Moveable Blower Nozzle Assembly for Wide-Arc Airflow Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing leaf and debris blowers, especially those mounted on wheels or towed behind vehicles, face challenges in maintaining efficient airflow direction and versatility due to rigid nozzle structures that can be obstructed by ground contact or require cumbersome operation, limiting their effectiveness in varying conditions.
Innovation Solution
A moveable nozzle assembly with a flexible elbow made of moldable rubber or vinyl, a rigid insert for maintaining shape, and a gear assembly driven by a DC motor to rotate the nozzle within a wide arc, allowing for horizontal and arcuate motion, combined with a tensioning cable to maintain airflow direction, addresses the issue of airflow directionality and versatility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a rigid nozzle structure is used, then the nozzle maintains structural stability, but it cannot adapt to varying ground conditions and airflow direction requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The nozzle is designed with a two-part structure: a rigid insert that maintains structural stability and a flexible outer layer (elbow) that provides adaptability. The flexible elbow can bend and adjust to varying ground conditions while the rigid insert ensures the nozzle maintains its shape and structural integrity under airflow pressure.
Solution Approach 2:
The nozzle combines two different materials with complementary properties: a rigid material (such as plastic or metal) for the insert that provides structural stability, and a flexible material (such as rubber or vinyl) for the elbow that provides adaptability and ground contact resistance.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the nozzle is fixed in position, then the structure is simple, but the airflow direction cannot be adjusted for varying conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The nozzle assembly incorporates a movable elbow section that can be positioned at different angles relative to the rigid insert. This dynamic configuration allows the airflow direction to be adjusted for varying conditions without requiring a complex motorized or mechanically actuated system. The elbow can be manually repositioned or spring-loaded to return to a default position.
3Reliability
If the nozzle contacts the ground for stability, then the position is fixed, but the rigid structure cannot flex without causing turbulence or damage
Solution Approach 1:
The nozzle elbow is constructed from a flexible material such as rubber or vinyl that can bend and flex when contacting the ground. This flexibility allows the nozzle to absorb ground irregularities and maintain reliable contact without creating sharp edges or angles that would cause airflow turbulence. The flexible material conforms to the ground surface while maintaining smooth internal airflow passages.
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 solution enables efficient airflow direction control and versatility, ensuring high airflow force and minimal turbulence across a wide range of motion, enhancing the operational efficiency and user experience of leaf and debris blowers, particularly when used on vehicles.
Implementation Method 1
a gear assembly operated by an electric motor wherein the gear assembly connects to the nozzle assembly for rotating the elbow within at least a 180 degree range but less than a full 360 degrees of rotation
Implementation Method 2
A moveable nozzle assembly with a flexible elbow made of moldable rubber or vinyl, a rigid insert for maintaining shape
Implementation Method 3
combined with a tensioning cable to maintain airflow direction
Data Source
AI summary
A landscaping blower nozzle assembly includes an inlet section for allowing air into the assembly, an elbow section and a motor. A nozzle is insertable into the elbow section such that the motor moves the elbow section in an moveable motion back and forth though at least 180 degree of motion for aiding the operator in the movement and removal of leaves and other debris.