Curved Downspout Cleaning Tool with Flexible Ram

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Solution Overview

Problem

Cleaning clogged downspouts is a difficult and hazardous task, often requiring climbers to access high locations and maneuver stiff tools through curved downspout sections under eaves, which is challenging with traditional methods.

Innovation Solution

An elongated hollow structure with a curved configuration and flexible ram component, allowing users to position themselves below the gutter and extend a flexible rod with a stiffer core and flexible conduit to dislodge debris from downspouts without needing to climb or bend stiff tools.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a pressurized hose is used to dislodge debris, then debris can be pushed down the downspout, but the cleaner must climb a ladder to roof level and the water pressure may be insufficient for solidified debris

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccess to downspout openingVSAvoidhazard of ladder climbing

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The invention inverts the traditional approach by having the user position themselves below the gutter instead of above it on the roof. The elongated hollow structure with curved configuration extends upward from below to reach the downspout opening, allowing the user to operate from a safe, ground-level position while still accessing the clogged area effectively.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The elongated hollow structure incorporates a curved configuration that mimics the natural curvature of downspouts, particularly the section that extends under eaves. This curved design allows the structure to navigate the downspout's contours and reach debris located in difficult-to-access curved sections, improving effectiveness while maintaining safety.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

2Ease of operation

If a rake or broom handle is used to dislodge debris, then the cleaner can push into the downspout opening, but the stiff handle cannot bend to accommodate the curved contour of the downspout under eaves

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to push into downspoutVSAvoidadaptability to curved downspout contour

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The elongated hollow structure is designed with a curved configuration that matches the contour of the downspout, particularly the section that extends under eaves. This curvature allows the structure to follow the downspout's path and reach debris in curved sections, solving the adaptability problem of straight rigid handles.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

Solution Approach 2:

The elongated hollow structure functions as a flexible conduit that can bend and conform to the curved geometry of the downspout. This flexibility allows the structure to navigate the downspout's contours while maintaining structural integrity, enabling effective debris removal from curved sections.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Power

If a pressurized hose is used, then water pressure can dislodge debris, but the cleaner must maneuver the hose from ground level to gutter level

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewater pressure for debris dislodgementVSAvoidmaneuvering hose to positioning

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention eliminates the need to maneuver a hose upward by inverting the approach: the elongated hollow structure is positioned from below and extends upward to reach the downspout opening. Debris is dislodged by mechanical action through the structure rather than by water pressure from above, simplifying the operation to a straightforward push from a stable position.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention extracts the water hose from the system entirely, replacing it with an elongated hollow structure that delivers mechanical force directly to the debris. This eliminates the complexity of hose maneuvering while maintaining effective debris dislodgement capability through the push rod mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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

Enables safe and effective debris removal from downspouts without the need for ladder access, accommodating curved sections and reducing the effort required to dislodge trapped debris.

Implementation Method 1

a ram component constructed of a flexible conduit connected to the rod

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFlexibility: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

at least a portion of the elongated structure extends in a curved configuration

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCurved configuration: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS10329770B2Downspout cleaning device

Publication Date: 2019.06.25 FUOCO JAMES

AI summary

Apparatus for removing debris includes an elongated hollow structure with at least a portion of the elongated structure extends in a curved configuration and the elongated hollow structure includes a sidewall which defines an opening which extends within and along the elongated structure and defines a first and second apertures spaced apart from one another in communication with the opening wherein the first and second apertures face in the same direction. An elongated insert member includes a width dimension smaller than a width dimension of the opening which extends within and along the elongated structure; a rod; and a ram component constructed of a flexible conduit connected to the rod. The rod has a stiffer construction than the ram component.