Collection Bin Arcuate Motion Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional riding lawn mowers require significant clearance space for debris collection and unloading, leading to unsightly and difficult-to-manage debris piles, as the collection bin's rotation and unloading process is cumbersome and often necessitates manual handling, especially when full.
Innovation Solution
A collection bin with a compact arcuate motion mechanism, utilizing a hinge system and an actuator to rotate between collection and dumping positions, allowing for reduced clearance space and facilitated unloading, with an electrically or mechanically actuated system for efficient operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the collection bin rotates between collection and dumping positions, then debris can be released from the collection bin, but a large amount of clearance space is required behind the collection bin
Solution Approach 1:
The collection bin is rotated about a pivot axis that extends transverse to the longitudinal axis of the collection bin, causing the bin to move in an arcuate path. This rotational movement in a different dimension allows the bin to clear debris behind the mower without requiring excessive clearance space behind the collection bin itself.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of moving the entire collection bin assembly linearly or rotating it in a conventional manner, the invention inverts the approach by pivoting the bin about a transverse axis, allowing the open front end to rotate away from the front plate in a compact arcuate motion that reduces the required clearance area.
2Ease of operation
If the radius of rotation of the collection bin increases, then the collection bin can rotate between positions, but the debris pile becomes larger and more spread out
Solution Approach 1:
The collection bin rotates about a transverse pivot axis rather than a longitudinal axis, changing the dimension of rotation. This allows the bin to dump debris in a more compact, concentrated pile directly behind the mower without spreading it out over a large area, while still achieving the necessary rotation between collection and dumping positions.
3Ease of operation
If the collection bin is manually unloaded, then the user can release debris, but it becomes difficult when more debris accumulates and may require stepping off the mower
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides self-service by automatically rotating the collection bin between collection and dumping positions through the pivot mechanism, reducing the manual effort required from the user. The automated rotational movement allows the bin to position itself for dumping without requiring the user to manually lift or reposition heavy debris-filled bins.
4Ease of operation
If the collection bin requires significant clearance space, then the bin can rotate between positions, but the debris disposal location is limited
Solution Approach 1:
By rotating the collection bin about a transverse pivot axis, the invention enables the bin to achieve the necessary rotation between collection and dumping positions with reduced clearance requirements. This dimensional change in the rotation mechanism provides greater flexibility in where debris can be disposed of, allowing operation in tighter spaces.
Data Source
AI summary
A device comprises a collection bin and a stationary front plate pivotably coupled with the bin via a hinge mechanism. The bin is rotatable relative to the front plate between a first position, wherein the bin's front end is closed by the front plate, and a second position, wherein the front end is spaced from the front plate for releasing debris out of the bin. An actuator is operatively connected to the hinge mechanism, which includes a bar interconnected between the bin and front plate. The bar is attached to the front plate and the bin. Actuator actuation rotates the bar and the bin in an arcuate motion from the first to the second position, and retraction of the actuator returns the bar and bin to the first position. Rotation of the bin defines a center of rotation on the opposite side of the front plate from the bin.