Electronic Control for Grass Cutting Reel Assembly

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing grass cutting reel assemblies for turf-care vehicles require manual adjustment of frequency of clip and height of cut, which is time-consuming and costly, as multiple vehicles or reel assemblies with different settings are needed to accommodate varying cutting scenarios.

Innovation Solution

A control system that includes a reel cylinder motor for controlling the rotational speed of the reel cylinder and an automated height of cut system, both controlled by a controller system with a user interface, allowing operators to select pre-programmed cutting scenarios to automatically set the frequency of clip and height of cut.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If manual adjustment systems are used for frequency of clip and height of cut, then device complexity is reduced, but productivity decreases due to time-consuming adjustments between cutting scenarios

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesetup timeVSAvoidcontrol system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The controller system is pre-programmed with multiple cutting scenarios that define optimal frequency of clip and height of cut settings for different turf conditions. When a scenario is selected, the system automatically retrieves and applies the pre-configured parameters, eliminating manual adjustment time between cutting tasks.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical adjustment systems with an electronic control system. The controller system electronically adjusts the reel cylinder rotational speed and front roller position based on selected cutting scenarios, substituting mechanical hand-adjustment mechanisms with automated electronic control to reduce setup time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple vehicles or reel assemblies with different settings are owned to accommodate varying cutting scenarios, then adaptability increases, but loss of substance increases due to expensive equipment multiplication

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecutting scenario flexibilityVSAvoidequipment cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The controller system provides multi-functionality by enabling a single reel assembly to operate in multiple cutting scenarios. The system can be electronically reconfigured between different frequency of clip and height of cut settings, allowing one vehicle to perform the work previously requiring multiple specialized vehicles for different turf conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system transitions from static, fixed-settings reel assemblies to a dynamic configuration where cutting parameters can be changed electronically. The controller system allows real-time adjustment of frequency of clip and height of cut, enabling the same equipment to adapt to varying cutting requirements without physical reconfiguration or replacement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of manufacture

If manual adjustment systems are used for height of cut, then ease of manufacture is improved, but loss of time increases due to repeated adjustment requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem implementation simplicityVSAvoidadjustment time

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical height adjustment systems with an electronic control system. The controller system electronically adjusts the front roller position to achieve precise height of cut settings, substituting manual mechanical adjustment with automated electronic control to eliminate repeated adjustment time between cutting scenarios.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Productivity

If automated control systems are implemented for frequency of clip and height of cut, then productivity increases through quick parameter adjustment, but device complexity increases due to additional control components

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveparameter adjustment speedVSAvoidcontrol system components

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The controller system merges multiple control functions into a single integrated unit. The controller simultaneously manages frequency of clip by controlling reel cylinder rotational speed and height of cut by positioning the front roller, combining what would otherwise be separate control systems into one unified device that reduces overall complexity while maintaining automated capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS9635809B2Electronic control for a grass cutting reel assembly of a lawn-care vehicle

Publication Date: 2017.05.02 TEXTRON INNOVATIONS INC

AI summary

A system for controlling a grass cutting reel assembly of a turf-care vehicle. The system includes: a reel cylinder motor operable to rotate a reel cylinder of a grass cutting reel assembly of a turf-care vehicle at a desired rotational rate of speed to provide a controllable frequency of clip for the reel assembly; an automated height of cut control system operable to control a position of a front roller of the reel assembly to provide a controllable height of cut for the reel assembly; and a controller system operable to control the reel cylinder motor and the height of cut control system to provide a particular frequency of clip and a particular height of cut stipulated by one of a plurality of cutting scenarios programmed into the controller system and selected via a user interface of the controller system that is accessible by an operator onboard the turf-care vehicle.