Mower Deck Auto-Locking Linkage 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, necessitating the driver to stop the machine and manually engage the operation lever, which disrupts the sequential attachment process.
Innovation Solution
A work machine equipped 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
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual locking mechanism is used, then driver can control the coupling process, but driver must stop the work machine and exit to manually lock the coupling, disrupting operational continuity
Solution Approach 1:
The lock mechanism automatically locks the coupling between the mower deck and work machine body without requiring driver intervention. The engagement unit and lock mechanism self-engage when the work machine drives over the mower deck, eliminating the need for the driver to stop and manually lock the coupling.
Solution Approach 2:
The engagement unit and lock mechanism are pre-positioned and configured so that the locking action occurs automatically during the normal driving process. The relative movement between the work machine body and mower deck during driving over the deck automatically triggers the locking mechanism.
2Productivity
If automatic locking mechanism is implemented, then attachment process becomes seamless and operational continuity is maintained, but the mechanism complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The engagement unit and lock mechanism are merged into an integrated assembly where the engagement unit includes both the coupling interface and the locking function. This integration reduces the number of separate components and simplifies the overall structure while maintaining automatic locking functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The engagement unit serves multiple functions: it provides the coupling interface for attaching the mower deck, guides the relative movement between work machine and mower deck, and activates the lock mechanism automatically. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components.
3Reliability
If the work machine stops and driver manually locks the coupling, then the locking action is reliable, but the sequential attachment process is disrupted and time is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment process continues without interruption as the work machine drives over the mower deck. The locking mechanism activates continuously during the driving process rather than requiring a stop, maintaining operational continuity while ensuring reliable locking through the automatic engagement of the lock mechanism during the driving motion.
Data Source
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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 first engagement unit (7A) provided for the intermediate frame (MF); a second engagement unit (7B) provided for the blade housing (40) and engageable with the first engagement unit (7A); and a lock mechanism (LM) configured to lock the engagement between the first engagement unit (7A) and the second engagement unit (7B).