Lawnmower Deck Height Adjustment via Pivoting Axles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lawncare apparatus height adjustment systems are complex and expensive, and current methods are fiddly to use due to lack of visibility during adjustments.
Innovation Solution
A lawncare apparatus with adjustable working height featuring inter-cooperating detent or index means, arcuately spaced apertures, and a bayonet mounting system for easy height adjustment of wheels, allowing independent locking and pivoting of axles within an arcuate slot, enabling precise and cost-effective height adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional height adjustment arrangements with multiple links and levers are used, then height adjustment functionality is achieved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The height adjustment system is segmented into independent adjustment members, each handling one wheel independently. Each adjustment member includes a slot-receiving element that engages with slots in the chassis, allowing individual wheel height control without complex linkages between wheels.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the essential height adjustment function from the complex multi-link system and implements it through simple slot-receiving elements. The slots in the chassis provide the adjustment mechanism, eliminating the need for additional links and levers that connect multiple wheels together.
2Ease of operation
If slots are provided on the underside of the deck for axle engagement, then height adjustment is possible, but visibility and ease of operation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of providing slots on the underside of the deck as in conventional designs, the invention inverts the approach by providing slots on the upper surface of the chassis. This allows users to see and access the adjustment mechanism from above, eliminating the need to turn the lawnmower over for adjustment.
3Reliability
If axles are biased into engagement with slots using springs, then automatic engagement is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses spring elements that act as counterweights to bias the adjustment members into engagement with the slots. These springs provide the necessary force to ensure reliable engagement while maintaining a simple structural design without complex mechanical linkages.
4Manufacturing precision
If multiple alternative engagement positions are provided, then height adjustment precision improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The chassis is pre-formed with multiple slots at predetermined positions that correspond to different height settings. The adjustment members are designed with protrusions that engage with these pre-positioned slots, providing precise height adjustment without requiring complex selection mechanisms.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to improvements in or relating to lawncare apparatus. In particular, it relates to apparatus for adjusting the working height of a lawncare machine. We describe a lawncare apparatus comprises a chassis, at least one axle defining a first axis (12), the axle having first and second axle ends, and a wheel (6) mounted for rotation at each of said first and second axle ends; wherein each of said first and second axle ends is carried by a respective adjustment member (10) mounted for rotation about a respective second axis (24) upon the chassis of the machine, wherein the second axis is non-coaxial with the first axis. Preferably, each axle is mounted for pivotal movement about the second axis within an arcuate slot (18) in the chassis.