Stand-On Mower Footplate and Reservoir Layout for Access and Clearance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lawn mowers face challenges in design efficiency, accessibility, and operator comfort, particularly in stand-on models, with issues such as limited space utilization, complex maintenance access, and vibration during operation.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating features like recessed channels for hydraulic hoses, removable hydraulic reservoirs, a protruding fuel gauge, pivotable thigh pads, angled footplates, and improved interlock designs, along with dampening washers, to enhance accessibility, space utilization, and reduce vibration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of repair
If hydraulic reservoirs are mounted on a plate for easy removal, then ease of maintenance is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional mounting structures
Solution Approach 1:
The hydraulic reservoir is separated from the main fuel tank assembly and mounted on a separate plate structure, allowing it to be independently removed for maintenance without draining or disassembling the fuel tank. This segmentation enables easy access to the reservoir while maintaining the integrity of the fuel system.
Solution Approach 2:
The hydraulic reservoir is extracted as a separate, easily removable component from the integrated fuel tank assembly. The reservoir mounts on a plate that can be quickly detached, allowing maintenance personnel to access and service the reservoir without complex disassembly procedures.
2Length of moving object
If cross members of the support are angled upwardly to increase clearance, then curb clearance is improved, but structural strength may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The cross members of the support structure are designed with asymmetric angling, where the upward angle provides increased curb clearance while the structural geometry compensates for potential strength losses. The asymmetric design optimizes both clearance and structural integrity.
3Ease of operation
If dampening washers are added to reduce vibration, then operator comfort is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Dampening washers are strategically placed at specific locations where vibration and oscillation occur in the hand control assembly. This localized application of vibration reduction provides operator comfort without requiring a comprehensive vibration damping system throughout the entire mower.
4Stability of the object's composition
If footplate angle portions are designed to receive feet during turns, then operator stability is improved, but footplate complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The footplate incorporates pivotal movement capability with angled portions that can dynamically adjust to receive the operator's feet during turning operations. This dynamic design allows the footplate to adapt to different operational positions, improving stability during turns while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
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 design improvements facilitate easier maintenance, increased space efficiency, improved curb clearance, and enhanced operator comfort and safety by reducing vibration and oscillation.
Implementation Method 1
at least one dampening washer (e.g., felt washer) and bearing structure positioned and configured to reduce vibration and/or oscillation/movement of pivotal mower hand controls
Data Source
AI summary
A lawn mower may include at least one of: (a) recessed channel(s) in a fuel tank configured for receiving hydraulic hose(s); (b) hydraulic reservoirs, for hydraulic fluid for corresponding transmissions, mounted on a plate and configured to be easily removable for fuel tank access; (c) a fuel tank including a protruding tower including a fuel gauge, where the fuel gauge is configured to be viewable through a hole in a dash panel of the mower and mounted substantially flush with the hole in the dash panel plate; (d) a pivotable and removable thigh pad for stand-on applications where the thigh pad is configured to be easily removable by hand without the need for any tool; (e) a pivotal footplate with angle portions for receiving respective feet of a mower operator; (f) a support under the footplate, where cross members of the support are angled upwardly in order to increase clearance at bottom sides of the mower inside rear drive wheels, such as for improved curb clearance during mower operations and/or to provide for more efficient use of space; (g) an improved interlock design for selectively locking mower pivotal hand controls upon pulling of a parking brake lever/handle; and/or (h) at least one dampening washer (e.g., felt washer) and bearing structure positioned and configured to reduce vibration and/or oscillation/movement of pivotal mower hand controls.