Pivoting Steering Wheel Assembly for Compact Riding Lawn Mowers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing riding lawn mowers lack a comfortable and efficient steering mechanism, which can lead to a less-than-ideal driving experience for users.
Innovation Solution
The integration of a steering wheel assembly with a pivot assembly that allows the steering wheel to switch between a working position and a storage position, along with a connecting rod and mounting assembly for enhanced control and space efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the steering wheel assembly is made fixed and permanently positioned for optimal steering control, then the steering control and driving comfort are improved, but the space efficiency during storage and transportation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The steering wheel assembly is designed with a pivot assembly that enables it to rotate between a working position (extending forward for optimal steering control) and a storage position (retracted parallel to the seat back). This dynamic repositioning allows the system to adapt its configuration based on operational needs, providing both excellent steering control during use and compact storage when not in use.
2Ease of operation
If the steering wheel is positioned closer to the user for better accessibility, then the ease of operation is improved, but the visibility and driving comfort deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The steering wheel assembly can be dynamically positioned at an optimal distance from the user. When extended to the working position, it provides excellent steering control and accessibility. The pivot assembly allows the user to adjust the distance as needed, balancing accessibility with visibility requirements.
3Ease of operation
If a complex steering mechanism with multiple adjustment features is implemented, then the driving comfort is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The steering wheel assembly incorporates a pivot assembly that provides dynamic positioning capability with a single rotational degree of freedom. This relatively simple mechanical design allows the steering wheel to rotate between working and storage positions, providing driving comfort and adaptability without excessive complexity.
Data Source
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AI summary
A riding lawn mower (100) includes a seat (15) for a user to sit thereon, a chassis (16) configured to support the seat (15), a cutting assembly (11) mounted to the chassis (16), a walking assembly (12) configured to drive the riding lawn mower (100) to walk on a plane, and a steering wheel assembly (136) including a steering wheel (1362) operable by the user and a connecting rod (1361) configured to connect the steering wheel (1362) and the chassis (16). The steering wheel assembly (136) further includes a pivot assembly (1368) that connects the connecting rod (1361) and the chassis (16). The pivot assembly (136) enables the steering wheel assembly (136) to switch between a working position and a storage position. A distance between the steering wheel (1362) and the plane when the steering wheel assembly (136) is in the storage position is smaller than a distance between the steering wheel (1362) and the plane when the steering wheel assembly (136) is in the working position. The steering wheel assembly (136) makes a smaller packing dimension during transportation and storage of the riding lawn mower (100). A display interface of a power tool and a riding machine are provided.