Adjustable Cutting Module for Uneven Terrain
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cutting modules on lawn mower robots and bush-cutters have limited flexibility and poor performance on uneven terrain, leading to incomplete cuts and damage to the cutting blade due to fixed blade height and instability on slopes and dips.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable cutting module with a rotating cutting blade and actuator system that measures torque to adjust blade height dynamically, allowing precise cutting on varying ground levels and slopes, and can store information for automatic adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the cutting blade is kept at a fixed distance from the ground, then the structure is simple, but the cutting quality deteriorates on uneven terrain
Solution Approach 1:
The cutting module employs a dynamic height adjustment mechanism that allows the cutting blade to automatically adapt its distance from the ground based on terrain variations. The actuator system continuously modifies the blade position in response to detected ground conditions, transforming the static fixed-height structure into a dynamic system that maintains optimal cutting quality across uneven surfaces while managing structural complexity through automated control.
2Ease of operation
If the cutting blade is kept at a fixed distance from the ground, then the device is simple to operate, but the blade may impact the ground on slopes and dips
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates a feedback mechanism through torque sensing that continuously monitors the load on the cutting blade. When the blade approaches or contacts the ground on slopes and dips, the increased torque is detected and fed back to the actuator, which automatically adjusts the blade height to prevent ground impact. This closed-loop control protects the blade from damage while maintaining operational simplicity for the user.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the frame keeps the cutting blade at constant height, then the frame structure is stable, but it cannot compensate for ground level variations
Solution Approach 1:
The cutting module is segmented from the main frame structure, allowing independent height adjustment of the cutting blade relative to the stable frame. This segmentation enables the frame to maintain its stable, simple three-wheeled structure while the cutting module itself becomes the adaptable element, capable of compensating for ground level variations through actuator-driven height modification without compromising overall frame stability.
4Adaptability or versatility
If manual adjustment of cutting height is provided, then some adaptability is achieved, but the adjustment is for user height rather than ground compensation
Solution Approach 1:
The cutting module implements self-service through automated height adjustment based on torque feedback from the cutting blade. Rather than requiring manual intervention for ground compensation, the system autonomously detects terrain variations through torque sensing and automatically modifies the blade height accordingly. This self-regulating mechanism provides true terrain adaptation while minimizing the complexity of user-adjustable components.
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 precise and efficient cutting on uneven surfaces without damaging the blade, improving user comfort and extending blade lifespan by maintaining consistent quality and adaptability.
Implementation Method 1
measuring a resistant torque acting on the blade when it is in use
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
Described is an adjustable cutting module (1) for cutting the turf of the ground (100), comprising cutting means (11) comprising a cutting blade (12), wherein the cutting blade (12) is lying on a respective cutting plane (P) positioned at the ground (100). The adjustable cutting module (1) comprises means (13) for moving the cutting blade (12) which are operatively associated with the cutting means (11), wherein the movement means (13) comprise at least one actuator (13a) configured to make an adjustment of a distance (d) of the cutting plane (P) of the cutting blade (12) relative to the ground (100) and to simultaneously or separately actuate the cutting blade (12) to cut the turf of the ground (100).