Triplex Greensmower Lift System Pendulum Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Triplex greensmowers often leave marks or step cuts on turf due to uneven load distribution and pendulum effect of reel cutting units, and lack easy access for service and grass catcher replacement.
Innovation Solution
A lift system with a lower lift arm pivotably mounted on a horizontal axis, an upper lift arm perpendicular to it, a yoke mount connected to the reel cutting unit, and a lifter support with a retractable lift cylinder to distribute load evenly and reduce swinging, along with an open foot platform for improved access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the reel cutting unit is lowered to the mowing position with front and rear rollers parallel to the ground, then the load is distributed evenly, but the impact of each reel cutting unit increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lift system is designed to lower the reel cutting unit gradually and control the descent speed, cushioning the impact before the rollers contact the ground. This prevents sudden shock loads while maintaining even weight distribution for quality cuts.
Solution Approach 2:
The dual-arm lift mechanism with hydraulic actuation provides counterbalancing forces that offset the weight of the reel cutting unit during lowering, reducing the impact force on the turf while maintaining controlled, even distribution of load.
2Productivity
If the reel cutting unit is raised to the transport position, then the mowing operation is completed, but the pendulum effect causes the reel cutting unit to swing from the lift arms
Solution Approach 1:
The lift arms are positioned asymmetrically relative to the reel cutting unit's center of gravity, with the pivot points and hydraulic cylinder placement designed to create a stable triangular support structure that prevents pendulum swinging during transport.
Solution Approach 2:
The reel cutting unit is leveled and positioned correctly before being raised to the transport position. The lift system ensures the unit is properly aligned and stabilized in the elevated position, preventing subsequent swinging or pendulum effects during transport.
3Device complexity
If the center or rear reel cutting unit is positioned under the vehicle frame and operator station, then the triplex greensmower structure is compact, but the access for service and grass catcher replacement is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The center reel cutting unit is mounted on a movable lift arm that can be raised hydraulically from the compact position under the frame to a serviceable position. This dynamic positioning allows the unit to be easily accessed for maintenance while maintaining structural compactness during transport.
Solution Approach 2:
The lift system divides the reel cutting unit support into separate, independently controllable segments. The center reel can be raised and lowered independently on its own lift arm, allowing operators to access it for service without moving the entire greensmower, thus maintaining compactness while improving accessibility.
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
The lift system reduces the occurrence of marks and step cuts by distributing load evenly and eliminating the pendulum effect, while the open foot platform enhances serviceability and grass catcher management.
Implementation Method 1
a lift cylinder extending between the frame member and the lifter support that is retractable to pivot up the lifter support
Implementation Method 2
a lower lift arm pivotably mounted on a first horizontal axis to a frame member of a triplex greensmower, an upper lift arm pivotably mounted to the lower lift arm on a second horizontal axis
Data Source
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AI summary
A triplex greensmower lift system includes a yoke mount attached to a reel cutting unit forwardly and below a center of gravity of the reel cutting unit, an upper lift arm attached to the yoke mount and extending rearwardly behind the reel cutting unit to a horizontal pivot axis on a lower lift arm located at a height between a top of the reel cutting unit and the center of gravity of the reel cutting unit, and a spring connected to the upper lift arm and biasing the upper lift arm upwardly and rearwardly to reduce ground pressure on the reel cutting unit.