Suspended Hover Mower with Chain Suspension for Slope Cutting
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing suspended mower devices are inefficient and unsafe for mowing terrains with challenging attributes such as uneven slopes, inclines, and proximity to bodies of water, as they require users to be close to the mowing area and carry heavy equipment.
Innovation Solution
A suspended mower device comprising a compact tractor or skid steer with an attachment component featuring a dual unistrut and chains, allowing the mower to hover above the terrain, ensuring an even cut and providing stabilization with wheels and adjustable rollers, while the hydrostatic drive and bucket controls adjust speed and orientation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If users operate hand-held trimmers or wheeled cutting mechanisms on steep slopes, then they can maintain close control of the cutting unit, but they are exposed to safety hazards and cannot maintain a safe distance from the mowing area
Solution Approach 1:
The invention transitions the operator from ground level to an elevated position on the slope, changing the spatial dimension of operation. The platform is positioned above the cutting unit, allowing the operator to control the mower from a higher elevation while maintaining safe horizontal distance from the mowing area, thus resolving the contradiction between safety and control.
2Adaptability or versatility
If users carry heavy string trimmers on steep slopes, then they can reach difficult areas, but they experience physical strain and fatigue
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the cutting unit from the operator's direct control and positions it separately on the slope below. The operator on the elevated platform controls the cutting unit remotely via cables, eliminating the need to carry heavy equipment and reducing physical strain while maintaining access to difficult terrain.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces cables as an intermediary mechanism between the operator on the elevated platform and the cutting unit on the slope. The cables transmit control forces and power without requiring the operator to physically carry or directly handle heavy equipment, thus reducing physical strain while maintaining control and adaptability.
3Stability of the object's composition
If traditional wheeled cutting mechanisms are used on uneven slopes, then they can provide stability, but they cannot maintain an even horizontal grass cut
Solution Approach 1:
The invention employs asymmetric positioning of the cutting unit relative to the operator's platform. The cutting unit is positioned lower on the slope while the operator remains elevated, creating an asymmetric spatial relationship that allows the cutting unit to adapt to slope variations while maintaining a consistent cutting plane through the operator's elevated control position.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces dynamic adjustment capabilities through the cable suspension system, allowing the cutting unit to move and adapt to uneven terrain while maintaining proper cutting orientation. The cables provide flexible support that enables real-time adjustment of the cutting unit's position and angle, ensuring consistent cut quality despite slope variations.
Data Source
AI summary
A suspended mower device is disclosed which is a tool engineered explicitly for efficiently mowing terrains with challenging attributes. The suspended mower device comprises a compact tractor or skid steer that supports an attachment component configured to support a mower over inclined areas. The attachment component comprises a dual unistrut or dual square tubing and chains which allow the mower component to hover. As the mower hovers above the surface, the cutting blades consistently engage with the grass, ensuring an even cut. Further, a set of wheels affixed to the mower offer stabilization on all terrains. Additionally, the compact tractor has a hydrostatic drive, which acts to control the mower's speed and the tractor's bucket control is used to adjust the mower's height, angle, and orientation.