Mower Unit Coupling Structure for Stable Blade Housing Attachment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing work machines require precise alignment of engagement sections for attaching a blade housing, which is challenging due to factors like shaking of the lifting/lowering link mechanism, leading to misplacement and instability in coupling.
Innovation Solution
A work machine with a lifting/lowering link mechanism that includes an orientation holding link to maintain the intermediate frame in a predetermined orientation, allowing guidable members to align accurately with guides on the blade housing, and a locking mechanism that automatically secures the coupling without shake.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the lifting/lowering link mechanism is used to attach the blade housing, then the attachment process is simplified, but misalignment occurs due to shaking of the mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediate frame as a mediator between the lifting/lowering link mechanism and the blade housing. This intermediate frame includes engagement sections with guides that receive guidable members from the blade housing, providing a stable reference framework that prevents misalignment caused by shaking of the link mechanism during attachment operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary alignment through the intermediate frame structure, where the engagement sections are pre-configured with guides and guidable members that establish correct positioning before final coupling. This preliminary action ensures proper alignment is achieved before the blade housing is fully attached to the main body.
2Adaptability or versatility
If engagement sections are positioned relative to each other for coupling, then the blade housing can be attached to the mower body, but misplacement occurs due to shaking of the lifting/lowering link mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The intermediate frame serves as a stable intermediary structure that mediates between the movable lifting/lowering link mechanism and the blade housing. The engagement sections on the intermediate frame provide fixed references with guides that constrain the blade housing position, preventing misplacement even when the link mechanism shakes during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent provides beforehand cushioning against misplacement by designing the engagement sections with guides and guidable members that preemptively constrain possible misalignment movements. This preventive design compensates for shaking forces before they can cause significant misplacement or instability in the coupling.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the intermediate frame is coupled to the lifting/lowering link mechanism, then the blade housing attachment is enabled, but orientation misalignment occurs due to mechanism shaking
Solution Approach 1:
The intermediate frame acts as an intermediary that decouples the orientation stability from the lifting/lowering mechanism. By providing a rigid frame with precisely positioned engagement sections and guides, it maintains accurate orientation references even when the link mechanism experiences shaking, ensuring the blade housing attaches with correct orientation.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A work machine to which a mower unit (4) is attachable includes: a lifting and lowering link mechanism (3) including a front link unit (FL) and a rear link unit (RL) apart from each other in a front-rear direction relative to the body; a front coupler (5C) configured to be coupled to a first end of the front link unit (FL); a rear coupler (6B) configured to be coupled to a first end of the rear link unit (RL); a blade housing (40) coupled to a second end of the front link unit (FL); an intermediate frame (MF) coupled to a second end of the rear link unit (RL); a guide (9B) provided for the blade housing (40); a guidable member (9A) provided for the intermediate frame (MF); and an orientation holding link (62) connecting the rear link unit (RL) to the intermediate frame (MF).