Compact Stand-On Mower Deck Belt Routing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing compact stand on mower deck belt systems face challenges with belt stress, friction, dislodgement from pulleys, and reduced belt life due to high fleet angles.
Innovation Solution
A compact stand on mower deck belt system with a reduced fleet angle is achieved by configuring the belt system with an engine driveshaft pulley, blade spindle pulleys, idler pulleys, and a tensioner pulley, which reduces belt stress and friction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the engine is mounted rigidly to the vehicle frame in front of the operator station and over the mower deck, then the engine position is fixed and stable, but the fleet angle increases when the mower deck is raised or lowered
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the power transmission system into multiple segments: the engine driveshaft, multiple pulleys (engine driveshaft pulley, first blade spindle pulley, second blade spindle pulley, idler pulley, tensioner pulley), and multiple belts (first deck belt, second deck belt). This segmentation allows the belt system to accommodate deck height changes while maintaining a low fleet angle, resolving the contradiction between engine position stability and fleet angle control.
2Device complexity
If a traditional single belt system is used, then the system is simple, but the belt stress and friction are high and belt life is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces a single belt system with a two-belt system consisting of a first deck belt and a second deck belt, each engaging different pulleys. This segmentation distributes the power transmission load, reduces individual belt stress and friction, and extends belt life while maintaining reasonable system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces idler pulleys and a tensioner pulley as intermediary components in the belt system. These intermediaries help maintain proper belt tension, guide the belts around pulleys, and reduce direct belt stress and friction, thereby extending belt life without significantly increasing overall system complexity.
3Force
If the fleet angle is high, then the engine can be positioned over the mower deck, but belt stress increases and belt friction increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the power transmission path into multiple stages with multiple pulleys and belts. This segmentation allows the engine to be positioned over the mower deck while distributing the mechanical stress across multiple belt segments, reducing individual belt stress and friction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses idler pulleys and a tensioner pulley as intermediaries to manage belt tension and routing. These components help maintain optimal belt tension that reduces friction and stress while allowing the engine to be positioned over the mower deck, resolving the contradiction between positioning force and belt stress.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the mower deck is raised or lowered, then cutting height is adjusted, but the fleet angle changes and affects belt performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a segmented belt system with multiple pulleys and belts that can accommodate deck height variations. The first deck belt engages the engine driveshaft pulley and first blade spindle pulley, while the second deck belt engages the first blade spindle pulley and second blade spindle pulley, allowing the system to adapt to cutting height changes without significant fleet angle variation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces idler pulleys and a tensioner pulley as intermediaries that help maintain consistent belt tension and routing during deck height adjustments. These intermediaries compensate for fleet angle variations caused by deck movement, ensuring stable belt performance across different cutting heights.
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 reduced fleet angle extends belt life, lowers belt stress, provides cooler running belts, and reduces belt friction and dislodgement from pulleys, enhancing overall belt system performance.
Implementation Method 1
reduces belt friction and dislodgement from pulleys
Data Source
AI summary
A compact stand on mower deck belt system includes a first blade spindle and a second blade spindle rotatably mounted to a height adjustable mower deck under a stand on mower frame. An engine rigidly mounted to the stand on mower frame has a driveshaft over the mower deck. A first deck belt transmits rotational power from a driveshaft pulley to a pulley on one of the blade spindles on the mower deck. A second deck belt transmits rotational power between the pulleys on the blade spindles. At least one of an idler pulley and a tensioner pulley is rotatably mounted on the mower deck forwardly of the blade spindles and is engaged by the first deck belt. A maximum fleet angle of the first deck belt is between the driveshaft pulley and one of the idler pulley and the tensioner pulley.