Articulated Mower Frame for Deck Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Large lawnmowers require complex mechanical steps to access the underside for maintenance, involving the removal of drive belts and other components, making it difficult and time-consuming to access the mower deck.
Innovation Solution
A mower with an articulated frame that allows the rear and forward frame portions to fold, using an actuator to adjust the cutting height and facilitate access to the underside of the mower deck, eliminating the need for belt removal by maintaining belt alignment with pulleys during folding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the mower deck is tilted up for maintenance access, then access to the underside of the mower deck is improved, but the drive belts and other mechanical components must be removed, increasing the complexity of the maintenance procedure
Solution Approach 1:
The mower frame is divided into a rear frame portion and a forward frame portion that can be folded relative to each other. This segmentation allows the forward frame portion to be folded up independently, providing access to the underside of the mower deck without requiring removal of drive belts or other mechanical components. The frame latch mechanism secures the frame in the folded position during maintenance operations.
2Ease of repair
If the frame is designed to fold for maintenance access, then ease of maintenance is improved, but the actuator must be configured to perform both cutting height adjustment and frame folding functions
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as a cutting height adjustment mechanism and as a frame folding mechanism. By configuring the actuator to perform both functions, the patent eliminates the need for separate mechanisms, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining ease of maintenance access. The actuator can be operated in different modes to achieve either cutting height adjustment or frame folding as needed.
3Ease of operation
If the forward frame portion is folded up to access the underside, then maintenance access is improved, but the belt alignment with pulleys must be maintained during folding
Solution Approach 1:
The frame latch mechanism is designed to secure the forward frame portion in the folded position, ensuring that the belt alignment with pulleys is maintained during maintenance operations. The latch mechanism prevents accidental movement of the folded frame, thereby maintaining the reliability of the belt-pulley alignment while providing easy maintenance access.
Data Source
AI summary
A lawn mower includes a mower frame that is able to articulate between a rear frame portion and a forward frame portion. In one embodiment, the rear frame portion is supported by two main drive wheels and carries an engine and controls for operating the mower. The forward frame portion carries a mowing deck which is suitable for cutting grass. The frame may be latched in a lowered mowing position by a releasable frame latch, but, when frame latch is released, the rear frame portion and the forward frame portion may be folded with respect to each other to provide access to the underside of the raised portion.