Collapsible Blower Extension for Compact Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional leaf blower tubes are cumbersome for storage due to their fixed length and require assembly/disassembly, leading to space inefficiencies and potential misplacement.
Innovation Solution
A collapsible blower extension made of pliable material, such as fabric or latex, which inflates with airflow from the leaf blower to extend and direct airflow, and collapses for compact storage when not in use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a hard plastic blower tube is used to focus and direct airflow, then airflow directionality is improved, but storage space requirement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The blower tube transitions from a static rigid structure to a dynamic collapsible structure that changes shape between collapsed and extended states. The tube collapses into itself when not in use, reducing storage volume, and extends to full length when airflow is applied, restoring airflow directionality functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The rigid hard plastic tube is replaced with a flexible material that can be collapsed into itself. The flexible material maintains structural integrity while allowing the tube to compress into a compact form for storage, then expand to full size when needed for directing airflow.
2Volume of stationary object
If the blower tube is made detachable to reduce storage space, then storage space requirement decreases, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The blower tube is designed with a coupling mechanism that divides it into separable sections. The tube can be detached from the impeller housing and collapsed into itself, allowing it to be stored in a compact form without requiring complex multi-piece assembly. The segmentation enables space-efficient storage while maintaining functional integrity when assembled.
Solution Approach 2:
The blower tube collapses into itself, with the distal end nesting within the proximal end, creating a compact stored configuration. This nesting mechanism eliminates the need for complex disassembly while achieving minimal storage volume, as the tube essentially stores itself within its own 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
The collapsible design reduces storage space requirements without the need for detaching components, allowing for easy assembly and disassembly while maintaining effective airflow direction.
Implementation Method 1
generating, by the leaf blower, an airflow from the working assembly airflow outlet into the input opening of the internal airflow passageway to create an internal air pressure within the internal airflow passageway to transition the collapsible blower extension from a collapsed state to an expanded state
Data Source
AI summary
An example collapsible blower extension for a leaf blower is provided. The collapsible blower extension may include an elongate body forming an internal airflow passageway. The elongate body may be formed of a pliable material causing the internal airflow passageway to be collapsible. The collapsible blower extension may also include an input opening at a proximal end of the elongate body configured to be disposed proximate a leaf blower working assembly airflow outlet and an output opening at a distal end of the elongate body.