Wire Form Hinge Mounting for Mower Side Discharge Chute
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mower deck side discharge chute mounting systems are complex, costly, and time-consuming to install, often requiring multiple parts and tools, with limited options for incorporating an optional inner chute.
Innovation Solution
A wire form hinge with radial projections and a double torsion spring is used to mount the side discharge chute directly to the mower deck, allowing the chute to slide onto the hinge in a raised position and bias towards a lowered position, reducing the number of parts and complexity, and enabling easier installation without tools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional hinge support with pin and nut is used to mount the side discharge chute, then the chute can be securely attached, but the mounting process becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the hinge support, mounting bracket, and fastening mechanism into an integrated wire form hinge assembly. The wire form hinge is formed as a single continuous piece that incorporates both the support structure and the mounting elements, eliminating the need for separate pins, nuts, and brackets. This merging of components directly reduces mounting complexity while maintaining secure attachment through the integrated design.
Solution Approach 2:
The wire form hinge serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as the structural support, the mounting bracket, the fastening mechanism, and the pivot axis for the chute. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for multiple separate parts and simplifies the overall mounting system while ensuring reliable attachment of the chute to the mower deck.
2Reliability
If multiple parts and tools are used for mounting the chute, then secure attachment is achieved, but installation time and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The wire form hinge is manufactured as a single continuous piece that integrates the support structure, mounting brackets, and fastening elements. This eliminates the need for multiple separate parts that would require sequential assembly with multiple tools, thereby reducing installation time and cost while maintaining secure attachment through the integrated design.
Solution Approach 2:
The wire form hinge design allows for self-contained installation where the integrated structure provides its own mounting and fastening capabilities without requiring external tools or additional components. The design enables the installer to complete the mounting process with minimal tools and steps, reducing both time and cost while ensuring reliable attachment.
3Reliability
If radial projections on the wire form hinge are used, then the chute is securely retained in the raised position, but the chute can only be installed in a specific position
Solution Approach 1:
The radial projections on the wire form hinge act as intermediary elements that engage with corresponding features on the chute to provide secure retention in the raised position. These projections serve as the mediating mechanism that ensures proper positioning and prevents accidental disassembly, while the design allows for straightforward installation by guiding the chute into the correct position during the mounting process.
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 solution simplifies the mounting process, reducing installation time and cost while ensuring secure attachment of the chute, allowing for optional inner chute integration, and preventing accidental disassembly.
Implementation Method 1
A torsion spring on the wire form hinge biases the side discharge chute toward a lowered position
Data Source
AI summary
A mower deck side discharge chute mounting includes a wire form hinge having a first leg, a second leg that is collinear with the first leg, and an intermediate mounting portion attached directly to a multi-blade mower deck between the first leg and the second leg. A side discharge chute pivots on the wire form hinge and can be installed or removed from the wire form hinge only if the chute is in a raised position relative to the mower deck.