Mower Attachment Hopper Conveyor Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing self-propelled outdoor power equipment with rear conveyor systems require operators to look back while driving, disrupting forward visibility and efficiency during mulch or particulate material distribution.
Innovation Solution
A modular attachment system featuring a hopper and conveyor belt assembly that mounts directly above the mower deck, utilizing a drive belt system with sheaves to enable efficient and controlled distribution of mulch or particulate material without the need for rearward visibility, allowing operators to maintain forward-facing orientation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a rear conveyor system is used to distribute mulch or particulate material, then material distribution is achieved, but operator forward visibility is blocked and operational efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The conveyor system is repositioned from a rear-mounted configuration to a top-mounted configuration directly above the mower deck. This dimensional change allows material distribution to occur in the forward direction rather than rearward, eliminating the need for operators to look back while maintaining full forward visibility and operational efficiency
2Productivity
If a rear conveyor system is used for material distribution, then mulch distribution function is provided, but operator safety and control are compromised due to reduced visibility
Solution Approach 1:
By moving the conveyor from rear to top position above the mower deck, the system maintains material distribution capability while improving operator safety and control through uninterrupted forward visibility
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of distributing material rearward as with traditional conveyor systems, the inverted configuration distributes material forward in the direction of travel, enhancing operator awareness and control
3Productivity
If a fixed conveyor system is installed on the mower, then material distribution is enabled, but the device complexity increases and adaptability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The conveyor system is designed as a separate, removable attachment that can be independently mounted or detached from the mower, allowing the mower to be used for different purposes and maintaining versatility while enabling mulch distribution when needed
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment system allows dynamic reconfiguration where the conveyor can be installed or removed based on operational requirements, providing adaptability between different mowing and material distribution tasks
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
Enhances operational efficiency by allowing operators to maintain forward visibility and control during mulch distribution, improving safety and productivity by eliminating the need to look back while driving, and allowing for easy mounting and dismounting without altering the original unit.
Implementation Method 1
a drive belt; wherein when the mower deck is mounted on the frame, the drive belt is mounted on the first and second sheaves; and when the attachment is mounted on the frame, the drive belt is dismounted from the second sheave and is mounted on the first and third sheaves
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a mower having a removable mower deck, and a removable attachment which includes a hopper and conveyor assembly for discharging particulate material from the hopper. The attachment and mower deck may be mounted on the frame of the unit together or separately. The attachment may be configured for rapid mounting and dismounting on the frame of the mower.