Convertible Mower Tracked Implement Pivotable Idler Traction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Riding mowers are not effectively suited for year-round use due to inadequate traction and weight distribution on snowy and icy surfaces, leading to inefficiencies in snow removal and mower maintenance costs, with existing solutions requiring separate equipment for mowing and snow removal.

Innovation Solution

A convertible mower and tracked implement using a common drive unit with adjustable idlers and a durable cutting deck design that maintains optimal traction and weight distribution, allowing for easy conversion between forms to address both mowing and snow removal tasks.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a riding mower is used for snow removal operations, then the mower can perform dual-purpose operations, but the traction and weight distribution are inadequate on snowy and icy surfaces

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedual-purpose operation capabilityVSAvoidtraction performance

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the idler supports pivotable rather than fixed, allowing the track system to dynamically adjust its configuration. The idler supports can rotate about a pivot axis to change the angle between tracks during curb climbing operations, enabling the system to adapt to varying terrain conditions and maintain reliable traction on snowy and icy surfaces while performing dual-purpose operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If front-mounted snow removal attachment is added to the mower, then snow removal capability is provided, but the added weight lifts the drive wheels off the ground and reduces traction

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesnow removal capabilityVSAvoiddrive wheel traction

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses dynamics by implementing pivotable idler supports that can rotate to adjust track tension and angle. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to compensate for weight shifts caused by front-mounted attachments, maintaining drive wheel traction on snowy and icy surfaces while preserving snow removal capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of operation

If a tracked implement is designed to climb curbs, then the implement can overcome obstructions, but the track stretches and elongates causing track failure

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecurb climbing capabilityVSAvoidtrack integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the idler supports pivotable rather than fixed. When climbing curbs, the idler supports can rotate about their pivot axes to accommodate track length changes and angle variations, preventing track stretching and elongation that would lead to track failure, while maintaining curb climbing capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses parameter changes by allowing the idler support angle to vary dynamically during curb climbing operations. The pivotable design enables the system to change the geometric parameters of the track configuration, adjusting to maintain proper track tension and prevent elongation while overcoming obstructions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

4Reliability

If dedicated tracked snow removal machines are purchased, then optimum traction for snow removal is achieved, but the cost of maintaining two separate equipment sets increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetraction performanceVSAvoidequipment quantity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by designing a tracked implement that can perform multiple functions - both mowing operations and snow removal operations. The pivotable idler support system provides the necessary traction reliability for snow removal while the same system can be configured for mowing, eliminating the need for two separate equipment sets and reducing overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS7520348B2Tracked implement with pivotal front and trailing idlers and powered rear drive member

Publication Date: 2009.04.21 THE TORO COMPANY

AI summary

This invention relates to a mower and a tracked implement that convert from one to the other by coupling a mower unit or a tracked unit to a common drive unit. The drive unit is thus used in both products to provide cost savings in the purchase of the equipment. In the tracked unit, a cab for enclosing the operator's station is part of the tracked unit and gets mounted to the drive unit when the tracked unit is coupled to the drive unit. A pair of idlers rotate on pivot axes that are fixed relative to a pivotal idler support that carries the idlers. The pivot point for the idler support is chosen to prevent track elongation when the tracked unit climbs obstructions such as a curb. In the mower unit, a relatively heavy cutting deck is used and spring biased weight transfer arms transfer some of the deck weight to the mower frame.