Lawnmower Attachment Assembly with Pivoting Arm Actuator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lawn equipment attachment systems are cumbersome and inefficient, particularly when switching between different maintenance tasks on riding lawnmowers, as they often require stopping the machine and lack the ability to retrofit existing equipment for multiple uses without turning off the mower or stopping the rotating blade.
Innovation Solution
A modular assembly that allows for angular, radial, vertical, and spring motions, enabling attachments to be easily coupled and repositioned on lawn equipment without needing to stop the machine, featuring a base bracket, stem housing, shoulder, and arm actuator system with lever and handle mechanisms for adjustment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional attachment systems are used on riding lawnmowers, then the equipment can perform single functions, but switching between different maintenance tasks requires stopping the machine and is cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment assembly is designed with a universal mounting system that can accommodate multiple types of maintenance attachments (weed eaters, trimmers, hedges, etc.) on a single riding lawnmower. The base bracket with stem housing and arm actuator creates a standardized interface that enables one machine to perform multiple functions without requiring separate equipment for each task.
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment system incorporates dynamic positioning capabilities with the arm actuator and stem housing that allow the attachment to be repositioned and adjusted during operation. The lever mechanism enables operators to adjust the arm position and lock it in place, providing dynamic adaptability when switching between different attachment types and operational requirements.
2Adaptability or versatility
If existing lawnmowers are retrofitted with multiple attachments, then versatility improves, but the system becomes complex and requires stopping the mower or rotating blade
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment system is divided into distinct modular segments: a base bracket that mounts to the lawnmower, a stem housing that contains the actuator mechanism, and an arm that holds the attachment. This segmentation allows each component to be independently designed and assembled, reducing overall system complexity while enabling versatile attachment capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The stem housing acts as an intermediary component between the base bracket and the attachment arm. It contains the actuator mechanism and provides a standardized interface that simplifies the connection between the lawnmower and various attachments, reducing the complexity of direct mounting while enabling multi-functionality.
3Productivity
If attachments are coupled to riding lawnmower, then operational efficiency improves, but safety concerns arise regarding operation without stopping the machine
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment system is designed to be securely mounted to the lawnmower before operation begins. The base bracket and stem housing create a stable, pre-assembled unit that is firmly attached to the mower deck, ensuring that the attachment is properly positioned and secured before the lawnmower is operated, thereby reducing safety risks while maintaining productivity.
Data Source
AI summary
The assembly described herein is secured to lawn equipment for adding additional functionality, such as weed eating. The assembly includes a base having at least one base bracket for selectively coupling the assembly to the lawn equipment. Further, a stem is included having a stem bracket coupled to the base, a stem housing extending from the stem bracket, and a shoulder in rotational engagement with the stem housing. For maneuvering the assembly, an arm is pivotally engaged with the shoulder of the stem and pivotally coupled to the arm actuator. The arm may be radially, angularly and translatably repositioned during use.