Greensroller Eccentric Weight Vibration Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vibratory roller units used in greensrollers on golf courses face variability in vibratory force due to differences in hydraulic motor speed, which is operator-dependent and affects consistent ball roll distance and turf conditions, necessitating a mechanism for reproducible control of vibration amplitude independent of ground speed and engine speed.
Innovation Solution
A vibratory roller unit with a rotatable outboard eccentric weight system that adjusts the centrifugal force amplitude by positioning outboard eccentric weights relative to fixed inboard weights, allowing for variable vibration control through a spring-biased detent mechanism, enabling precise adjustment of vibratory force in a stepped manner.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the speed of the hydraulic motors is varied to control vibratory force, then the vibratory force can be adjusted, but the consistency and reliability of the vibratory force deteriorates due to operator dependency and motor variability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the eccentric weight position adjustable rather than fixed. The outboard eccentric weight can be rotated to different angular positions relative to the inboard eccentric weight, allowing the vibratory force amplitude to be dynamically changed. This provides reliable control independent of motor speed variations, as the vibration amplitude is directly controlled by the mechanical positioning of the eccentric weights.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the ground speed of the mower is varied to achieve different vibratory forces, then vibratory force can be controlled, but the operator skill dependency increases and reproducibility decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by providing a mechanical adjustment mechanism that allows the eccentric weight position parameter to be changed directly. The outboard eccentric weight can be rotated to specific angular positions (e.g., 0°, 45°, 90°, 135°, 180°) relative to the inboard eccentric weight, which directly changes the vibratory force amplitude parameter. This eliminates the need for operators to skillfully manage ground speed or engine RPM to achieve desired vibratory forces.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the engine speed (RPMs) is changed to affect hydraulic pressure and motor speed, then vibratory force can be adjusted, but the system complexity and operator control burden increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the extraction principle by separating the vibratory force control function from the engine-hydraulic-motor control chain. Instead of controlling vibration through the complex engine-RPM-hydraulic-pressure-motor-speed pathway, the invention extracts the control function and implements it directly at the vibration source through mechanical adjustment of eccentric weight positions. This simplifies the overall control system and eliminates the need for operators to manage multiple interdependent parameters.
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
Provides consistent and controlled vibratory force application, reducing operator dependency and allowing for tailored turf management based on specific conditions, such as turf height and moisture levels, while maintaining efficient operation of the greensroller.
Implementation Method 1
Inboard and outboard eccentric weights are mounted on the shaft. The inboard eccentric weights are fixed and the outboard eccentric weights are rotatable about the shaft with respect to the fixed inboard eccentric weights. By changing the position of the outboard eccentric weights with respect to the inboard eccentric weights, the centrifugal force may be varied in amplitude between a maximum and minimum.
Data Source
AI summary
A vibratory roller unit with a framework having a rotating shaft and a drum. The shaft has a fixed inboard eccentric weight and an outboard eccentric weight rotatable with respect to the fixed inboard eccentric weight for varying the amplitude of the vibrations on the drum. A powered lawn mower of the type adapted for mowing greens on golf courses and having a powered vertically adjustable reel cutting unit is converted into a greensroller when a vibratory roller unit is substituted for each reel cutting unit.