Grounds Maintenance Implement Height Adjustment Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing grounds maintenance vehicles lack an efficient mechanism for adjusting the height of implements relative to the vehicle frame, which can lead to uneven cutting and increased effort during operation on uneven terrain.
Innovation Solution
A height selection tool comprising a first shaft pivotably coupled to the vehicle frame, a bell crank system, and a linkage mechanism that allows for manual adjustment of the implement's vertical position, with a locking mechanism to secure the selected height and a transport lock system for safe transport.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If manual height adjustment mechanism is added, then adaptability to terrain is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The implement height is made dynamically adjustable through a manual adjustment mechanism comprising a adjustment arm pivotally connected to the vehicle frame, allowing the implement to be positioned at multiple discrete heights to adapt to varying terrain conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The height adjustment system is segmented into discrete components including a adjustment arm, bell crank mechanism, and linkage system that work together to provide stepped height positions while maintaining structural simplicity
2Stability of the object's composition
If locking mechanism is added to secure height, then stability of implement position is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is designed to automatically engage and secure the implement at selected heights through the bell crank and linkage system, where the implement's own weight and position facilitate the locking action without requiring additional active components
Solution Approach 2:
The bell crank mechanism is pre-configured with linkage arms that automatically engage at specific angular positions to lock the implement height before operational use begins
3Reliability
If transport lock system is added, then safety during transport is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The transport lock function is merged with the existing height adjustment mechanism, where the bell crank and linkage system serve dual purposes: adjusting operating height and securing the implement in a raised transport position
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 precise adjustment of the implement's height to accommodate varying terrain, reducing effort and ensuring consistent cutting performance while allowing safe transport by locking the implement at a maximum vertical position.
Implementation Method 1
A first spring has a first end fixed to the vehicle frame and a second end fixed to the first rigid linkage
Implementation Method 2
The first bell crank defines a first implement arm extending radially outward from the first shaft and a first linkage arm extending radially outward from the first shaft
Implementation Method 3
The implement hangs from the first and second implement arms under the force of gravity
Data Source
AI summary
A grounds maintenance vehicle has an implement coupled to a vehicle frame. Some aspects relate to a height selection tool configured to change a vertical position of the implement relative to the frame. The height selection tool has a first pivotable shaft, a first bell crank rigidly coupled to the first shaft, a second bell crank pivotably coupled to the frame, and a first rigid linkage coupling the first bell crank and the second bell crank. A first spring has a first end fixed to the frame and a second end fixed to the first rigid linkage. Other aspects relate to a height selection tool that has a latch and a latch release. Yet other aspects relate to a bracket that pivotably couples two shafts to the vehicle frame, where the bracket allows pivoting of each of the shafts and fixes the locations of the shafts relative to each other.