Articulated Mower Deck Suspension for Uneven Terrain
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional mowers with fixed decks struggle to effectively navigate uneven surfaces, leading to scalping or improper mowing results due to inadequate compliance with contoured ground features, while articulated decks face issues with support wheels not adapting to the ground, causing damage or deformation.
Innovation Solution
An articulated mower apparatus with a movably combined subframe and active/passive height adjustment suspension systems, featuring interconnected decks with articulation axes and drive rollers that adjust to maintain optimal mowing height and ground contact, allowing for better compliance with contoured surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional fixed decks are used, then structural simplicity is maintained, but the ability to comply with contoured ground is insufficient leading to scalping
Solution Approach 1:
The mower deck is divided into multiple independently articulated sections (first deck, second deck, third deck) that can move relative to each other about articulation axes. This segmentation allows each section to independently adapt to ground contours while maintaining overall structural integrity through linkages.
Solution Approach 2:
The deck transitions from a fixed rigid structure to a dynamic articulated structure where decks can rotate relative to each other about articulation axes. This dynamic capability enables the deck to conform to uneven terrain while maintaining mowing contact.
2Adaptability or versatility
If articulated decks are used to improve ground compliance, then mowing adaptability increases, but support wheels fail to adapt causing ground damage
Solution Approach 1:
The support system is segmented into multiple independent support wheels (first support wheel, second support wheel, third support wheel) associated with different decks. Each support wheel can independently adapt to ground features, distributing the compliance function across multiple contact points to prevent ground damage.
Solution Approach 2:
Different parts of the articulated deck system have specialized functions: decks provide mowing surface adaptability through articulation, while support wheels provide localized ground contact compliance. This local quality differentiation ensures both mowing performance and ground protection.
3Productivity
If larger decks are used to increase mowing width, then productivity improves, but suspension compliance with small ground features deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
A single large deck is segmented into multiple smaller articulated deck sections. This allows the overall mowing width to be maintained while each individual section remains small enough to effectively comply with small ground features through articulation and support wheel adaptation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system adds the dimension of articulation movement between decks, allowing the deck assembly to adapt to ground contours in the vertical dimension while maintaining horizontal mowing width coverage.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is an articulated mower apparatus, comprising a first deck and a second deck. The first deck has a right, left, front, back, top and bottom, a first blade and a first caster. The first blade is rotatable with the first deck and operable to contribute to mowing. The first caster is adapted to support the first deck above a surface. The second deck is engaged with the first deck at a side by a linkage defining an articulation axis. The linkage is adapted to permit the second deck to rotate about the first articulation axis with respect to the first deck. The second deck has: a rotatable blade and is adapted to contribute to mowing; a second caster adapted to support the second deck above the surface; and a drive roller. Also provided are related mower systems.