Mower Deck Flip-Up Arrangement Using Linear Actuator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mower decks require significant operator interaction and manual intervention to adjust cutting height and toggle between operation and service/storage orientations, often necessitating disconnection of the power take-off shaft and use of locking mechanisms or spacers, which complicates the process and increases storage space requirements.
Innovation Solution
An automated system utilizing a linear actuator with a single electrical interface to adjust cutting height and change the mower deck's orientation between operation and service/storage positions, eliminating the need for locking mechanisms, pins, or spacers, and allowing for seamless transition without disconnecting the power take-off shaft.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual locking mechanisms and spacers are used to maintain mower deck positions, then the mower deck can be securely held in operation or service orientations, but the device complexity increases and operator interaction is required
Solution Approach 1:
The mower deck system uses spring-loaded lugs that automatically engage with notches on the actuator arm to self-lock the deck in position during cutting height adjustment or orientation changes, eliminating the need for separate manual locking mechanisms and reducing device complexity while maintaining position stability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical locking systems with a simplified spring-lug and notch engagement mechanism that provides automatic positioning and locking, reducing the number of mechanical components required while ensuring reliable position maintenance
2Ease of operation
If the power take-off shaft is disconnected to change mower deck orientation, then the deck can be freely moved between orientations, but the operation time increases and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The mower deck is designed with a pivotal connection to the vehicle frame, allowing it to dynamically rotate between horizontal (operation) and vertical (service) orientations without disconnection, enabling quick orientation changes that maintain productivity while improving ease of operation
Solution Approach 2:
The single-point pivotal connection serves multiple functions: it allows cutting height adjustment, enables orientation changes between operation and service positions, and maintains power transmission continuity, eliminating the need for repeated connection/disconnection operations
3Reliability
If multiple securing devices are used to maintain mower deck positions, then the deck can be securely held, but the quantity of components increases and ease of manufacture decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates unnecessary securing devices from the mower deck system, retaining only the essential spring-loaded lugs that engage with notches on the actuator arm, thereby reducing component quantity while maintaining position securing reliability through simplified assembly
Data Source
AI summary
An automated system for selecting the cutting height and orientation of a mower deck attached to a power vehicle. An actuator and a system of links and slotted members are configured to operatively couple to a mower deck carriage and a front portion of the mower deck. Operation of the actuator by extending or retracting an actuator length, working in concert with the system of links and members, causes the mower deck to lower or raise in relation to a surface underlying the mower deck. Operation of the actuator further permits the mower deck to be rotated about an axis to and from an operation orientation and a service and or storage orientation. The actuator maintains the position of the mower deck without assistance of additional locking mechanisms or load bearing members. The system is controllable through a single interface convenient to the operator.