Rotary Mower Discharge Flap Mechanical Linkage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for controlling the discharge of grass clippings from rotary lawn mowers often rely on expensive and unreliable actuators and electric controllers, leading to inefficiencies and increased costs, especially for commercial lawn care services.
Innovation Solution
A manually operated mechanical device that includes a mounting bracket, a flap pivotally attached to the mower deck, and a connecting member with a handle. This device allows the operator to manually control the position of the flap between a closed position to prevent discharge and an open position to allow discharge, using a flexible yet rigid connecting member to transfer rotational force.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If actuators and electric controllers are used to control the discharge of grass clippings, then the discharge control function is achieved, but the device becomes expensive and unreliable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the electrical actuator and controller system with a purely mechanical linkage system. The handle, connecting member, and flap form a mechanical system where manual input directly controls the discharge port opening without any electrical components, thereby eliminating reliability issues associated with actuators and controllers while reducing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical linkage system is designed to be self-operating through manual input. The operator's direct manipulation of the handle automatically translates through the connecting member to control the flap position, requiring no external power source, control electronics, or complex actuation mechanisms.
2Force
If a rigid connecting member is used to transfer force to the flap, then the rotational force is effectively transmitted, but the connecting member cannot be formed into a selected configuration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a connecting member with variable rigidity parameters along its length. The proximal portion near the handle is more flexible to allow configuration and installation, while the distal portion near the flap attachment is stiffer to effectively transmit rotational force. This gradient in rigidity parameters enables both configurability and effective force transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting member utilizes composite construction combining flexible and rigid sections. This could involve composite materials or a hybrid structure where different portions have different mechanical properties, allowing the member to be formed into a selected configuration while maintaining sufficient rigidity for force transmission during operation.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the flap is positioned to cover the discharge chute, then the discharge of clippings is prevented, but the operator cannot discharge clippings when desired
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamically adjustable flap position through the mechanical linkage system. The flap can be moved between a closed position (covering the discharge chute to prevent clipping discharge) and an open position (allowing discharge when desired). The operator-controlled handle enables real-time adjustment of the flap position, providing adaptability for different operating conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The discharge control system serves multiple functions: it prevents clipping discharge to landscaping and water features, controls discharge direction for safety purposes, and allows operator discretion to discharge or retain clippings based on site conditions. The single mechanical system accomplishes all these diverse functions through flap position 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
The device provides a cost-effective and reliable means to control the discharge of grass clippings, reducing the time and expense associated with removing clippings from unwanted areas, while also enhancing safety by allowing operators to manage discharge in various situations.
Implementation Method 1
The connecting member is sufficiently flexible to be formed into a selected configuration and sufficiently rigid to retain the selected configuration during use
Data Source
AI summary
A device for controlling the discharge of clippings from a chute in a mowing deck of a rotary lawn mower includes a mounting bracket secured to the rotary lawn mower a distance from the mower deck and a flap pivotally attached to the mower deck. The device includes a connecting member having a first end fixedly secured to the flap and a second end supported by the mounting bracket wherein the connecting member is sufficiently flexible to be formed into a selected configuration and sufficiently rigid to retain the selected configuration during use. The device includes a handle non-rotatably secured to the connecting member proximate the second end wherein when downward, rotational manual force is placed upon the handle, the force is transferred to the flap such that sufficient rotational force is applied thereto to move the flap to a first position that substantially covers a discharge chute on the mover deck to substantially prevent the discharge of clipping and wherein when an upward, rotational force is placed upon the handle an upward rotational force is placed upon the flap which causes the flap to rotate away from the discharge chute to a second position where the discharge port is substantially unobstructed by the flap.