Flexible Mower Deck With Pivoting Wings and On-Seat Height Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Zero turning radius mowers face challenges in mowing at reduced widths due to the need to disengage belts or risk hydraulic fluid leaks when pivoting wing decks, and require operator intervention for height adjustments.
Innovation Solution
A flexible mower deck design with pivotable wing decks and independent height of cut mechanisms, using electric or hydraulic motors, and position sensors to maintain operation and adjust cutting height from the operator seat.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a belt is used to engage pulleys on spindles to rotate cutting blades, then the mower deck can mow at full width, but the belt is disengaged when wing decks are pivoted up to vertical transport position, preventing reduced width mowing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic belt tensioning mechanisms that automatically adjust belt engagement based on wing deck position. When wing decks are pivoted to vertical transport position, the tensioning mechanism maintains belt tension and engagement, enabling continuous operation for reduced width mowing without disengagement issues
2Adaptability or versatility
If hydraulic motors are used to rotate cutting blades, then cutting blades can be rotated under various conditions, but hydraulic lines may leak fluid
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces hydraulic motors with electric motors to drive the cutting blades. This substitution eliminates hydraulic lines and the associated leak risks while maintaining the ability to rotate cutting blades under various operating conditions. The electric motor system provides reliable, leak-free operation with equivalent functional capabilities
3Ease of operation
If manual adjustment of wing deck height is required, then height of cut can be adjusted, but the operator must stop each time to make adjustments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service height adjustment through automated control systems. The operator can adjust the height of cut using controls in the operator station, and the system automatically executes the adjustment without requiring the operator to stop the mower or manually reposition components. This maintains cutting height adaptability while eliminating operational interruptions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary control system between the operator and the wing deck height adjustment mechanism. This intermediary system processes operator inputs and automatically actuates the height adjustment, serving as a mediator that translates operator intent into automated physical adjustment, thereby reducing direct operator intervention and time loss
Data Source
AI summary
A flexible mower deck includes a center deck with a plurality of rotary cutting blades rotated by a belt engaging a driven pulley for each blade. A first wing deck and a second wing deck are pivotably attached to a first end and a second end of the center deck. Each of the wing decks are pivotable between a lowered mowing position and a raised transport position. A height of cut mechanism on each of the first and second wing decks raises and lowers the wing deck and includes a four bar caster wheel level mechanism holding a caster wheel sleeve in front of the wing deck in vertical alignment at any height of cut.