Mower Deck Rotary Outlet Blocking for Easy Mode Switching

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing mowers face issues with the plug attachment needing repeated detachment and attachment for mode switching, leading to inconvenience, and the rotary unit deforming or loosening, causing blockages due to gaps that affect grass collection efficiency.

Innovation Solution

A mower design with a rotary unit that can rotate to block or open the outlet, featuring a blocking portion and base plates to prevent downward movement, ensuring smooth operation and grass collection without repeated assembly, and incorporating an operation assembly for easy mode switching.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a plug attachment is detachably mounted on the mower for mode switching, then the mower can switch between grass shredding mode and grass collection mode, but the plug attachment needs to be repeatedly mounted or detached, bringing inconvenience to the user

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemode switching capabilityVSAvoidoperation convenience
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the dynamics principle by replacing the static plug attachment with a dynamic rotary unit that can rotate between different positions. The rotary unit includes a blocking portion that can rotate to either block the outlet (grass collection mode) or open the outlet (grass shredding mode), eliminating the need for repeated attachment and detachment of separate components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The rotary unit serves multiple functions: it acts as both a blocking mechanism for grass collection mode and an opening mechanism for grass shredding mode. This multi-functional component replaces the need for separate plug attachments, simplifying the overall system while maintaining mode switching capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of operation

If a rotary unit is provided with a baffle plate rotatably attached to the housing for mode switching, then the operation is more convenient, but with use time the rotary unit deforms or the installation structure loosens, resulting in position shift and formation of gaps causing blockage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemode switching convenienceVSAvoidstructural stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary anti-action by providing base plates that prevent downward movement of the rotary unit before deformation or loosening can occur. The first base plate is positioned to mate with the blocking portion and limit its downward movement, while the second base plate provides additional support, preventing gap formation and blockage before they can happen during operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

Solution Approach 2:

The base plates serve as a cushioning support structure that anticipates and prevents the harmful effects of deformation and loosening. By providing this supportive framework in advance, the patent ensures the rotary unit maintains its positional integrity and prevents gap formation that would lead to blockage during extended use.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Device complexity

If the rotary unit is rotatably connected without additional support structures, then the structure is simpler, but the rotary unit position shifts due to deformation or loosening, causing gaps and blockage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural simplicityVSAvoidposition accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies segmentation by dividing the support structure into multiple independent base plates (first base plate and second base plate) rather than using a single complex support structure. This segmented approach provides positional stability through multiple contact points while keeping each individual base plate simple in design, maintaining manufacturing precision without excessive complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS20250359508A1mower
Publication Date: 2025.11.27 NANJING CHERVON IND
  • US20250359508A1 patent drawing
  • US20250359508A1 patent drawing
  • US20250359508A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A mower includes a cutter, a deck, a power unit, and a rotary unit. The deck includes a housing formed with a cutting cavity that connects with a grass discharge passage through a first outlet. The rotary unit includes a rotary body that includes a blocking portion and a connecting portion connected to each other. The rotary unit is capable of rotating to a first position or a second position. When the rotary unit is at the first position, the blocking portion blocks the first outlet. When the rotary unit is at the second position, the first outlet is opened. The deck further includes a first base plate. The first base plate is at least partially located below the rotary unit. The blocking portion mates with the first base plate, and the first base plate limits the downward movement of the blocking portion.