Angled Battery Pack Receptacle for Zero-Turn Radius Mowers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lawn mowers, particularly zero-turn radius (ZTR) mowers, face challenges in efficiently and conveniently replacing battery packs due to their design and positioning, which can complicate maintenance and operation.
Innovation Solution
The ZTR mower features a battery assembly with a receptacle angled relative to the operating plane, allowing easy insertion and removal of battery packs, and includes a trunk for protection and access, along with a controller for managing power distribution and operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the battery assembly is positioned in a conventional horizontal orientation, then the structural design is simplified, but the ease of battery pack replacement is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The battery assembly is inverted from the conventional horizontal orientation to a tilted orientation where the top surface forms an acute angle with the horizontal plane. This inversion allows battery packs to be easily inserted and removed from the top, significantly improving ease of operation while the overall structural complexity remains manageable through this straightforward orientation change
2Ease of operation
If the receptacle is angled at an acute angle relative to the horizontal plane, then battery pack insertion and removal is facilitated, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of manufacturing complex angled interfaces, the receptacle itself is tilted at an acute angle relative to the horizontal plane, while the battery packs remain in their standard orientation. This approach facilitates easy insertion and removal by allowing gravity to assist the operation, while avoiding increased manufacturing complexity through a simple orientation change of the receptacle mounting
Solution Approach 2:
The receptacle is oriented in a different dimensional orientation (tilted at an acute angle) rather than maintaining the standard horizontal alignment. This dimensional change allows battery packs to be easily accessed from the top while keeping the manufacturing process straightforward, as the angle is achieved through mounting orientation rather than complex interface design
3Ease of operation
If the battery assembly is accessible without a trunk, then access is simpler, but protection and weight distribution are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into a fixed trunk structure and a removable battery assembly. The trunk provides protection and proper weight distribution when closed, while the battery assembly can be easily accessed by opening the trunk. This segmentation allows both protection/reliability and ease of access to coexist through a simple hinged opening mechanism
Data Source
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AI summary
A zero-turn radius (ZTR) mower, comprising a chassis, a pair of front wheels coupled with the chassis, a pair of rear wheels coupled with the chassis, a mower deck supported by the chassis, and a battery assembly configured to power a drive motor. The battery assembly may comprise a plurality of battery packs, and a receptacle defined in part by a bottom wall. The receptacle may include a plurality of bays, each bay having a receiver extending away from the bottom wall, the receiver configured to guide a battery pack within the bay, and a power connector spaced a distance from the bottom wall, the power connector configured to engage the pack connector to electrically couple the battery pack to the receptacle, where the receptacle is angled at an acute angle relative to an operating plane.