Riding Lawn Mower Space Optimization via Component Overlap
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional riding lawnmower vehicles inefficiently utilize available space, with components such as engines, batteries, and mower driving motors not optimally positioned, leading to wasted space and reduced efficiency in space usage.
Innovation Solution
The design includes an improved articulated vehicle body structure and an enhanced cooling system for electric motors, with components like engines, batteries, and mower driving motors positioned to overlap and optimize space usage, and the use of power transmission mechanisms like universal coupling and belts to efficiently transmit driving force while lowering the vehicle's centroid and enhancing space utilization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If components are positioned in conventional locations, then the vehicle structure is simple, but space utilization is inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the engine and battery to overlap in the width direction, transitioning from conventional longitudinal or separate placement to a vertical stacking arrangement. This dimensional change allows components to occupy the same horizontal footprint while maintaining structural integrity and accessibility
Solution Approach 2:
The engine and battery are arranged in a nested configuration where one component is positioned directly above the other, creating a compact vertical assembly. This nesting approach maximizes space utilization by allowing components to share the same horizontal space while maintaining functional independence
2Volume of moving object
If the vehicle body is lowered to improve space use, then space efficiency increases, but the centroid rises which may affect stability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent strategically positions heavy components like the engine and battery in the lower portion of the vehicle body, using their weight to counterbalance the effect of lowering the overall vehicle body. This counterweight arrangement maintains the centroid at an appropriate height for stability while enabling effective use of lower space
3Area of stationary object
If the mower driving motor is positioned above the lawnmower blade, then space between lawnmower and frame is widened, but the motor occupies valuable upper space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the motor positioning into two independent spatial dimensions: the mower driving motor is positioned above the blade in the vertical direction to widen side spaces, while other components are arranged in the longitudinal direction to utilize upper space efficiently. This segmentation allows both space requirements to be satisfied simultaneously
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
This configuration improves the efficiency and flexibility of space use on the vehicle, allowing for independent drive of main wheels, effective use of inner space, and reduced fuel consumption, while maintaining a wide space comparable to conventional vehicles.
Implementation Method 1
an electric traction motor, an internal combustion engine, a generator driven by the internal combustion engine
Implementation Method 2
an electric traction motor operable to drive the two rear wheels
Implementation Method 3
an enhanced cooling system for electric motors
Data Source
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AI summary
A riding lawnmower vehicle includes two main drive wheels, at least one caster wheel, an electric traction motor, an internal combustion engine, a generator driven by the internal combustion engine, and a lawnmower. The electric energy generated by the generator can be supplied directly or via an electric accumulator to the electric traction motor. The main drive wheels are independently driven by the electric traction motor, which can operate as a traction power source. When viewed from one end to the other end in the width direction of the vehicle, the internal combustion engine and a secondary battery operable as the electric accumulator overlap each other, and the main drive wheels overlap at least a part of at least one of the internal combustion engine, the generator, the secondary battery, a fuel cell, a capacitor, an inverter, a cooling device, a mower driving motor, and a grass-collecting duct.