Electric Leaf Mulcher with Vacuum Impeller and Segmented Bag

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing leaf mulching methods are inefficient, time-consuming, and environmentally unfriendly, particularly due to the use of gasoline-powered accessories that are expensive, difficult to use, and occupy valuable space for storage.

Innovation Solution

A compact, electric, and battery-powered leaf mulcher with a scoop for easy leaf collection, an impeller with cutting blades for mulching, and a bag for collection, featuring a motor with variable speed control and cooling fins, mounted on wheels for portability, and an adjustable handle for user convenience.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If gasoline-powered powered accessories are used to mulch leaves, then leaf mulching capability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase, and ease of operation decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveleaf mulching capabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the gasoline-powered mechanical system with an electric motor system. The electric motor drives the impeller to create vacuum pressure for leaf collection and mulching, eliminating the need for complex gasoline engine components while maintaining effective leaf processing capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The powered accessory is designed to perform multiple functions: collecting leaves via vacuum pressure, transporting them through the housing, mulching them with cutting blades, and depositing them in a bag. This multi-functionality consolidates what would otherwise require separate devices into one unit.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Productivity

If gasoline-powered powered accessories are used to mulch leaves, then leaf mulching capability is improved, but cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveleaf mulching capabilityVSAvoidcost

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the expensive gasoline-powered mechanical system with a more cost-effective electric motor system. Electric motors are generally less expensive to manufacture and maintain while providing sufficient power for leaf collection and mulching operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Productivity

If gasoline-powered powered accessories are used to mulch leaves, then leaf mulching capability is improved, but ease of operation decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveleaf mulching capabilityVSAvoidease of operation

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the complex gasoline-powered system with a simpler electric motor system that is easier to operate. Electric motors eliminate the need for fuel mixing, carburetor adjustment, and exhaust management, making the device more user-friendly while maintaining effective leaf mulching capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Productivity

If gasoline-powered powered accessories are used to mulch leaves, then leaf mulching capability is improved, but space for storage increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveleaf mulching capabilityVSAvoidspace for storage

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the powered accessory into separable components: the main processing unit with motor and impeller can be detached from the collection bag. This segmentation allows the user to store only the essential components in the garage while leaving the bag in the vehicle, reducing garage storage space requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 leaf mulcher efficiently mulches leaves without the need for bending, is environmentally friendly, easy to use and store, and reduces the time and space required for leaf disposal, offering a cost-effective solution for homeowners.

Implementation Method 1

the motor is coupled to the impeller to create a vacuum to draw leaves into the impeller housing

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVacuum: Vacuum

Implementation Method 2

the leaves are mulched into pieces by the impeller

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical Force: Mechanical Force

Implementation Method 3

the rear side has a plurality of fins all of the same size and shape configured to move air for cooling the motor

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectConvection: Convection

Data Source

PatentUS11812687B2Leaf mulcher

Publication Date: 2023.11.14 GILPIN ASH

AI summary

A leaf mulcher includes a carriage, a plurality of wheels rotatably secured to the carriage, and a main housing having a front and a rear. A scoop is removably coupled to the front of the main housing and configured to direct leaves into the main housing to be mulched. The leaf mulcher also includes an impeller housing having an entry and an exit, where the entry of the impeller housing is coupled to a rear of the housing. In addition, the leaf mulcher includes a bag having an intake conduit coupled to the exit of the impeller housing and is configured to receive mulched leaves, and an impeller is within the impeller housing and has an insert and nut. A motor is coupled to the impeller and is configured to spin the impeller to create a vacuum to draw leaves into the impeller housing where the leaves are mulched.