Grass Mower Blade Wear Detection via Deck Vibration Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing grass mowers require dismounting of the mower deck and blade for visual inspection to determine blade wear or damage, which is inconvenient and may not be timely, leading to suboptimal cutting performance.
Innovation Solution
A grass mower equipped with a vibration detection unit and informing unit integrated into the mower deck, allowing for the detection and analysis of abnormal vibrations caused by blade wear or damage without dismounting, enabling timely maintenance decisions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If visual inspection of the blade is performed, then the wear state can be determined, but the mower deck and blade must be dismounted which increases time loss and operation complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical inspection method (visual checking requiring disassembly) with a vibration-based detection system. Acceleration sensors mounted on the mower deck detect vibration signals from the rotating blade, and signal processing analysis determines blade wear state without any dismounting operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces vibration signals as an intermediary to indirectly assess blade condition. Instead of directly observing the blade, the system measures vibration characteristics transmitted through the mower deck, which serve as a mediator indicating the blade's wear state.
2Measurement precision
If the mower deck is dismounted for blade inspection, then the blade state can be visually checked, but the operation complexity and difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical inspection method (visual checking requiring disassembly) with a vibration-based detection system. Acceleration sensors mounted on the mower deck detect vibration signals from the rotating blade, and signal processing analysis determines blade wear state without any dismounting operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables the mower to self-diagnose blade condition through automated vibration monitoring and analysis. The acceleration sensors continuously collect data, and the signal processing unit automatically evaluates blade state, eliminating the need for operator intervention in disassembly and visual inspection.
3Productivity
If blade replacement is delayed beyond optimal timing, then productivity is maintained, but cutting performance deteriorates due to blade damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback system where vibration sensors continuously monitor blade condition, the signal processing unit analyzes the data in real-time, and the system provides feedback on blade wear state. This enables timely detection of degradation trends, allowing operators to schedule blade replacement before cutting performance deteriorates, thus maintaining both productivity and reliability.
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 timely blade replacement without dismounting the mower deck, improving cutting performance by detecting abnormal vibrations and informing the operator through a user-friendly system, thus extending blade service life and maintaining efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
the mower unit includes a mower deck comprised of a top plate and a side plate extending downwards from the top plate, a rotational shaft extending through the top plate and rotatably supported to the top plate, and a blade attached to the rotational shaft inside the mower deck; and wherein there are provided a vibration detection unit attached to the mower deck for detecting vibration in the mower deck
Data Source
AI summary
A mower unit provided in a grass mower unit includes a mower deck having a top plate and a side plate extending downwards from the top plate, a rotational shaft extending through the top plate and rotatably supported to the top plate, and a blade attached to the rotational shaft inside the mower deck. A vibration detection unit is attached to the mower deck for detecting vibration in the mower deck. Vibration detected by the vibration detection unit is informed via an informing unit.