Electric Lawnmower with Independent Motor Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current land maintenance vehicles, such as lawnmower vehicles, face issues with noise, poor maneuverability, limited flexibility in operating on diverse terrain, and inadequate control over cutting blades, along with safety concerns related to engine power and traction.
Innovation Solution
A land maintenance vehicle equipped with independent electric motors for traction, a controller system that generates control signals based on operator input from a 2 or 3-axis joystick, and emergency brakes, allowing for precise movement and control, improved safety features, and adaptable cutting blade rotation speed based on grass density and height sensors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If internal combustion engines are used for propulsion, then power and traction are sufficient, but noise increases and energy efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the internal combustion engine (mechanical/thermal system) with an electric motor system. The electric motor is driven by a battery pack, eliminating the noisy combustion process while providing sufficient power for lawn mowing operations. This substitution directly addresses the noise issue while improving energy efficiency through electric propulsion.
2Ease of operation
If traditional steering and propulsion control is used, then vehicle operation is maintained, but maneuverability and trajectory control accuracy deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical steering wheels and pedal-based propulsion control with a joystick control system. The joystick provides direct electronic control over the electric motor's speed and direction, enabling precise trajectory control and improved maneuverability. This electronic control substitution allows for more accurate and responsive vehicle navigation compared to traditional mechanical controls.
3Adaptability or versatility
If engine power is shared between traction and cutting blades, then propulsion is maintained, but cutting blade power and adaptability are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the power delivery system by providing independent electric motors for traction and cutting blade operation. This segmentation allows each motor to be optimized for its specific function without competing for power from a single engine. The cutting blade motor can be independently controlled to provide adequate power for cutting operations while the traction motor handles propulsion, resolving the power allocation conflict.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic control of cutting blade speed through independent electric motor control. The cutting blade motor speed can be adjusted independently of the vehicle's traction speed, allowing adaptation to various grass conditions and cutting requirements. This dynamic adjustability provides versatility in cutting operations that was previously constrained by fixed engine-power-linkage systems.
4Reliability
If safety systems stop the engine in hazardous situations, then safety is improved, but operational continuity and flexibility are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the powertrain into independent electric motors for traction and cutting operations. This segmentation allows the control system to selectively stop individual motors based on safety requirements without completely shutting down the vehicle system. For example, the cutting blade motor can be stopped while maintaining vehicle mobility, or vice versa, providing operational flexibility while maintaining safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic safety control where the electric motors can be independently activated or deactivated based on real-time operational conditions. The control system can respond to hazardous situations by selectively stopping only the necessary motor (traction or cutting) while maintaining the other operational capability, thereby preserving operational flexibility that would be lost with complete engine shutdown.
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
The vehicle achieves high energy efficiency, low noise, enhanced maneuverability, improved flexibility in cutting large areas and navigating obstacles, and increased safety through precise control and adaptive cutting capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
at least one battery pack (10) for the electric power supply of said first and second electric motor (9a)
Implementation Method 2
each of said first and second brake (8b, 9b) comprises at least one electromagnetic component (23) configured, only when electrically powered, for generating an electromagnetic field
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a mobile vehicle, in particular for cutting lawns or gardens, comprising a support frame (3), a driving station (4), at least one work tool (5) carried below by said support frame (3) for performing a process on land to be maintained, and a command device (7), such as a joystick, operable by the operator seated in said driving station (4), for determining a movement of the vehicle. The vehicle comprises a right drive wheel and a left drive wheel as well as a first and a second electric motor (9a), independent of each other, coupled to the first and the second wheel respectively and powered by a battery pack (10); a controller (50) is configured for receiving at least one command signal from the command device (7) and consequently commanding the two electric motors. In one aspect, the controller (50) can, upon detection of emergency signals, command the locking of the electric motors active on the wheels, and of the electric motor(s) active on the work tool (5). In a further aspect, an emergency brake managed by the controller (50) is included on each of the crankshafts of each of the electric motors.