Hinged Towed Wheel Mount for Ground Tracking and Barrier Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Towed apparatuses, such as mowers, face challenges in tracking ground undulations when wheels are positioned behind the body, leading to inaccurate cutting and increased forces on the towing connection, while side-mounted wheels struggle with navigating around solid barriers.
Innovation Solution
A hinged wheel mounting system that allows wheels to move from a side position to a rear position, enabling accurate tracking of undulations and easy navigation around barriers, with a securing structure for firm positioning and rapid configuration changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If wheels are positioned at the sides of the apparatus, then the apparatus tracks ground undulations with great accuracy, but the apparatus cannot operate close to solid barriers such as curbs, trees, or fences
Solution Approach 1:
The wheel mounting member is designed to be movable between a first position (behind the body) and a second position (at the side of the body). This dynamic reconfiguration allows the apparatus to switch between tracking mode (second position) and barrier operation mode (first position), resolving the contradiction between tracking accuracy and operational flexibility.
2Adaptability or versatility
If wheels are located behind the body of the apparatus, then the apparatus can operate adjacent to solid barriers, but the apparatus no longer tracks undulations in the surface with desired accuracy and large forces are placed on the towing connection
Solution Approach 1:
The movable mounting member enables dynamic repositioning of wheels between first position (for barrier operation) and second position (for accurate tracking). This resolves the contradiction by allowing the user to select the appropriate wheel position based on operational requirements, maintaining both barrier accessibility and tracking accuracy.
3Adaptability or versatility
If wheels are located behind the body of the apparatus, then the apparatus can operate adjacent to solid barriers, but large forces are placed on the towing connection between the apparatus and the towing vehicle
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus allows dynamic repositioning of wheels between first position (behind body) and second position (at side). When operating near barriers, wheels are in first position; when tracking is needed, wheels move to second position. This dynamic adjustment reduces excessive forces on the towing connection by optimizing wheel position for each operational condition.
4Productivity
If a hinged mounting member is used to move wheels between positions, then rapid configuration changes are enabled, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting member incorporates a hinge mechanism that enables rapid, tool-free repositioning of wheels between first and second positions. This dynamic feature allows quick configuration changes during operation, improving productivity despite the added mechanical complexity of the hinged mounting structure.
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
Enables rapid and secure repositioning of wheels between tracking and barrier-navigating configurations, improving operational efficiency and accuracy in mowing tasks.
Implementation Method 1
the mounting member comprises a hinge portion, and wherein the wheel is movable from a first position substantially behind the body portion to a second position substantially adjacent to the body portion via actuation of the hinge portion
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to an apparatus for towing behind a vehicle, the apparatus comprising a body portion, a wheel, and a mounting member connecting the wheel to the body portion, wherein the mounting member comprises a hinge portion, and wherein the wheel is movable from a first position substantially behind the body portion to a second position substantially adjacent to the body portion via actuation of the hinge portion. Use of the apparatus is also described.