Steering Lever Grip Switch Integration for Zero-Turn Mowers

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Solution Overview

Problem

Operators of zero turning radius (ZTR) mowers face difficulties in actuating electrical switches while maintaining control of the dual lever steering mechanism, leading to reduced efficiency and safety during mowing operations, as they need to release one hand to access switches, especially when the levers are far apart during turns.

Innovation Solution

Electrical switches are integrated into the grips of the dual lever steering control mechanism, allowing operators to actuate them with their thumbs while keeping both hands on the grips, with protective structures preventing inadvertent activation and enabling switch operation during straight-line travel, cornering, or stopping.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the operator uses one hand to hold both steering levers during turns, then the levers can be controlled, but the operator cannot safely or easily actuate electrical switches with the other hand

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveswitch actuationVSAvoidmowing efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the switch actuation function with the steering lever grip by mounting electrical switches directly onto the steering lever grips. This allows the operator to actuate switches using the same hand that is holding the steering lever, eliminating the need to release the lever or use the other hand for switch operation. The switches are integrated into the grip structure, combining steering control and switch actuation into a single hand operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent positions switches on the steering lever grips in a location that is accessible from the side of the grip rather than requiring access from the front or back. This dimensional repositioning allows the operator to reach the switches with the same hand that is gripping the lever, enabling simultaneous steering and switch actuation without requiring the levers to be brought close together or the operator to stop.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Ease of operation

If the operator releases one hand to access electrical switches, then switches can be actuated, but steering control is compromised and safety is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveswitch accessVSAvoidsteering control

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the switch actuation function with the steering lever grip by mounting electrical switches directly onto the steering lever grips. This allows the operator to actuate switches using the same hand that is holding the steering lever, eliminating the need to release the lever or use the other hand for switch operation. The switches are integrated into the grip structure, combining steering control and switch actuation into a single hand operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Ease of operation

If the operator brings steering lever ends close together to hold both with one hand, then switch actuation becomes possible, but the levers cannot be positioned for normal steering operation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesingle-hand switch actuationVSAvoidsteering position flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

4Ease of operation

If the operator stops the mower to actuate switches, then switch operation is safe, but mowing efficiency is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesafe switch actuationVSAvoidmowing throughput

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS7430847B2Electrical switches mounted in steering lever grips of zero turning radius mower

Publication Date: 2008.10.07 DEERE & CO

AI summary

A dual lever steering control mechanism for a zero turning radius mower includes left and right steering levers that are independently pivotable fore and aft between reverse, neutral and forward positions. Steering lever grips are attached to and project from the steering levers. Each steering lever grip has a mounting surface with an electrical switch on the mounting surface, and a protective structure extending from the mounting surface.