Grounds Maintenance Vehicle Implement Angle Adjustment Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Adjusting the angle of implements on maintenance vehicles, such as lawn mowers, is a cumbersome process often requiring multiple people and tools, and can be time-consuming, especially for optimizing performance and reducing power consumption.
Innovation Solution
A grounds maintenance vehicle with a manually engageable mechanism that allows for the adjustment of the implement angle by pivoting the first and second shafts in unison, using a link with adjustable length and pin openings to secure the desired angle, enabling single-person operation without auxiliary tools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional methods are used to adjust implement angle, then the implement angle can be adjusted, but the process requires multiple people and tools and takes significant time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple adjustment functions into a single integrated mechanism. The implement angle selection tool integrates both the manually engageable mechanism for changing elevation and the pin selection mechanism for fixing elevation, allowing one-person operation instead of requiring multiple people and separate tools.
Solution Approach 2:
The implement angle selection tool is designed to be self-contained and self-operating. The manually engageable mechanism allows the operator to independently change and fix the implement angle without external assistance or additional tools, making the system serve itself.
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional adjustment methods are used, then implement angle can be changed, but various tools are required
Solution Approach 1:
The implement angle selection tool is designed as a universal device that performs multiple functions: it can change the implement angle through the manually engageable mechanism and fix the angle through the pin selection mechanism. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate adjustment tools.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the angle-changing mechanism and angle-fixing mechanism into a single integrated tool, reducing the number of separate tools needed and simplifying the overall system while maintaining full adjustment capability.
3Ease of operation
If manual height adjustment is used, then the implement height can be adjusted, but the connection security relies on implement weight exerting force on the position fastener
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the passive mechanical system where implement weight secures the connection with an active locking system using pins that positively engage with selected positions. This substitution provides more reliable connection security while maintaining ease of adjustment.
Data Source
AI summary
A grounds maintenance vehicle having a vehicle frame is disclosed. An implement is coupled to the vehicle frame and has a first implement end and a second implement end. A height selection tool is configured to select one vertical position of a plurality of selectable vertical positions, where each vertical position limits a distance between the implement and the vehicle frame. An implement angle selection tool is configured to change the elevation of the first implement end relative to the second implement end and fix the elevation of the first implement end relative the second implement end. The implement angle selection tool has a manually engageable mechanism configured to change the elevation of the first implement end relative to the second implement end when the implement angle selection tool is disengaged.