Powered Operator Garment for Lawn Mower Heating and Cooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Outdoor power units such as lawn mowers and snow throwers, and the clothing worn by operators, fail to adequately address temperature regulation for operators in varying weather conditions, often leaving them uncomfortable due to insufficient heating or cooling.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating an electrical port in the outdoor power unit that powers an electrically powered garment, which includes thermo-electric elements to either warm or cool the operator, using electrical current generated by the unit's alternator, with a supplemental battery for independent operation when disconnected.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional clothing is worn to accommodate weather conditions, then the operator can dress for the weather, but the clothing is insufficient to provide adequate protection and comfort in extreme temperature conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces passive mechanical insulation (conventional clothing) with an active electrical heating system. Electrical heating elements are integrated into the garment and powered by the lawn mower's electrical system through a connector, allowing active temperature regulation rather than relying solely on passive thermal insulation properties of fabric.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the alternator outputs electrical current for battery charging, then the battery can be charged, but the operator cannot access electrical power for temperature regulation unless directly connected to the machine
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical power system is segmented into two independent components: the alternator-battery system on the lawn mower and the removable heated garment. The connector enables the garment to draw power from the mower's battery when attached, but the garment functions independently when disconnected, allowing the operator to maintain temperature regulation capability while moving between tasks or locations.
3Temperature
If heating elements are integrated into the garment, then the operator can be warmed when connected to the machine, but the garment cannot provide independent heating when disconnected from the power source
Solution Approach 1:
A removable electrical connector serves as an intermediary between the lawn mower's power system and the heated garment. When connected, the connector enables power transfer for heating. When disconnected, the garment can still function if equipped with an internal battery, providing continuous heating reliability regardless of connection status to the main machine.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Provides effective temperature regulation for operators by using the power unit's electrical port to heat or cool the garment, ensuring comfort in diverse weather conditions, even when the operator is not directly connected to the machine.
Implementation Method 1
an alternator powered by an engine supported by a mower frame
Implementation Method 2
the garment includes at least one electrically powered thermo-electric element electrically coupled to the plug; and wherein when the plug is connected to the port, the at least one thermo-electric element draws power from the machine to change temperature in order to warm or cool the operator wearing the garment
Implementation Method 3
the garment includes a plurality of electrically powered elements electrically coupled to a plug configured to either warm or cool the operator when electrically powered, wherein when the plug is operably connected to the outlet, the electrically powered elements draw power from the machine to either increase in temperature to warm the operator wearing the garment
Data Source
AI summary
A lawn mower or stand-on powered drivable machine has an electrical port that receives current from an alternator powered by the engine or motor. The port receives a plug from a garment worn by the lawn mower operator. The garment includes one or more thermo-electric elements that are powered from current extending through the port. The thermo-electric (TEC) elements may be resistive heaters to warm the operator or TEC coolers to cool the operator. Furthermore, the garment may include a rechargeable battery that powers the thermo-electric elements when the plug is disconnected from the port.