Pivotable Roller Bracket for Reel Mower Height Adjuster
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing height of cut adjuster assemblies for reel mower cutting units are labor-intensive and time-consuming when switching between different positions for attachments like conditioners or rotary brushes, requiring manual adjustment of the front roller's position relative to the cutting reel axis.
Innovation Solution
A height of cut adjuster assembly with a pivotable roller bracket assembly that can be easily adjusted between forward and rearward facing positions, allowing for multiple mounting options for the front roller, simplifying the installation and removal of attachments by changing the spacing between the front roller and the cutting reel axis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the front roller is shifted to a position further from the cutting reel axis to accommodate an attachment with auxiliary drive, then the attachment can be installed, but the labor and time required for installation increases due to manual adjustment of the height of cut adjuster assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The height of cut adjuster assembly incorporates a pivotable roller bracket assembly that can be dynamically repositioned between a forward facing position and a rearward facing position. This dynamic adjustment mechanism allows the front roller to be quickly shifted to accommodate attachments without requiring time-consuming manual adjustments, thus resolving the contradiction between adaptability and installation time.
Solution Approach 2:
The roller bracket assembly is segmented into pivotable components that can be independently adjusted. The bracket assembly includes a pivot pin and adjustable brackets that can be repositioned relative to each other, allowing the front roller to be quickly moved to different positions. This segmentation enables rapid reconfiguration for attachment installation, reducing the time loss associated with manual adjustment.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the front roller is shifted to a position further from the cutting reel axis, then space for attachment installation is created, but the complexity of the height of cut adjuster assembly increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pivotable roller bracket assembly serves multiple functions: it maintains the front roller in the standard position for normal operation, and simultaneously provides the capability to shift the front roller to accommodate attachments with auxiliary drives. This multi-functionality is achieved through a single pivot mechanism rather than requiring separate adjustment mechanisms, thereby achieving attachment mounting flexibility without proportionally increasing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The bracket assembly uses a pivot connection that allows the roller to be dynamically repositioned between forward and rearward facing positions. This dynamic capability is achieved through a relatively simple pivot mechanism involving a pivot pin and adjustable brackets, which adds positioning flexibility without requiring complex mechanical systems. The pivot design enables the same structure to handle both standard operation and attachment installation scenarios.
Data Source
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AI summary
A height of cut adjuster for a reel mower cutting unit (100) with a removable attachment includes a front roller (102) with a shaft (134) positionable in front of the cutting reel axis, and a roller bracket assembly (128) having a bottom bracket (132) removably attached to a top bracket (130) to provide a gap therebetween where the front roller shaft (134) is held. The roller bracket assembly (128) may be pivoted, and the top bracket (130) may be connected to the bottom bracket (132) in a different position further from the cutting reel (106), so that an attachment such as a conditioner may be installed between the front roller (102) and the cutting reel (106).