Power Sweeper Handle Angle Adjustment for User Adaptability

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current power sweepers lack adjustable angles between the handle and the ground surface, which can lead to inefficient sweeping operations, especially on uneven surfaces or when users have varying heights.

Innovation Solution

A power sweeper design featuring a moveable axle and shield system that allows for adjustable angles between the handle and the ground surface, facilitated by a gearbox and wheel assembly, enabling users to customize the sweeping angle for optimal performance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the handle angle is fixed, then the device structure is simple, but the adaptability to different user heights and surfaces is poor

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to different user heights and surfacesVSAvoiddevice structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the dynamics principle by transforming the fixed handle angle into an adjustable one. The shield is made movable relative to the wheel assembly through a fastening mechanism, allowing the handle angle to be dynamically changed according to user height and surface conditions. This resolves the contradiction by enabling adaptability while maintaining structural simplicity through a straightforward movable shield design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If the handle angle is adjustable, then the user comfort and efficiency are improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser comfort and efficiencyVSAvoiddevice structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The shield is designed to be movable relative to the wheel assembly, enabling dynamic adjustment of the handle angle. This allows users to optimize the sweeping angle for their comfort and efficiency needs while maintaining a relatively simple structural implementation through a straightforward fastening mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies parameter changes by allowing the handle angle parameter to be adjusted. The shield can be positioned at different angles relative to the wheel assembly and fixed in place, changing the geometric parameter of the handle angle to suit different user preferences and operating conditions without requiring complex control systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If the shield is fixed to the wheel assembly, then the structural stability is high, but the angle adjustment capability is lost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveangle adjustment capabilityVSAvoidstructural stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The shield is designed with movable and fixed states. During operation, the shield can be adjusted to the desired angle and then secured using the fastening mechanism, providing both adjustability and structural stability. The fastening mechanism allows the shield to be firmly fixed when needed while permitting adjustment when required.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3406800B1Power sweeper
Publication Date: 2020.02.12 TTI MACAO COMML OFFSHORE LTD
  • EP3406800B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3406800B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3406800B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A power sweeper has a handle having a first end graspable by a user and a second end, a drive shaft extending along the handle, and a power head coupled to the handle to rotate the drive shaft. A gear box is coupled to the drive shaft adjacent the second end, and a brush is coupled to the gear box for rotation in response to rotation of the drive shaft. The power sweeper includes an axle, and first and second wheels coupled to the axle. A shield is coupled to the gear box and defines an aperture through which the handle extends. The axle is moveable with respect to the shield and the brush to adjust an angle between the handle and the ground surface.