Lawn Mower Deck Stabilization via Segmented Linkage and Eccentric Cam
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional lawn mowers require a large and costly link mechanism to maintain the mower deck's position relative to the ground when adjusting the mowing height, which increases costs and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A lawn mower design featuring a compact configuration with a mowing height adjustment mechanism that includes a pair of first arm parts and adjustment parts with an eccentric cam, allowing for adjustable swinging angles without the need for a large link mechanism, using a lifting arm to raise and lower the deck and a pair of adjustment parts to simultaneously adjust the swinging angles of both arm parts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a conventional link mechanism is used to maintain the mower deck's position, then the mower deck can be held in a horizontal position, but the device becomes larger and more costly
Solution Approach 1:
The conventional single large link mechanism is segmented into multiple smaller linkages: a first arm part, a second arm part, and a lifting arm. Each component performs a specific function in maintaining the mower deck's position, replacing the need for one large complex mechanism while achieving the same stability function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a vertical lifting dimension through the lifting arm that connects to the second arm part. This adds a new degree of freedom to the system, allowing the mower deck to be raised and lowered independently while maintaining horizontal stability through the coordinated motion of the first and second arm parts.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional link mechanism is used for height adjustment, then the mowing height can be adjusted, but the costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs adjustable linkages where the first arm part and second arm part can be positioned at different lengths or angles. This dynamic configuration allows the mowing height to be adjusted by simply repositioning these linkages, eliminating the need for expensive conventional height adjustment mechanisms while maintaining versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The first arm part and second arm part serve multiple functions: they maintain the mower deck's horizontal position, enable height adjustment, and work together with the lifting arm to provide both positioning and height variability. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components, lowering overall manufacturing costs.
3Device complexity
If a compact configuration is used, then the device becomes more cost-effective, but the ability to maintain mower deck position may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the positioning function and height adjustment function into a single integrated linkage system. The first arm part, second arm part, and lifting arm work together as a unified mechanism, combining multiple functions that would traditionally require separate systems, thereby maintaining compactness without compromising position stability.
Solution Approach 2:
By introducing the vertical lifting dimension through the lifting arm, the system achieves compact horizontal footprints while maintaining full positioning capability. The lifting arm provides vertical adjustment without increasing the horizontal space required, allowing the mower deck to maintain its horizontal position stability within a compact configuration.
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 the maintenance of the mower deck's position relative to the ground with an inexpensive and compact configuration, allowing for efficient adjustment of the mowing height while reducing the need for a large link mechanism, thus lowering costs and improving operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
the adjustment part (6) includes an eccentric cam (61) provided so as to be pivotable with respect to the deck part (2), and the first arm part (5) has a contact part (5b) configured to fix the swinging angle by coming into contact with the eccentric cam (61)
Data Source
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AI summary
Provided is a lawn mower capable of maintaining the position of the mower deck relative to the ground with an inexpensive and compact configuration. A lawn mower includes deck part, front wheel part, first arm part, second arm part, and lifting arm. A mowing mechanism for cutting grass is provided on deck part. Front wheel part is provided in front of deck part. First arm part is connected to front wheel part at its front end side and connected to deck part at a first link pivot behind the front end. First arm part is provided so as to be swingable about first link pivot. Second arm part has front end side located behind first link pivot and pivotably connected to rear end side of first arm part, and is connected to deck part at second link pivot behind front end side and configured to swing in conjunction with swing of first arm part. Lifting arm is pivotably connected to second arm part behind second link pivot, connected to deck part, and configured to raise and lower deck part.