Rear-Mounted Sprayer Attachment for Zero Turning Radius Mowers

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing zero turning radius (ZTR) mowers face challenges when used for spraying herbicides or insecticides, as the spray often reaches the operator when a sprayer attachment is mounted on the front, and there is a need for a rear-mounted, easily mountable and removable sprayer system for increased productivity and safety.

Innovation Solution

A rear-mounted sprayer attachment for ZTR mowers that utilizes side brackets behind the rear engine, allowing for quick installation and removal, and can be interchangeably used with a material collection system, featuring a lower support bar that pivots onto rear-facing hooks and a latch system for secure engagement with an upper tube.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a sprayer attachment is mounted on the front of the ZTR mower, then spraying capability is achieved, but spray gets on the operator

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespraying capabilityVSAvoidoperator exposure to spray

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The sprayer attachment is inverted from the conventional front-mounted position to a rear-mounted position on the ZTR mower. This inversion places the sprayer behind the operator, allowing the operator to work facing forward while the sprayer operates behind them, eliminating direct exposure to spray while maintaining full spraying capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a sprayer attachment is mounted on the ZTR mower, then spraying operations can be performed, but the attachment is difficult to mount and remove

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespraying operations capabilityVSAvoidmounting and removal ease

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The sprayer attachment is designed as a segmented, modular unit with distinct components including the sprayer body, support bar, and engagement mechanisms. This segmentation allows the attachment to be broken into manageable sections for easier handling and installation, and enables quick connection and disconnection from the mower without requiring complex assembly procedures

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The attachment incorporates dynamic engagement mechanisms including a movable support bar that pivots onto rear-facing hooks and a latch system that can be quickly engaged and disengaged. These dynamic features allow the attachment to be securely mounted during operation and rapidly removed when needed, significantly improving ease of operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If a sprayer attachment is permanently mounted on the ZTR mower, then spraying capability is maintained, but the mower cannot be quickly adapted for other tasks

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespraying capabilityVSAvoidtask switching efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The attachment system employs dynamic, reversible mounting mechanisms that allow the sprayer to be quickly installed and removed from the mower. The support bar with rear-facing hooks and latch system enables secure attachment during spraying tasks and rapid detachment for other tasks, allowing the operator to switch between mowing and spraying operations efficiently without permanent modifications

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The rear-facing hooks and support structure are designed to be universal mounting points that can accommodate not only the sprayer attachment but also other equipment such as material collection systems. This multi-functionality allows a single mower platform to serve multiple purposes by simply changing attachments, significantly improving overall productivity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS11324165B2Zero turning radius mower sprayer attachment

Publication Date: 2022.05.10 DEERE & CO

AI summary

A zero turning radius (“ZTR”) mower sprayer attachment behind a rear engine of a zero turning radius mower. The sprayer attachment may include a frame supporting a tank on a platform, and a hose from the tank to a plurality of nozzles mounted on a folding boom that is extendable outwardly from the sprayer attachment frame. A lower support bar on a lower forward end of the sprayer attachment frame may be supported by a pair of rearwardly facing hooks on a pair of side brackets on the ZTR mower. An upper tube extends laterally between the pair of side brackets and is engaged by a hook shaped latch on the sprayer attachment frame.