Single Lever Mower Deck Height Control via Depth Stop Cam
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Solution Overview
Problem
Operators of grass mowing machines face difficulties in maintaining a constant height-of-cut due to the independent operation of mower deck lift and height-of-cut control mechanisms, requiring a specific sequence that is not intuitive and often leading to inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
A single lever mower deck height-of-cut control system that allows operators to lift and lock the mower deck at desired cutting heights using a hand control connected to a depth stop cam with multiple steps, incorporating a hydraulic or electrical actuator to raise and lower the deck, and a lift arm that engages the depth stop cam to maintain the specified height.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate lift mechanism and locking mechanism are used, then the mower deck can be lifted and locked independently, but the operator must follow a complex sequence and may make errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the lift mechanism and locking mechanism into a single integrated system. The hand control lever simultaneously controls both the lift arms and the depth stop cam, eliminating the need for separate operations. This merging resolves the contradiction by maintaining independent control capability while simplifying the operation sequence to a single intuitive motion.
Solution Approach 2:
The hand control lever serves multiple functions: it controls the lift arms for raising/lowering the deck and simultaneously operates the depth stop cam for height positioning. This multi-functionality allows one component to perform what previously required two separate mechanisms, reducing operational complexity while maintaining versatility.
2Ease of operation
If the lift mechanism is used alone, then the deck can be raised and lowered, but the height-of-cut cannot be maintained constantly
Solution Approach 1:
The depth stop cam acts as an intermediary mechanism between the lift arms and the mower deck. It receives the lifting motion from the lift arms and translates it into discrete height positions through its stepped profile. This intermediary ensures that the deck can be easily lifted while maintaining constant height-of-cut at each step, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The depth stop cam is pre-positioned with steps at desired cutting heights before the lifting operation. When the lift arms raise the deck, the depth stop cam is already in place to engage at the appropriate height, ensuring consistent height-of-cut is maintained from the outset. This preliminary positioning resolves the contradiction by ensuring reliability is built into the system before operation begins.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple steps are added to the depth stop cam, then more cutting height options are provided, but the mechanism complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The depth stop cam is segmented into discrete steps, where each step corresponds to a specific cutting height option. This segmentation allows the cam to provide multiple height options (improving versatility) while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure, as each step is a distinct, manageable feature rather than a complex continuous adjustment mechanism.
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
Simplifies the operation by allowing the mower deck to be lifted and locked at various heights using a single lever, ensuring consistent cutting heights and reducing operator error through intuitive control and mechanical engagement.
Implementation Method 1
A hydraulic actuator may be connected to the hand control and the lift arms
Implementation Method 2
the lift arm while engaged with the depth stop cam may provide a force tending to hold the depth stop cam in place
Data Source
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AI summary
A single lever mower deck height-of-cut control (101) provides a hand control (101) connected to a depth stop cam (105) that is movable to a plurality of cutting height positions. A push button switch (132) on the hand control (101) may be actuated to extend a hydraulic lift mechanism against a lift arm (112, 114) to raise the mower deck. The mower deck descends while the push button switch (132) is not actuated until the lift arm (112, 114) engages the depth stop cam (105) at a specified cutting height position.