Reel Mower Clip Frequency Adjustment via Electric Motor Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing reel mower cutting units lack an efficient system for operators to quickly and easily adjust the clip frequency during operation, particularly in varying climates and grass conditions, as existing solutions do not provide a user-friendly interface for real-time adjustments.

Innovation Solution

A system comprising an electric reel motor, an alternator connected to a voltage bus, a user interface for selecting clip frequency settings, and a reel motor controller that adjusts the rotational speed of the cutting reel based on engine speed and user input, allowing for dynamic adjustment of clip frequency during operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a single reel mower cutting unit is used to mow multiple areas with different grass conditions, then the machine's versatility is improved, but the difficulty and time required to adjust clip frequency increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveclip frequency adaptabilityVSAvoidadjustment time
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic adjustment of reel speed through an electric motor controlled by a controller that receives operator input. The reel speed can be changed in real-time without mechanical adjustments, allowing the cutting unit to adapt to different grass conditions quickly. This resolves the contradiction by making the system dynamically adjustable rather than requiring time-consuming manual reconfiguration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical adjustment mechanisms with an electrical control system. An electric motor drives the reel, and its speed is controlled electronically through a controller that processes operator inputs. This substitution eliminates the need for manual mechanical adjustments, significantly reducing adjustment time while maintaining versatility across different mowing conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of operation

If traditional mechanical adjustment systems are used for clip frequency, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ease of operation during machine movement deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadjustment ease during operationVSAvoidcontrol system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex mechanical adjustment systems with an electrical control system featuring an electric motor and electronic controller. The controller receives input from a user interface and adjusts the reel speed accordingly, providing easy operation during machine movement. While this increases electrical system complexity, it eliminates cumbersome mechanical adjustment mechanisms and greatly improves operational ease.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an electronic controller as an intermediary between the operator and the reel motor. The controller processes operator inputs through a user interface and translates them into appropriate motor speed commands. This intermediary layer simplifies the operator's task while managing the complexity of the electrical control system through modular design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 operators to easily adjust the clip frequency of reel mower cutting units in real-time, improving operational efficiency and adaptability to different mowing conditions by varying the rotational speed of the cutting reel in response to user input and engine speed.

Implementation Method 1

an alternator rotatably driven by an internal combustion engine and connected to a voltage bus to provide a voltage based on the speed of the engine

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS7954308B2Frequency of clip adjustment system and method for reel mower cutting unit
Publication Date: 2011.06.07 DEERE & CO
  • US7954308B2 patent drawing
  • US7954308B2 patent drawing
  • US7954308B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A system and method for adjusting the frequency of clip for a reel mower cutting unit includes an operator interface outputting a voltage corresponding to a frequency of clip setting, and a reel motor controller calculating a travel speed of the reel mower cutting unit based on a voltage reading from a voltage bus and a scale factor applied to the voltage reading, and calculating a required reel speed based on the travel speed, the voltage corresponding to the frequency of clip setting, and the number of cutting blades of the reel mower cutting unit.