Mowing Machine Support Arm Safety Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mowing machines lack a cost-effective and structurally simple safety device to prevent damage from obstacles like stones during high-speed operation, leading to oscillation and suboptimal mowing results due to variable friction conditions and complex articulation points.
Innovation Solution
A safety device integrated into the mowing machine's support arm with an articulated connection at the outer end, featuring a pivot axis transverse to the travel direction and a spring-loaded locking mechanism that releases to allow the mowing device to pivot upwards and avoid obstacles, minimizing structural complexity and cost.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a safety device is added to protect against obstacles, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The safety device is merged with the existing support arm structure. The support arm is designed as a multi-part structure where the outer support arm part can pivot relative to the inner support arm part, combining the support function and safety function into a single integrated structure rather than adding a separate safety device.
Solution Approach 2:
The safety device uses a simple blocking device with a spring element that can be easily replaced if needed, rather than complex expensive mechanisms. The design prioritizes simplicity and cost-effectiveness over long-term durability of the safety components themselves.
2Ease of operation
If a blocking device with spring element is used, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The blocking device is designed to automatically engage and disengage based on the force applied to the support arm during operation. The spring element automatically adjusts the blocking force, and the device self-regulates without requiring external control mechanisms or complex actuation systems.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the outer support arm part is fixed, then stability is improved, but adaptability worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The support arm transitions from a static fixed structure to a dynamic multi-part structure where the outer support arm part can pivot relative to the inner support arm part. This dynamic capability allows the system to adapt to obstacles by pivoting the outer arm part while maintaining stability during normal operation through the blocking device.
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 solution provides reliable obstacle avoidance without damaging the mowing device, maintaining optimal mowing performance and reducing the machine's weight and cost by minimizing the forces required for safety, allowing for precise adjustment of the triggering force and easy re-engagement.
Implementation Method 1
The blocking device (21) has a spring element (24) assigned to it
Implementation Method 2
a number of cutting elements 3 rotating about vertical axes
Implementation Method 3
an articulated connection (14) having a pivot axis lying at least approximately transversely to the travel and working direction F
Implementation Method 4
due to different friction conditions in practical use of a field device designed as a mowing device between the ground surface and the mowing device
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The mower (1) has guiding elements i.e. control levers (15), arranged between a lateral section of a mowing unit (2) and a support arm (7). An outer support arm part (10) is connected with an adjacent support arm part (9) moved around a drag axis that is directed in working and operating positions approximately transverse to driving and working directions (F). An approximately vertical alignment is carried out during a normal operation of the mower in a longitudinal extension. Force is applied on the mowing unit for a locking action of an operating resistance-dependent blocking device. The mower has a safety device arranged within a range of three point attachment device.