Magnetic Power Coupling for Lawnmower Auxiliary Tools

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current auxiliary trimmer attachments for lawnmowers are not universally usable and retrofittable across different mower configurations, leading to inefficiencies and increased labor costs in maintaining large areas, as they often require substantial modifications and are not easily interchangeable between machines.

Innovation Solution

A device with a magnetically actuated coupling system that can be configured to interact with various power sources and tools, featuring adjustable and shock-absorbing mechanisms to accommodate different mower configurations and protect against damage from obstacles, allowing for easy attachment and detachment of auxiliary tools like trimmers.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If auxiliary trimmer attachments are designed for specific mower configurations, then they can provide reliable power transmission, but they cannot be universally used across different mower models

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuniversal usability across mower configurationsVSAvoidpower transmission reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling device is designed with a universal interface that can attach to multiple types of mowers (push mowers, riding mowers, zero-turn mowers) through a standardized magnetic coupling mechanism. The device includes a mounting plate with magnets that can interface with various mower configurations, and a flexible drive shaft that can accommodate different attachment positions, enabling one device to serve multiple mower types without requiring model-specific designs

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The coupling device incorporates a flexible drive shaft that can dynamically adjust its position and angle to connect the power source on different mower configurations to the trimmer attachment. This flexibility allows the device to maintain reliable power transmission across varying mower geometries while preserving universal applicability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If auxiliary trimmer attachments require substantial modifications to mower configurations, then they can achieve secure attachment, but they increase installation complexity and labor costs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattachment securityVSAvoidretrofit simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling device is divided into separate modular components: a mounting plate with magnets that attaches to the mower, a flexible drive shaft for power transmission, and a trimmer attachment interface. This segmentation allows each component to be independently optimized and easily installed or removed without requiring comprehensive modifications to the mower, reducing installation complexity while maintaining secure attachment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The device replaces complex mechanical fastening systems with a magnetic coupling mechanism. The mounting plate uses powerful magnets to securely attach to the mower's metal surface, eliminating the need for extensive drilling, bolting, or welding operations. This substitution maintains attachment security while dramatically simplifying the retrofit process

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Productivity

If auxiliary trimmer attachments are made easily detachable and interchangeable, then they improve operational efficiency, but they may reduce attachment stability

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetool interchangeabilityVSAvoidattachment stability

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The magnetic coupling provides stronger attachment force than traditionally required for stability, allowing the trimmer to be easily detached and reattached multiple times during operation. The excessive magnetic force ensures that even with frequent attachment/detachment cycles, the trimmer remains securely attached during operation, maintaining both interchangeability and stability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

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

Enables the efficient and cost-effective use of auxiliary tools across a variety of lawnmower configurations by providing a flexible, magnetically attached power transmission system that is easily retrofittable and protects against damage, thereby reducing labor costs and increasing operational efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

at least one of the coupling device and the auxiliary tool comprises a magnetically actuated attachment member for associating the coupling device and/or the auxiliary tool with the implement

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic force: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentUS20230180663A1Device for Extracting and Using Auxiliary Power

Publication Date: 2023.06.15 PENDLETON WILLIAM G

AI summary

A device for extracting auxiliary power from a power source installed on or associated with an implement, and supplying the auxiliary power to an auxiliary tool associated with the implement. The invention is preferably employed in the context of an auxiliary tool, e.g., in the form of a rotary trimmer, edger or the like, associated with another power implement, such as a lawnmower, wherein the power is preferably extracted from a driven member of the implement. Advantageously, the device is easy to attach/detach, is universally locatable and/or orientable on the implement, and is easily retrofittable to practically any existing implement, such as a lawnmower deck.