Lawn Mower Deck Lift Automatic Latch Reset Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing deck lift systems for lawn mowers are often complicated and require too many parts, making them impractical for commercial applications, and there is a need for a simpler system that allows easy and efficient adjustment of the cutting height and storage/transport positions.
Innovation Solution
A deck lift system featuring a pin and lever mechanism where the latch engages and disengages automatically to raise and lower the cutter deck assembly, with a spring biasing force for automatic resetting and a transport position retaining system to prevent accidental disengagement during transport.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional deck lift system is used to raise and lower the cutter deck assembly, then the cutting height can be adjusted, but the system becomes complicated and requires too many parts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential function of deck height adjustment from the complex traditional system and implements it using only three core components: a latch, a lever, and a spring. This extraction eliminates unnecessary parts while preserving the core functionality of raising and lowering the cutter deck assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The latch serves multiple functions: it engages with the lever to hold the deck at elevated positions, automatically resets to its initial position, and works with the spring to provide both lifting and resetting actions. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components for each function.
2Device complexity
If a simple latch mechanism is used for deck height adjustment, then the number of parts is reduced, but the latch may not automatically reset to its initial position
Solution Approach 1:
The spring-loaded latch mechanism is designed to automatically reset itself to its initial position after engaging and holding the deck at an elevated height. When the lever is released, the spring automatically returns the latch to its starting position, eliminating the need for manual resetting operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The latch mechanism operates in a periodic cycle: it engages with the lever to hold the deck elevated, then automatically resets to its initial position when the lever is released, ready to repeat the process. This periodic engagement and resetting action provides automated operation.
3Ease of operation
If the latch is designed to engage easily with the lever, then the operation is simplified, but the latch may accidentally disengage during transport
Solution Approach 1:
The spring force parameter is carefully calibrated to provide sufficient engagement force during normal operation while preventing accidental disengagement during transport. The spring constant and pre-load are optimized to maintain reliable engagement under varying conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring is pre-loaded to create a preliminary engaging force that holds the latch firmly against the lever before any external disturbances occur during transport. This preliminary anti-action prevents accidental disengagement by counteracting potential disengaging forces.
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 easy adjustment of cutting height using one limb while operating the mower, operates efficiently, and maintains the cutter deck assembly at a desired height, preventing unexpected drops during transport.
Implementation Method 1
a spring biased against the latch in a manner such that, when the latch is not contacting the pin, the spring applies a biasing force to the latch to automatically reset the latch to a ready position
Implementation Method 2
A deck lift system features a pin and lever mechanism where the latch engages and disengages automatically to raise and lower the cutter deck assembly
Data Source
AI summary
A power lawn mower includes at least one cutting blade driven, directly or indirectly, by an engine. A cutter deck assembly of the mower includes a cutter deck, cutting blade(s) housed therein, and a pulley/belt system powered by a drive shaft of the engine for driving the cutting blade(s). The cutter deck assembly is selectively adjustable upward/downward to adjust the cutting height of the mower and/or to allow an operator to put the cutter deck assembly in a heightened position for storage and/or transport and thereafter lower the cutter deck assembly to a cutting position. In certain example embodiments of this invention, a latch system is provided as part of a deck lift system for permitting the cutter deck assembly to be more easily and/or efficiently raised/lowered.