Vertically Storable Mower Engine Fluid Containment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Walk behind mowers occupy valuable space during storage due to their deck design, and existing solutions do not effectively prevent engine fluid leaks when stored vertically.

Innovation Solution

A vertically storable walk behind mower design that includes a handle latching system, braking system, and engine fluid containment features, allowing the mower to be folded and stored vertically without leaking engine fluids, with a mechanism for intentional oil drainage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If the mower is designed for vertical storage, then storage space efficiency is improved, but engine fluid leakage occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestorage footprintVSAvoidengine fluid leakage

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The fuel tank is designed with a sump at the bottom that automatically collects and contains engine fluids before they can leak. The oil drain port is positioned to allow intentional drainage before vertical storage, preventing fluid accumulation that would cause leakage during stored orientation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The cap assembly acts as an intermediary between the fuel tank interior and exterior, incorporating a vent mechanism with a check valve that allows air passage while preventing fuel leakage during vertical storage orientation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the handle is made foldable for compact storage, then storage convenience is improved, but control over braking system is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestorage configurationVSAvoidbrake control access

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The braking system is designed to be automatically engaged when the handle is folded to the stored position. The brake release disabler mechanism preemptively prevents brake release when the handle is in the folded position, ensuring safety without requiring user intervention during storage

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The handle latching system dynamically changes the state of the braking system control. When the handle is folded, the latching mechanism automatically disables the brake release function, creating a dynamic safety interlock that adapts to the handle's position

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of repair

If the mower allows intentional oil drainage, then maintenance ease is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoil drainageVSAvoiddrainage mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of repairVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The oil drainage function is segmented from the main fuel tank system into a separate, accessible oil drain port located on the sump. This allows independent oil drainage maintenance without affecting the fuel system or requiring complete disassembly of the engine assembly

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The oil drainage capability is extracted as a separate functional feature with its own dedicated port and pathway to the ground. This extraction allows simple, intentional oil removal without adding complex valve or pump mechanisms to the overall fuel system

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Data Source

PatentEP3045030B1Vertically storable engine and mower

Publication Date: 2017.10.11 BRIGGS & STRATTON CORP

Figure 1~5
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Figure 10~14

AI summary

A gasoline powered engine (40; 240) is configured to be stored in a vertical position or orientation without leaking contained engine fluids. To be accompanied, when published, by Figure 4 of the drawings.