Self propelled lawnmower redesign
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Contents |
Executive Summary
Customer and Stakeholder
Graham
Research
Research 1
In our attempts to find areas for innovation we sought out different sources to diagnose problems with the current lawnmower design. Our first test involved the four members of the group. Each of us was given the opportunity to use the mower in a variety of common situations. These situations included mowing high grass, short grass, uphill, downhill, etc. Instead of immediately discussing our opinions and observations we wrote them down so that we would each have an unbiased opinion. We then compared the results and diagnosed the crucial problems. We discussed possible solutions to these issues and compiled a list. The key ideas were isolated and these became the ones that we will focus on.
Research 2
The next step in our market research was to go out and ask people who deal with lawnmowers everyday what problems they commonly saw. We went to a local lawnmower service and repair center to speak to experts about the project. We asked them what aspects of the lawnmowers they commonly complain about and their suggestions for improvements. They seemed to find the same problems as we did in our initial test and had very similar solutions. We showed them our ideas for innovation and asked for their honest opinions on feasibility. They liked some of our ideas a lot while others they said would probably not work or they had seen similar solutions that didn’t work. After performing this market research we were able to narrow it down to four design concepts. These concepts are all a direct response to complaints of the stakeholders and seek to resolve key issues with the lawnmower. They all seem to be feasible and within the scope of this course and our resources.
Design Concepts
After our brainstorming process we began to narrow down our ideas. We weeded out some of the impractical and unfeasible ideas. We then picked some of our better solutions and arranged them in a chart based on the problem they helped resolve.
Vibrations and User Comfort | Bagging System | Long Grass / Stalling | Maintenance and Cleaning | Transportation and Storage | Safety
|
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Pneumatic Tires | Garbage Bag Attachment | Engine Tachometer | Self Cleaning Deck | Mower Hitch Attachment | Key Ignition
|
Front and Rear Suspension | Grass Compactor | Blade Feedback Control | Self Sharpening Blades | Snap-together parts that can be easily disassembled | Push-Button Starting
|
Rising/Retracting Turning Castor Wheels | Rotating Discharge Chute | Low R.P.M. Warning Light | System Run Timer | Foreign Object Recognition
| |
Air Suspension | Carbide Blade Tips | Dashboard with System Check Lights | Brakes/ Wheel Locking Mechanism
|
Pugh Chart
Concept 1
Concept 2
The garbage bag mower attachment is intended to remove the redundancy in the bagging process. In the normal lawnmower the bag that collects the grass clippings gets full and has to be emptied into garbage bags. This process can be messy and cumbersome. This redesign seeks to remove that transfer process by installing a rack at the rear of the mower which a garbage bag will rest on and collect clippings. When the bag is full it can be removed and replaced with ease, eliminating the need to transfer the clippings. The rack would likely be built of thin but strong steel bar and the garbage bags would ideally be generic. The rack would be attached in such a way that it could be easily removed.
Concept 3
Concept 4
Gantt Chart
Conclusion
Recommendations
Final Phase
Appendix
The following is a list of initial ideas for innovation on the lawnmower. This was a general brainstorm and some of the ideas tend to be more abstract. Even so, they were able to hone our thought process such that we would come up with more feasible solutions.
1. Feedback system for blade
2. Battery powered
3. Cutting strings instead of blades
4. Turning front wheels
5. Rising casters for easier maneuvering
6. Leaf catcher/shredder
7. Grass incinerator
8. Grass watering device
9. Grass fertilizing device
10. More user-friendly/ergonomic push handle
11. Automatic throttle/choke control
12. System check light panel (similar to car dashboard)
13. Electric ignition
14. iPod dock
15. Cup holder
16. Brakes on wheels for steep hill cutting
17. Hill assist for steep hills
18. Stereo system
19. Run timer (to help schedule maintenance)
20. Baffled muffler (noise reduction)
21. Grass compactor for increased storage of cut grass
22. Side chipper/shredder
23. Hybrid engine system
24. Diamond tipped blade
25. Four smaller blades instead of one big one
26. Snap together parts for easy transportation
27. Integrated weed-whacker (clips onto side)
28. Mounting arm to attach directly to trailer/hitch
29. Line making system (check how straight cut is and keep in line)
30. Rotating side discharge chute (similar to snow blower)
31. Cell phone alert system
32. Headlights for night use
33. Fan, cooling system
34. Umbrella (sun/rain)
35. Compartment to store items (tools)
36. Remote controlled
37. Key ignition
38. Key code for safety
39. Cooler (drinks)
40. Cable locking system
41. Tracks like on snow-mobile for traction
42. Ball shaped steering design (roll any direction)
43. Leaf blower system
44. Riding skids
45. GPS (route storage)
46. Self cleaning (washing system)
47. Bike seat (riding)
48. Reverse drive
49. Hovering deck
50. Automatic blade sharpener
51. Timer ($ to charge client)
52. Multiple angled handle to ease pushing
53. Throttle control similar to motorcycle (or drive control)
54. Extra large fuel capacity (in reservoir)
55. Fuel level gauge
56. Turn screw system
57. Handle suspension
58. Blade tachometer/odometer
59. Front suspension
60. Make all wheels adjust at the same time
61. Integrated fertilizer spreader
62. Air suspension for wheels
63. Bagging system redesign (garbage bags)
64. Introduce compressor to belt that stores energy to lift ride height
65. Introduce system connecting wheel axles to frame that allow raising/lowering
66. Adjust blade height instead of deck height
67. Replace cables with wireless