Folding Rider Platform Suspension for Compact, Stable ZTR Mowers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Stand-on zero-turn-radius (ZTR) riding mowers face issues with platform stability and comfort due to fixed platforms that increase the mower's length and footprint, and can transmit jarring vibrations to the operator, leading to fatigue.
Innovation Solution
A folding rider platform system with a suspension system that includes a resilient member to dampen platform movement and an adjustable position to tune the dampening effect, along with an operator presence sensor to ensure safety systems are activated appropriately.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a fixed platform is used in stand-on ZTR mowers, then the platform structure is simple and stable, but the overall length and footprint of the mower increase
Solution Approach 1:
The platform is designed to be movable between a horizontal riding position and a vertical transport position, transforming the static fixed platform into a dynamic adjustable structure. This allows the platform to extend horizontally during operation for stability and fold vertically during transport to reduce footprint, resolving the contradiction between structural simplicity and compact size.
Solution Approach 2:
The platform transitions from a two-dimensional horizontal surface to a three-dimensional folded structure by rotating about a transverse axis. This dimensional transformation enables the platform to maintain its functional area during operation while minimizing the mower's overall length during transport, addressing the length footprint issue.
2Device complexity
If a fixed platform is used in stand-on ZTR mowers, then the platform structure is simple, but vibrations and jarring are transmitted to the operator
Solution Approach 1:
A resilient member is introduced as an intermediary element between the platform and the mower frame. This resilient member acts as a vibration isolator, absorbing and dampening vibrations and jarring forces transmitted from the mower to the platform and operator, thereby reducing harmful vibrations while maintaining structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient member is pre-installed between the platform and frame to provide cushioning before vibrations occur. This beforehand cushioning prepares the system to absorb and dampen vibrations and jarring forces, protecting the operator from harmful vibrations while keeping the platform structure simple.
3Length of moving object
If a folding platform is used in stand-on ZTR mowers, then the mower footprint is reduced, but the platform becomes susceptible to movement over uneven terrain
Solution Approach 1:
The resilient member serves as a mediator that connects the folding platform to the mower frame, providing both vibration dampening and stability. This intermediary element allows the platform to fold for compact storage while maintaining stability during operation by absorbing terrain-induced movements and preventing excessive platform motion over uneven ground.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the mechanical parameters of the platform connection by introducing a resilient member with specific damping characteristics. This parameter change allows the platform to maintain stability during operation while enabling folding capability, resolving the contradiction between reduced footprint and maintained stability.
4Length of moving object
If a folding platform is used in stand-on ZTR mowers, then the mower footprint is reduced, but it becomes difficult to sense operator presence
Solution Approach 1:
The folding platform's movement itself serves as the detection mechanism for operator presence. When the operator steps onto the platform, their weight causes the platform to move or the resilient member to compress, which automatically triggers the safety system. This self-service approach eliminates the need for separate sensors while maintaining the folding platform's compact footprint advantage.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback from the platform's mechanical state (position, movement, or resilient member compression) to detect operator presence. This feedback mechanism allows the safety system to respond automatically based on platform conditions, making operator presence detection easier while preserving the benefits of the folding platform design.
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 solution enhances operator comfort by reducing vibrations and jarring, while maintaining platform stability and safety through effective dampening and presence sensing, thus improving overall mowing experience.
Implementation Method 1
a resilient member adapted to engage with the folding platform while the folding platform is in the folded-down position to dampen movement of the folding platform
Data Source
AI summary
A mower system that includes a stand-on rider platform system that includes a folding rider platform pivotally coupled to the mower frame and a folding rider platform suspension system that includes a resilient member adapted to be compressed between the folding rider platform and a member of the mower system.