Reinforced Gutter Suction Hose for Wet Debris Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gutter cleaning devices are either difficult to use, lack sufficient suction power, or are unsuitable for removing wet or bulky debris, and require complex handling and storage due to varying roof heights and pipe lengths.
Innovation Solution
A gutter cleaning device with a flexible and extendable suction pipe system featuring a reinforced flexible tube section and adjustable rigid pipe segments, a separating device with a stretching strut, and a rotatable suction funnel, ensuring consistent suction power and ease of use across different roof heights.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a flexible hose section is used in the suction pipe system, then the device can adapt to different roof heights and gutter positions, but the hose may implode under negative pressure causing reduced cross-section and suction power
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible hose is constructed as a composite structure with an outer flexible plastic layer and an inner reinforcement layer consisting of axially arranged wire segments. This composite design allows the hose to remain flexible for adaptation while the wire reinforcement prevents implosion and maintains cross-sectional area under negative pressure, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The hose uses a flexible plastic outer layer that can bend and adapt to different positions, combined with a reinforcement structure that prevents collapse. This flexible shell design with internal support enables the hose to maintain its shape and suction capability while adapting to various roof heights and gutter positions.
2Length of moving object
If the suction pipe system is extended to reach higher roofs, then more gutters can be cleaned, but the handling, storage and transport of longer pipes becomes complex and cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The suction pipe system is divided into multiple detachable segments including the hose section, intermediate sections, and extension pieces. Users can connect the minimum required number of segments for each cleaning task, allowing easy handling and storage while providing the option to extend length when needed. This segmentation resolves the contradiction between achieving sufficient length and maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The pipe system is designed as a dynamic, reconfigurable structure where segments can be easily connected and disconnected. The lightweight segments with simple connection mechanisms allow the system length to be adjusted based on the specific cleaning requirement, making the system adaptable and easy to handle rather than fixed and cumbersome.
3Reliability
If pipe segments are designed to connect tightly for effective suction, then suction power is maintained, but separation of segments for storage becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The connection mechanism is designed to be self-locking during operation through the interaction of connection elements that engage under suction pressure, maintaining tight seals for effective suction. However, the same mechanism allows easy manual release by pulling a release element or applying force in a specific direction, enabling simple separation for storage without requiring tools or complex procedures.
4Ease of operation
If a leaf blower is used to keep the suction device free, then the suction device remains accessible, but the user must constantly hold it free which requires considerable physical strength
Solution Approach 1:
The heavy leaf blower component is extracted from the user-held portion and placed on the ground or a stable surface. Only the lightweight suction device and hose are held by the user, significantly reducing the weight and physical strength required while maintaining accessibility to the gutter for effective cleaning operation.
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 device provides reliable and flexible gutter cleaning with consistent suction power, easy handling, and simplified storage and transport, capable of effectively removing wet and bulky debris without reducing suction power or pipe diameter under tension.
Implementation Method 1
an increased negative pressure in the flexible hose section, which leads to a reduction in the suction power
Implementation Method 2
without their diameter being reduced in the event of tensile stress
Implementation Method 3
The suction device can be connected to the extendable suction pipe system... for cleaning gutters
Data Source
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AI summary
The device (10) comprises a drying and moisture suction unit (11), which is connected to an extensible suction pipe system. The suction pipe system has a flexible pipe section (12a) and a rigid pipe section (13) provided with a suction opening. The suction opening of the rigid pipe section is inserted into the profile of a standard roof gutter (20). The flexible pipe section has a flexible plastic hose which is provided with an incorporated reinforcement (13b).