Turf Vehicle Accessory Attachment System
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Operators of turf vehicles, such as riding lawn mowers, face inefficiencies when switching between multiple tools for lawn maintenance, as they often need to return to a storage location to retrieve secondary tools, leading to time consumption, especially for professionals servicing multiple lawns.
Innovation Solution
An accessory attachment system for turf vehicles that includes tool mounting panels with receivers and connectors, allowing for the secure and interchangeable attachment of various outdoor maintenance tools directly to the vehicle, enabling simultaneous carrying and easy access to multiple tools during operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If tools are stored in a separate storage location (garage or trailer), then tools can be kept organized and secure, but the operator must repeatedly return to retrieve tools, consuming time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the tool storage function with the turf vehicle itself by providing mounting panels and connectors that attach tools directly to the vehicle chassis. This merging eliminates the need for separate storage locations while keeping tools secure and accessible during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The tool mounting system allows operators to attach tools to the vehicle in advance before starting work. This preliminary attachment means tools are already positioned and ready for use, eliminating the need to return to storage locations during operation.
2Ease of operation
If multiple tools are attached to the vehicle, then tools are easily accessible during operation, but the vehicle structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system is divided into separate modular components: mounting panels that attach to the vehicle chassis, and tool connectors that attach to the panels. This segmentation allows the system to be configured as needed without complicating the core vehicle structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting panels and connectors are designed as universal components that can accommodate multiple different tool types. The standardized interface allows various tools to be attached using the same mounting mechanism, avoiding the need for complex specialized mounting structures for each tool type.
Data Source
AI summary
Accessory attachments systems for use with turf vehicles are described and illustrated. Such systems permit outdoor maintenance tools to be secured and transported by the vehicle, e.g., in locations conveniently accessible by an operator of the vehicle without leaving the operator platform (e.g., seat), and removed from the vehicle when desired. In some embodiments, the system includes one or more connectors each having: a mounting portion adapted to be removably secured to a panel attached to the vehicle; and a tool holding portion adapted to receive and hold an outdoor maintenance tool. The mounting portion of each connector may attach to any one of a plurality of receivers formed on panels secured to various locations on the vehicle.