Ride-on Mower Accelerator Pedal Forward Reverse Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ride-on mower technologies lack a simple and ergonomic mechanism for seamlessly switching between forward and reverse travel using the accelerator pedal, often requiring separate pedals or complex gear systems.
Innovation Solution
A switching device that adjusts the actuation direction of the accelerator pedal based on the shift lever position, utilizing a pivot mechanism with distinct pivot axes and a shift gate to achieve forward and reverse travel, allowing for sensitive acceleration in reverse and fast acceleration in forward motion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate accelerator pedals for forward and reverse travel are provided, then the control of travel direction is reliable, but the device complexity increases and ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of separate forward and reverse accelerator pedals into a single accelerator pedal (11). This single pedal controls both forward and reverse travel directions through a switching device that redirects the pedal's actuation force based on the selected travel direction, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining control reliability
2Adaptability or versatility
If a disc with groove and pin adjustment mechanism is used for direction switching, then the switching function is achieved, but the device complexity increases and robustness decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the complex disc with groove and pin adjustment mechanism from the switching device. Instead, it uses a simplified switching element (27) with pivot axes that can be directly positioned in different switching positions to redirect the accelerator pedal's actuation force, maintaining direction switching capability while significantly reducing mechanical complexity
Solution Approach 2:
Rather than using a pin moving in a groove on a disc to achieve direction switching, the patent inverts the approach by using a switching element with fixed pivot axes that are positioned to naturally redirect forces in different directions based on the switching element's orientation, simplifying the mechanical arrangement
3Ease of operation
If the accelerator pedal is directly connected to the actuating element, then the control is simple, but the ability to switch between forward and reverse travel is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a switching device as an intermediary between the accelerator pedal (11) and the actuating element (13). This switching device includes a switching element (27) that mediates the force transmission from the pedal to the actuating element, redirecting the force based on the selected travel direction while maintaining the simplicity of single-pedal operation
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 solution provides a robust, simple, and ergonomic control system for ride-on mowers, enabling efficient switching between forward and reverse travel with a single accelerator pedal, optimizing acceleration and decoupling the actuation during braking.
Implementation Method 1
The actuating element is advantageously spring-mounted in the direction of an unactuated position and is moved into the unactuated position after decoupling
Data Source
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AI summary
The device has a wheel (3) which is driven by a drive motor (14) driven. A working unit is equipped with an accelerator pedal (11) for setting the driving speed by the user. The movement of the accelerator pedal is converted into a movement of an actuating element (13). A shift lever (12) configured for switching between forward travel and reverse travel. A switching device (60) configured to convert the operation movement of the accelerator pedal in actuating direction (50) into a movement of the actuating element in the switching positions of shift lever.