Lawn Mower Trimmer Base Plate Sliding Adjustment

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing lawn mower trimmer systems lack a convenient and efficient mechanism for transitioning between operational and storage positions, and for adjusting the trimmer head to different cutting heights, which complicates user operation and maintenance.

Innovation Solution

A trimmer system with a belt housing, base plate, and shield that allows for sliding movement along parallel slots for position adjustment, incorporates a trimmer shaft with pulley and head assembly for power transmission, and features spring-loaded hinges and a retention bolt for secure operation, enabling easy switching between extended and stowed positions and adjustable cutting heights.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the trimmer system is designed with fixed positioning, then structural simplicity is maintained, but the ability to adjust cutting heights and transition between operational and storage positions is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadjustability of cutting heights and position transitionsVSAvoidcomplexity of positioning mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic positioning capabilities by providing slots in the base plate that allow the trimmer shaft to be positioned at multiple heights and locations. The system transitions from a fixed configuration to a dynamically adjustable one, where the trimmer can be repositioned along the slots to achieve different cutting heights and storage positions, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The base plate is segmented with multiple slots at different orientations and positions, creating discrete adjustable positions. This segmentation allows the trimmer shaft to be positioned at specific heights and angles, providing adaptability while maintaining a relatively simple slot-based mechanism rather than a complex continuous adjustment system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If the trimmer shaft is made movable for position adjustment, then adaptability is improved, but maintaining proper belt tension becomes more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveposition adjustment capabilityVSAvoidbelt tension maintenance

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The spring-loaded retention bolt automatically adjusts to maintain proper belt tension when the trimmer shaft is repositioned. As the trimmer shaft moves to different positions along the slots, the spring mechanism self-adjusts the retention force to ensure the belt remains properly tensioned without requiring manual intervention, thus maintaining reliability while enabling adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The spring-loaded retention bolt changes its retention parameter (force) based on the position of the trimmer shaft. When the shaft is moved to different positions, the spring mechanism adjusts the retention force to maintain optimal belt tension, allowing position adjustment while preserving reliable belt engagement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Object-affected harmful factors

If the shield is designed to cover the belt and pulley, then safety is improved, but access for maintenance and operation becomes more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesafety from belt and pulley exposureVSAvoidaccessibility for maintenance and operation

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The shield is designed as a movable component that can be opened or removed to provide access to the belt and pulley for operation and maintenance, then closed to provide safety coverage. This dynamic design allows the shield to switch between protecting users during operation and allowing access during maintenance, resolving the contradiction between safety and ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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

Facilitates efficient operation by ensuring proper belt tension and easy adjustment of cutting heights, enhancing user convenience and maintenance by allowing seamless transitions between operational and storage modes while maintaining secure operation.

Implementation Method 1

The shield is mounted on the base plate with spring-loaded hinges that automatically close and secure the shield

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSpring: Spring

Implementation Method 2

A belt extends between and is carried on the trimmer pulley and the drive pulley to transmit the rotational force

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Implementation Method 3

The PTO system further comprises a belt 'B' that, when the trimmer system 10 is in use, extends between and is carried on the trimmer pulley 31 and the drive pulley 41 to transmit the rotational force

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPulley: Pulley

Data Source

PatentUS7549278B2Trimmer system for a lawn mower and method of use

Publication Date: 2009.06.23 MCMAHAN RICKY T

AI summary

A trimmer system for a lawn mower including a base plate attached to a deck of a lawn mower with a fastener, the base plate defining slots for receiving the fastener and enabling the base plate to be slid along a range of travel including a fully stowed position and a fully extended position, a trimmer shaft mounted on the base plate, and a trimmer head configured to be received by the trimmer shaft.