Flexible Debris Mat with Upright Wall for Outdoor Sweeping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing outdoor cleanup methods are inefficient for collecting large volumes of leaves and debris, as they require users to push debris into enclosed bags or receptacles, limiting the volume that can be collected in one motion and causing discomfort due to awkward positions.
Innovation Solution
A flexible, lightweight mat with an open planar configuration and surrounding wall allows for easy collection and containment of debris, enabling large volumes to be swept onto the mat in one motion without bending or leaning, using a broom or rake, and features like support rods and corner inserts maintain the wall's upright position for efficient disposal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If debris is pushed directly into enclosed bags or receptacles, then debris containment is achieved, but the volume of debris that can be collected in one motion is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The invention transitions from vertical containment (enclosed bags requiring upward pushing) to horizontal containment (open mat allowing lateral sweeping). By changing the dimension of debris movement from vertical to horizontal, users can collect large volumes of debris in a single sweeping motion without being constrained by bag openings or gravity.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of pushing debris upward into enclosed containers as in prior art, the invention inverts the approach by allowing debris to be swept horizontally onto an open mat. This reversal of the debris movement direction eliminates the need for awkward bending and leaning positions while significantly increasing collection volume.
2Ease of operation
If users push debris into enclosed bags, then debris is contained, but users must assume awkward positions causing discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the operational plane from vertical (pushing up into bags) to horizontal (sweeping onto mat). This dimensional change allows users to maintain a natural standing position while collecting debris, eliminating awkward bending and leaning while maximizing the volume that can be gathered in one motion.
3Volume of stationary object
If enclosed openings are used for debris collection, then debris containment is achieved, but the opening size limits the volume of debris that can be pushed in
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the containment function from enclosed bags and relocates it to an open mat with peripheral walls. By removing the enclosing structure from the collection phase and retaining only essential boundary elements, the apparatus achieves large-volume debris collection without complex enclosed openings, allowing debris to be gathered in a single large-volume motion.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to an apparatus for cleaning outdoor debris such as leaves and lawn clippings. The preferred embodiment of the apparatus comprises a resistant, pliable mat and wall element. The present invention can be secured in place through stakes or posts and is configured to allow a user to directly push debris onto the mat, without having to hold the apparatus in place. The wall element retains the debris in place once debris has been collected on the mat. The pliable nature of the mat allows the user to lift and transport the apparatus more easily when filled with a load. The user can also fold the apparatus into a compact configuration for easy storage.