Lawn Mower Hopper Parking System with Pivotable Support Legs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing material collection systems for lawn tractors are difficult and time-intensive to move and install due to their size and weight, and they obstruct the operator's sight lines and rear visibility, especially when switching between low and high dump configurations.
Innovation Solution
A material collection parking system with independently movable front and rear parking support legs, a hinged front panel, and lift cylinders that allow the hopper to pivot and be easily secured to the lawn tractor, providing unobstructed sight lines and easy access for both low and high dump configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a material collection system is designed with high dump configuration, then material discharge capability is improved, but operator sight lines and rear visibility are obstructed
Solution Approach 1:
The material collection system is designed to be dynamically reconfigurable between high dump and low dump configurations. The system uses movable support legs and pivotable connections to allow the hopper to change its position and orientation, enabling the operator to switch between configurations based on operational needs rather than being fixed in one position.
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure is divided into separate, independently controllable segments including front support legs, rear support legs, and lateral support members. Each segment can be independently positioned and secured, allowing the hopper to be stabilized in different configurations while maintaining operator visibility when needed.
2Quantity of substance
If a material collection system is made large and heavy for adequate collection capacity, then collection capability is improved, but ease of movement and installation is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs dynamic support mechanisms with movable legs that can be extended and locked into position. The front and rear support legs can be independently positioned, and lateral support members can be adjusted to accommodate different ground conditions, making the heavy system adaptable and easier to deploy without requiring complete disassembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses intermediary connection elements such as pins, brackets, and coupling mechanisms that facilitate easy attachment and detachment of the hopper from the lawn tractor. These intermediaries allow for quick connection and disconnection without requiring heavy lifting or complex assembly procedures.
3Stability of the object's composition
If a material collection system is designed for stable support on uneven ground, then stability is improved, but device complexity is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is segmented into multiple independent legs (front, rear, and lateral) that can be individually adjusted. Each leg can be independently positioned to accommodate uneven ground conditions, allowing the system to adapt to terrain variations without requiring a single complex adjustable mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
Different parts of the support structure have different adjustment capabilities suited to their specific functions. The front and rear legs provide primary height adjustment for stability, while the lateral support members provide width and angular adjustment. Each component is optimized for its local requirement rather than having uniform adjustability throughout.
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 system simplifies the movement between stowed and deployed positions, ensuring easy access and maintaining operator visibility during collection, while allowing for efficient use and storage of the collection system.
Implementation Method 1
a lift cylinder connected to a top front portion of the hopper and retracting and extending to pivot the hopper toward and away from the front panel
Implementation Method 2
at least one of the pairs of legs being independently moveable between a stowed position along a side wall of the hopper and a deployed position supporting the hopper on a ground surface
Data Source
AI summary
A material collection parking system having a hopper connected to a rear discharge chute from a mower deck on a lawn tractor. The system includes a pair of front and a pair of rear parking support legs, at least one of the pairs of legs being independently moveable between a stowed position along a side wall of the hopper and a deployed position supporting the hopper on a ground surface. The material collection system has a low dump configuration and a high dump configuration providing unobstructed sight lines and rear visibility for the operator during rear collection in the stowed position on the lawn tractor.