Mowing Device Multi-Axis Pivot Linkage for Compact Transport
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mowing devices have limited cutting height adjustment and a large packing size in the transport state, which restricts flexibility and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
The mowing device features a connection unit with a main element that can pivot relative to the central frame, allowing precise adjustment of the cutting height and synchronous adjustment of mower units, along with a hydraulic cylinder system for stepwise pivoting, ensuring easy height adjustment and compact transport.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the mowing device uses a conventional connection unit with main swivel arm and outer swivel arm, then the structure is relatively simple, but the cutting height adjustment is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The connection unit is divided into multiple independent pivotable components: main element connected to central frame, main pivot arm connected to main element, and outer pivot arm connected to main pivot arm. Each segment can pivot independently about its own pivot axis, allowing granular adjustment of the mowing unit position and cutting height.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection unit transforms from a rigid structure to a dynamic, multi-degree-of-freedom mechanism. The main element pivots about a horizontal main element pivot axis orthogonal to the central frame direction, enabling dynamic adjustment of cutting height while maintaining structural integrity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the mowing device is designed for wide mowing coverage, then the mowing width is maximized, but the packing size in transport state increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mowing units are connected via pivotable connection units that allow the structure to dynamically reconfigure between wide mowing position and compact transport position. The multi-axis pivot mechanism enables the mowing units to be folded or repositioned, reducing the overall footprint during transport while maintaining full mowing width during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection unit utilizes multiple spatial dimensions through orthogonal pivot axes. The main element pivot axis is horizontal and orthogonal to the central frame direction, while the main arm and outer arm have their own pivot axes, creating a three-dimensional configuration space that allows compact folding without compromising mowing width.
3Measurement precision
If the main element is made pivotable relative to the central frame, then cutting height adjustment precision is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The height adjustment function is segmented into distinct pivotable components, each contributing to the overall positioning precision. The main element, main pivot arm, and outer pivot arm form a kinematic chain where each joint's pivot axis is optimized for its specific function, allowing precise control of cutting height through coordinated movement of multiple segments.
Solution Approach 2:
The main element acts as an intermediary component between the central frame and the mowing units. Its pivotable connection to the central frame about a horizontal axis orthogonal to the frame direction provides a mechanical advantage that translates small angular movements into precise vertical height adjustments of the mowing units.
4Stability of the object's composition
If the connection unit uses multiple pivotable arms and joints, then the workload distribution becomes symmetrical, but the ease of manufacture decreases
Solution Approach 1:
While the overall system achieves symmetrical workload distribution through the opposing connection units, each individual connection unit employs an asymmetric arrangement of pivot axes and arm lengths optimized for its specific mechanical function. The main element pivot axis is orthogonal to the central frame direction, creating an asymmetric configuration that balances forces effectively during mowing operation.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a mowing device (10) comprising a central frame supported by wheels (16a, 16b), which carries at least two mowing units (20a, 20b) that are each articulated to the central frame (12) via a connecting unit (24a, 24b), wherein the central frame (12) extends in its longitudinal direction, wherein a connecting unit (24a, 24b) comprises a main pivot arm (28a, 28b) and an outer pivot arm (26a, 26b), wherein the outer pivot arm (26a, 26b) is connected to the main pivot arm (28a, 28b) in such a way that the latter is pivotable about an outer arm joint (34a, 34b) relative to the main pivot arm (28a, 28b), furthermore the connecting unit (24a, 24b) comprises a mowing unit joint (32a, 32b) for connecting the mowing unit (20a,20b) to the outer pivot arm (26a,26b), wherein the mower unit joint (32a,32b) is arranged at the end of the outer pivot arm (26a,26b) spaced apart from the outer arm joint (34a,34b), wherein the mower unit pivot axis (AME) is transverse to the outer arm pivot axis (AAA).The connecting unit (24a, 24b) comprises a main element (30) that connects the central frame (12) to the main pivot arm (28a, 28b), wherein the main element (30) is connected to the central frame (12) via a main element joint, wherein the main element pivot axis (AHE) is parallel to the wheel axis, wherein the main pivot arm (28a, 28b) pivotably connects the main element (30) such that the main pivot arm (28a, 28b) is pivotably mounted on the main element (30) about a main arm pivot axis (AHA), such that the main arm pivot axis (AHA) is transverse to the main element pivot axis (AHE) and transverse to the outer arm pivot axis (AAA).