Mower Quick Height Adjustment via Four-Bar Linkage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mowers with multiple cutting decks require cumbersome and time-consuming manual adjustments to change the height of cut for each deck individually, especially in contoured terrain, which is inefficient and labor-intensive.
Innovation Solution
An automatic height of cut adjustment system that includes a vehicle with multiple cutting assemblies, each equipped with a carrier frame, ground-engaging rotatable members, and a cutting unit connected via a four-bar linkage and a linear actuator, allowing for simultaneous adjustment of cutting units based on operator input through an operator interface module.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual adjustment of each cutting deck is used, then individual height control is achieved, but operator time and effort increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple individual height adjustment mechanisms into a single integrated automatic control system that simultaneously adjusts all cutting decks. The controller receives a single height command and coordinates multiple actuators to move multiple cutting units to the same height position, merging what would otherwise be separate manual adjustment operations into one automated action.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical adjustment operations with an automated control system that uses sensors, controllers, and electric or hydraulic actuators. The system substitutes human physical intervention with automated mechanical systems that can rapidly and precisely adjust cutting deck heights without operator involvement in the actual adjustment process.
2Productivity
If multiple cutting assemblies are used to cover large area, then mowing productivity increases, but complexity of height adjustment system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal controller that manages multiple cutting assemblies with the same control logic and interface. The single controller can adjust all cutting decks to the same height or different heights independently, providing multi-functionality that simplifies the overall system architecture despite managing multiple assemblies. This universal approach avoids the need for separate control systems for each cutting deck.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the mowing system into independent cutting assemblies, each with its own cutting unit and actuator, while maintaining centralized control. This segmentation allows each module to be adjusted independently when needed, while the modular structure makes the overall system more manageable and less complex than a fully integrated single-deck system would be at scaled-up sizes.
3Manufacturing precision
If cutting unit movement is constrained to maintain attitude, then cutting quality is maintained, but adjustment mechanism complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a four-bar linkage mechanism as an intermediary between the actuator and the cutting unit. This linkage system translates the linear motion of the actuator into controlled movement of the cutting unit while maintaining its parallel attitude relative to the ground. The four-bar linkage acts as a mechanical mediator that enforces the parallel motion constraint without requiring complex active control or multiple degrees of freedom.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the attitude maintenance function from the actuator control and embeds it in the passive four-bar linkage mechanism. Instead of using a complex actuator that must actively control both position and orientation, the system separates these functions: the actuator controls only the vertical position, while the four-bar linkage passively maintains the parallel attitude through its geometric constraints.
Data Source
AI summary
A mower comprising a vehicle, a plurality of cutting assemblies, and an automatic height of cut control system is described. In some aspects, the automatic height of cut control system is configured to automatically change the height of cut for the plurality of cutting assemblies while maintaining the attitude of each cutting blade as the blade moves from a first height of cut to a second height of cut. In some aspects, the cutting assemblies include a variable-length member linked to a four-bar linkage configured to cause a change in the height of cut in response to a change in length of the variable-length member.