Chimney Cleaning Frame With Dust-Retaining Passages and Extraction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing chimney cleaning methods result in dust pollution due to dust escaping from the lower opening during the cleaning process, which is not only harmful but also poses risks for the cleaner and is not feasible for all building types.

Innovation Solution

A device with a frame and elastic elements forming dust-retaining passages and extraction openings, which seals the chimney and uses suction to extract dust, minimizing its escape during cleaning.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the cleaning door at the lower opening is opened during cleaning, then the cleaning process can be carried out from below, but dust escapes and enters the building

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccessibility for cleaningVSAvoiddust pollution
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A frame with extraction openings is introduced as an intermediary device between the cleaning opening and the interior space. This frame allows the shaft to pass through while enabling dust extraction, mediating between the need for access and the need to prevent dust escape

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

A suction device is connected to the frame to create negative pressure in the interior space. This pneumatic system actively extracts dust particles that may penetrate the sealing surfaces, preventing them from escaping into the building

Inventive Principle:
Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

2Object-affected harmful factors

If traditional cleaning methods are used from the top, then dust can be contained, but external roof access is required which is complex and unsafe

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedust containmentVSAvoidaccess safety and complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The cleaning direction is inverted from traditional top-down cleaning to bottom-up cleaning. The cleaning opening is relocated to the lower part of the chimney, allowing access from ground level while the frame and suction system prevent dust from escaping upward into the building

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If the cleaning opening is sealed to prevent dust escape, then dust pollution is reduced, but the cleaning tool cannot be inserted or removed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedust pollutionVSAvoidtool insertion and removal
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The sealing structure is segmented into multiple dust-retaining passages with elastic elements instead of a single solid seal. This segmentation allows the cleaning tool shaft to pass through the passages while the elastic elements maintain sealing contact, enabling both tool access and dust containment

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Elastic elements are used to form flexible sealing surfaces within the dust-retaining passages. These flexible components can deform to accommodate the passing of the cleaning tool shaft while maintaining the seal to prevent dust escape

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

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

Significantly reduces dust emissions during chimney cleaning by preventing dust from escaping and allowing for safe, efficient cleaning from below without external access.

Implementation Method 1

connected to a suction device, while the interior space is extracted through the extraction openings

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSuction: Suction

Implementation Method 2

two spaced-apart dust-retaining passages for the shaft are formed on the frame with elastic elements

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP4703641A1Device for reducing dust load in chimney cleaning and method for chimney cleaning
Publication Date: 2026.03.04 WOHLER TECHN GMBH
  • EP4703641A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4703641A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4703641A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a device for reducing dust emissions during chimney cleaning, comprising a cleaning tool that can be inserted into a chimney (1) through a cleaning opening (2) and is movable inside the chimney (1) by means of an elastic shaft (6). The device is characterized by having a frame that can be mounted in or in front of the cleaning opening (2), wherein two spaced-apart dust-retaining passages for the shaft (6) are formed on the frame by means of elastic elements, and wherein a space is formed between the frame and the dust-retaining passages, into which at least one extraction opening (14) leads. The invention further relates to a method for cleaning a chimney (1) with reduced dust emissions and an application of the device for dust-reduced cleaning of a chimney (1).