Flexible Mower Deck Lift System for Turf Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional lift systems for large flexible rotary mower decks cannot quickly raise or lower the center deck and wing decks during turns, leading to potential turf damage and increased drag force when making 180-degree turns for striping or cross cutting.
Innovation Solution
A flexible rotary mower deck lift system that uses electric linear actuators to pivotally raise the wing decks to a parallel position with the center deck, and lift cylinders to raise the center deck and wing decks together to an intermediate position above the mowing position during turns, allowing quick adjustment and reduction of contact with the ground.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If conventional lift systems are used for large flexible rotary mower decks, then the structure is simple, but the deck cannot be raised or lowered quickly during turns
Solution Approach 1:
The lift system is divided into two independent segments: (1) electric linear actuators that pivotally raise each wing deck relative to the center deck, and (2) lift cylinders that raise the center deck and raised wing decks together. This segmentation allows each component to perform its function independently, enabling quick deck elevation without requiring a completely complex integrated system.
Solution Approach 2:
The electric linear actuators perform a preliminary action by pivotally raising the wing decks to a parallel position with the center deck before the lift cylinders raise the entire assembly. This preliminary positioning of the wing decks simplifies the subsequent action of the lift cylinders and enables faster overall deck elevation during turns.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the mower deck remains in contact with the ground during turns, then the structure is simple, but turf damage and drag force increase
Solution Approach 1:
The lift system dynamically adjusts the deck position based on operational needs. During turns for striping or cross cutting, the electric linear actuators and lift cylinders work together to raise the deck to an intermediate position, eliminating ground contact and preventing turf damage. During normal mowing, the deck remains in the standard mowing position, maintaining operational simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the vertical position parameter of the mower deck from the standard mowing position to an intermediate raised position during turns. This parameter change eliminates the harmful effect of ground contact during turning operations while allowing the deck to return to its original position for continued mowing.
3Speed
If the mower deck is raised slowly during turns, then the system is simple, but drag force and turf damage increase
Solution Approach 1:
The lift cylinders use hydraulic principles to raise the center deck and wing decks quickly and smoothly during turns. The hydraulic system provides controlled high-speed elevation of the deck assembly, reducing the time the deck spends in intermediate positions and minimizing drag force and turf damage during the turning operation.
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 system reduces turf damage and drag force by allowing the deck to be raised and lowered efficiently during turns, minimizing contact with the ground and maintaining blade operation, thus preventing damage and reducing operational complexity.
Implementation Method 1
An actuator such as an electric linear actuator connected to each wing deck is used to pivotably raise each wing deck
Implementation Method 2
A lift cylinder is used to raise the center deck and the pivotably raised wing decks together to an intermediate position
Data Source
AI summary
A flexible rotary mower deck lift system includes a center deck having a first end and a second end, and a wing deck pivotably attached to each of the first and second ends. A linear actuator may be actuated to raise and hold each wing deck at a position that is parallel to the center deck, and a lift cylinder may be actuated to raise the center deck and the wing decks together to an intermediate position above a ground surface wherein the center deck and the wing decks are out of contact with the ground surface.