Remote-access duster

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional dusting methods, including mechanical and electrostatic dusters, face limitations in effectively reaching and cleaning intricate and delicate objects due to lack of reach and gentleness, and vacuum cleaners struggle with suction efficiency and object damage.

Innovation Solution

A remote access duster with a flexible, electrostatically charged duster cord loop that uses a combination of centrifugal force and suction to attract and collect dust, allowing for long reach and gentle cleaning, while continuously replenishing the electrostatic charge and storing dust in a compartment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a vacuum cleaner with brush attachment is used to remove dust, then dust collection capability is improved, but the risk of damaging delicate objects increases and reach to intricate surfaces is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedust collection capabilityVSAvoidobject damage risk

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical brush system with an electrostatic field-based dust collection system. The dusting cord generates electrostatic charge that attracts dust particles without mechanical contact, eliminating the damaging effect of brushes on delicate surfaces while maintaining dust collection capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an electrostatic field as an intermediary between the dusting cord and dust particles. This field-mediated interaction allows dust attraction and collection without direct mechanical contact, preventing damage to delicate objects while achieving effective dust removal

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Length of moving object

If a rigid vacuum nozzle is used to reach distant surfaces, then reach is improved, but maneuverability around delicate objects deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereach distanceVSAvoidmaneuverability

Core Design Contradiction:

Length of moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a flexible dusting cord instead of a rigid nozzle. The cord can bend and conform to intricate shapes and hard-to-reach surfaces, providing both extended reach and excellent maneuverability around delicate objects without the constraints of rigid structures

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Productivity

If electrostatic duster fibers are used to collect dust, then dust attraction capability is improved, but the need for periodic cleaning and charge restoration increases operational complexity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedust attraction capabilityVSAvoidoperational complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a self-service system where the dusting cord automatically passes through a charging station during its reciprocating motion. The charging station continuously restores electrostatic charge to the cord through triboelectric contact, eliminating the need for manual cleaning and charge restoration operations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent maintains continuous electrostatic charge on the dusting cord through an automated charging mechanism. As the cord reciprocates through the charging station, it is continuously recharged, ensuring uninterrupted dust attraction capability without requiring periodic manual intervention

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

4Adaptability or versatility

If manual duster manipulation is used to reach high places, then adaptability to different locations is improved, but operator fatigue and inefficiency increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereach to different locationsVSAvoiddusting time

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a dynamic reciprocating dusting cord that automatically extends and retracts. This dynamic system eliminates the need for manual manipulation, allowing the cord to reach high and difficult locations automatically while reducing operator fatigue and dusting time

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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

Enables efficient and gentle dusting of intricate objects without damaging them, with continuous dust collection and electrostatic charge restoration, improving upon the limitations of traditional methods by providing a comprehensive dusting solution with extended reach and precision.

Implementation Method 1

a vacuum source that is configured to draw air over the cord

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSuction: Suction

Implementation Method 2

the fibers of the cord are electrostatically charged so that they will attract dust and lint

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrostatic attraction: Electrostatics

Implementation Method 3

the inertia of the cord causes it to continue moving outward from the duster body in any direction it is pointed

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCentrifugal force: Centrifugal Force

Data Source

PatentUS11805954B2Remote-access duster

Publication Date: 2023.11.07 ECKHARDT RICHARD

AI summary

A remote access duster with a body, a flexible duster cord loop that is configured to be propelled such that part of the loop moves outward from the body while another part moves inward toward the body, and a vacuum source that is configured to draw air over the cord.