Foot-Pedal Zero-Turn Mower Steering With Reduced Trip Hazard

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing zero turn riding lawnmowers require hand control for steering, limiting the user's ability to perform tasks that require both hands, and pose a trip hazard with existing foot control systems.

Innovation Solution

A zero turn riding lawnmower steering mechanism using flexible push/pull cable linkages connected to foot pedals, allowing steering solely via feet, with pedals mounted to rotate above the operator platform to minimize interference and reduce trip hazards.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If hand control is used for steering, then steering control is achieved, but both hands are occupied and cannot be used for other tasks

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesteering controlVSAvoidhands-free task performance

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the traditional hand-operated mechanical steering system with a foot-operated control system. The foot pedals are connected to the steering mechanism through cable linkages, allowing the operator to control the zero-turn riding lawnmower using only their feet, thereby freeing both hands for additional tasks such as edging or collecting debris.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Adaptability or versatility

If foot control system is implemented, then hands are freed for other tasks, but trip hazard is introduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehands-free task performanceVSAvoidtrip hazard

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent positions the foot pedals and cable linkages in the vertical dimension above the operator platform, rather than having them extend horizontally where they could create trip hazards. The cables are routed through guides and along the frame structure, keeping them elevated and out of the operator's path, thus eliminating the trip hazard while maintaining foot control functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If foot pedals are mounted above operator platform, then trip hazard is reduced, but linkage complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetrip hazard reductionVSAvoidlinkage configuration

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the cable linkage system into separate, modular segments for each foot pedal. Each pedal has its own independent cable linkage connected to the appropriate wheel drive mechanism. This segmentation simplifies the overall system by avoiding complex interconnections between pedals and allows for easier installation, adjustment, and maintenance of individual components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS12509151B1Zero turn riding mower steering mechanism

Publication Date: 2025.12.30 WOMACK II BERNARD ADOLPHUS

AI summary

A zero turn riding lawnmower mechanism for a zero turn riding lawnmower having a frame, motor, a hydrostatic drive, wheels, electronic steering actuator, operator platform includes a first foot pedal and a second pedal each of which is operably connected to either the a hydrostatic drive, a mechanical steering device or the electronic steering actuator by way of a flexible push/pull cable linkage, each of the first foot pedal and second foot pedal constructed to cause at least one wheel on a respective side the zero turn riding lawnmower to be powered in a forward direction or a reverse direction, wherein the zero turn riding lawnmower is steerable solely via each of the foot pedals.