Universal Frame Rear Grooming Assembly for Lawn Vehicles

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing rear grooming assemblies for lawn and garden vehicles are bulky and require separate storage for multiple implements, posing space challenges and safety hazards due to their heavy and sharp nature.

Innovation Solution

A multipurpose rear grooming assembly with a universal frame that can accommodate various implements such as spike aerators, plug aerators, and rollers, featuring a tool-less connection system and a design that allows for vertical storage, reducing the need for multiple units and ensuring safe storage by lifting the frame off the ground.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple separate grooming assemblies are purchased to perform different functions (spike aerator, plug aerator, dethatcher, roller), then grooming versatility is improved, but storage space requirements and device complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegrooming versatilityVSAvoidstorage space

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The grooming assembly employs a universal frame design that can accommodate multiple different grooming implements (spike aerator, plug aerator, dethatcher, roller) through standardized mounting interfaces. This allows a single frame to perform multiple grooming functions by simply changing the attached implement, eliminating the need for separate storage spaces for each individual grooming assembly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention merges multiple grooming implements with a single universal frame into one integrated system. The frame serves as a common platform that combines the functions of what would otherwise require four separate heavy and bulky pieces of equipment, thereby reducing overall storage space requirements while maintaining full grooming versatility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Ease of operation

If multiple separate grooming assemblies are stored individually, then each implement can be accessed independently, but the number of storage locations and overall storage complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimplement accessibilityVSAvoidstorage system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The universal frame acts as a multi-functional platform that can hold and quickly interchange different grooming implements. This standardized interface allows operators to access and swap implements easily without dealing with multiple separate storage systems, reducing storage complexity while maintaining independent access to each implement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Area of stationary object

If heavy grooming assemblies are stored flat against the ground, then storage space is minimized, but safety hazards increase due to sharp edges and spikes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestorage spaceVSAvoidsafety hazards

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The invention utilizes vertical space for storage by allowing the universal frame to be positioned upright rather than flat on the ground. This vertical orientation raises the implements off the ground, preventing contact with sharp edges and spikes, while still minimizing overall storage footprint by using the vertical dimension instead of requiring additional horizontal space.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

4Area of stationary object

If a single universal frame accommodates multiple implements, then storage space is reduced, but the frame design complexity and mounting system complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestorage spaceVSAvoidframe design complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The universal frame employs standardized mounting interfaces and attachment mechanisms that simplify the overall design despite accommodating multiple implements. By using a consistent, universal mounting system rather than custom interfaces for each implement, the frame design complexity is managed while achieving the goal of reduced storage space.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The mounting system is segmented into standardized, modular components that can accommodate different implements through consistent attachment points. This segmentation allows the frame to handle multiple implements without requiring a completely custom design for each one, thereby reducing overall design complexity while maintaining versatility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS7604066B2Multipurpose rear grooming assembly for a vehicle and method of storage of multiple grooming assemblies therewith

Publication Date: 2009.10.20 AGRI FAB INC

AI summary

A multipurpose rear grooming assembly for a lawn garden vehicle, and more specifically, to a rear grooming assembly capable of use as a spike aerator, a plug aerator, a dethatcher, or even a roller where the grooming assembly also serves as storage for two or more implements. The grooming assembly includes a universal frame with implements when in the operating position and to accommodate more than one of the plurality of lawn-grooming implements, much like a protective rack, when the universal frame is oriented vertically in a storage configuration.