Riding Mower Deck Height Adjustment Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ride-on mowers struggle to set both small and large cutting heights effectively, with existing adjustment methods being limited in precision and prone to damage from obstacles like curbs, and failing to maintain precise turf contact on uneven terrain.
Innovation Solution
A ride-on mower equipped with a first adjustment device for precise low cutting height settings via a contour-following roller and a second adjustment device for large height adjustments, allowing the mower to lift off the ground during transport and enabling easy operation with a mechanical or electrical system for precise cutting height control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single adjustment mechanism is used to set cutting height, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ability to achieve both precise low cutting heights and large height adjustments is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The cutting height adjustment system is divided into two separate adjustment mechanisms: a first adjustment mechanism for precise low cutting heights (0-5mm) using a contour-following roller, and a second adjustment mechanism for large height adjustments (5-50mm) using a support element. This segmentation allows each mechanism to be optimized for its specific function while together providing the full adjustment range.
2Reliability
If the support element remains in contact with the ground during operation, then precise turf contact is maintained, but the risk of damage from curbs and obstacles increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support element is designed to be dynamically positionable between a working position (in contact with the ground for precise cutting height maintenance) and a retracted position (above the mower deck to avoid obstacles). The system automatically transitions between these states based on operational requirements, allowing the support to follow ground contours during normal operation while being protectable from damage during transport or obstacle encounter.
3Measurement precision
If the contour-following roller is used for all cutting height adjustments, then precise low cutting heights are achieved, but the ability to set large cutting heights is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustment system segments the cutting height range into two zones: low heights (0-5mm) handled by the contour-following roller mechanism for precise ground-contact adjustment, and high heights (5-50mm) handled by the support element mechanism for coarse adjustment. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific height range.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If the support element is positioned above the mower deck in transport position, then protection from obstacle damage is achieved, but the mechanism complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support element's positioning mechanism is merged with the existing second adjustment mechanism that controls the mower deck height. The support element is pivotally connected to the mower deck and follows its vertical position, so that raising the mower deck automatically raises the support element into the protective position above the deck. This integration avoids adding separate complex positioning mechanisms while achieving obstacle protection.
Data Source
Figure 1~3
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Figure 7~9
AI summary
The riding mower (1) is supported on a base (8) through wheels (3,4), where a drive motor is provided for driving a rotary mower (10) and the wheels. Two adjustment devices (14,15) are provided for adjustment of cutting heights (s). A position of the rotary mower is adjustable according to a frame (2) of the riding mower.