Independent Front Suspension for Consistent Mower Deck Height

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional lawn mowers experience uneven cutting, driver discomfort, and increased wear due to inadequate suspension systems that fail to absorb shocks and maintain wheel contact with the ground, especially when traversing uneven terrain.

Innovation Solution

An independent suspension system for outdoor power equipment featuring a frame with laterally-extending suspension arm pairs that allow each wheel assembly to vertically displace relative to the frame, minimizing chassis rolling and maintaining consistent cutter deck height.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a ground-following deck with caster wheels is used, then the deck follows terrain contours, but the blade sculps the surface and produces uneven cuts on severe terrain

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveterrain following capabilityVSAvoidcutting height consistency

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The front wheel assembly is separated from the main frame through an independent suspension system with pivotable connection, allowing each wheel to independently adapt to terrain variations while maintaining consistent cutter deck height through the suspension's shock-absorbing capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The suspension system enables dynamic adjustment of wheel position relative to the frame through pivotable connections and spring elements, allowing the wheel assembly to automatically adapt to uneven terrain while maintaining stable cutting height

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Object-affected harmful factors

If a floating deck suspended by chains or links is used, then the deck avoids ground contact, but the cutter deck height varies widely and produces unequal cut height

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveground contact avoidanceVSAvoidcutter deck height consistency

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The floating deck is replaced with a ground-following wheel assembly connected to the frame through an independent suspension system that dynamically adjusts wheel position to maintain consistent cutting height while avoiding excessive ground contact

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The suspension system changes the physical state of wheel-to-frame connection from rigid to compliant through spring elements and pivotable joints, enabling automatic height adjustment to maintain consistent cutting depth across varying terrain

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Device complexity

If front wheels are rigidly attached to the frame or connected to a common axle, then the structure is simple, but the frame experiences significant upward and downward movement on uneven terrain

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewheel attachment simplicityVSAvoidframe vertical stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The front wheel assembly is segmented from the main frame through an independent suspension system, allowing each wheel to independently absorb terrain shocks while maintaining overall frame stability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A pivotable connection with spring elements acts as an intermediary between the wheel assembly and frame, absorbing vertical movements and vibrations while maintaining stable frame position and improving ride quality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Stability of the object's composition

If spring suspension systems are used to reduce vertical frame motion, then traction is improved, but the frame rolls relative to the cutting surface during sharp turns or on steep hillsides

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevertical frame stabilityVSAvoidframe rolling on slopes

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The suspension system is segmented into independent wheel assemblies with pivotable connections, allowing each wheel to independently handle vertical movements while the cutter deck remains stabilized through separate height control mechanisms

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The pivotable suspension arms dynamically adjust wheel position to absorb vertical shocks while maintaining lateral stability, preventing frame rolling during turns or on slopes by decoupling vertical and lateral motion control

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS12370849B2Outdoor power equipment suspension system

Publication Date: 2025.07.29 BRIGGS & STRATTON CORP

AI summary

A front independent suspension assembly for outdoor power equipment includes a first joint, a first wheel coupled to the joint, a first longitudinal arm pivotably coupled to the joint, a first lateral arm pivotably coupled to the joint, and a second lateral arm pivotably coupled to the joint. The second lateral suspension arranged substantially parallel to the first lateral suspension arm. The pivotal coupling between the joint and each of the first longitudinal arm, the first lateral arm, and the second lateral arm enables the first wheel to independently displace about a vertical axis.