Quick-Release Turnbuckle Lock for Tool-Free Linkage Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Operators of zero turning radius (ZTR) mowers face difficulties in making neutral adjustments to the steering and mower deck linkages due to the need for tools to loosen and retighten turnbuckles, which can be cumbersome and require lifting the mower off the ground, indicating a need for a quick release lock turnbuckle that allows adjustments without tools and maintains locked settings during use.
Innovation Solution
A quick release lock turnbuckle design that connects two rods of the steering linkage with a multi-sided cross section turnbuckle and a socket with a matching internal passage, allowing for easy adjustment by sliding the socket to unlock the turnbuckle, enabling axial movement of the rods without rotation during use, and locking in place with a compression spring to prevent unintended movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional turnbuckles with jamnuts are used, then the linkage settings can be locked securely, but tools are required to loosen and retighten the jamnuts for neutral adjustments
Solution Approach 1:
The turnbuckle assembly is segmented into distinct functional components: the turnbuckle body with threaded rods, the socket with internal passage, and the compression spring. This segmentation allows the socket to be independently manipulated to unlock the turnbuckle, enabling tool-free adjustment while maintaining secure locking when engaged.
Solution Approach 2:
The compression spring provides automatic locking functionality without requiring external tools or operator intervention. When the socket is removed, the spring automatically engages to lock the turnbuckle in place, and when the socket is reattached, it compresses the spring to unlock, enabling self-service adjustment operation.
2Reliability
If jamnuts are used to lock turnbuckle settings, then the settings remain secure during use, but the operator must use tools to loosen and retighten them for adjustments
Solution Approach 1:
The compression spring is pre-loaded and positioned to automatically engage with the turnbuckle threads when the socket is removed. This preliminary positioning ensures that as soon as the socket is detached, the spring immediately engages to lock the setting, providing secure locking without requiring the operator to perform additional tightening actions with tools.
Solution Approach 2:
The traditional mechanical fastening system using jamnuts and wrenches is replaced with a spring-based automatic locking mechanism. The compression spring provides the locking force that previously required manual tightening, eliminating the need for tools while maintaining reliable security of the locked setting.
3Ease of operation
If the operator needs to make neutral adjustments, then the lever alignment can be corrected, but the operator must lift the rear of the unit off the ground to prevent movement
Solution Approach 1:
The automatic spring locking mechanism allows the turnbuckle to be adjusted and locked without requiring the operator to lift or stabilize the mower. The self-locking feature prevents unintended movement during adjustment, eliminating the need for manual stabilization procedures.
4Productivity
If traditional turnbuckles are used, then the linkage can be adjusted, but tools are needed and the process is cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the locking mechanism into a removable socket and a spring-loaded locking system, the adjustment process is simplified to merely removing and reattaching the socket. This segmentation eliminates the need for tools and multi-step tightening procedures, significantly increasing adjustment speed while maintaining ease of operation.
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 effortless neutral adjustments to the steering and mower deck linkages without the need for tools, ensuring the turnbuckle remains locked during operation, reducing operator effort and preventing accidental loosening, thus enhancing operational efficiency and safety.
Implementation Method 1
locking in place with a compression spring to prevent unintended movement
Data Source
AI summary
A quick release lock turnbuckle includes a socket slideable axially over a turnbuckle connecting between two threaded rods at a desired end-to-end spacing. The socket has a multi-sided interior cross section engaging a multi-sided exterior cross section of the turnbuckle, and also engaging a radially extending feature on one of the threaded rods to prevent rotation of the turnbuckle in the locked position. The socket is slideable axially off the turnbuckle to allow rotation of the turnbuckle in the unlocked position to change the desired end-to-end spacing between the two threaded rods.