Walk-Behind Greens Mower Speed Control and Battery Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electric walk behind greens mowers face challenges such as sudden forward movement when starting, limited range due to inefficient battery power management, and the need for manual adjustments during turns, which can be difficult for operators without experience.
Innovation Solution
An electric walk behind greens mower with an electronic control unit that manages the electric traction and reel motors to reduce speed during turns, includes a battery management system for efficient power usage, and features like safe start and automatic slow down systems to prevent sudden movement and conserve battery power.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the electric traction motor is activated without speed control, then the mower can start moving, but it causes sudden forward movement that is unsafe for operators
Solution Approach 1:
The electronic control unit performs preliminary speed limitation before full power delivery. When the key switch transitions to the run position, the ECU automatically limits the traction motor speed to a predetermined safe level, preventing sudden forward movement before the operator can control the speed lever.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors the actual traction motor speed and compares it with the speed lever position. The ECU adjusts motor power delivery based on feedback from the speed sensor, ensuring the motor operates at safe speeds during startup and transitions smoothly when the operator adjusts the speed lever.
2Power
If the battery power is used continuously at full capacity, then the motors can operate at full power, but the mower's operating range is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts battery power delivery based on actual operating conditions. The ECU monitors the position of the speed lever and automatically adjusts motor power output to match the operator's intended speed, preventing unnecessary full-power operation and conserving battery energy for extended range.
Solution Approach 2:
The electronic control unit changes the operational parameters of the motors based on the speed lever position and actual speed feedback. By adjusting motor power delivery as a variable parameter rather than maintaining constant full power, the system extends battery operating range while maintaining the capability for full power when needed.
3Adaptability or versatility
If manual speed adjustments are required during turns, then the mower can navigate turns, but it requires operator experience and skill
Solution Approach 1:
The electronic control unit automatically performs speed adjustments during turns without requiring manual intervention. The system monitors speed lever position and automatically reduces motor power during turning maneuvers, then restores normal power when the turn is complete, eliminating the need for experienced operators to manually adjust speed during turns.
Data Source
AI summary
An electric walk behind greens mower includes an electric reel motor rotating a cutting reel; an electric traction motor rotating at least one traction drive roller; and an electronic control unit commanding the electric traction motor and the electric reel motor to rotate at reduced speeds during a turn if an electronic signal indicates a deviation from a normal walk speed. The electric walk behind greens mower also may include a battery management system that activates a low voltage power supply if a key switch is turned from the off position to the run position, and that provides a start signal to an electronic control unit if the key switch is momentarily turned from the run position to the start position whereby the electronic control unit activates a high voltage power supply to the electric reel motor and the electric traction motor.