Hover Mower with Integrated Strimmer and Air Cushion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current gardening tools require multiple devices for mowing and trimming, which are time-consuming, tedious, especially for the elderly, and pose safety risks due to power supply limitations and equipment handling challenges.
Innovation Solution
A single gardening apparatus combining a mower and trimmer with a hover mechanism, powered by a single source, featuring adjustable blades and strimmers for efficient cutting and collection, with safety features like a spring-loaded lever and removable components for easy maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple tools (mower, trimmer, rack) are used for lawn maintenance, then cutting functionality is comprehensive, but the process becomes time-consuming and tedious
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines a mower, trimmer, and clipping collection rack into a single integrated apparatus. The mower blades and trimmer blades are mounted on the same housing, allowing both cutting functions to be performed simultaneously or sequentially without switching tools. The rack is integrated into the housing to collect clippings from both cutting operations, eliminating the need for separate collection equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The single apparatus performs multiple functions: the mower blades cut large areas, the trimmer blades cut edges and small areas, and the rack collects clippings from both operations. This multi-functional design allows one device to replace traditionally separate tools, reducing the number of equipment pieces the user must transport and operate.
2Productivity
If multiple power-powered devices are used, then cutting capability is enhanced, but safety risks increase due to power cable hazards
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates both the mower and trimmer into a single apparatus powered by one power source. This eliminates the need for multiple power cables that could become entangled or damaged. The unified power connection reduces the risk of exposed wires and cable-related hazards while maintaining the cutting capability of both blade systems.
3Stability of the object's composition
If traditional wheeled mowers are used, then stability is provided, but the wheels damage the mowed surfaces by pulling up mud and dirt
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional wheeled support system with a hover mechanism. The apparatus is supported by a cushion of air generated by the rotating mower blades, which lifts the housing off the ground. This eliminates mechanical contact between wheels and the mowed surface, preventing wheel-induced damage to grass, mud, and dirt while maintaining stability through aerodynamic lift.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the apparatus is designed with multiple components, then functionality is comprehensive, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the trimmer blades and rack within the housing structure of the mower. The trimmer blades are mounted on the housing in a manner that nests them within the overall apparatus footprint. The rack is also integrated into the housing, allowing clippings from both mower and trimmer to be collected in a unified system. This nesting approach reduces the overall complexity compared to having separate standalone devices.
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 apparatus simplifies lawn maintenance by eliminating the need for multiple tools, enhances safety through reduced power cord risks, and facilitates easy maneuverability and clipping collection, making the process more efficient and accessible.
Implementation Method 1
the movements of the mower blades form an air cushion/bed under the housing. This air bed can thereby raise the apparatus a small distance, such as 5 to 10 millimetres. Once risen, the gardening apparatus can glide over the surface of the lawn, riding the air bed under the housing
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention provides a gardening apparatus comprising: a housing containing a mower apparatus, and at least one strimmer 30 positioned at a point along the circumference of the mower apparatus; the mower apparatus comprises one or more mower blades coupled to a shaft to form a rotor for rotating the blades to mow; wherein the apparatus is configured so that, in use, the movements of the blades of the mower apparatus form an air cushion/bed under the housing 10, upon which the gardening apparatus can glide. The invention provides a more versatile and efficient gardening apparatus.