Quick Connect Mower Blade System Top Access

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing rotary mower blade systems require significant time and effort to remove and install blades for sharpening or replacement, often necessitating the use of lifts and high torque, which is cumbersome and exposes the hardware to harsh environments like grass, dirt, and debris.

Innovation Solution

A quick connect mower blade system that allows blade removal and installation from the top of the mower deck, using a blade bolt and collet mechanism that transmits torque through a pulley system, eliminating the need for high torque under the deck and protecting the hardware from environmental debris.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If a center attachment bolt and washer assembly is used to secure the blade to the spindle assembly, then the blade can be firmly attached, but the hardware is exposed to harsh environment under the mower deck and requires high torque application that is difficult to reach

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveblade attachment strengthVSAvoidenvironmental exposure to grass, dirt and debris

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the traditional attachment approach by moving the fastening mechanism from the underside of the mower deck to the top side. The blade bolt extends from the top end of the hollow spindle above the mower deck, allowing operators to access and tighten the bolt from the top rather than reaching underneath the deck. This inversion protects the attachment hardware from environmental contaminants while maintaining secure blade attachment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Ease of operation

If a lifting device is used to raise the machine and provide access to the underside of the mower deck, then the blade fastening hardware can be accessed, but the equipment cost increases and significant shop floor space is required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccess to blade fastening hardwareVSAvoidlifting device requirements

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent eliminates the need for lifting devices by inverting the attachment mechanism to the top of the mower deck. The blade bolt and collet assembly are positioned above the deck, allowing operators to access and service the blade fastening hardware at ground level without requiring expensive lifts or significant shop floor space.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Strength

If a center attachment bolt is used under the mower deck, then the blade can be secured, but significant time and effort is required to remove and install blades for sharpening or replacement

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveblade securementVSAvoidblade removal and installation time

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the fastening mechanism from the traditional undersided location and positions it at the top of the mower deck. The blade bolt extends through the hollow spindle and engages the collet, which is accessible from the top. This extraction allows operators to quickly remove and install blades without reaching underneath the deck, significantly reducing maintenance time and effort.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

4Force

If high torque is applied to a center attachment bolt under the deck, then the blade can be firmly attached, but the operator must reach difficult-to-access locations and the hardware is exposed to debris

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetorque applicationVSAvoidaccessibility of fastening hardware

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the attachment system so that the blade bolt and collet mechanism are located at the top of the mower deck rather than underneath. This allows operators to apply the necessary torque to secure the blade from an easily accessible position, eliminating the difficulty of reaching under the deck while maintaining firm blade attachment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

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 and efficient blade changes without lifting the machine, reducing maintenance time and protecting the hardware from environmental contaminants, while maintaining secure clamping of the blade.

Implementation Method 1

A blade bolt extending from a top end of the hollow spindle above the mower deck may be threaded to a collet extending from a bottom end of the hollow spindle

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThreading: Screw

Implementation Method 2

The blade bolt may be inserted into the upper end of hollow spindle shaft 106, and may engage and retract collet 114 to clamp the mower blade onto the lower end of the spindle shaft

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectClamping force: Mechanical Force

Data Source

PatentEP3245858B1Quick connect mower blade system

Publication Date: 2020.03.18 DEERE & CO

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AI summary

A quick connect mower blade system includes a blade bolt (104) inserted into the top end of a hollow spindle (106) and threaded into a collet (114) having an upright inserted into the lower end of the spindle (106). The collet (114) has a head (122) that is aligned substantially perpendicular to a hole in a blade holder (124) if the blade bolt is tightened onto the collet to clamp a mower blade between the spindle and blade holder.