Quick Attach Mower Blade System Using Spring-Loaded Plunger
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing rotary mower blade systems require significant time and effort to remove and install blades due to the need for wrenches or sockets and high torque application, especially in constrained spaces, and do not easily accommodate blades of different depths, thicknesses, or edge shapes.
Innovation Solution
A quick attach rotary mower blade system utilizing a blade holder with L-shaped arms, a spring-loaded plunger, and a shoulder bolt that allows blade installation and removal without tools, reducing torque requirements and accommodating various blade configurations without modifying existing spindles or blades.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a center attachment bolt and washer assembly is used to secure the blade, then the blade can be firmly attached to the spindle, but significant torque is required to tighten and loosen the bolt, making the operation difficult in constrained spaces
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment system is segmented into multiple components: a blade holder with L-shaped arms, a spring-loaded plunger, and a shoulder bolt. This segmentation allows the blade to be secured through a combination of mechanical interlocking (L-shaped arms) and spring pressure (plunger), eliminating the need for high-torque bolt tightening while maintaining firm attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-loaded plunger acts as an intermediary between the blade holder and the blade, providing continuous spring pressure to hold the blade securely. This intermediary mechanism replaces the direct high-torque connection of a traditional bolt system, allowing for easy blade removal without requiring significant loosening torque.
2Strength
If a wrench or socket is used to tighten the center attachment bolt, then sufficient torque can be applied to secure the blade, but the limited ground clearance and accessibility to the underside of the mower deck restricts the space available to apply adequate leverage
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment system is divided into components that can be assembled in a staged manner. The blade holder with L-shaped arms and spring plunger can be positioned and partially assembled from above the deck, avoiding the need to reach underneath with long wrench handles. The shoulder bolt provides a compact fastening point that requires minimal clearance.
Solution Approach 2:
The L-shaped arms of the blade holder extend in multiple dimensions, allowing the blade to be secured through a combination of horizontal and vertical engagement. This multi-dimensional approach to blade retention eliminates the need for linear torque application from below the deck, working instead with the available space from above.
3Strength
If traditional center attachment bolts are used, then the blade can be securely fastened, but the process requires tools (wrench or socket) and significant time for each blade change
Solution Approach 1:
The spring-loaded plunger serves as a mediator that maintains continuous pressure on the blade, holding it securely in the blade holder without requiring threaded fasteners. This allows the blade to be retained through friction and spring pressure alone, enabling tool-free installation and removal while maintaining secure attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-loaded plunger automatically maintains pressure on the blade as it is installed, requiring no manual tightening action. The system self-adjusts to secure the blade in place, eliminating the time-consuming process of threading and torquing bolts, and allowing rapid blade changes by simply sliding the blade on and off.
4Ease of operation
If existing rotary spindles and blades are modified to accommodate a quick attach system, then tool-free blade changes can be achieved, but modification of existing components is required
Solution Approach 1:
The blade holder with L-shaped arms and spring plunger is designed as a universal attachment system that can accommodate various blade types (different depths, thicknesses, and edge shapes) without requiring modification of the underlying spindle. The shoulder bolt interfaces with the existing spindle thread pattern, making the system compatible with standard mower decks while enabling quick-attach functionality.
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
Enables easy, tool-free installation and removal of mower blades, reducing the need for high torque and accommodating different blade types without modifying existing components, improving user convenience and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
A plunger extends downwardly from the blade holder, and has a face that is spring biased to press against the mower blade and hold the mower blade in engagement with the pair of L-shaped arms
Data Source
AI summary
A quick attach rotary mower blade system includes a blade holder secured to a mower spindle with a shoulder bolt, a pair of upwardly extending protrusions on the blade holder, and a spring biased plunger extending downwardly from the blade holder. A rotary mower blade has a center hole that slides over the shoulder bolt, compresses the spring biased plunger, and rotates over the protrusions to an engaged position.