Mower Fuel Tank Positioning for Stability and Capacity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional mowers using electric motors for propulsion and internal combustion engines for cutting blades face challenges in accommodating a fuel tank due to space constraints, affecting stability and operational duration.
Innovation Solution
A mower design with a fuel tank positioned centrally and low within the main body, surrounded by electric motors and a chute that extends rearward with an upward slant, maximizing fuel tank capacity and minimizing interference with the chute, enhancing stability and traction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If electric motors are used for propelling the mower, then environmental friendliness and efficiency are improved, but space for the fuel tank is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The fuel tank is repositioned from traditional locations (front or side) to the rear central region of the mower body, utilizing the three-dimensional space between the electric motors and chute. This spatial reconfiguration allows the fuel tank to occupy previously unused volume in the rear central area, resolving the space conflict introduced by electric motor installation.
2Force
If the fuel tank is positioned in the rear part of the main body, then traction is improved, but space for other components is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The fuel tank is nested within the space defined by the electric motors and chute assembly in the rear central region. This nested positioning allows the fuel tank to occupy the interstitial space between these components, maximizing fuel capacity while maintaining proper clearance and not interfering with the function of surrounding parts.
3Productivity
If the chute extends straight to the grass collection bag, then grass clippings are efficiently forwarded, but the fuel tank space is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The chute is segmented into multiple sections with different orientations: a first section extending rearward with upward slant, and a second section extending laterally to the grass collection bag. This segmentation allows the chute to navigate around the fuel tank location, providing sufficient clearance for the fuel tank while maintaining efficient grass clippings transport capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The chute employs curved transitions between sections, particularly where it bends from the rearward upward slant to the lateral extension toward the grass collection bag. This curved configuration allows smooth airflow and grass clippings transport while accommodating the fuel tank position in the rear central region.
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 improves motion stability, traction, and extends operational time by maximizing fuel tank capacity while preventing chute clogging, ensuring efficient grass collection.
Implementation Method 1
a chute (30) extending in a fore and aft direction to communicate an interior of the blade housing with an interior of the grass collection bag
Implementation Method 2
a pair of electric motors (15) mounted in a rear part of the main body and connected to the respective rear wheels in a power transmitting relationship
Implementation Method 3
an engine (14) mounted on the main body for driving the cutting blade
Implementation Method 4
a fuel tank (16) for supplying fuel to the engine and positioned in a space surrounded by the electric motors and the chute
Data Source
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AI summary
In a mower (10) driven by a pair of electric motors (15) and using an engine (14) for driving a cutter blade (22), a fuel tank (16) for supplying fuel to the engine is positioned in a space surrounded by the electric motors and a chute (30) for forwarding grass clippings to a grass collection bag (23). The chute extends rearward with an upward slant, and is bent in side view in such a manner that a lower part has a steeper incline than an upper part thereof.