Grass Cutting Machine Stability via Inclinometer-Controlled Differential Lifting

Solution Overview

Problem

Ride-on grass cutting machines face stability issues on undulating ground, as operators may ignore warnings from inclinometers, leading to potential instability and safety risks.

Innovation Solution

A machine with ground engaging wheels, inclinometers, and a controller that automatically lifts specific cutting units when an inclination threshold is exceeded, shifting weight from the ground to the chassis to enhance stability without operator intervention, using differential lifting strategies based on measured inclines.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the machine operates on undulating ground with ground engaging cutting units, then the cutting units can maintain ground contact for effective cutting, but the machine stability deteriorates on inclines

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecutting effectivenessVSAvoidmachine stability

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The cutting units are made dynamically adjustable through automated lifting and lowering mechanisms controlled by inclinometers and controllers. The system continuously monitors ground inclination and automatically adjusts cutting unit positions to maintain both ground contact for cutting effectiveness and optimal weight distribution for stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The machine performs self-adjustment through automated control systems that monitor inclination and independently adjust cutting unit positions without operator intervention. The controller automatically activates hydraulic or mechanical lifting mechanisms when inclination thresholds are exceeded, enabling the machine to self-correct stability issues.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Loss of information

If warning systems are provided to alert operators of inclination thresholds, then operator awareness is improved, but operator reliability deteriorates due to potential ignoring of warnings

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperator awarenessVSAvoidoperator response reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The machine performs self-adjustment through automated control systems that monitor inclination and independently adjust cutting unit positions without operator intervention. The controller automatically activates hydraulic or mechanical lifting mechanisms when inclination thresholds are exceeded, enabling the machine to self-correct stability issues.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements closed-loop feedback through inclinometers that continuously monitor ground inclination and provide real-time data to the controller. The controller processes this feedback and automatically adjusts cutting unit positions, creating a self-regulating system that responds to inclination changes without relying on operator attention or action.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Stability of the object's composition

If cutting units are lifted to improve stability, then machine stability is improved, but cutting capability deteriorates due to loss of ground contact

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemachine stabilityVSAvoidcutting capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The cutting units are made dynamically adjustable through automated lifting and lowering mechanisms controlled by inclinometers and controllers. The system continuously monitors ground inclination and automatically adjusts cutting unit positions to maintain both ground contact for cutting effectiveness and optimal weight distribution for stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system applies partial lifting action by elevating cutting units only to the extent necessary to improve stability on inclines, rather than complete retraction. The automated control system modulates the lifting mechanism to provide just enough elevation to shift weight distribution and improve stability while maintaining sufficient ground contact to preserve cutting capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

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

Improves machine stability on inclines by adjusting the weight distribution, reducing the risk of toppling and enhancing safety by automating the lifting process, thus ensuring stability without relying on operator response.

Implementation Method 1

an inclinometer adapted to monitor an inclination of the chassis in the first direction with respect to the horizontal

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGravitation: Gravitation

Data Source

PatentUS9002592B2Machine with ground working elements providing improved stability

Publication Date: 2015.04.07 RANSOMES JACOBSEN

AI summary

A grass cutting machine with two cutting units mounted on opposite sides of the chassis has an inclinometer monitoring the left/right inclination of the chassis. If the inclination value exceeds a defined threshold, the higher of the two cutting units is lifted to improve stability.