Mower Cutting Deck Foot Pedal Gate Control Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rotary mower cutting decks require operators to frequently change direction and use one hand to switch between discharge and non-discharge modes, which is inconvenient, especially when maneuvering around complex areas, and lack the ability to adjust the gate to intermediate positions for partial discharge.
Innovation Solution
A pivotal foot pedal system coupled with an over-center linkage allows the operator to control the gate between open and closed positions without removing hands from the steering, enabling intermediate positions to be set and maintained with varying pressure, and includes a mechanism to lock the gate in the open position without constant pressure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a hand-operated gate is used to switch between discharge and non-discharge modes, then the operator can control the gate position, but the operator must remove hands from steering controls during maneuvering
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the hand-operated mechanical linkage system with a foot-operated pedal system. The pedal is connected through a linkage mechanism to the discharge gate, allowing the operator to control the gate with their foot while keeping both hands on the steering controls during maneuvering around flower beds and other areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a foot pedal as an intermediary control device between the operator and the discharge gate. The pedal acts as a mediator that translates foot pressure into gate position changes, enabling hands-free operation while maintaining precise control over the discharge mode.
2Productivity
If the discharge opening is continuously open, then grass clippings can be discharged freely, but the operator must frequently change direction to avoid discharging clippings into unwanted areas
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the discharge gate dynamic rather than fixed, allowing it to switch between open and closed positions as needed. This dynamic control enables the operator to maintain a consistent mowing direction while temporarily closing the gate when approaching areas where discharge should be prevented, eliminating the need to change direction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameter of the discharge opening from a fixed open state to a variable state that can be opened or closed on demand. This parameter change allows the system to adapt to different mowing scenarios, maintaining both high productivity and maneuvering flexibility.
3Ease of operation
If a foot pedal system is used to control the gate, then hands-free operation is enabled, but the operator must apply continuous pressure to maintain intermediate positions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a spring mechanism that acts as a counterweight or opposing force to the foot pressure. The spring is positioned to automatically hold the gate in intermediate positions once the operator releases the pedal, eliminating the need for continuous foot pressure and reducing operator energy expenditure while maintaining hands-free control capability.
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 hands-free operation for mode switching, allows for precise adjustment of discharge settings, and reduces the need for frequent direction changes, improving operational efficiency and convenience when mowing around complex areas.
Implementation Method 1
A spring applies a spring force to the foot pedal tending to cause the foot pedal to rise to its non-depressed starting position such that the operator has to apply down pressure to the foot pedal to move the foot pedal against the spring force
Implementation Method 2
At least one over center linkage moves into an over center orientation to retain the gate in at least one of the open and closed positions thereof
Data Source
AI summary
A mower has a rotary cutting deck with a discharge opening covered by a discharge chute. A pivotal gate is placed beneath the discharge chute to pivot relative to the discharge opening between a closed position in which the gate blocks the discharge opening and an open position in which the gate opens the discharge opening, thereby providing discharge and non-discharge modes of operation respectively. A pivotal foot pedal can be depressed by the operator against the force of a biasing spring to move the gate between the closed and open positions thereof. When the gate reaches its open position corresponding to a fully depressed foot pedal, an over center linkage has reached an over center orientation in which the force of the spring now serves to lock the pivotal gate in the open position thereof. Another over center linkage also locks the pivotal gate in the closed position thereof when the foot pedal is in a non-depressed starting position.