Wheel Assembly with Rotating Bracket for Outdoor Power Equipment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional lawn mowers and outdoor equipment face challenges in navigating uneven surfaces due to the concentration of force on rear wheels, leading to discomfort for operators and increased wear on both the equipment and surfaces like curbs.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a wheel assembly with a primary and secondary wheel, where the rotating bracket is pivotally connected to an outer plate, allowing both wheels to maintain contact with the ground while traversing curbs, distributing forces more evenly without mechanical bias, such as springs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional rear wheel configuration is used, then the structure is simple, but force concentration on rear wheels causes operator discomfort and increased wear
Solution Approach 1:
The wheel assembly is segmented into a primary wheel and a secondary wheel, both supported by a rotating bracket. This segmentation distributes the force of traversal across two separate contact points rather than concentrating it on a single rear wheel, thereby reducing operator discomfort and wear on surfaces while maintaining structural feasibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces an additional spatial dimension by positioning the secondary wheel axially offset from the primary wheel. This dimensional arrangement allows both wheels to simultaneously contact the ground during curb traversal, creating a distributed force system that improves operator comfort without excessive structural complexity.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If single wheel contact is used, then the structure is simple, but impact on surfaces like curbs is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The wheel assembly is segmented into a primary wheel and a secondary wheel, both supported by a rotating bracket. This segmentation distributes the force of traversal across two separate contact points rather than concentrating it on a single rear wheel, thereby reducing operator discomfort and wear on surfaces while maintaining structural feasibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotating bracket acts as an intermediary mechanism that pivotally connects both wheels to the frame. This intermediary structure enables coordinated movement of both wheels during traversal, allowing the system to distribute impact forces effectively without requiring complex suspension or spring mechanisms.
3Ease of operation
If mechanical bias such as springs is used, then force distribution is achieved, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The rotating bracket is designed to pivot freely under the influence of traversal forces without requiring additional biasing mechanisms. The system uses the natural movement and geometry of the bracket-w wheel assembly to achieve force distribution, eliminating the need for springs or other mechanical bias components and thereby maintaining structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotating bracket provides dynamic adaptability, allowing the wheel assembly to automatically adjust its configuration in response to traversal forces. This dynamic behavior enables effective force distribution across the primary and secondary wheels without requiring pre-set mechanical bias, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining operational effectiveness.
Data Source
AI summary
Outdoor equipment, such as a lawn mower, includes a frame, a riding area, front wheels, and a wheel assembly. One wheel assembly includes an outer plate, a rotating bracket pivotally connected to the outer plate, a primary wheel supported by the rotating bracket, and a secondary wheel supported by the rotating bracket. The rotating bracket is rotatable about a pivot axis, the primary wheel is axially offset from the pivot axis, and the secondary wheel is axially offset from the primary wheel and from the pivot axis. In use, the rotating bracket consistently provides two points of contact (one by the primary wheel and another through the secondary wheel) by rotating automatically about the pivot axis due to gravity and forces transferred through the wheels. This enhanced distribution of forces may provide a more comfortable, cushioned riding experience.