Ambidextrous Mower Deck Lift Pedal Mechanism
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional zero-turn style lawnmowers require operation of the deck lift foot pedal with one foot, which can be challenging for elderly or young users and those with mobility issues, and the single-sided pedal placement causes uneven force distribution, leading to mechanical stress and potential damage.
Innovation Solution
An ambidextrous deck lift mechanism featuring a foot bar spanning across the mower, allowing operation with either or both feet, and a kit to retrofit existing lawnmowers with right and left pedal arms and a foot bar for balanced force application.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a single foot pedal is mounted on one side of the mower, then the deck lift mechanism can be operated, but elderly or young operators and users with mobility issues cannot properly operate it due to insufficient strength
Solution Approach 1:
The single foot pedal is segmented into two separate foot pedals positioned on opposite sides of the mower frame. This allows different users to operate the deck lift mechanism using their preferred foot or both feet simultaneously, accommodating users with varying physical capabilities and mobility issues.
Solution Approach 2:
The dual foot pedal configuration provides universal accessibility by enabling operation with either the right foot, left foot, or both feet. This multi-functional approach ensures that users with different physical conditions, including elderly operators, young users, and those with mobility impairments, can all effectively operate the deck lift mechanism.
2Ease of operation
If the deck lift foot pedal is placed on one side of the frame, then the mechanism can function, but uneven force distribution causes mechanical stress and potential damage to the seat and frame
Solution Approach 1:
The foot pedals are positioned asymmetrically on opposite sides of the mower frame at strategic locations. This asymmetric placement creates a balanced force distribution system where forces applied during deck lift operation are evenly distributed across the frame structure, preventing concentrated stress points and potential damage to the seat and frame.
Data Source
AI summary
A zero-turn style lawnmower includes a frame, a foot platform on the frame and a deck positioned below the foot platform. A foot bar spans above the foot platform. The foot bar is attached at one end to a right pedal arm on the right side of the frame and at the opposite end to a left pedal arm on the left side of the frame. The right pedal arm extends upwardly from a right front lift bracket pivotally attached to the right side of the frame, and the left pedal arm extends upwardly from a left front lift bracket pivotally attached to the left side of the frame. A user may press a right foot, left foot or both feet simultaneously on the foot bar to raise or lower the deck.