Lawn Sweeper Tilt Hopper and Adjustable Brush Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lawn sweepers face issues with adjustable brush height, which affects debris collection efficiency and storage space, as changing the brush height alters the housing position and towing height, and they often occupy valuable storage space.
Innovation Solution
A lawn sweeper design with an adjustable brush assembly that can change positions without moving the wheels, a tilt-able hopper frame for easy debris disposal, and foldable components for compact storage, allowing for efficient debris collection and reduced storage footprint.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the brush assembly is made adjustable to change height positions, then debris collection efficiency is improved for varying terrain, but the housing position and towing height are altered which creates problems
Solution Approach 1:
The brush assembly is separated from the housing into an independent adjustable module. The brush assembly can be adjusted relative to the housing without moving the housing itself, allowing brush height adjustment while maintaining stable housing position and consistent towing height.
Solution Approach 2:
The brush assembly incorporates dynamic adjustability with multiple fixed positions and the ability to rotate about its axle. This allows the brush to adapt to different terrain conditions while the housing remains stationary, providing both adaptability and operational stability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the housing is raised to allow the brush to be further from the ground, then brush adjustment range is improved, but the distance between the stop plate and ground increases allowing larger debris to pass underneath
Solution Approach 1:
The brush assembly is segmented from the housing, allowing independent adjustment of the brush position without moving the housing or stop plate. The stop plate remains at a fixed position relative to the housing, maintaining consistent debris capture capability while the brush can be adjusted to various heights.
Solution Approach 2:
The brush assembly can change its vertical position parameter independently of the housing position. The brush can be positioned at multiple fixed heights or rotated to different angles, changing the brush-to-ground distance without affecting the stop plate position or housing height.
3Area of stationary object
If the lawn sweeper is designed with detachable components for storage, then storage space is reduced, but assembly and disassembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lawn sweeper is divided into separable components including the housing, brush assembly, and hopper assembly. The brush assembly can be detached from the housing, and the hopper assembly can be removed from the brush assembly, allowing compact storage of individual components while maintaining operational functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The hopper assembly is designed to attach to the brush assembly, creating a nested configuration. When not in use, the hopper can be removed and stored separately, and the brush assembly can be detached from the housing, allowing components to be stored in a compact, space-efficient manner.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a lawn sweeper designed to collect debris, such as grass clippings and leaves, from a surface such as a lawn, and more particularly to a lawn sweeper with a tilt-able hopper frame and hopper bag that includes a handle such that an operator may tilt the hopper frame and hopper bag, using the handle, to empty the hopper bag contents. The hopper bag and hopper frame are connected to a lawn sweeper unit using a hopper rod which is inserted into two slots at the ends of two hopper support bars and secured within the slots by two corresponding latch plates, one latch plate at each end of the two hopper support bars. The latching mechanism allows the hopper frame and hopper bag to be easily removed from the lawn sweeper unit for storage.