Pivoting Thigh Pad for Foldable Stand-On Mower Platform
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional outdoor power equipment units face challenges in operator comfort and storage efficiency due to the positioning of thigh pads, which obstruct the close positioning of the foot platform to the rear of the traction vehicle when transitioning from a stand-on mode to a storage mode.
Innovation Solution
A thigh pad on the rear of the traction vehicle is pivotally linked to the foot platform, allowing it to adjust its angle and position, ensuring comfortable engagement for the operator in the stand-on mode while folding tightly against the vehicle in the storage mode, minimizing the unit's length for easier transport and operation in walk-behind mode.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the thigh pad is mounted on the rear of the traction vehicle to improve operator comfort, then operator comfort is improved, but the foot platform cannot be positioned as close to the rear of the traction vehicle when in storage mode
Solution Approach 1:
The thigh pad is made movable relative to the traction vehicle through a linkage system connected to the foot platform. When the foot platform is in the horizontal deployed position, the thigh pad extends rearward to provide comfort. When the foot platform is folded to the vertical storage position, the linkage automatically repositions the thigh pad forward, allowing the foot platform to be positioned as close as possible to the rear of the traction vehicle.
2Ease of operation
If the thigh pad is positioned to optimize operator comfort in stand-on mode, then operator comfort is improved, but the foot platform is obstructed from achieving a tight storage position
Solution Approach 1:
The thigh pad linkage is integrated with the foot platform pivot mechanism. The same linkage that controls foot platform deployment also controls thigh pad positioning. This merging of functions allows the system to automatically transition between the two positions without adding separate control mechanisms, thus not increasing device complexity despite the additional functionality.
3Length of moving object
If the foot platform is positioned close to the rear of the traction vehicle in storage mode to minimize unit length, then unit length is reduced, but operator comfort is compromised when the thigh pad is present
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses dynamic repositioning of the thigh pad based on foot platform position. In storage mode, the thigh pad is automatically positioned forward out of the way, allowing the foot platform to be as close as possible to the rear. In stand-on mode, the thigh pad extends rearward to its optimal comfort position. This dynamic adjustment resolves the conflict between compact storage and operator comfort.
Data Source
AI summary
An outdoor power equipment unit, such as a mower, includes a foot platform for supporting a standing operator who operates the unit while standing atop the foot platform. The foot platform can be pivoted upwardly from a substantially horizontal orientation into a substantially vertical, folded up orientation against the rear of the traction vehicle. A thigh pad engages against the thighs of the operator and is pivotally linked to the foot platform to pivot on the traction vehicle with the pivotal motion of the foot platform. When the foot platform is horizontal, the thigh pad is pivoted to be angled downwardly and rearwardly relative to the rear of the traction vehicle. When the foot platform is folded up, the thigh pad is pivoted inwardly relative to the rear of the traction vehicle to be sandwiched between the rear of the traction vehicle and the folded up foot platform.