Mower Deck Coupling Linkage With Swingable Front Link Attachment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing work machines require separate steps for attaching a mower deck, which complicates the process and prevents smooth coupling of the mower deck to the machine body.
Innovation Solution
A work machine design that allows the front link unit to be smoothly coupled to the machine body by moving the machine body and mower deck relative to each other, with a lifting and lowering link mechanism, a machine-side coupling unit, and a mower-side coupling unit that enables the front link unit to swing at a suitable angle for attachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the front link unit is coupled to the blade housing using a two-step process (first coupling blade housing to intermediate structure, then coupling front link unit to intermediate structure), then the coupling is reliable, but the attachment process becomes complex and cannot be performed sequentially in a single operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the two separate coupling steps into a single integrated operation. The front link unit is designed to couple to both the blade housing and the machine body simultaneously through a single movement action, eliminating the need for sequential coupling operations while maintaining reliable attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The intermediate structure serves as a mediator that enables the front link unit to couple to both the blade housing and machine body. The intermediate structure includes coupling mechanisms that facilitate simultaneous engagement with both components during a single attachment operation.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the front link unit is fixed rigidly to the blade housing, then the structural stability is high, but the front link unit cannot swing at the suitable angle needed for coupling to the machine body
Solution Approach 1:
The front link unit is designed with dynamic coupling capabilities, allowing it to swing or rotate relative to the blade housing through a predetermined range of motion. This dynamic feature enables the front link unit to achieve the suitable angle for coupling to the machine body while maintaining stable attachment once coupled.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling mechanism includes adjustable parameters such as swing angle and coupling position that can change during the attachment process. The front link unit can swing through a restricted range of angles, and the coupling mechanism adapts to different positions to achieve proper engagement with the machine body.
3Ease of manufacture
If separate coupling mechanisms are used for the blade housing and front link unit, then each coupling can be optimized independently, but the overall attachment process cannot be performed in a single smooth operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the coupling mechanisms for the blade housing and front link unit into a coordinated system that operates simultaneously. The coupling actions are merged into a single smooth operation, improving attachment speed while maintaining the optimized design of individual coupling mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment process is designed as a continuous smooth operation without interruption or separate steps. The front link unit couples to the blade housing and machine body in a continuous motion, eliminating idle time and improving productivity while maintaining optimized coupling mechanisms.
Data Source
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AI summary
A work machine to which a mower unit (4) is attachable includes: a lifting and lowering link mechanism (3) including a front link unit (FL) and a rear link unit (RL) apart from each other in a front-rear direction relative to the body; a machine-side coupling unit (5C) provided for the body; a blade housing (40) configured to be coupled to the lifting and lowering link mechanism (3); at least one mower coupler at an end of the front link unit (FL); and a mower-side coupling unit (5B) provided for the blade housing (40) and swingable to be coupled to the at least one mower coupler.