Mower Deck Transport Lock One-Handed Operation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mower deck height adjustment mechanisms require operators to use both hands for transport lock release and mowing height adjustments, which can be cumbersome and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A mower deck transport lock system featuring a slideable transport lock release knob adjacent to the mowing height dial, allowing operators to use one hand to both release the transport lock and adjust the mowing height, with a pivotable transport lock plate engaging or disengaging the four-bar linkage to support or release the mower deck.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If separate controls are used for transport lock release and mowing height adjustment, then each function can be operated independently, but the operator must use both hands which increases operation complexity and reduces efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the transport lock release function and mowing height adjustment function into a single integrated control mechanism. The transport lock release knob is positioned to allow the operator to perform both functions with one hand, eliminating the need for separate hand operations and reducing overall operation complexity while maintaining functional independence.
Solution Approach 2:
The control mechanism is designed so that a single control element (the transport lock release knob) serves multiple functions: releasing the transport lock and adjusting the mowing height. This multi-functional design allows the operator to perform different operations with the same hand position, improving ease of operation without requiring additional separate controls.
2Ease of operation
If the transport lock release knob is positioned far from the mowing height dial, then each control has adequate space, but the operator cannot easily access both controls with one hand
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the transport lock release knob in a spatial relationship with the mowing height dial that enables one-handed operation. The knob is located such that the operator's hand can naturally reach both controls from the same position, utilizing the three-dimensional space of the console to create an ergonomic control arrangement that doesn't require excessive horizontal or vertical space.
Data Source
AI summary
A mower deck transport lock includes a transport lock plate pivotably mounted to the frame of a zero turn mower for supporting and locking a mower deck in a transport position. A transport lock release knob may be connected to the transport lock plate and releases the mower deck from the transport position so that the mower deck may be supported at any of a plurality of mowing height settings using a dial positioned adjacent the transport lock release knob.