Riding Mower Pedal Layout for Simultaneous Deck Lift Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing riding-type mowing apparatuses require users to stop the vehicle to manipulate lift-up and lift-down levers due to interference with steering levers, hindering efficient lawn mowing operations.
Innovation Solution
A riding-type mowing apparatus with separate pedals for lift-up and lift-down operations, allowing users to manipulate these functions with their left and right feet while using their hands for steering and braking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the rider uses hands to manipulate both steering levers and lift-up/lift-down levers, then the control is precise, but the rider cannot manipulate both simultaneously causing work inefficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The control functions are segmented between hands and feet: hands are dedicated to steering control while feet control the lift-up and lift-down operations. This segmentation allows simultaneous independent manipulation of both steering and mower height control, resolving the conflict between precise hand control and work efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The brake pedal is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as a braking mechanism and as a reference point for positioning the lift-up/lift-down pedals. This universal design simplifies the overall control system layout and improves operational convenience.
2Measurement precision
If the rider stops the vehicle to manipulate lift-up and lift-down levers, then the manipulation is accurate, but the mowing work is interrupted
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the control functions between hands (steering) and feet (mower height control), the system enables continuous simultaneous operation. The rider can adjust mower height during movement without stopping, eliminating time loss while maintaining control accuracy through dedicated foot pedals.
3Device complexity
If the lift-up and lift-down levers are provided at sides of the driver seat, then the structure is compact, but the levers interfere with steering lever manipulation
Solution Approach 1:
The control interface is moved from the horizontal plane (side levers near steering controls) to the vertical plane (pedals on the bottom frame). This dimensional change eliminates spatial interference between steering and mower height controls while maintaining structural simplicity and compactness.
Data Source
AI summary
A riding-type mowing apparatus includes a mower unit disposed below a body frame to mow grass through a blade mounted in the mower unit, and a driver seat provided on the body frame. A steering lever is provided on both sides of the driver seat to operate traveling of the riding-type mowing apparatus. A brake pedal is provided on a bottom frame disposed in front of the body frame to brake the riding-type mowing apparatus. A lift-down pedal and a lift-up pedal are disposed on both sides of the brake pedal to lift-down and lift-up the mower unit, respectively.