Mower Deck Height Control via Electric Actuator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lawn mower deck height adjustment systems require operators to stop the mower and manually manipulate levers, making the process time-consuming and cumbersome, and often necessitate removing hands from controls.
Innovation Solution
A deck height control system that allows for seamless adjustment of the mower deck height during operation using an electric actuator, deck system module, and control panel, enabling vertical displacement and memory storage for precise height changes without stopping the mower, with options for foot or hand control and automatic load sensing adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual lever adjustment is used, then deck height can be changed, but the operator must stop the mower and remove hands from controls
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical lever system with an electric actuator system controlled by a foot pedal. The electric actuator receives electrical signals to automatically adjust deck height, eliminating the need for manual lever manipulation and allowing continuous operation without stopping the mower.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a foot pedal as an intermediary control device between the operator and the deck height adjustment system. The foot pedal transmits mechanical pressure to a sensor that generates electrical signals for the actuator, allowing hands-free operation while maintaining control.
2Productivity
If manual lever adjustment is used, then deck height can be changed, but the process is cumbersome and requires stopping the mower
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical lever system with an electric actuator system controlled by a foot pedal. The electric actuator receives electrical signals to automatically adjust deck height, eliminating the need for manual lever manipulation and allowing continuous operation without stopping the mower.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides self-service by automatically controlling the actuator based on foot pedal input, eliminating the need for the operator to manually manipulate levers or stop the mower. The deck height adjustment is performed automatically through the foot control system.
3Ease of operation
If foot control is used, then hands remain on controls, but the control mechanism becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a foot pedal as an intermediary control device between the operator and the deck height adjustment system. The foot pedal transmits mechanical pressure to a sensor that generates electrical signals for the actuator, allowing hands-free operation while maintaining control.
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
Enables quick and continuous adjustment of deck height while mowing, allowing operators to maintain control without stopping the mower, improving efficiency and handling obstacles, and automatically adapting to load changes for optimal cutting performance.
Implementation Method 1
an electric actuator connected to the deck and configured to vertically displace the deck from the first height to a second height
Data Source
AI summary
A deck height control system for use with a mower that has a deck positioned at a first height and is configured to support a blade motor. The control system includes an actuator that may be configured to vertically displace the deck from the first height to a second height. A deck system module may connect to the actuator and be capable of signaling the actuator, during operation, to displace the deck a particular deck distance in a particular vertical direction necessary to achieve the second height. The deck system module may further have a deck height memory capable of storing information relating to deck displacement activity. A control may connect to the deck system module and be capable of signaling the particular deck distance and particular vertical direction to the deck system module when engaged by an operator. A battery-operated mower may include the deck height control system.