Collapsible Leaf Collection Apparatus with Wheels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for fall leaf maintenance, such as blowing, raking, or bagging leaves, are inefficient and physically demanding, failing to significantly reduce time spent, minimize physical strain, prevent lawn damage, and provide adequate value to workers.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus described consists of a rigid container with a hinged door and perforate top, equipped with wheels and a ramp, allowing for efficient collection and transport of leaves without the need for frequent setup or teardown, and minimizing the effort required to move and unload the collected debris.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If workers use conventional methods (tarp, bagging, or repeated blowing) to collect and dispose of leaves, then leaves can be removed from the lawn, but the process requires frequent trips, significant physical effort, and causes lawn damage
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus employs a collapsible frame structure that transitions between an expanded configuration during leaf collection and a collapsed configuration for transport. This dynamic transformation allows the device to provide a large collection volume when needed while minimizing transport space and effort, directly addressing the contradiction between collection efficiency and disposal trip frequency
Solution Approach 2:
The collection apparatus is divided into multiple collapsible panels or sections that can be independently folded or collapsed. This segmentation enables the structure to compact efficiently for transport while maintaining structural integrity during use, reducing the number of trips required for disposal
2Loss of time
If workers collect leaves into large piles to reduce trips, then fewer disposal trips are needed, but the piles get in the way of new gathering and require redistribution
Solution Approach 1:
The collapsible frame allows the collection apparatus to be quickly deployed and collapsed, enabling workers to collect leaves continuously without interruption. The device can be rapidly set up in new areas as leaves are collected, maintaining workflow continuity while minimizing the need to redistribute piles
Solution Approach 2:
The collapsible frame structure acts as an intermediary between the leaf blower and final disposal location. It provides a mobile collection point that can be positioned optimally during gathering operations, allowing leaves to be collected directly into the apparatus without forming obstructive piles on the lawn
3Reliability
If workers use rigid collection containers, then leaves are securely collected and protected from wind, but the containers are difficult to transport and require significant physical effort
Solution Approach 1:
The frame transitions from a rigid, expanded state during collection (providing structural integrity and wind resistance) to a flexible, collapsed state for transport (reducing weight and effort). This dynamic property allows the container to maintain reliability when needed while minimizing transport burden
Solution Approach 2:
The collapsible frame utilizes flexible yet structurally sound materials that can bend and fold for transport but maintain sufficient rigidity when expanded to securely hold leaves and resist wind forces. This flexibility enables easy transport while preserving collection security
4Ease of manufacture
If workers use simple tarps for leaf collection, then the setup is simple and inexpensive, but the tarps provide no protection from wind and require frequent anchoring
Solution Approach 1:
The frame is constructed from multiple interconnected panels or segments that can be easily assembled and collapsed. This segmented design maintains simplicity of manufacture while creating a three-dimensional structure that provides wind protection, unlike flat tarps
Solution Approach 2:
The collapsible frame provides wind protection when expanded but can be quickly collapsed and stored when not in use, eliminating the need for frequent anchoring and setup that characterizes tarp-based systems
Data Source
AI summary
A simple, easy to use, lightweight apparatus to be used with a leaf blower to collect yard debris, such as leaves, acorns and sticks. It provides a large opening (114) to receive debris straight into the cavity of the apparatus. The cavity holds a large volume of debris and once the debris has been collected, it is protected from being scattered by the wind or spilling out when being transported. One embodiment provides two fixed wheels (1200) which allow the apparatus be tilted and rolled rather than lifted or dragged. Another embodiment provides two fixed wheels (1200) and two swivel wheels (1700) so the worker merely pushes the apparatus. During unloading the worker never bears the entire weight of the loaded apparatus, but merely lifts the empty apparatus off the pile of debris. Another embodiment provides a ramp (1010) that helps to prevent blown debris from resettling into the grass.