Cross-flow vacuum and cutter
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing yard waste clearing devices are heavy, awkward, inefficient, and require large engines or short-lasting batteries, making them difficult to maneuver and inefficient in storing yard waste.
Innovation Solution
A yard waste clearing device equipped with a horizontal cross-flow fan blade assembly that shreds plant matter and directs it into a disposable yard waste bag through a vertical chute, optimizing airflow and storage efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If large internal combustion engines or battery powered motors are used to make the vacuum mobile, then the device can move, but the device becomes heavy and the battery only lasts a short time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical vacuum system with a cross-flow fan system that uses airflow dynamics to collect and transport yard waste. The cross-flow fan creates a horizontal airflow that carries shredded waste through a horizontal discharge path, eliminating the need for heavy vertical lift mechanisms and large vacuum motors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the traditional vertical discharge orientation to a horizontal discharge orientation using a cross-flow fan. This dimensional change allows the waste to be transported horizontally through airflow rather than vertically against gravity, reducing the power requirements and weight of the motor system.
2Quantity of substance
If traditional vacuums are designed to store yard waste, then they can collect waste, but they are inefficient at storing and must be emptied often
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the storage parameter by using a flexible bag container instead of a rigid vacuum hopper. The bag can be filled to its maximum capacity and then detached for disposal, allowing the main device to remain lightweight while achieving high storage capacity. This eliminates the need for frequent emptying of a small fixed-capacity container.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent separates the storage function from the collection mechanism by using a detachable bag. The bag can be removed and replaced independently from the main device, allowing efficient waste disposal without moving or repositioning the entire heavy vacuum system.
3Ease of operation
If the device is made smaller and more mobile, then it becomes easier to maneuver, but the storage capacity may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the system into a permanent lightweight collection device and a separate removable storage bag. The main device remains small and maneuverable, while the storage capacity is provided by the detachable bag that can be filled to maximum capacity and then removed for disposal.
Solution Approach 2:
The detachable bag acts as an intermediary between the collection mechanism and the final disposal point. It provides large storage capacity without being permanently attached to the small mobile device, allowing the device to remain maneuverable while achieving high storage capacity.
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 device is more mobile, energy-efficient, and effectively disposes of yard waste by increasing its density, allowing for more efficient use of storage space and reducing the need for frequent emptying.
Implementation Method 1
produce an airflow from an inlet portion of the housing, through the cross-flow fan blade assembly, and out an outlet portion with a sufficient flow rate to carry plant matter
Data Source
AI summary
A yard waste clearing device includes a horizontal cross-flow fan blade assembly. The cross-flow fan blade assembly is disposed in a housing that operated in concert to produce an airflow from an inlet portion of the housing, through the cross-flow fan blade assembly, and out an outlet portion with a sufficient flow rate to carry plant matter shredded by the cross-flow fan blade assembly to a storage element such as a disposable yard waste bag. A vertical chute from the outlet portion carries the shredded plant matter up to the opening of the yard waste bag so that the yard waste bag may be held vertically, utilizing the available storage space more efficiently.