Gutter Cleaning Air Blower with Nozzle Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for cleaning rain gutters and downspouts are hazardous, requiring ladder climbing, and are not cost-effective or entirely effective in preventing clogging.
Innovation Solution
A system that uses an air blower with a tube and outlet nozzle assembly to blow air into rain gutters and downspouts from ground level, removing debris without the need for ladder climbing, and includes a reciprocating door and gutter cap for targeted cleaning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual cleaning methods are used, then debris can be removed from gutters and downspouts, but the operator must climb ladders which creates safety hazards
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an air blower system as an intermediary tool that delivers compressed air through a long tube to the gutter, enabling debris removal without direct contact or ladder climbing by the operator
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical manual cleaning system (hands, tools, ladder) with a pneumatic system that uses compressed air to remove debris, eliminating the need for the operator to physically access the gutter
2Reliability
If screens or shields are installed to block debris entry, then clogging is reduced, but the system becomes more expensive and requires ladder installation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the gutter system to clean itself using compressed air blown through the existing downspout and gutter opening, eliminating the need for external screens or shields and their associated installation complexity
3Ease of operation
If compressed air is blown into the gutter from ground level, then safety is improved by eliminating ladder use, but air may not effectively enter the downspout to remove clogs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the approach by directing air flow through the downspout from the bottom upward, and through the gutter opening from the inside outward, ensuring air effectively reaches clog locations rather than just blowing across the gutter surface
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the vertical dimension by routing air through the downspout from ground level upward, and positioning the gutter opening to allow air entry from below, creating a three-dimensional air flow path that effectively reaches all clog locations
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 system effectively removes debris from gutters and downspouts without the risks associated with ladder use, is adaptable for single- and two-story buildings, and requires minimal modification to existing gutter and downspout installations.
Implementation Method 1
an air blower having a first outlet nozzle; a tube in air conducting communication with said first outlet nozzle
Data Source
AI summary
A system for cleaning a rain gutter and downspout, the downspout having an opening therein that is covered by a spring-biased door. A rain gutter having an opening in the bottom thereof communicates with the downspout through that opening and in standard fashion. A cap is placed within the gutter, over the opening in the bottom of the gutter. The cap has an arcuate member extending over the opening in the gutter, substantially parallel to and in line with the top of the gutter. The system includes an air blower in communication with a tube having an outlet nozzle assembly at the end of the tube. The outlet nozzle assembly is configured to accommodate receipt by both the rain gutter and the door covering the opening in the downspout. The outlet nozzle assembly receives an air stream from the tube connected to the air blower. When the outlet nozzle is placed into the gutter and moved there along, the airstream blows debris from the gutter and onto the ground. When the outlet nozzle makes entry into the downspout, through the door, the airstream blows upwardly and is directed by the curvate member of the cap into the gutter for subsequent removal therefrom.