Autonomous Lawnmower Height Adjustment Mechanism
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing autonomous working devices, such as lawn mowers, face challenges in efficiently and intuitively adjusting the cutting height of their tools, often requiring complex mechanisms or tool-dependent adjustments.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a height adjustment unit with a linear guide unit and actuating elements that allow for direct translational movement of the tool holder, enabling tool-free and intuitive height adjustment, along with a fixing element for precise setting and a spring element for automatic reset, ensures quick and accurate cutting height changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a push-button rotary switch is used for cutting height adjustment, then the adjustment can be achieved with a compact mechanism, but the operation becomes less intuitive and more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional rotary switch mechanism with a linear actuator system that directly translates button press distance into cutting height adjustment. This substitution of mechanical rotation with linear motion simplifies the mechanism while making the operation more intuitive, as the linear displacement directly corresponds to the height change.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the adjustment parameter from rotational angle to linear displacement. By measuring the linear distance the actuating element moves rather than the rotation angle of a switch, the system achieves more intuitive operation where the physical distance pressed directly correlates to the cutting height adjustment magnitude.
2Device complexity
If a single actuating element is used for height adjustment, then the device structure is simplified, but the adjustment precision and control are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a feedback mechanism where the linear actuator continuously monitors the position of the cutting height adjustment and provides this information to the control unit. This feedback loop enables precise control and accurate height setting while maintaining a simple single-actuator structure, as the control system can precisely determine position based on the actuator's feedback signals.
3Ease of operation
If threadless linear guide unit is used, then the adjustment mechanism is simplified and tool-free operation is achieved, but the structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-servicing height adjustment system where the linear actuator automatically positions and secures the cutting height without requiring manual tools or complex threading operations. The actuator itself performs both the adjustment and locking functions, eliminating the need for separate fastening mechanisms and enabling tool-free operation by the user.
4Speed
If direct translational movement of tool holder is implemented, then the adjustment response time is reduced, but the mechanical stress on components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces the linear actuator as an intermediary mechanism between the control system and the tool holder. This intermediary translates electrical control signals into controlled linear motion, enabling fast adjustment response while distributing and managing the mechanical forces through the actuator's motorized mechanism, thereby reducing direct mechanical stress on the tool holder structure.
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 allows for efficient, intuitive, and precise adjustment of the cutting height, enhancing operational convenience and reliability by preventing accidental actuation and ensuring consistent tool performance.
Implementation Method 1
a spring element, in particular a torsion spring, for automatic resetting of the application tool holder into an initial position
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to an autonomous work device, in particular an autonomous lawnmower, with at least one tool holder (12), with at least one drive unit (14) for driving the tool holder (12), and with at least one height adjustment unit (16) for setting a working height (h1, h2, h3, h4), in particular a cutting height, of a tool (18) held by the tool holder (12). It is proposed that the at least one height adjustment unit (16) comprises at least one linear guide unit (20) for setting the working height (h1, h2, h3, h4) and for translationally guiding the tool holder (12), and comprises at least one actuating element (22) having an actuation direction (24) that extends at least substantially parallel to a guide direction (26) of the linear guide unit (20).