T-Shaped Pivot Mounting Rotary Cutting Deck
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mounting devices for rotary cutting decks on grass mowing equipment are heavy, bulky, and expensive, failing to adequately absorb shocks, limit tilt and yaw angles, and provide stability during transport and ramp climbing.
Innovation Solution
A T-shaped pivot pin with a channel-shaped bracket providing multiple pivot axes allows for pitch and yaw movements, while a U-shaped pin stabilizes the deck in the raised position and limits excessive pivoting, using a socket and pivot bushings for secure attachment to the lift arm.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional yoke with crossbar mounting device is used, then the rotary cutting deck can be securely mounted to the lift arm, but the mounting device becomes heavy, bulky, and expensive to manufacture
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting device is segmented into separate functional components: a socket mounted to the lift arm, a T-shaped pivot pin providing multiple pivot axes, and a channel-shaped bracket with pivoting connections. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, reducing overall weight while maintaining reliability through distributed functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The T-shaped pivot pin serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides a first pivot axis for pitch movement, a second pivot axis for additional pitch control, and a third pivot axis for yaw movement. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate mounting structures, reducing weight and complexity while maintaining secure attachment.
2Ease of manufacture
If a simple mounting device is used, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but the device cannot adequately absorb shocks from impacts
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting device incorporates three pivot axes that allow dynamic movement in multiple directions. The channel-shaped bracket can pivot on a first pivot axis to absorb vertical shocks, while the T-shaped pivot pin's third axis allows yaw movement to accommodate lateral impacts. This dynamic capability enables the simple structure to absorb shocks effectively.
Solution Approach 2:
The device changes its geometric parameters dynamically through pivoting movements. The relative positions and orientations of the socket, T-shaped pivot pin, and channel-shaped bracket change during operation, allowing the structure to adapt to impact forces from different directions while maintaining structural integrity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the mounting device allows free pitch movement, then the deck can drive up trailer ramps, but the deck may bottom out during operation
Solution Approach 1:
The channel-shaped bracket pivots on a first pivot axis to enable pitch movement for ramp climbing. Simultaneously, the T-shaped pivot pin's third axis allows yaw movement that prevents the deck from bottoming out by accommodating lateral displacement during the climbing motion, providing dynamic adaptation to terrain variations.
Solution Approach 2:
The T-shaped pivot pin acts as an intermediary between the socket and the channel-shaped bracket, mediating the pitch and yaw movements. This intermediary structure allows controlled pitch movement for ramp access while the third pivot axis provides a mechanical stop that prevents excessive movement and bottoming out.
4Stability of the object's composition
If the mounting device provides stable attachment, then the deck remains fixed during transport, but the device becomes bulky and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The T-shaped pivot pin provides multiple pivot axes that serve different functions: the first two axes enable pitch movement for ground operation, while the third axis provides yaw stability during transport. This multi-functionality achieves both stability and simplicity without requiring separate stabilization mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The device changes its effective stiffness and degrees of freedom based on operational conditions. During ground operation, the pivot axes allow necessary movements. During transport, gravity and operational forces cause the pivoting connections to settle into positions that provide stability, effectively changing the system's mechanical parameters without structural modification.
Data Source
AI summary
A mounting device to connect a rotary cutting deck to a lift arm includes a bracket having a first pivoting connection and a second pivoting connection parallel to the first pivoting connection. The first pivoting connection is connected to the lift arm and the second pivoting connection is connected to the rotary cutting deck. The pair of pivoting connections allow the deck to pitch. The bracket may be channel shaped and may have an opening or slot through which the lift arm extends. Additionally, a T-shaped pivot pin provides a third pivoting connection between the lift arm and bracket, the third pivoting connection being perpendicular to the first and second pivoting connections.