Mower Frame Hydraulic Pump Motor Mounting
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Mower frames with zero radius turn capability face challenges in accommodating hydraulic pump/motor assemblies, leading to space constraints and complex weldments that complicate maintenance and access to internal components.
Innovation Solution
The use of laterally spaced side rails with raised arches and a longitudinal frame member to mount hydraulic pump/motor assemblies, where each assembly has an L-shaped configuration with the motor outboard and pump inboard within the arch, and a truss-shaped cross frame to unite and align the motors, reducing the need for additional cross members and enhancing accessibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If four hydraulic components (two pumps and two motors) are mounted on the mower frame, then the hydraulic system can power both rear drive wheels independently for zero radius turn capability, but the frame becomes larger and more complex to accommodate these components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the pump and motor into a single integrated hydraulic assembly mounted on each side of the frame. This merging of components reduces the total space required compared to mounting separate pumps and motors, while still providing independent hydraulic power to each rear drive wheel for zero radius turn capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The hydraulic components are mounted vertically on the side rails of the frame, utilizing the vertical dimension rather than only horizontal space. This dimensional reorganization allows the components to be compactly arranged without increasing the overall footprint of the frame.
2Strength
If traditional weldments with multiple side pieces and transverse cross members are used to construct the mower frame, then structural strength is achieved, but access to the interior of the frame is restricted and maintenance becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The frame is constructed from modular side rails that can be independently accessed and serviced. The side rails are designed as separate segments that maintain structural integrity while allowing technicians to access the interior space for maintenance of hydraulic components and other internal parts without disassembling the entire frame structure.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the frame is designed to house all hydraulic components along with engine, battery, and operator seat, then all components are accommodated, but the frame becomes larger than desirable
Solution Approach 1:
The hydraulic components are mounted vertically on the side rails, utilizing the vertical dimension of the frame structure. This allows the components to be arranged in three-dimensional space efficiently, accommodating all necessary components while minimizing the overall volume and footprint of the frame.
Solution Approach 2:
The hydraulic assemblies are integrated into the frame structure in a nested arrangement, where the pumps and motors are positioned within the spatial envelope defined by the side rails and cross members, efficiently utilizing the available interior space without requiring additional external mounting structures.
Data Source
AI summary
A mower has a frame that supports a rotary cutting deck. The frame includes a pair of side rails that each extend from a front end in advance of the cutting deck to a rear end substantially behind the cutting deck. The front ends of the side rails support a pair of front caster wheels. The rear ends of the side rails have a raised, upwardly extending arch at which a hydraulic pump/motor assembly is mounted. The pump/motor assembly has an L-shaped configuration with the motor being located towards the bottom of the arch and outboard of the side rail and with the pump extending upwardly and inwardly from the motor to be located inboard of the side rail and within the vertical profile of the arch. The hydraulic motors drive a pair of rear drive wheels to propel the frame over the ground. A cross frame extends between the motors in the pump/motor assemblies to join the assemblies together. The deck is propelled from the frame by a plurality of struts extending between the cross frame and the deck.