Slope Mower Tilt Monitoring and PTO Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Remote-controlled slope mowers face challenges in safety and control on steep terrain due to sliding, falling, and overturning risks, and existing systems lack effective measures to prevent loss of control or ensure user and bystander safety.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating an inclinometer to monitor the mower's tilt angle and adjust the power takeoff (PTO) unit and engine operations accordingly, with a controller managing the PTO unit and engine to prevent accidents by turning them off or on based on tilt conditions, and enabling automatic speed adjustments of the drive system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the mower operates on steep slopes with high power settings, then productivity is improved, but safety deteriorates due to increased risk of sliding, falling, and overturning
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors the mower's tilt angle using an inclinometer and provides feedback to the controller. When the tilt angle exceeds a predetermined threshold, the controller automatically reduces power to the PTO unit and drive system, preventing dangerous operating conditions while allowing high productivity when slopes are safe
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes operational parameters (power output to PTO unit and drive system) based on the measured tilt angle. At higher tilt angles, the controller reduces power settings to prevent sliding and overturning, while maintaining full power capability when the terrain is level or gently sloped
2Productivity
If the mower uses a powerful cutting device with independent locomotion, then productivity is improved, but control deteriorates increasing risk to user and bystanders
Solution Approach 1:
The controller continuously monitors operational status and tilt conditions, providing feedback control that automatically adjusts or shuts off the powerful cutting device and drive system when safety thresholds are exceeded, preventing loss of control while maintaining full operational capability when conditions are safe
Solution Approach 2:
The mower system monitors its own operational status and automatically takes corrective action by reducing power or shutting off systems when dangerous conditions are detected, providing self-regulation that prevents loss of control without requiring constant user intervention
3Productivity
If the mower maintains full operational capability on steep slopes, then productivity is improved, but harmful factors increase due to sliding and overturning risks
Solution Approach 1:
The system takes preliminary action by monitoring tilt angle continuously and automatically reducing power to the drive system before sliding or overturning can occur. The controller preemptively adjusts operational parameters when approaching dangerous tilt thresholds, preventing harmful events rather than responding after they occur
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
Enhances safety and control by preventing accidents on steep slopes, ensuring the mower remains operational and controlled, even when tilted, thereby reducing risks to users and bystanders.
Implementation Method 1
an inclinometer attached to the frame and coupled to the controller, the inclinometer providing an inclinometer output indicative of a tilt angle of the frame
Data Source
AI summary
Mowing systems include a mower and, optionally, a remote control unit such as a handheld unit, between which may be provided 1- or 2-way communications. Components and features are included in the mower, the remote control unit, or both to enhance the safety, functionality, or user experience of the system's user/operator. One aspect relates to monitoring a tilt angle of the mower, and defining or executing different system responses as a function of different first and second conditions that relate to the tilt angle. Another aspect relates to automatic adjustment of a speed setting of the mower's drive system as a function of a power takeoff (PTO) unit of the mower.