Adjustable Locking Device for ZTR Control Lever Slot
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Solution Overview
Problem
The unauthorized use or theft of zero turn radius (ZTR) vehicles, such as ZTR riding mowers, is a recurring issue due to the lack of effective mechanisms to prevent unauthorized operation.
Innovation Solution
A lockable device that adjusts between contracted and expanded positions to fit within the control lever slot of a ZTR vehicle, featuring projecting members that secure under the edges of the slot, allowing for locking with a padlock or integral lock to prevent the control lever from being moved, thereby disabling the vehicle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional locking mechanism is used on ZTR vehicles, then the vehicle can be secured, but the control lever can still be manipulated to some extent
Solution Approach 1:
The locking device features an adjustable structure that can transition between a contracted state for insertion and an expanded state for securing. The first and second portions can be moved relative to each other to expand the distance between projecting members, allowing the device to adapt to the control lever slot dimensions and securely block lever movement in multiple directions.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking device is divided into first and second portions that can be adjusted independently. Each portion has projecting members that can be positioned to engage with opposite edges of the control lever slot, creating multiple blocking points that prevent lever manipulation while allowing the device to be inserted in a compact state.
2Reliability
If the lockable device is designed to fully block the control lever slot, then unauthorized operation is prevented, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustable mechanism allows the device to transform from a compact insertable state to an expanded blocking state. This dynamic transformation enables a relatively simple device structure to achieve comprehensive control lever slot blocking without requiring a complex fixed structure.
3Ease of operation
If the lockable device is made compact for insertion, then it can be received by the control lever slot, but the securing capability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The device transitions from a contracted configuration during insertion to an expanded configuration during securing. The first and second portions can be moved relative to each other, increasing the distance between projecting members to engage opposite edges of the control lever slot, thereby achieving both easy insertion and strong securing capability.
Data Source
AI summary
A lockable device is arranged for blocking the control lever slot of a zero turn radius (ZTR) vehicle. In one embodiment, the lockable device includes a first portion and a second portion which adjust between a contracted position and an expanded position. The lockable device presents first and second projecting members which can be placed under the edges of a control lever slot of a ZTR vehicle. The lockable device may be contracted to be received by a ZTR control lever slot and then may be expanded so that the first and second projecting members of the lockable device are received under the edges of the control lever slot. The lockable device may also be integral within the vehicle. An integral lock or a padlock may be used to secure the lockable device in the expanded position in a control lever slot to prevent movement of a control lever.