Riding Lawnmower Swappable Steering Inputs With Self-Configuring Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Riding lawnmowers typically come equipped with a single type of user input for steering control, failing to accommodate user preferences, limiting customization and forcing users to continue using a less-than-preferred operating style or purchase a new lawnmower when preferences change.
Innovation Solution
A riding lawnmower system that allows users to easily convert between different types of user inputs, such as lap bars and joysticks, by providing a swappable user input system with a controller that self-configures to recognize and adapt to the new input, using a common wiring harness and self-contained damping system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single type of user input is equipped on the lawnmower, then the device complexity is reduced and manufacturing is simplified, but the adaptability to different user preferences is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal mounting interface that can accommodate multiple types of user inputs (joysticks, lap bars, floor pedals, steering wheels) through a single standardized connection system. The controller is designed to universally recognize and adapt to different input types through automated detection, allowing one lawnmower platform to serve multiple user preferences without requiring multiple specialized systems
Solution Approach 2:
The user input system is segmented into modular components: a standardized mounting interface on the lawnmower frame, detachable user input devices with compatible connection mechanisms, and a controller with automated detection capabilities. This segmentation allows individual input devices to be independently selected and installed without affecting the overall system architecture
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple types of user inputs are supported, then the adaptability to user preferences is improved, but the device complexity and configuration difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The controller automatically performs self-configuration when a user input device is connected. It detects the input type through the connection interface, automatically configures the appropriate control parameters and mappings, and begins operation without requiring manual programming or technical intervention. This self-service capability eliminates the complexity of manual configuration while maintaining full adaptability to different input types
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary detection and configuration actions automatically upon connection. The controller pre-configures the appropriate operational mode and parameters based on the detected input type before the user begins operation, ensuring immediate readiness without requiring post-installation setup or calibration by the user
3Adaptability or versatility
If different types of user inputs are installed, then the versatility is improved, but the wiring and configuration complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A universal wiring harness and connector design is implemented that provides identical electrical interfaces for all supported user input types. The standardized connector includes all necessary signal and power lines, allowing any input device (joystick, lap bar, pedal, or steering wheel) to be installed using the same physical and electrical connection process, eliminating the need for custom wiring for each input type
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs automatic device detection and configuration through the universal connector. When a user input device is connected, the controller automatically detects the device type through electrical characteristics or identification circuits in the connector, and self-configures the appropriate parameters without requiring manual wiring changes or technical setup, making installation as simple as plugging in a standard accessory
Data Source
AI summary
A riding lawnmower including: a frame; a seat supported by the frame; a cutting implement supported by the frame, the cutting implement driven by a cutting implement motor; a wheel rotatably driven by a wheel motor; a controller in electrical communication with the wheel motor to control operation of the wheel motor; a wiring harness defining a user input connector, wherein the wiring harness is in electrical communication with the controller; a user input movable in at least one direction, wherein the user input receives input from a user to affect steering control of the riding lawnmower, wherein the user input is swappable between at least two different types of user inputs, and wherein the controller is configured to self-configure between the at least two different types of user inputs.