Modular Protection Frame for Inclinable Lawnmower Cutting Plate

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing protection frames for lawnmowers with inclinable cutting plates fail to provide continuous protection from mechanical parts and easy access for maintenance, especially when the cutting plate is in an inclined position, as the front part can get crushed against the tractor, making it difficult to maintain safety and facilitate repairs.

Innovation Solution

A modular protection frame comprising a combination of plastic and metallic components, including a deformable fabric portion, a return spring, and cables, which allows the cutting plate to rotate and lift safely while maintaining coverage of mechanical parts, ensuring protection and easy access for maintenance without removing the protection frame.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the cutting plate is raised by grasping it by its front part to make the cutting zone accessible, then the cutting zone becomes accessible for cleaning, but the front part of the cutting plate gets crushed onto the tractor and the mechanical means are no longer accessible

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccessibility of cutting zoneVSAvoidaccessibility of mechanical means

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The protection frame is divided into multiple independent segments (first protection frame segment, second protection frame segment, third protection frame segment) that can move independently. This segmentation allows each segment to be positioned optimally for different operations - covering mechanical means during normal operation and allowing access during maintenance without crushing the cutting plate against the tractor.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The protection frame segments are designed to be movable rather than fixed, with at least the second segment being displaceable relative to other segments. This dynamic configuration allows the protection frame to adapt its shape and position based on whether the cutting plate is in working position or raised for cleaning/maintenance, resolving the contradiction between protection and accessibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If a rigid protection frame is used to cover mechanical means, then operator safety is ensured, but the frame prevents access to mechanical means for maintenance and does not accommodate cutting plate rotation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperator safetyVSAvoidaccessibility of mechanical means

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The protection frame transitions from a rigid fixed structure to a dynamic system with movable segments connected by articulation joints. This allows the frame to maintain its protective function during normal operation while being capable of opening or deforming to allow access to mechanical means for maintenance activities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The protection frame incorporates flexible elements and articulated segments that can deform or open like a flexible shell, rather than maintaining a completely rigid structure. This flexibility allows the frame to adapt its configuration to provide both protection and access as needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Reliability

If the protection frame is fixed to accommodate the cutting plate in lowered position, then protection is provided, but the frame interferes with the rotation of the cutting plate to inclined position

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection coverageVSAvoidrotation capability of cutting plate

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The protection frame segments are designed with relative movement capabilities, allowing the frame to change its configuration as the cutting plate rotates between lowered and inclined positions. This dynamic adaptation maintains protection coverage while accommodating the full range of motion of the cutting plate.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

By dividing the protection frame into multiple segments that can move independently relative to each other, the frame can deform to accommodate the rotation of the cutting plate while maintaining protective coverage over the mechanical means throughout the rotation range.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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

The modular protection frame ensures continuous protection of the operator from mechanical parts, allows safe lifting and maintenance of the cutting plate, and facilitates easy access to the drive belt for repairs, maintaining safety and operational efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

a return spring (14)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSpring: Spring

Data Source

PatentEP3504956B1Protection frame for lawnmowers with an inclinable cutting plate

Publication Date: 2020.07.08 STIGA S P A IN BREVE ANCHE ST SPA

Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4

AI summary

A protection frame (10) for a lawnmower (1) is described comprising a cutting plate (2) and a tractor (30), said cutting plate (2) being separably associable and inclinable with respect to the tractor (30), said protection frame (10) being simultaneously associable both with the cutting plate (2) and with the tractor (30). Said protection frame (10) comprises a first plastic portion (11), a second plastic portion (16), a third plastic portion (18), connecting means (13), a shaped structure (20) and a fabric portion (17).