Mower Cutting Unit Stand with Cradle and Adjustable Rear Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for maintaining and repairing reel mower cutting units lack stability, making it difficult for technicians to safely perform adjustments and sharpening tasks.
Innovation Solution
A fixture or stand with a base frame securely attached to a workbench, featuring a cradle for engaging rollers and a rear support member for stabilizing the cutting unit, allowing for adjustable positioning and suspension for enhanced accessibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a cutting unit is placed on a work bench for maintenance, then it is accessible for service, but it rolls easily and lacks stability
Solution Approach 1:
The support device is divided into separate functional components: a work bench surface for accessibility, a blocking member to prevent rolling, and a rear support member to provide stability. This segmentation allows each component to address specific stability issues independently.
Solution Approach 2:
The blocking member acts as an intermediary between the cutting unit's roller and the work bench, preventing unwanted rolling motion. The rear support member serves as a mediator to provide additional stability by supporting the cutting unit from behind.
2Ease of operation
If wooden blocks are used to support the cutting unit, then it is elevated for service, but it does not provide desired stability during service
Solution Approach 1:
The support device provides dynamic adaptability through the adjustable rear support member that can be positioned at different heights and locations. This allows the device to adapt to different cutting unit configurations and maintenance tasks, providing optimal stability for each situation.
Solution Approach 2:
The rear support member can be adjusted to change the support parameters (height, position) to match different cutting unit sizes and weights. This parameter adjustment capability ensures stable support across various service scenarios.
3Reliability
If the cutting unit is secured for safety prior to service, then safety is improved, but the complexity of the support device increases
Solution Approach 1:
The blocking member and rear support member work together to automatically stabilize the cutting unit once positioned, reducing the need for additional securing mechanisms. The design leverages the cutting unit's own structure (roller and frame) to achieve stability.
Data Source
AI summary
A stand or fixture for supporting a mower cutting unit having a base frame with side members interconnected with at least 2 cross members. A cradle supports stable engagement with a roller of a mower cutting unit, and is secured to and extends upward from and between the side members. The cradle is parallel to the cross members, and positioned above the side members, supported on and secured to riser members. Each of the riser members is secured to a side member. A support member is adjustably secured at a desired location between cross members, and has a top portion extending upwardly away from the base frame, and above the cradle. The support member includes aligned openings above the cradle for receiving and securing a support pin supporting a support chain for engaging and suspending the mower cutting unit supported within the cradle, for accessing components of the mower cutting unit for service.