Mower Deck Coupling Linkage for Stable Guide Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing work machines, such as those described in JP 2017-169507 A, face challenges in accurately and stably coupling a mower deck to the machine body due to misplacement of engagement sections caused by shaking of the lifting/lowering link mechanism, leading to inefficiencies in blade housing attachment.
Innovation Solution
The work machine incorporates a lifting/lowering link mechanism with an orientation holding link that restricts the swing angle of the rear link unit, ensuring the intermediate frame is aligned correctly with the blade housing, using guidable members and guides with specific groove configurations to facilitate precise coupling, and includes a power transmission mechanism for automatic locking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the lifting/lowering link mechanism is used to attach the blade housing to the machine body, then the attachment process is simplified, but misplacement of engagement sections occurs due to shaking of the link mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
An intermediate frame is introduced between the blade housing and the link mechanism. This intermediate frame includes a guidable member that engages with a guide on the blade housing, serving as a mediator that ensures precise alignment while the link mechanism provides the lifting and lowering function. The guide and guidable member act as intermediary elements that constrain misplacement during the attachment process.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide and guidable member are designed to establish the correct orientation and position of the intermediate frame relative to the blade housing before the final locking engagement occurs. This preliminary alignment action ensures that when the link mechanism moves the blade housing into position, the engagement sections are already properly aligned, preventing misplacement due to shaking.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the intermediate frame is allowed to swing freely with the link mechanism, then the link mechanism has greater freedom of movement, but the intermediate frame cannot be reliably aligned with the blade housing
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from a static rigid connection to a dynamic guided connection. The guidable member moves within the guide along a predetermined path, allowing the intermediate frame to dynamically adjust its position while maintaining reliable alignment. This dynamic guidance system accommodates the mobility needs of the link mechanism while ensuring alignment reliability throughout the movement range.
3Productivity
If engagement sections are positioned close together for coupling, then attachment speed increases, but misplacement occurs due to shaking of the lifting/lowering link mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional rigid mechanical engagement system with a guided mechanical system. Instead of relying solely on the link mechanism's mechanical precision, a guide-guidable member system is introduced that provides continuous alignment constraint during the engagement process, eliminating misplacement while maintaining fast attachment speed.
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 front coupler configured to be coupled to a first end of the front link unit; a rear coupler configured to be coupled to a first end of the rear link unit; a blade housing coupled to a second end of the front link unit; an intermediate frame coupled to a second end of the rear link unit; a guide provided for the blade housing; a guidable member provided for the intermediate frame; and an orientation holding link connecting the rear link unit to the intermediate frame.