Walk-behind Mower Trimmer with Segmented Cutting Heads
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lawn mowers and trimmers are heavy, restrictive, and require multiple tools for efficient mowing and trimming, with limitations in maneuverability and power sources leading to strenuous operation and incomplete cutting due to protective metal decks and separate trimming processes.
Innovation Solution
A walk-behind mower/trimmer assembly with multiple trimmer heads on a lightweight deck, incorporating glider disks and adjustable rear support systems, powered by hybrid gas/DC electric motors, allowing for single-pass mowing and trimming with enhanced maneuverability and power options including self-propelled and GPS directional control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a protective metal deck is used to shield the operator from blade contact and debris, then operator safety is improved, but the blade cannot reach beyond the deck to cut and trim next to trees or fixed objects
Solution Approach 1:
The cutting system is segmented into multiple independent cutting heads (main cutting head and at least one secondary cutting head) positioned at different locations. The main cutting head is protected by the metal deck, while the secondary cutting head extends beyond the deck to reach areas next to trees and fixed objects, allowing both safety and versatility to coexist
Solution Approach 2:
The cutting capability is extended from a single plane to multiple dimensions by positioning cutting heads at different spatial locations - one protected within the deck structure and another extending beyond it, enabling cutting in previously inaccessible areas without compromising operator protection
2Stability of the object's composition
If supporting wheels are positioned beyond the cutting swath to provide stability, then mower stability is improved, but the wheels become an additional barrier when trying to mow closer to surrounding objects
Solution Approach 1:
The support system is segmented into multiple wheel assemblies positioned at different locations relative to the cutting swath. At least one wheel assembly is positioned within or at the edge of the cutting swath, allowing the mower to operate closer to objects while maintaining stability through the distributed wheel configuration
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of positioning all wheels beyond the cutting swath as in conventional mowers, the invention inverts the arrangement by placing at least one wheel assembly within or at the edge of the cutting swath, eliminating the barrier effect while preserving stability through proper structural design
3Adaptability or versatility
If a handheld flexible line grass trimmer is used for finish work after mowing to reach areas not easily accessible with a mower, then cutting versatility is improved, but the operator must support the weight of the trimmer making it strenuous and difficult to maintain consistent cutting height
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the functions of a mower and a handheld trimmer into a single integrated device. The secondary cutting head, positioned on an extended arm beyond the main cutting swath, provides trimmer-like versatility for reaching areas next to trees and fixed objects, while the entire assembly is supported by the mower's structure and glider disks, eliminating the need for the operator to support the trimmer weight
Solution Approach 2:
The device achieves multi-functionality by incorporating both mowing capability (main cutting head) and trimming capability (secondary cutting head on extended arm) in a single machine, allowing it to perform both functions without requiring separate tools or operator intervention to switch between them
4Power
If rotary mowing process requires substantial horsepower to lift, cut, and discharge grass, then cutting power is improved, but the mower becomes heavy and requires bigger motors
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the discharge function from the cutting process. Instead of requiring powerful motors to lift and discharge grass through a complex chute system, the flexible cutting lines cut grass at ground level without requiring substantial lifting power, eliminating the need for heavy discharge mechanisms and reducing overall mower weight
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the traditional mechanical rotary blade system with a flexible cutting line system. This substitution eliminates the need for heavy-duty motors required for lifting and discharging grass, as the flexible lines cut grass directly at ground level, significantly reducing the power and weight requirements while maintaining effective cutting capability
Data Source
AI summary
A walk-behind mower/trimmer includes one or more cutting heads secured to a deck supporting frame and supported on a glider disk. A rear support and handle assembly facilitate operator use and control of the mower/trimmer. The heads may be powered using a gas motor, an electric motor, or a hybrid.