanism. The resilient means automatically extend and deploy the blocking means outwardly without requiring external pumping, and automatically collapse and retract the blocking means during removal, making the device self-actuating and eliminating the need for operators to manually inflate or deflate it.
2Reliability
If a pump or inflation means is provided for the inflatable bag, then the chimney can be blocked, but the process becomes time consuming and inconvenient
Solution Approach 1:
The device uses dynamic automatic deployment and removal mechanisms. The resilient means (springs) provide automatic extension and collapse of the blocking means, eliminating the time-consuming manual inflation and deflation processes associated with traditional pump-based systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The device is self-actuating through its resilient means that automatically deploy and retract the blocking means without requiring external pumping equipment or time-consuming manual operations, significantly reducing the time required for both deployment and removal.
3Ease of operation
If the inflatable bag is collapsed for removal, then it can be taken down, but debris falls into the fireplace and onto the floor
Solution Approach 1:
The blocking means is designed to retract into the support means during removal, similar to a nested doll structure. The resilient means collapse the blocking means inwardly towards the longitudinal axis, causing it to retract into the support means and contain any debris within the apparatus rather than allowing it to fall into the fireplace.
Solution Approach 2:
The device takes preliminary action to prevent debris from falling by automatically collapsing and retracting the blocking means into the support means during removal. This preliminary containment action prevents debris from escaping into the fireplace or onto the floor in the first place.
4Length of moving object
If the support means is extended to reach the chimney, then the apparatus can be deployed, but it requires manual handling at height
Solution Approach 1:
The resilient means provide self-service by automatically extending the support means to the required length for chimney deployment and automatically collapsing it for removal. This self-actuating mechanism eliminates the need for operators to manually handle and position the extended support means at height.
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 apparatus provides a convenient, efficient, and effective way to block chimneys, preventing drafts and collecting debris, while accommodating various chimney sizes and shapes with minimal setup and cleanup effort.
Implementation Method 1
first resilient means for extending the support means and deploying the chimney blocking means outwardly
Implementation Method 2
second resilient means for collapsing the chimney blocking means inwardly towards the longitudinal axis
Data Source
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AI summary
Chimney blocking apparatus including a handle (4), telescopic support means (6) having a longitudinal axis (7), chimney blocking means (8) and an actuation mechanism configured to firstly extend the telescopic support means (6) and deploy the chimney blocking means (8) outwardly and secondly collapse the chimney blocking means 8 inwardly towards the longitudinal axis (7). The actuation mechanism may include a first resilient means for collapsing the chimney blocking means (8).