Ice Dispensing Mower Deck Cleaning System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Lawn mower decks accumulate debris and clippings, leading to reduced performance and potential damage if not cleaned regularly, and existing cleaning methods require separate processes and manual handling, which are time-consuming and inconvenient.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that uses ice introduced into the mower deck while the blade is spinning, where the ice is pulverized and acts as a lubricant and abrasive to dislodge debris, utilizing an elongated conduit and ice hopper to facilitate cleaning without manual tools or pressure washers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional cleaning methods (brushes, water hoses) are used to clean the mower deck, then the mower deck can be cleaned effectively, but it requires a separate cleaning process after mowing, adding time to the mowing activity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the cleaning function with the mowing operation by introducing an ice dispensing system that delivers ice into the mower deck during blade operation. The spinning blade pulverizes the ice and throws it against the deck interior surfaces, enabling cleaning to occur simultaneously with mowing rather than as a separate post-mowing task.
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning action continues throughout the mowing operation by continuously dispensing ice into the rotating blade path. The blade constantly pulverizes and redistributes the ice against all interior surfaces, maintaining continuous cleaning action without interruption or additional time requirements.
2Loss of time
If ice is introduced into the mower deck to clean the interior surfaces, then cleaning can occur during operation reducing time spent, but the system requires additional components (conduit, hopper, dispenser)
Solution Approach 1:
The ice dispensing system serves multiple functions: it provides cleaning action through ice pulverization, delivers lubrication through the resulting water, and can be integrated with existing mower components. The conduit system can utilize existing openings in the mower deck, and the hopper can be positioned to leverage existing structural elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The spinning mower blade itself performs the cleaning function by pulverizing the ice and throwing it against the deck interior surfaces. The blade's existing rotational motion and kinetic energy are harnessed for cleaning without requiring separate cleaning mechanisms or additional power sources.
3Ease of manufacture
If manual cleaning tools or pressure washers are used, then debris can be removed from the mower deck, but it requires user handling and separate cleaning processes
Solution Approach 1:
The system eliminates manual cleaning operations by using the ice dispensing mechanism combined with the spinning blade to automatically clean the deck interior. The user simply operates the ice dispenser, and the blade's rotation handles all cleaning actions including pulverizing ice, throwing it against surfaces, and flushing debris through the collection bag.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical cleaning tools (brushes, scrapers) and pressure washers with a mechanical system using the mower's own spinning blade. The blade's rotational kinetic energy substitutes for external cleaning equipment, pulverizing ice and propelling it against deck surfaces to achieve cleaning without user handling of cleaning tools.
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 efficient cleaning of mower deck interiors during operation, reducing downtime and manual effort, effectively removing debris and preventing corrosion, suitable for various mower types and other rotary machinery.
Implementation Method 1
the mower blade pulverizes the ice and accelerates liquid and solid portions thereof against the interior surfaces of the mower deck to clean the same
Implementation Method 2
the liquid and solid portions act as both a lubricant and abrasive to dislodge ice and clean the interior surface of the mower deck
Implementation Method 3
the liquid and solid portions act as both a lubricant and abrasive to dislodge ice and clean the interior surface of the mower deck
Implementation Method 4
the liquid and solid portions act as both a lubricant and abrasive to dislodge ice and clean the interior surface of the mower deck
Data Source
AI summary
A lawn mower deck cleaning apparatus and method are disclosed. The cleaning apparatus has a gravity-fed dispenser assembly that delivers ice discretely through an aperture in the lawn mower deck. The ice impacts the lawn mower blade and a plurality of slingers, which pulverize the ice, causing it to ricochet against the interior surfaces of the lawn mower deck, thereby removing debris.