Rake System with Cutting Members and Floating Member for Pond Debris Removal

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing devices fail to effectively remove both floating and submerged vegetation and debris from waterfront areas, limiting recreational activities and only addressing one aspect of the problem, either the surface or the bottom of bodies of water.

Innovation Solution

A rake system comprising a handle, a frame with cutting members and entrapment meshes, and a floating member connected to the handle, allowing for simultaneous removal of debris from the bottom and surface of ponds, using a combination of cutting and scooping mechanisms.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a device is designed to remove only surface vegetation, then it is simple in structure, but it cannot remove submerged vegetation and debris from the bottom

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecapability to remove both floating and submerged vegetationVSAvoidstructure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple functions (surface skimming, bottom raking, cutting, and collecting) into a single integrated rake system. The frame structure incorporates both surface-skimming capability and bottom-raking teeth, allowing one device to perform multiple vegetation removal functions that previously required separate tools.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The rake system is designed as a multi-functional device that can simultaneously handle different types of vegetation removal tasks. The adjustable frame, cutting members, and receptacle configuration enable it to address both floating and submerged vegetation, making it a universal solution for various waterfront maintenance needs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a device is designed to remove only bottom debris, then it has simple structure, but it cannot skim floating vegetation from the surface

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecapability to remove both floating and submerged vegetationVSAvoidstructure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges bottom-raking functionality with surface-skimming capability in a single device. The frame structure is designed to interact with both the water bottom (via teeth) and the water surface (via the receptacle opening), enabling simultaneous or sequential performance of both functions without requiring separate equipment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The rake system serves multiple purposes: it acts as both a bottom rake for submerged debris and a surface skimmer for floating vegetation. The adjustable and configurable components allow the device to adapt to different operational modes, providing universal applicability for comprehensive vegetation management.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of operation

If a rake system uses a pivot connection, then it allows greater flexibility in movement, but it increases the complexity of the connection mechanism

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflexibility in movementVSAvoidconnection mechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes the pivot connection component entirely from the design. By eliminating this intermediate mechanical element, the system simplifies the connection between the handle and frame while maintaining operational effectiveness through direct structural integration and flexible positioning of the cutting members.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

4Reliability

If a device collects all debris including rocks and muck, then it prevents loss of material, but it increases the weight of the collected material

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprevention of debris lossVSAvoidweight of collected debris

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The rake system is designed to be retrievable and reusable, allowing the operator to manually empty the receptacle of collected debris. This self-service approach eliminates the need for complex automated discharge mechanisms, keeping the device lightweight while ensuring complete collection and retention of all debris types including heavy materials like rocks and muck.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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 rake system efficiently removes floating and submerged vegetation and debris from ponds, scooping from the bottom and collecting floating material, providing a comprehensive solution for maintaining waterfront cleanliness.

Implementation Method 1

a floating member

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectBuoyancy: Archimedes' Principle (Buoyancy)

Data Source

PatentUS11304365B2Rake system for removing floating and submerged vegetation and debris from ponds

Publication Date: 2022.04.19 ORVIS JAMES

AI summary

The present invention provides a rake system for removing floating and submerged vegetation and debris from ponds. The rake system includes: a handle; a frame that includes a first cutting member, a second cutting member, one or more entrapment meshes, a floating member; and a line connected the proximal end of the handle. Methods for removing floating and submerged vegetation and debris from ponds are also disclosed.