Walk-behind Mower Collector Dump Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing walk-behind lawn mowers with grass collectors require removal for emptying, which can be cumbersome due to positioning issues with the door and handle, making it difficult to access and replace the collector.
Innovation Solution
A collector dump assembly that allows the grass collector to pivot and dump its contents without removal, utilizing a handle bracket assembly, door, and collector bracket system, where the door is biased to maintain the collector's position during pivoting, enabling easy emptying by rotating the handle or lifting the collector.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the collector is removed for emptying, then the collector can be emptied, but the operator experiences difficulty accessing and replacing the collector due to door and handle positioning
Solution Approach 1:
The collector is designed to pivot dynamically between a horizontal collecting position and a tilted dumping position. The pivot mechanism allows the collector to transition smoothly between these states, enabling emptying without complete removal. The door and handle assembly accommodate this dynamic movement, maintaining proper positioning throughout the pivoting motion.
Solution Approach 2:
The pivot mechanism acts as an intermediary between the collector and the mower body, providing a controlled interface for emptying. This intermediary structure allows the collector to be tilted and emptied while remaining attached to the mower, eliminating the need for complete removal and reinstallation.
2Productivity
If the collector remains attached to the mower, then the collector is always ready for use, but the collector cannot be emptied without removal
Solution Approach 1:
The collector maintains a dynamic attachment that allows it to remain ready for continuous use while enabling easy emptying through pivoting. The connection mechanism preserves structural integrity during operation but facilitates controlled movement during emptying, combining continuous readiness with operational ease.
Solution Approach 2:
The collector assembly is segmented into movable and fixed portions, allowing the collector body to pivot independently while remaining connected to the mower. This segmentation enables the collector to be emptied without complete detachment, maintaining readiness for subsequent use.
3Ease of operation
If the door position is adjusted to facilitate collector removal, then the collector can be removed easily, but the door may interfere with collector access or positioning
Solution Approach 1:
The door assembly is designed to move dynamically in coordination with the collector pivoting motion. As the collector tilts for emptying, the door adjusts its position accordingly, preventing interference with the collector while maintaining proper coverage of the discharge area. This dynamic coordination eliminates the need for fixed door positioning that would interfere with collector access.
Data Source
AI summary
A lawn mower may include a blade housing configured to house at least one blade, an engine operably coupled to the blade housing and configured to selectively rotate the at least one blade, a handle bracket assembly operably coupled to the blade housing, a handle assembly operably coupled to the handle bracket assembly, a door operably pivot about a first pivot axis and a collector operably coupled to the handle bracket assembly and configured to coupled to the handle bracket assembly and configured to pivot about a second pivot axis between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the collector is configured to receive clippings generated responsive to operation of the at least one blade. In the second position, the collector is configured to dump the clippings from the collector. The door is biased against the collector to maintain a portion of the collector substantially at the second pivot axis as the collector pivots between the first position and the second position.