Mower Deck Auto-Locking Coupler for Drive-Over Attachment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing work machines require manual intervention to lock the coupling of a mower deck, which disrupts the driving process and complicates the attachment procedure.

Innovation Solution

A work machine with a lifting/lowering link mechanism and automatic lock mechanism that engages the mower deck upon driving over it, allowing seamless attachment without manual intervention.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If manual intervention is used to lock the coupling of the mower deck, then the coupling can be locked securely, but the driving process is disrupted and the attachment procedure becomes complicated

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecoupling lock reliabilityVSAvoidattachment operation complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The lock mechanism is designed to automatically lock the coupling between the mower deck and the work machine body without requiring manual intervention. The mechanism uses the relative movement between the mower deck and the work machine body during the driving process to automatically engage and lock the coupling, thereby maintaining driving continuity while ensuring secure attachment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The engagement units are pre-positioned and configured such that when the work machine drives over the mower deck, the coupling components are already aligned and ready to engage. The lock mechanism is prepared in advance to automatically lock once the relative movement reaches the appropriate position, eliminating the need for manual locking operations during the driving process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If the work machine stops and the driver exits to manually lock the coupling, then the coupling can be locked properly, but the attachment time increases and operational efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecoupling lock reliabilityVSAvoidattachment speed

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The lock mechanism performs the locking function automatically through the relative movement generated during the driving process. The mechanism uses the natural motion between the mower deck and the work machine body to engage and lock the coupling without requiring the driver to stop, exit, or manually intervene, thereby maintaining operational efficiency while ensuring secure attachment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The attachment process continues seamlessly during the driving operation without interruption. The lock mechanism operates continuously as the work machine moves over the mower deck, locking the coupling at the appropriate moment without requiring the driver to stop or exit the vehicle, thus maintaining continuous productive action.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Reliability

If manual locking is used, then the coupling can be locked securely, but the driving process is interrupted and time is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecoupling lock reliabilityVSAvoidattachment time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The lock mechanism automatically locks the coupling using the relative movement generated during the driving process. The mechanism requires no manual intervention, stopping, or exiting by the driver, thereby eliminating time loss while ensuring secure coupling lock through automatic engagement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

4Ease of operation

If an automatic lock mechanism is implemented, then the attachment process becomes seamless and driving continuity is maintained, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattachment operation simplicityVSAvoidlock mechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The lock mechanism is designed to dynamically respond to the relative movement between the mower deck and the work machine body. The mechanism uses the motion generated during driving to automatically engage and lock the coupling, adapting to the dynamic conditions of the attachment process without requiring complex control systems or manual operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS20260000017A1Work Machine

Publication Date: 2026.01.01 KUBOTA CORP

AI summary

A work machine to which a mower unit is attachable includes a lifting and lowering link mechanism including a front link unit and a rear link unit apart from each other in a front-rear direction relative to the body; a front coupler configured to be coupled to a first end of the front link unit; a rear coupler configured to be coupled to a first end of the rear link unit; a blade housing coupled to a second end of the front link unit; an intermediate frame coupled to a second end of the rear link unit; a first engagement unit provided for the intermediate frame; a second engagement unit provided for the blade housing and engageable with the first engagement unit; and a lock mechanism configured to lock the engagement between the first engagement unit and the second engagement unit.