Mower Cutting Unit with Segmented Lifting Devices

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing lawn mowers struggle to effectively lift longer grass before cutting, leading to inefficient cutting and potential damage to the mower blades.

Innovation Solution

A cutting unit for a mower that incorporates separate lifting devices positioned rotationally in front of blades, secured to disks, and designed to create lift as the mower spins, allowing grass to stand up before being cut.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If separate lifting devices are added to the cutting unit, then grass lifting capability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegrass lifting capabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The cutting unit is segmented into distinct functional components: lifting devices with airfoil-shaped blades positioned at a radial distance from the axis, and cutting blades positioned at a different radial distance. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally - the lifting devices stand up longer grass while the cutting blades perform the cutting action.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The lifting devices act as an intermediary between the rotating cutting unit and the grass to be cut. By positioning lifting devices rotationally in front of the blades and having them create lift through their airfoil shape, they prepare the grass by standing it up before the cutting blades engage, thereby improving the overall cutting process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If lifting devices are positioned in front of blades, then cutting efficiency is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecutting efficiencyVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The cutting unit is segmented into distinct functional components: lifting devices with airfoil-shaped blades positioned at a radial distance from the axis, and cutting blades positioned at a different radial distance. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally - the lifting devices stand up longer grass while the cutting blades perform the cutting action.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The lifting devices utilize aerodynamic parameters by employing airfoil-shaped blades that create lift forces when rotating. The shape and orientation of these blades are specifically designed to generate upward lift on the grass, changing the grass's orientation from lying flat to standing up before cutting occurs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 enables more efficient cutting of longer grass by ensuring that the grass is lifted and presented optimally to the blades, reducing wear on the mower and improving cutting performance.

Implementation Method 1

each of the at least one lifting device may be shaped to create lift as the disk is spun. Each lifting device can be positioned rotationally in front of a respective blade of the at least one blade.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAerodynamic lift: Aerofoil

Data Source

PatentUS20250024778A1Mower cutting unit having blades and lifting devices

Publication Date: 2025.01.23 FIREFLY ROBOTICS INC

AI summary

A cutting unit for a mower can include blades and separate lifting devices to cause grass to stand up before being cut by the blades. The cutting unit can include disks to which the blades and lifting devices are secured. The lifting devices can be positioned rotationally in front of the blades.