Electrostatic Dust Skirt and Helical Hood for Debris Bagging

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Solution Overview

Problem

Debris-collecting systems face challenges in maintaining airflow while preventing debris from escaping through porous bags, leading to clogging and the need for frequent bag emptying.

Innovation Solution

A debris-collecting apparatus featuring a primary bag with a dust skirt having an electrical charge and a helical hood configuration that directs air and debris in a downward spiral, causing self-cleaning effects and improving debris collection efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If the bagging apparatus is made porous to allow airflow, then air can pass through the bag, but debris may also pass through the pores (impeding debris collection)

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveairflowVSAvoiddebris collection efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The bagging apparatus is divided into multiple functional layers: an outer bag made of porous material for airflow, and an inner dust skirt made of non-porous material to prevent debris escape. This segmentation allows each layer to perform its specific function without interfering with the other.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different parts of the bagging apparatus have different porosity characteristics. The outer bag is porous to allow airflow, while the inner dust skirt is non-porous to prevent debris passage. This local differentiation of material properties resolves the contradiction between airflow and debris containment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Use of energy by moving object

If the bag is made sufficiently porous to maintain airflow, then air can pass through, but debris often clogs the bag pores requiring frequent emptying

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveairflowVSAvoidbag emptying frequency

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The inner dust skirt acts as an intermediary layer between the porous outer bag and the collected debris. It prevents debris from clogging the pores of the outer bag while allowing airflow to pass through, thereby maintaining airflow without requiring frequent emptying.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The outer bag is made of porous material to allow airflow, while the inner dust skirt is made of non-porous material to prevent debris passage. This combination maintains airflow through the porous outer bag while the non-porous inner layer prevents debris from clogging the pores.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #31Porous materials

3Productivity

If a traditional porous bag is used, then airflow is maintained, but debris escapes through pores reducing collection capacity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedebris collection capacityVSAvoiddebris escape

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The bagging apparatus is segmented into an outer porous bag for airflow and an inner non-porous dust skirt for debris containment. This segmentation allows the system to simultaneously maintain airflow through the porous outer bag while preventing debris escape via the non-porous inner layer.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The bagging apparatus uses a composite structure combining porous material (outer bag) and non-porous material (inner dust skirt). This composite design leverages the advantages of both material types: airflow through the porous outer layer and debris prevention by the non-porous inner layer.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

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 solution enhances debris collection capacity by preventing debris from escaping through the bag pores, maintaining airflow, and allowing for easier emptying of the bag, reducing clogging and increasing the effective use of bag capacity.

Implementation Method 1

at least an inner face of the dust skirt has an electrical charge

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrostatic attraction: Electrostatics

Implementation Method 2

a helical configuration extending from the bagging passage toward the primary bag

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCentrifugal force: Centrifugal Force

Implementation Method 3

directing air and debris in a downward spiral

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGravity: Gravitation

Data Source

PatentUS10667465B1Debris-collecting apparatus and method of collecting debris

Publication Date: 2020.06.02 BRIGGS & STRATTON CORP

AI summary

Debris-collecting systems and bagging apparatus for debris-collecting systems are provided. One bagging apparatus includes a primary bag and a dust skirt configured to wrap around the primary bag. At least an inner face of the dust skirt has an electrical charge. One debris-collecting apparatus includes an input portion, a bagging portion, and a draft inducer for drawing the air and debris through the input portion and to the bagging portion. The bagging portion has a hood, a primary bag removably positioned lowerly adjacent the hood, a dust skirt configured to wrap around the primary bag, and a bagging passage for directing air and debris to the hood from the input portion. The hood has a helical configuration extending from the bagging passage toward the primary bag. At least an inner face of the dust skirt is electrically charged. A frame having at least one wheel facilitates transportation.