Zero-Turn Mower Cruise Control for Twin-Lever Steering Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing zero turn mowers lack a reliable cruise control system that can maintain consistent direction and speed without requiring constant operator input, especially when using twin stick control systems.
Innovation Solution
A zero turn mower cruise control system that utilizes a pair of motion control levers coupled to rear drive wheels, with a position sensor and controller to maintain steering angles and velocities based on lever positions, allowing for automatic direction and speed control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a twin stick control system is used to control rear drive wheels independently, then steering capability and maneuverability are improved, but operator fatigue increases due to constant manual input required
Solution Approach 1:
The cruise control system allows the mower to maintain its own steering angles and velocities automatically once set, without requiring continuous operator intervention. The system monitors lever positions and autonomously adjusts drive wheel velocities to maintain consistent direction and speed, making the machine self-regulating during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors the position of motion control levers through position sensors and uses this feedback to automatically adjust rear drive wheel velocities. The controller receives real-time position data and makes corrective adjustments to maintain desired steering angles and forward velocities, creating a closed-loop control system.
2Measurement precision
If manual control is used to maintain consistent direction and speed, then control precision is improved, but time consumption increases due to constant operator attention
Solution Approach 1:
The cruise control system automatically maintains consistent direction and speed by continuously monitoring lever positions and adjusting drive wheel velocities without operator intervention. The system performs self-correction to maintain desired operational parameters, eliminating the need for constant manual adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides continuous automatic adjustment of drive wheel velocities based on real-time lever position feedback, ensuring uninterrupted maintenance of consistent direction and speed. This continuous automated control replaces intermittent manual adjustments, saving operator time while maintaining precision.
3Extent of automation
If cruise control system is added to zero turn mower, then automation level is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cruise control system leverages the existing twin stick control levers and position sensors already present in the mower for other functions. By repurposing these existing components for cruise control operations, the system achieves automation without adding excessive complexity. The same levers that control steering also serve as the interface for cruise control mode activation and parameter setting.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller acts as an intermediary that processes position sensor signals and generates appropriate control commands for the drive systems. This intermediary component coordinates between the existing lever position inputs and the drive wheel control mechanisms, enabling automated cruise control functionality while integrating smoothly with the existing system architecture.
Data Source
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AI summary
A zero turn mower (105) is disclosed. The zero turn mower comprising: a pair of motion control levers (165), each lever (165) coupled to a drive (115) that rotates a rear drive wheel (110) at a velocity corresponding to the position of the lever (165); a pair of front wheels (145) that are pivoted to steering angles (225) corresponding to any difference between the positions of the motion control levers (165); one or more position sensors (180) positioned to provide a signal based on the position of at least one of the motion control levers (165); and a zero turn mower cruise control system (100) comprising a controller (190) configured to: receive the signal; receive an operator input (205) corresponding to an activation of a cruise control mode; maintain the steering angles (225) at a current position and/or maintain a zero turn mower speed at a current speed by maintaining the speed of the rear drive wheels (110) by controlling the drives (115); receive an updated position of at least one of the motion control levers (165) from the position sensor (180) after a change in the position of at least one of the motion control levers (165); maintain the steering angles (225) at an updated position and/or maintain the zero turn mower speed at an updated speed by maintaining the speed of the rear drive wheels (110) by controlling the drives (115); and receive an operator input (205) corresponding to a deactivation of the cruise control mode and cease maintaining the steering angles (225) and/or maintaining the speed. Furthermore, a method of operating such zero turn mower (105) is disclosed.