Pivoting Weed Trimmer Mount With Rider-Accessible Speed Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing weed trimmer mounting systems for riding lawn mowers are limited in their ability to efficiently transition between deployed and stored positions, and lack integrated speed control for the trimmer.
Innovation Solution
A mount assembly for a riding lawn mower that includes a pivotally attached arm with a lever, allowing the weed trimmer to be positioned between deployed and stored configurations, and a speed control for adjusting the trimmer's operation, enhancing versatility and ease of use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a weed trimmer is mounted to a riding lawn mower with a pivotal arm, then the trimmer can be deployed for trimming operations, but the transition between deployed and stored positions is inefficient and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system is divided into separate functional components: a pivotal arm assembly for positioning, a quick-release mechanism for rapid deployment/stowage, and a separate speed control system. This segmentation allows each component to perform its function independently, simplifying the overall transition process between deployed and stored positions.
Solution Approach 2:
The pivotal arm is designed with dynamic positioning capability, allowing it to move between multiple positions (deployed, intermediate, and stored). The quick-release mechanism enables rapid transition between states, transforming a static mounting system into a dynamic one that can quickly adapt to operational needs.
2Adaptability or versatility
If existing weed trimmer mounting systems are used, then the trimmer can be mounted to the lawn mower, but integrated speed control for the trimmer is lacking
Solution Approach 1:
The speed control system is designed as a universal control unit that can regulate the operation of the weed trimmer motor. This multi-functional device not only provides speed adjustment but also integrates with the existing mounting system, allowing a single component to serve multiple purposes: speed regulation, operational control, and system integration.
Solution Approach 2:
A speed control unit acts as an intermediary between the operator and the weed trimmer motor. This mediator component provides precise control over motor speed and operation, bridging the gap between simple on/off control and direct motor control, thereby adding versatility without requiring complex direct integration.
3Productivity
If the weed trimmer is positioned adjacent to the ground for trimming, then trimming effectiveness is improved, but accessibility to the rider becomes limited
Solution Approach 1:
The pivotal arm assembly enables dynamic positioning of the weed trimmer between a low position (adjacent to ground for effective trimming) and a high position (accessible to rider). This dynamic adjustment allows the system to optimize for either trimming effectiveness or rider accessibility depending on the operational phase.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting system utilizes vertical dimension by positioning the pivotal arm and weed trimmer assembly above the rider's reach level when stored, and lowering it vertically when deployed. This dimensional arrangement allows the trimmer to be out of the way during normal operation while still being accessible when needed.
Data Source
AI summary
A weed trimmer mount assembly includes a mount that is attachable to a mounting location of a riding lawn mower. An arm is pivotally attached to the mount thereby facilitating the arm to be accessible to a rider of the riding lawn mower. The arm is positionable between a deployed position and a stored position. A weed trimmer is coupled to the arm and the weed trimmer is positioned adjacent to the ground when the lever is positioned in the deployed position thereby facilitating the weed trimmer to be oriented for trimming weeds on the ground. The weed trimmer is lifted from the ground when the lever is positioned in the stored position thereby facilitating the riding lawn mower to be operated in a normal manner. A speed control is mounted to the riding lawn mower for adjusting an operational speed of the weed trimmer.