Mower Deck Coupling Linkage for Drive-Over Attachment Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing work machines require multiple sequential steps for attaching a mower deck, which complicates the process and prevents simultaneous coupling of the front link unit to the machine body during movement.
Innovation Solution
A work machine design that allows the front link unit to be smoothly coupled to the machine body by enabling it to swing relative to the blade housing at a suitable angle, using a lifting and lowering link mechanism with a machine-side and mower-side coupling units, and guided by stoppers and guide grooves, allowing attachment during movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the front link unit is coupled to the machine body in multiple sequential steps using separate coupling mechanisms, then the coupling process becomes complex and cannot be performed simultaneously, but if a single integrated coupling mechanism is used, then the alignment precision and reliability of coupling may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the machine-side coupling unit and mower-side coupling unit into a single integrated coupling mechanism. The front link unit includes both coupling units that can couple to the machine body simultaneously in one operation, eliminating the need for separate sequential coupling steps while maintaining alignment precision through the integrated design of the coupling interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The front link unit is designed to be swingable relative to the blade housing at a restricted angle, allowing dynamic adjustment during the coupling process. This swing capability enables the front link unit to automatically align with the machine body during movement, facilitating simultaneous coupling of both coupling units while maintaining precise alignment through the constrained swing range.
2Manufacturing precision
If the front link unit is fixed rigidly to the blade housing, then the coupling alignment is precise, but the front link unit cannot adapt to relative movement between the machine body and mower deck during attachment
Solution Approach 1:
The front link unit is designed with swing capability relative to the blade housing within a restricted angle range. This dynamic feature allows the front link unit to adapt to relative movements between the machine body and mower deck during the attachment process, while the restricted swing range ensures that coupling alignment precision is maintained within acceptable tolerances.
Solution Approach 2:
The swing angle of the front link unit is constrained within a specific range that allows sufficient adaptability for coupling during movement, while maintaining the geometric parameters necessary for precise alignment. The restricted swing angle optimizes the balance between adaptability to movement and maintenance of coupling precision.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the front link unit is made swingable with unrestricted movement, then it can easily adapt to coupling during movement, but the alignment precision and stability of coupling are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The front link unit is designed with swing capability relative to the blade housing, but the swing is restricted to a specific angle range. This restricted swing provides sufficient adaptability for the front link unit to align with the machine body during movement, while the constraints on swing range ensure that coupling alignment precision is maintained within acceptable tolerances.
Solution Approach 2:
The swing angle parameter is optimized to a restricted range that balances adaptability and precision. This specific angular constraint allows the front link unit to accommodate movement during coupling while maintaining the geometric relationships necessary for precise and stable coupling alignment.
Data Source
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 machine-side coupling unit provided for the body; a blade housing configured to be coupled to the lifting and lowering link mechanism; at least one mower coupler at an end of the front link unit; and a mower-side coupling unit provided for the blade housing and swingable to be coupled to the at least one mower coupler.