Grounds Maintenance Implement Height Adjustment Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing maintenance vehicles require manual adjustment of the implement height, which can be challenging due to the implement's weight and shape, necessitating the use of both hands to lift and position, and one hand to release and engage the position fastener, posing difficulties for users.
Innovation Solution
A grounds maintenance vehicle with a height adjustment column and a support mechanism that allows vertical translation of the implement relative to the vehicle frame, featuring a height selection tool and a horizontally pivotable latch to prevent weight-induced forces, enabling single-handed adjustment and engagement of height settings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual height adjustment is used with a position fastener, then the implement height can be adjusted, but the user must use both hands to lift and position the implement while manipulating the fastener, making the operation difficult
Solution Approach 1:
A support mechanism acts as an intermediary between the implement and the user. This support mechanism temporarily bears the weight of the implement during adjustment, freeing the user's hands to manipulate the position fastener without struggling to hold the implement. The intermediary device resolves the conflict between ease of operation and device complexity by adding a simple support function that greatly simplifies the adjustment process.
Solution Approach 2:
The support mechanism is engaged before the height adjustment process to preliminarily support the implement weight. By preparing the support structure in advance, the system eliminates the need for the user to simultaneously support the implement and manipulate the fastener, making the subsequent adjustment operation much easier and safer.
2Ease of operation
If the implement weight is supported by the user during adjustment, then height can be changed, but users find it difficult to maintain or change position with one hand while manipulating the fastener with the other
Solution Approach 1:
The support mechanism serves as a mediator that takes over the force requirement of supporting the implement weight. Instead of the user exerting force to hold and position the heavy implement, the support structure provides this function, allowing the user to easily manipulate the position fastener with one hand while the other hand can lightly guide the implement without straining.
3Reliability
If the position fastener is manually released and engaged, then the implement height is secured, but the process is time-consuming and challenging due to the need for coordinated hand movements
Solution Approach 1:
The support mechanism enables a self-service adjustment process where the system itself manages the weight support during fastener manipulation. The implement's weight automatically transfers to the support structure when engaged, and the user simply needs to manipulate the fastener without coordinating complex hand movements to balance the implement. This self-supporting feature reduces adjustment time and improves reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
A grounds maintenance vehicle has a vehicle frame defining a column opening having a first end and a second end. An implement is coupled to the vehicle frame. A height adjustment column has a base and distal end, where the base is fixed to the implement. The distal end of the height adjustment column extends through the column opening from the first end beyond the second end. The height adjustment column defines a first locking structure and a plurality of height setting locations. A height selection tool is couplable to the height adjustment column and is translatable to each of the plurality of height setting locations. A second locking structure is coupled to the vehicle frame, where the second locking structure is configured to releasably engage the first locking structure such that the plurality of height setting locations are positioned beyond the second end of the column opening.