Movable Baffle Plate Actuator for Lawn Mower Discharge Path Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Lawn mowers lack an effective mechanism to control the discharge of cut vegetation, leading to potential mess and difficulty in directing it away from undesired areas, and existing solutions do not provide efficient actuation for adjusting the discharge path.
Innovation Solution
A discharge baffle assembly with a movable baffle plate and actuator that can be operated by the operator to control the flow of cut vegetation, allowing it to be directed either into or away from the cutting deck pan, and an adjustable discharge chute for enhanced maneuverability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed discharge baffle is used, then the structure is simple, but the discharge path cannot be adjusted to avoid undesirable areas
Solution Approach 1:
The discharge baffle is designed with movable components that can change position between different discharge paths. The baffle includes a first portion and second portion that can rotate or shift to direct clippings either to the rear or side discharge areas, allowing the system to adapt between different operational modes without changing the overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The discharge baffle is divided into multiple independent portions (first portion and second portion) that can move independently. This segmentation allows each portion to be adjusted separately to control the discharge direction, providing versatility while keeping each individual component relatively simple.
2Ease of operation
If manual adjustment of discharge path is used, then the mechanism is simple, but the operator cannot adjust it while operating the lawn mower
Solution Approach 1:
The manual mechanical adjustment mechanism is replaced with an electric motor-driven actuation system. The motor receives electrical signals and automatically adjusts the baffle position, eliminating the need for manual intervention while the operator can control it via simple electronic controls during lawn mower operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuation system is designed to automatically position the baffle based on control signals, making the adjustment process self-service rather than requiring direct manual manipulation. The system serves itself by using the motor to perform the adjustment action that would otherwise require human physical effort.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the discharge chute is fixed, then the structure is stable, but it cannot be adjusted for different storage and transportation configurations
Solution Approach 1:
The discharge chute is designed with movable sections that can change position between operational and storage configurations. During operation, the chute maintains a stable fixed position for reliable clipping discharge. During storage or transportation, the chute can be adjusted to different positions or folded back, providing adaptability without compromising structural integrity through proper mechanical design.
Data Source
AI summary
A lawn mower includes a discharge baffle assembly coupled to a cutting deck pan adjacent an opening. The discharge baffle assembly includes a discharge chute extending outwardly from the cutting deck pan. The discharge baffle assembly also includes a baffle plate movable within a gap between the discharge chute and the cutting deck pan. The baffle plate is movable between a first position, in which the baffle plate substantially covers the opening of the cutting deck pan, and a second position, in which the baffle plate is spaced apart from the opening of the cutting deck pan. The discharge baffle assembly further includes an actuator coupled to the baffle plate. The actuator is operable to move the baffle plate relative to the opening of the cutting deck pan.