Riding Lawn Engine Speed Control Module with Programmable Modes

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Solution Overview

Problem

Riding lawn equipment lacks a customizable engine speed control module that allows operators to tailor engine speeds based on specific applications, terrain, and turf thickness, limiting adaptability and efficiency.

Innovation Solution

A user-programmable engine speed control module with mode buttons and a programmable memory that allows operators to select and store engine speeds within defined ranges for different operating modes, enabling customization and adaptation to varying conditions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If electronic control units hold engine speed constant under varying loads, then engine performance is optimized for specific conditions, but adaptability to different terrain and turf thickness is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveengine performance consistencyVSAvoidadaptability to terrain and turf conditions

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts engine speed by providing multiple programmable speed settings (first, second, and third preset speeds) that can be selected based on operating conditions such as terrain and turf thickness, transforming the static constant-speed control into a dynamic adaptable system

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the engine speed parameter by allowing operators to program and select from multiple discrete speed values, enabling the engine to operate at different speeds appropriate for varying loads, terrain, and turf conditions rather than maintaining a single constant speed

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If discrete engine speed settings are provided, then adaptability to different conditions is improved, but operator customization capability is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to operating conditionsVSAvoidoperator customization capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system allows operators to pre-program custom engine speed values into the control unit before operation, storing these personalized settings for later recall and use, thereby enhancing customization capability ahead of time

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Ease of operation

If multiple programmable speed settings are allowed, then operator customization is enhanced, but control module complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperator customization capabilityVSAvoidcontrol module complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control unit automatically manages the programming and storage of multiple speed settings through its memory system, allowing operators to input and save custom speeds without requiring complex manual adjustments or external programming equipment, thereby reducing operational complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP3715167B1Riding lawn equipment engine speed control module

Publication Date: 2022.04.20 DEERE & CO

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AI summary

A riding lawn equipment engine speed control module has user actuated buttons that may be used to select from a plurality of operating modes, each mode having a different nonoverlapping range of engine speeds; specify an engine speed within each mode; and continuously increase or decrease engine speed within each mode.