Reversible Fan Airflow Through a Single Vacuum-Blower Pipe

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vacuum/blower devices require separate pipes and complex configurations for vacuum and blower operations, leading to a cumbersome design.

Innovation Solution

The device switches the rotational direction of the fan to convey air flow through a single suction pipe, allowing for both vacuum and blower operations with a simple configuration, using a gearbox for different rotational speeds and a valve to adjust between operations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If separate pipes are used for vacuum and blower operations, then each operation can be optimized independently, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperation optimizationVSAvoidpipe configuration
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The suction pipe is designed to serve dual functions: in vacuum operation it conveys air and material from the intake opening to the fan, while in blower operation it conveys air from the fan to the intake opening. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate pipes for each operation mode, reducing device complexity while maintaining operational effectiveness

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the functions of separate vacuum and blower pipes into a single suction pipe. By combining these functions and using the switching device to control flow direction, the patent achieves a simpler pipe configuration that maintains the reliability of both vacuum and blower operations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Device complexity

If a single suction pipe is used for both operations, then the device configuration is simplified, but the conveying performance for each operation may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepipe configurationVSAvoidconveying performance
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The switching device dynamically changes the rotational direction of the fan between vacuum and blower operations. This dynamic adjustment allows the single suction pipe to adapt its function based on operational mode, ensuring optimal conveying performance for each operation despite using a unified pipe structure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the rotational direction parameter of the fan to switch between vacuum and blower operations. By controlling the fan's rotation direction, the same suction pipe can efficiently convey materials in both operations, maintaining conveying performance while simplifying the overall device configuration

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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

This approach simplifies the design by using a single pipe for both operations, enhancing conveying performance and allowing air to be sucked in from a remote area, while maintaining efficient material collection and blowing capabilities.

Implementation Method 1

the fan of the vacuum/blower device is driven by a drive motor, wherein the flow direction of the suction air flow is oriented from an intake opening of the suction pipe toward the fan

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFan: Fan

Data Source

PatentUS10107292B2Vacuum / blower device
Publication Date: 2018.10.23 ANDREAS STIHL AG & CO KG
  • US10107292B2 patent drawing
  • US10107292B2 patent drawing
  • US10107292B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A vacuum/blower device is provided with a drive motor and a fan operatively connected to the drive motor and driven by the drive motor. A switching device is provided that switches the vacuum/blower device from a vacuum operation to a blower operation and from the blower operation to the vacuum operation. A suction pipe with an intake opening is provided, wherein, in the vacuum operation of the vacuum/blower device, a suction air flow is sucked in from the intake opening toward the fan in a first flow direction. The switching device switches a rotational direction of the fan, wherein the fan in the blower operation conveys a blower air flow through the suction pipe in a second flow direction that is oriented from the fan toward the intake opening.