Greensmower Clean-Up Pass Speed Control for Precise Perimeter Cutting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Triplex greensmowers face challenges in providing a precise cut, reducing variability, and simplifying operator tasks during the clean-up pass of mowing golf greens, while maintaining reduced ground pressure and compaction around the perimeter.

Innovation Solution

A riding greensmower clean-up pass speed control system that allows operators to set and maintain a reduced maximum speed for precise cutting, using a vehicle controller to manage traction and mowing circuits, with passcode protection and automatic reversion to normal speed when cutting units are raised or mowing is stopped.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the riding greensmower operates at maximum speed to increase productivity, then the mowing efficiency is improved, but the cut precision and consistency deteriorate during clean-up passes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemowing efficiencyVSAvoidcut precision
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts the operating speed of the greensmower based on the mowing mode. During clean-up passes, the speed is automatically reduced to optimize cut precision, while during standard mowing passes, the speed remains at maximum to maintain productivity. This dynamic speed adjustment resolves the contradiction by allowing the system to optimize for precision when needed and for productivity when not critical.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Manufacturing precision

If the riding greensmower maintains reduced speed during clean-up pass to improve cut precision, then the manufacturing precision is improved, but the productivity decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecut precisionVSAvoidmowing efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The speed reduction is applied locally only during clean-up passes around the perimeter of the green, rather than during all mowing operations. The system automatically detects when a clean-up pass is being performed and adjusts speed accordingly, maintaining maximum speed during standard mowing passes. This localized application of speed control preserves overall productivity while achieving precision where it is most critical.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Manufacturing precision

If the operator manually controls speed during clean-up pass to achieve precise cut, then the cut precision is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to increased operator tasks

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecut precisionVSAvoidoperator task complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically detects when a clean-up pass is being performed and autonomously adjusts the operating speed without requiring manual operator intervention. The automatic detection and control system eliminates the need for the operator to continuously monitor and adjust speed, thereby maintaining cut precision while significantly reducing operator task complexity and improving ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

4Object-affected harmful factors

If the riding greensmower uses offset reel arrangement to reduce ground pressure during clean-up pass, then the ground compaction is reduced, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveground compactionVSAvoidreel arrangement complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system reduces ground compaction by changing the operating parameter (speed) during clean-up passes rather than by physically reconfiguring the reel arrangement. By automatically detecting clean-up passes and reducing speed, the system achieves the benefit of reduced ground pressure without the complexity of offset reel mechanisms, maintaining a simpler overall device architecture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP3884755B1Riding greensmower clean-up pass speed control system
Publication Date: 2026.04.15 DEERE & CO
  • EP3884755B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3884755B1 patent drawingFigure 2~4
  • EP3884755B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

A riding greensmower (102) clean-up pass speed control system reduces the maximum ground speed if a clean-up pass control is actuated. The reduced maximum ground speed is adjustable using a display (132). The maximum ground speed is increased to the previous ground speed each time the plurality of grass cutting reels are raised after the clean-up pass.