Nested Double Deck Boots for Lawn Mowers

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current deck boot designs for lawn mowers require different sizes, leading to increased storage, display, and logistical challenges due to multiple stock keeping unit codes and space occupancy.

Innovation Solution

A double deck boot attachment comprising a smaller and larger deck boot, where the smaller boot slides into the larger boot's interior volume, allowing them to be stored and shipped as a single item, reducing storage and logistical complexities.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple different sizes of deck boots are stored separately, then each size can be properly selected for different mower models, but storage space, display space, and logistical complexity increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompatibility with different mower modelsVSAvoidstorage and display space
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies nesting by placing the smaller deck boot inside the larger deck boot, allowing both sizes to occupy the same external space. The smaller boot fits within the interior volume of the larger boot, effectively halving the storage space required while maintaining both sizes available for different mower models

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a universal storage solution where a single larger deck boot can accommodate multiple smaller boot sizes. This multi-functional approach allows one storage unit to serve multiple purposes, reducing the need for separate storage locations for each boot size

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple different sizes of deck boots are stored separately, then each size can be properly selected for different mower models, but the number of stock keeping unit codes and logistical complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompatibility with different mower modelsVSAvoidlogistical complexity and SKU management
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent reduces logistical complexity by creating a universal packaging system where multiple boot sizes are combined into a single sellable unit. This allows retailers to use a single SKU code for the nested pair instead of managing separate SKUs for each individual boot size, simplifying inventory management and reducing errors in product selection

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple different sizes of deck boots are stored separately, then each size can be properly selected for different mower models, but the time required to sort, store, and locate the correct deck boot increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompatibility with different mower modelsVSAvoidtime to sort, store, and locate deck boots
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple deck boot sizes into a single nested assembly, combining what were previously separate storage and retrieval operations into one unified unit. This eliminates the need to sort through multiple separate boot sizes, as customers receive both sizes together in one package, significantly reducing the time required to locate and select the correct boot size

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP3515175B1Double deck boots
Publication Date: 2021.12.01 MTD PRODUCTS INC
  • EP3515175B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3515175B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3515175B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

A double deck boot attachment (34) for a lawn maintenance tool (20) includes a smaller deck boot (36) and a larger deck boot (38) including an interior volume (46). The smaller deck boot (36) is an attachment for at least one first lawn maintenance tool and the larger deck boot (38) is an attachment for at least one second lawn maintenance tool. At least a portion of the smaller deck boot (36) is configured to slide within the interior volume (46) of the larger deck boot (38) from a separated position to an assembled position and the double deck boot attachment (34) is configured to be stored and shipped a single deck boot with one stock keeping unit code.