Walk-behind Machine Handle Thrust Sensing for Adaptive Speed Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing walk-behind self-propelled lawn mowers require manual control and often have complex operation systems, leading to poor user comfort and reliability, as they can only maintain a constant speed and require users to manually push the mower, which is labor-intensive and inefficient.

Innovation Solution

A walk-behind self-propelled working machine equipped with a handle device that includes a sensing device with pressure sensors and a preload element, allowing the machine to adapt its speed based on user input, switching between low-speed and adaptive modes, and automatically adjusting its self-moving speed to match the user's pushing speed, enhancing user comfort and operational efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual control and constant speed operation are used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the user comfort and operational efficiency deteriorate due to labor-intensive operation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser comfortVSAvoidoperation system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The lawn mower automatically adjusts its walking speed based on the thrust detected by the pressure sensor, without requiring manual speed control input from the user. The control unit autonomously processes the sensor signal and regulates the drive motor speed, making the system self-adjusting and reducing operational complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The pressure sensor continuously detects the thrust applied by the user on the handle and feeds this information back to the control unit. The control unit uses this feedback signal to dynamically adjust the drive motor speed, creating a closed-loop control system that adapts to user input in real-time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Productivity

If self-moving function with manual control is added, then the productivity is improved by reducing labor intensity, but the reliability deteriorates due to complex self-moving system operation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemowing efficiencyVSAvoidsystem reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex mechanical speed control mechanisms with an electronic sensing and control system. The pressure sensor and control unit electronically regulate the drive motor speed based on user thrust, eliminating the need for mechanical speed governors or complex transmission mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically changes the operating parameters of the drive motor based on the detected thrust parameter. The control unit adjusts the motor speed parameter in real-time according to the pressure sensor output, enabling adaptive speed control without fixed mechanical settings.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If constant speed operation is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability deteriorates as the machine cannot adjust to user pushing speed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespeed adaptationVSAvoidspeed control system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The lawn mower transitions from static constant speed operation to dynamic speed adjustment. The drive motor speed continuously changes in response to varying user thrust, allowing the system to adapt its walking speed dynamically to match user pushing speed and terrain conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The pressure sensor and control unit serve multiple functions: detecting user thrust, determining desired speed, regulating motor output, and adapting to different operating conditions. This multi-functional integration achieves speed adaptability without proportionally increasing system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

The machine reduces user effort by automatically adjusting its speed to match the user's input, providing improved comfort and reliability by simplifying operation and maintaining synchronized movement with the user, thus reducing physical labor and enhancing mowing efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

The pressure sensor is disposed between the operation member and the connecting rod. When the gripping portion receives the thrust, the pressing member applies a force along a preset straight line to the pressure sensor to drive the pressure sensor to deform.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure sensor deformation detection: Deformation

Data Source

PatentUS12133483B2Walk-behind self-propelled working machine
Publication Date: 2024.11.05 NANJING CHERVON IND
  • US12133483B2 patent drawing
  • US12133483B2 patent drawing
  • US12133483B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A walk-behind self-propelled working machine includes a main body, an operation switch, and a handle device. The main body includes a moving assembly and a drive motor. The operation switch is connected to the drive motor. The handle device is connected to the main body and includes an operation member, a connecting rod, and a sensing device. The operation member includes a gripping portion for a user to hold. The connecting rod is connected to the main body. The sensing device is configured to sense a thrust that is applied to the handle device to drive the walk-behind self-propelled working machine and further includes a pressure sensor and a pressing member. When the gripping portion receives the thrust, the pressing member applies a force along a preset straight line to the pressure sensor to drive the pressure sensor to deform.