Motorized Leaf Sweeper with Conveyor Shredder
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for gathering lawn debris, such as leaves, are inefficient in collecting organic materials with dirt particles and lack a wheeled conveyor system with a shredder and user-controlled motorization for easy operation and efficient leaf collection.
Innovation Solution
A motorized leaf gathering apparatus with upper and lower conveyor axes, a rotatable sweeping mechanism, and a shredder, powered by a motor and user-controlled, allowing leaves to be swept onto a conveyor and shredded before being deposited into a bag receptacle, facilitating easy operation and efficient debris collection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a hand rake is used to collect leaves, then leaves can be gathered, but the process requires multiple steps (raking and bagging separately) and is time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the raking function (sweeping mechanism) and bagging function (conveyor system with receptacle) into a single integrated device. The sweeping mechanism collects leaves and directly feeds them onto the conveyor, which transports them to the bag, eliminating the need for separate manual raking and bagging operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The device performs multiple functions simultaneously: it sweeps leaves, conveys them, and bags them in one operational unit. The single device replaces multiple manual tools (rake, bag, and loading action) with integrated mechanical systems that work together in sequence.
2Productivity
If conventional sweeping devices are used, then leaves can be collected, but they are large commercial devices that must be towed behind a motorized vehicle
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the large commercial sweeping device into a smaller, self-contained unit that can be manually maneuvered. The device is segmented into essential components (sweeping mechanism, conveyor, bag, frame) that work together in a compact configuration, eliminating the need for vehicle towing while maintaining collection effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from large horizontal commercial devices to a compact vertical arrangement where the conveyor operates in a confined space between the sweeping mechanism and the bag, allowing the device to fit in smaller dimensions while maintaining functionality.
3Device complexity
If leaves are collected without shredding, then collection is simpler, but dirt particles remain mixed with leafy material
Solution Approach 1:
The shredder is positioned to process leaves before they are deposited into the bag, performing the size-reduction and separation action in advance of final collection. This preliminary shredding action separates dirt particles from leafy material while the material is still being conveyed, improving separation effectiveness.
4Productivity
If a motorized system with multiple components is used, then automation and efficiency improve, but manufacturing cost and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple drive systems into a single motor that powers both the sweeping mechanism and the conveyor through a shared transmission system. This consolidation reduces the number of separate motors and control systems while maintaining automated operation of both components.
Data Source
AI summary
A leaf gathering apparatus includes upper and lower conveyor axes, a conveyor extending around the upper and lower conveyor axes that is continuously rotatable, and a rotatable sweeping mechanism having a generally horizontal axis of rotation, the sweeping mechanism being configured to move leaves from a ground surface onto the conveyor. The apparatus includes a bag and a channel extending from the conveyor to the bag to direct leaves therebetween. A shredder is located along the channel. A frame, the upper and lower conveyor axes, and the sweeping mechanism are operatively coupled to the frame. A plurality of wheels are operatively coupled to the frame to allow the frame to be easily transported and a motor is operatively coupled to the sweeping mechanism to rotate the sweeping mechanism, the motor being operatively coupled to at least one of the upper and lower conveyor axes to rotate the conveyor.