Robotic Mower Height Adjustment via Spiral Thread and Detent Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing robotic lawn mowers lack a lightweight, low-cost, and easy-to-operate height of cut adjustment assembly that can securely adjust cutting heights from less than one inch to at least four inches without the need for tools, and there is a need for improvements in cutting height adjustment mechanisms.

Innovation Solution

A robotic mower height of cut adjustment assembly featuring a cylindrical drum with internal spiral threads and a motor cup with external spiral threads, where detents on the drum secure different cutting heights, allowing the blade shield and motor cup to be rotated for height adjustments, with a blade motor mounted in the motor cup and a shield to prevent overheating.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If a height of cut adjustment assembly is designed to be lightweight and low cost, then manufacturing cost and weight are reduced, but adjustment precision and reliability may deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing costVSAvoidadjustment precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The height adjustment mechanism is segmented into discrete detent positions along the spiral groove, allowing the blade assembly to be positioned at specific predetermined heights. This segmentation enables precise height control through a simple mechanical structure without requiring complex adjustment mechanisms, thus maintaining reliability while keeping the design lightweight and cost-effective.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The detent mechanism automatically engages with the spiral groove at predetermined positions during rotation, providing self-locking at each height level without requiring additional fasteners or complex locking mechanisms. This self-service feature ensures reliable height positioning while minimizing the number of parts, reducing both cost and weight.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Ease of operation

If a height of cut adjustment assembly allows quick and tool-free adjustment, then ease of operation is improved, but structural complexity may increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadjustment speedVSAvoidmechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of using a complex locking mechanism that requires tools to secure the height adjustment, the design inverts the approach by using a simple spiral groove with detents that automatically lock at predetermined positions during rotation. The adjustment is secured by the geometry of the spiral groove itself rather than by additional locking components, achieving tool-free operation without increasing complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The spiral groove provides a curved, continuous path for height adjustment, allowing smooth rotation and automatic engagement with detents at predetermined positions. This curved geometry enables quick tool-free adjustment while maintaining a simple structural design, as the spiral shape itself provides the adjustment mechanism without requiring complex articulated linkages or multiple components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the blade shield and motor cup are rotated for height adjustment, then adaptability to different cutting heights is improved, but cable twisting risk may increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecutting height rangeVSAvoidcable twisting
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The height adjustment mechanism is designed to complete the entire height range adjustment within a single rotation of the blade shield and motor cup. This preliminary action ensures that the power cable connected to the motor has sufficient slack and proper routing to accommodate the full rotation without twisting or tangling, while still providing adaptability across the complete cutting height range from least to greatest.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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 quick and tool-free adjustment of cutting heights between one and four inches, ensuring secure positioning and reducing the risk of cable twisting, while maintaining a lightweight and cost-effective design.

Implementation Method 1

a height of cut drum secured to a bottom chassis of the robotic mower and having internal spiral threads; a motor cup supporting a cutting blade motor and having external spiral that engage the height of cut drum

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectScrew: Screw

Data Source

PatentEP2412220B1Robotic mower height of cut adjustment assembly and robotic mower
Publication Date: 2013.01.23 DEERE & CO
  • EP2412220B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2412220B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2412220B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A height of cut adjustment assembly for a robotic mower (100) includes a height of cut drum (150) secured to a bottom chassis (104) of the robotic mower (100) and having internal spiral threads (148), a motor cup (142) supporting a cutting blade motor (134) and having external spiral threads (143) that engage the height of cut drum (150), and a blade shield (140) fastened to the motor cup (142). The blade shield (140) and the motor cup (142) may be rotated to change height of cut. The blade shield (140) and motor cup (142) may be rotated one revolution to move the motor cup (142) and blade shield (140) vertically between a minimum and a maximum cutting height. Detents (149) engage the motor cup (142) with the drum (150) at a plurality of different cutting heights.