Stand-On Mower Thigh Pad Removal With Vibration-Damped Controls
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lawn mowers face challenges in design efficiency, accessibility, and ergonomics, particularly in stand-on models, with issues such as complex fuel tank access, limited space utilization, and vibration during operation.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating features like recessed channels for hydraulic hoses, removable hydraulic reservoirs, a pivotable thigh pad, angled footplate supports, and vibration-dampening washers to enhance accessibility, space utilization, and operator comfort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the thigh pad is made fixed and securely attached, then operator support and comfort are improved, but accessibility and ease of removal for cleaning/maintenance deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The thigh pad assembly is divided into separable components: the thigh pad itself, the support structure, and the fastening mechanism. This segmentation allows the thigh pad to be easily removed for cleaning while maintaining structural stability when attached, directly resolving the contradiction between ease of removal and structural stability.
2Ease of operation
If the fuel tank is positioned for easy access, then fuel refilling convenience is improved, but space utilization and structural compactness deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The fuel tank is designed with dynamic accessibility - it can be easily accessed and removed when needed for refilling, yet integrates compactly into the mower's structure when in place. This dynamic design allows the system to switch between states of easy access and compact integration, resolving the contradiction between accessibility and space utilization.
3Ease of manufacture
If the mower structure is simplified for ease of manufacture, then manufacturing cost and complexity are reduced, but vibration dampening and operational comfort deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
A dampening element is introduced as an intermediary component between the thigh pad support and the mower frame. This simple intermediary element effectively reduces vibration and improves operational comfort while maintaining overall manufacturing simplicity, as the dampening component can be easily integrated into the existing structure without complicating the manufacturing process.
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
Improves fuel tank accessibility, conserves space, reduces vibration, and enhances ergonomic design, making operations safer and more efficient.
Implementation Method 1
at least one dampening washer (e.g., felt washer) and bearing structure positioned and configured to reduce vibration and/or oscillation/movement of pivotal mower hand controls
Data Source
AI summary
A lawn mower may include at least one of: (a) recessed channel(s) in a fuel tank configured for receiving hydraulic hose(s); (b) hydraulic reservoirs, for hydraulic fluid for corresponding transmissions, mounted on a plate and configured to be easily removable for fuel tank access; (c) a fuel tank including a protruding tower including a fuel gauge, where the fuel gauge is configured to be viewable through a hole in a dash panel of the mower and mounted substantially flush with the hole in the dash panel plate; (d) a pivotable and removable thigh pad for stand-on applications where the thigh pad is configured to be easily removable by hand without the need for any tool; (e) a pivotal footplate with angle portions for receiving respective feet of a mower operator; (f) a support under the footplate, where cross members of the support are angled upwardly in order to increase clearance at bottom sides of the mower inside rear drive wheels, such as for improved curb clearance during mower operations and/or to provide for more efficient use of space; (g) an improved interlock design for selectively locking mower pivotal hand controls upon pulling of a parking brake lever/handle; and/or (h) at least one dampening washer (e.g., felt washer) and bearing structure positioned and configured to reduce vibration and/or oscillation/movement of pivotal mower hand controls.