Ground-Level Gutter Cleaning Nozzle Using Pneumatic Debris Expulsion

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional methods for cleaning gutters are hazardous and inefficient, often requiring ladder access and resulting in injuries and damage due to blockages, while alternative solutions like attachments to leaf blowers or pressure washers are difficult to use effectively.

Innovation Solution

An apparatus comprising rigid tubing and a nozzle assembly with a unique design that allows high-velocity air to be propelled into gutters, expelling debris safely without ladder access, featuring a telescoping capability and adjustable nozzle orientation for effective cleaning.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional manual gutter cleaning methods are used, then debris can be removed from gutters, but the operator faces safety hazards from ladder use and physical strain

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesafety of cleaning operationVSAvoiddifficulty of accessing gutter

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical ladder-access system with a pneumatic system. A nozzle assembly delivers high-velocity air through flexible and rigid tubing to propel debris from the gutter, eliminating the need for the operator to physically access the gutter via ladder while maintaining effective debris removal capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention uses pneumatic power to clean gutters. Compressed air is delivered through a nozzle assembly that propels debris out of the gutter channel. The system includes flexible tubing, rigid tubing, and a nozzle assembly that converts pneumatic energy into mechanical force for debris ejection, providing a safe alternative to manual cleaning

Inventive Principle:

Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

2Ease of operation

If alternative solutions like attachments to leaf blowers are used, then ladder access is avoided, but the cleaning effectiveness is reduced due to difficulty in use

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesafety of cleaning operationVSAvoidcleaning effectiveness

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The nozzle assembly incorporates telescoping rigid tubing sections that allow dynamic adjustment of the nozzle length and position. This enables the operator to reach gutters at various heights and angles while maintaining precise control over air delivery, significantly improving cleaning effectiveness compared to fixed-attachment systems

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The nozzle assembly features a concentrated high-velocity air jet at the distal end, creating a focused stream that effectively propels debris from the gutter. The local concentration of pneumatic energy at the nozzle tip maximizes cleaning power while the flexible tubing allows precise positioning of this energy delivery point

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Productivity

If high-velocity air is propelled into gutter, then debris is effectively expelled, but the apparatus structure becomes complex with multiple tubing sections and nozzle components

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedebris removal efficiencyVSAvoidstructure of apparatus

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The air delivery system is divided into distinct segments: flexible tubing for initial air delivery, rigid tubing sections for structural support and telescoping capability, and a separate nozzle assembly for focused air jet delivery. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while maintaining overall system simplicity and modularity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The rigid tubing sections are designed to telescope within each other, with smaller diameter sections nested inside larger diameter sections. This nested structure provides an extended reach capability while maintaining a compact storage profile and reducing the overall complexity of the tubing assembly

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

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 gutter cleaning from the ground, preventing water damage and extending the lifespan of the cleaning apparatus through efficient debris removal and ergonomic operation.

Implementation Method 1

Air from the blower is propelled through the flexible tubing, the rigid tubing, and the nozzle assembly into the gutter

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHigh-velocity air flow: Fluid Spray

Data Source

PatentUS11840839B2Apparatus for cleaning gutters and methods of use

Publication Date: 2023.12.12 LINDL&DODGE LLC

AI summary

A tool for cleaning gutters includes a specialized nozzle that may be attached to a leaf blower via a set of rigid tubing. The nozzle transitions from a tubular shape into a mouth-like opening with a first projection in opposed, spaced relation to a second projection. The tool is particularly well suited to removing debris from gutters with the nozzle in contact with a gutter and made to expel high-velocity air.