Self-Propelled Mower Drive Train With Electromagnetic Clutches
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing self-propelled vehicles for agricultural tasks, such as mowers and slashers, are complex and not robust enough for harsh environments, leading to maintenance issues and reduced reliability.
Innovation Solution
A self-propelled vehicle with a purely mechanical drive system using electromagnetic clutches and a worm drive reduction gearbox for all-wheel drive, allowing for simple and robust control with forward, reverse, and turning capabilities, and a low center of gravity for stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If electric motors and mechanical limit switches are used for drive control, then directional control is achieved, but irregular drive and torque issues occur due to motor switching and hunting
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electric motor drives with a purely mechanical drive system using a single internal combustion engine connected through a worm drive reduction gearbox and electromagnetic clutches. This substitution eliminates the motor switching and hunting problems that caused irregular drive and torque issues, while maintaining reliable directional control through the mechanical clutch engagement system.
2Adaptability or versatility
If complex electric drive systems with multiple motors per wheel are used, then wheel orientation and directional control are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple drive functions into a single mechanical drive train. Instead of using multiple electric motors per wheel, it combines all propulsion power through one engine and worm drive gearbox, with electromagnetic clutches controlling power distribution to left and right wheels. This merging simplifies the mechanical arrangement while maintaining adaptability for forward, reverse, and turning movements.
Solution Approach 2:
The single worm drive reduction gearbox serves multiple functions: providing power reduction, enabling forward and reverse motion through gear arrangement, and supporting turning operations. The electromagnetic clutches universally control power distribution to achieve various movement modes, reducing overall system complexity compared to dedicated motors for each function.
3Adaptability or versatility
If stored path or underground wire navigation is used, then navigation capability is achieved, but device complexity in control electronics increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the complex navigation control electronics (stored path memory, underground wire tracking systems) from the vehicle. Instead, it relies on simpler electromagnetic clutch control for directional changes, accepting reduced navigation capability in exchange for significantly simplified control electronics and mechanical arrangement.
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 solution provides a durable, low-maintenance, and reliable vehicle suitable for rugged conditions, enabling efficient operation on steep slopes with reduced complexity in mechanical arrangement and control electronics.
Implementation Method 1
each drive train having respective associated electromagnetic clutches and a clutch controller, the clutches being selectively engaged by operation of the clutch controller for forward, reverse and turning movement of the vehicle
Implementation Method 2
the inputs to the drive trains each comprising an output from a worm drive reduction gear box
Data Source
AI summary
A drive on an all wheel drive mower/slasher having on each side an assembly comprises appropriate brackets and fittings, axles, chains and tensioners where the worm gear output carries a forward direction spur gear and then extends to clutch. The clutch has an output gear and a forward chain travelling over a chain gear on reversible shaft, the reversible shaft is journaled in bearings. Chain gears and deliver drive to the wheel chain gears via respective chains. The spur gear is in mesh with a same sized gear so that when clutch 31 is disengaged and clutch engaged the wheels on one side are set forward. The brake clutches are disengaged. Chain and belt tensioners are provided in the usual way. The pulley has fan blades set above the pulley and the pulley has fan blades set below. Brakes are engaged on the turn side for skid steering.