Road Sweeper with Segmented Leaf Collector and Brush

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cleaning devices for paths and streets are inefficient in picking up leaves and similar rotting materials, as they require aggressive brushes that fail to collect smaller debris and often re-entrain leaves from the accumulation area, leading to unsatisfactory cleaning results.

Innovation Solution

A cleaning device with a dirt collector functionally connected to the sweeping brush, allowing for a two-stage cleaning process where coarse debris is collected before the usual cleaning phase, and the sweepings collector is positioned to collect fallen leaves and small debris, reducing the need for special leaf blowers and enhancing cleaning efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If aggressive brush parts are used to collect rotting materials like leaves, then the ability to pick up leaves is improved, but the ability to pick up smaller pieces of dirt deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveleaf collection capabilityVSAvoidsmall debris collection capability
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The cleaning device is segmented into two functional zones: a front accumulation area for collecting leaves and coarse debris, and a rear cleaning zone with brushes for removing small particles. This segmentation allows each zone to be optimized for its specific function without compromise

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The front accumulation area performs preliminary collection of leaves and coarse sweepings before they reach the brush zone. By removing large debris first, the brushes can focus on small particles without being overwhelmed by volume

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Productivity

If leaves are collected in an accumulation area in front of the sweeping brush, then leaf collection is improved, but leaves can be re-entrained and shifted onto already cleaned surfaces

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveleaf accumulation capabilityVSAvoidcleaning quality
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The accumulation area is positioned in front of the brush at a elevated position and angle, creating a spatial separation that prevents rearward drift of leaves onto cleaned surfaces. The geometry of the accumulation zone directs material forward and downward into the brush zone

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Productivity

If a two-stage cleaning process is implemented with a sweepings collector and sweeping brush, then overall cleaning effect is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoverall cleaning effectivenessVSAvoidstructural complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The front accumulation area serves multiple functions: it accumulates leaves, pre-sorts debris by size, and directs material flow to the brush zone. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized components

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

Solution Approach 2:

The accumulation area and brush cleaning zone are merged into a single integrated cleaning device, allowing coordinated operation of both functions without requiring separate machines or complex coordination systems

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 combination of a sweepings collector and a rotating sweeping brush achieves an improved cleaning effect with reduced effort, allowing for efficient leaf collection and simultaneous removal of small debris, increasing the cleaning device's efficiency and reducing re-deposition of leaves onto cleaned surfaces.

Implementation Method 1

the debris caught by the rotating sweeping brush is thrown forwards in the working direction and gets onto the accumulation of leaves, paper or similar debris already in the area of the debris collector

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCentrifugal force: Centrifugal Force

Implementation Method 2

the coarse parts of the sweepings forming an accumulation can be brought together in a preferably funnel-shaped area by the sweepings collector extending transversely to the working direction and picked up via a suction pipe

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSuction: Suction

Data Source

PatentEP1895056B1Cleaning device for roads, streets or similar surfaces
Publication Date: 2018.10.03 JULIUS TIELBURGER GMBH & CO KG
  • EP1895056B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP1895056B1 patent drawingFigure 3~5
  • EP1895056B1 patent drawingFigure 6~7

AI summary

The device (R) has a chassis frame (2) controllable by hand, and a sweep-goods receiving part (3) detecting sweep goods in an area of roads or streets or sweep surfaces (K) is provided on the frame. A powered sweeping brush (4) is formed as the receiving part. A sweep goods collector (6) is arranged in front of the part in a working direction (F) in addition to the receiving part, where the device is formed as a sweeping machine with the brush. The collector is adjustably held on different working positions, where the device is designed as a leaf sucker with a suction blower.