Handheld Blower Inlet Design to Redirect Noise Downward
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Outdoor power equipment, such as handheld blowers, generate significant noise, which can be a concern for operators and bystanders, and existing solutions often increase the size, cost, and complexity of the equipment while not adequately addressing noise reduction.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates an inlet mesh inset within the housing, an angled downward inlet aperture, and an integrated muffler system, which directs noise away from the operator and into the ground, where it can be absorbed, reducing overall noise levels without adding extra components or complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-generated harmful factors
If traditional blower designs are used, then power and productivity are maintained, but noise emissions are high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent redirects the harmful noise generated by the blower fan downward toward the ground, where it is absorbed by the surface. The inlet aperture is angled to direct airflow and associated noise downward, converting the harmful noise into a benefit by directing it away from operators and bystanders into the ground where it can be absorbed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a vertical dimension to noise management by angling the inlet aperture downward. Instead of noise propagating horizontally in all directions from the blower, the design directs noise primarily in a downward vertical direction toward the ground, utilizing the third dimension to reduce horizontal noise exposure.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If noise reduction components are added, then noise emissions are reduced, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the noise reduction function with the existing inlet structure of the blower. The inlet aperture is integrated into the housing and serves dual purposes: allowing air intake for the fan while simultaneously directing noise downward. This merging of functions avoids adding separate noise reduction components.
Solution Approach 2:
The inlet aperture structure serves multiple functions: it provides the necessary air intake pathway for the blower fan while also acting as a noise redirection mechanism. By making the inlet structure multi-functional, the design achieves noise reduction without requiring additional dedicated components.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If inlet aperture is angled downward, then noise is directed away from operator, but airflow pattern may be affected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different functional qualities to different regions of the airflow path. The inlet aperture is specifically angled to create a local quality of downward-directed noise, while the overall airflow pattern through the fan and housing maintains its efficiency for productive air movement. The local modification at the inlet does not compromise the global airflow performance.
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
This configuration effectively reduces noise emissions by directing noise downward and incorporating an integrated muffler to mute noise within the blower, enhancing operator safety and reducing disturbance to others while maintaining equipment performance and reliability.
Implementation Method 1
an acoustic chamber defined by the housing... incorporating an integrated muffler to mute noise within the blower
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A blower (100) may include a housing (110), a motor (120), a fan assembly (170) and an inlet assembly (160). The housing (110) may include a handle (140) operably coupled thereto. The fan assembly (170) may be operably coupled to the motor (120) to force air through a blower tube (150) responsive to operation of the motor (120). The blower tube (150) may define a tube axis. The inlet assembly (160) may provide a path for air to the fan assembly (170). The inlet assembly (160) may include an inlet aperture (162) formed at an end of the housing (110). The inlet assembly (160) may further include an inlet mesh (164) disposed within the housing (110) spaced apart from the inlet aperture (162)