Mower Cutting Device Grass Accelerator Auger
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing self-propelled mowers for grass cutting have high production costs and require onerous maintenance due to complex grass collection systems, particularly the second auger for loading grass.
Innovation Solution
A cutting device with a grass accelerator comprising a shaft with angularly spaced vanes rotating parallel to the auger's axis, promoting efficient grass evacuation from the cutting deck, and a simplified auger design with helical surfaces to reduce bulk and maintenance needs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a second auger is added to the cutting device for loading grass, then the grass collection efficiency is improved, but the device complexity and maintenance burden increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the grass acceleration function with the auger structure by integrating vanes directly onto the auger shaft. This merging eliminates the need for a separate second auger while maintaining efficient grass loading capability, thus improving productivity without increasing device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The auger shaft is designed to serve multiple functions: it acts as both the primary grass conveying mechanism and the acceleration mechanism through integrated vanes. This multi-functionality allows the single auger to perform the work that would otherwise require two separate components, reducing complexity while maintaining collection efficiency
2Productivity
If a second auger is added to the cutting device for loading grass, then the grass collection efficiency is improved, but the maintenance cost and difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the acceleration function into the existing auger structure, the patent reduces the number of maintenance points from two augers to one. This simplification makes maintenance easier and less costly while preserving the efficient grass collection capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the acceleration function from a separate component and integrates it into the auger shaft itself. This extraction and integration eliminates the need for maintaining a second auger, thereby improving ease of repair while maintaining productivity
3Volume of moving object
If the cutting deck bulk is reduced, then the mower maneuverability and storage are improved, but the grass evacuation capability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses helical surfaces on the auger shaft to create a compact, space-efficient design. The curved helical structure efficiently moves grass through a reduced volume while maintaining effective evacuation capability, allowing smaller cutting deck bulk without compromising productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the rotational dimension of the auger shaft with helical surfaces to achieve efficient grass evacuation in a compact space. By employing three-dimensional helical geometry, the design maximizes evacuation efficiency within a reduced bulk volume
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 solution results in a cost-effective, simple-to-maintain cutting device with efficient grass transfer, reducing the overall bulk of the cutting deck and eliminating the need for complex collection systems, thereby lowering operational costs and simplifying maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
a grass accelerator (101) comprising at least one vane (130) which rotates around an axis of rotation parallel to the axis of rotation of the support shaft (46) so as to promote the evacuation of the cut grass from the cutting device (40)
Implementation Method 2
The auger (120) comprises a shaft (126), on whose outer surface are obtained two helical surfaces (128, 128')
Data Source
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AI summary
A cutting device configured to be associated with a self-propelled mower, wherein the cutting device comprises a cutting member that comprises a plurality of oscillating blades to mow grass fixed to a support shaft, rotating with an axis of rotation that is horizontal and orthogonal to a direction of advance of the mower, a system for conveying the cut grass that comprises an auger, with axis of rotation parallel to the axis of rotation of the support shaft, and provided with at least one access opening for feeding the cut grass, from the oscillating blades, to the auger and at least one outlet for the exit of the cut grass, wherein the system for conveying cut grass comprises a grass accelerator positioned facing the outlet for the exit of the cut grass.