Autonomous Mower Deck Height Adjustment System

Publication ID: 24-11856886_0005_PTD

Published: October 26, 2025

Category:Future Evolutions & Paradigm Shifts

Legal Citation

pr1or.art Inc., “Autonomous Mower Deck Height Adjustment System,” Published Technical Disclosure No. 24-11856886_0005_PTD, Published October 26, 2025, available at https://archive.pr1or.art/24-11856886_0005_PTD

This technical disclosure describes improvements that would be readily apparent to a Person Having Ordinary Skill In The Art (PHOSITA) when considered in combination with the foundational architecture disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 11,856,886.

Background and Problem Solved

The original patent disclosed a cutting deck lifting device with manual adjustment, which limited its functionality and user convenience. This new invention addresses these limitations by introducing autonomous features that simplify and streamline the cutting deck height adjustment process.

Novelty and Inventive Step

The novelty of this invention lies in the integration of self-locking mechanisms, sensors, and automation, which provides a significant improvement over the original patent's manual adjustment approach. The inventive step is the introduction of autonomous features that simplify and streamline the cutting deck height adjustment process.

Alternative Embodiments and Variations

Alternative embodiments could include the use of different types of sensors, such as pressure sensors or proximity sensors, to detect the pedal's position. Additionally, the system could be integrated with other mower components, such as the cutting blade or wheel speed sensors, to optimize overall mower performance.

Potential Commercial Applications and Market

This invention has significant commercial potential in the lawn and garden equipment industry, particularly in the high-end and commercial mower segments. The autonomous cutting deck lifting system could be marketed as a premium feature, enhancing the user experience and differentiating products from competitors.

CPC Classifications

Section	Class	Group
A	A01	A01D34/74
A	A01	A01D2101/00

Section 103 Obviousness Analysis (PHOSITA)

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Field of Art

Agricultural machinery, specifically lawn mower cutting deck height adjustment mechanisms, requiring mechanical engineering skills in precision mechanical design and agricultural equipment interfaces

Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile

A mechanical engineer with expertise in agricultural equipment design, familiar with mechanical linkage systems, adjustment mechanisms, and user interaction interfaces for lawn maintenance equipment

Obviousness Rationale

A PHOSITA would recognize that adding automated sensing and self-locking mechanisms to the existing cutting deck lifting device represents a predictable technological enhancement. The core mechanical principles of height adjustment remain consistent, with the proposed variations representing incremental improvements in user interaction and precision control. The source patent's fundamental design provides a clear technical foundation for integrating more advanced control features.

Obvious Combinations & Variations

Source Patent Element

Pedal assembly with locking and unlocking states for adjusting cutting deck height

PTD Variation

Adding a self-locking mechanism that automatically maintains pedal position

Obviousness Reasoning

Implementing automatic position retention is a known design optimization technique that improves user convenience and reduces manual adjustment effort

Source Patent Element

Mechanical connecting assembly between pedal and cutting deck

PTD Variation

Integrating sensor technology to detect pedal position and automatically adjust deck height

Obviousness Reasoning

Incorporating electronic sensing into mechanical systems is a standard engineering approach for enhancing precision and automation

Source Patent Element

Manual height adjustment mechanism

PTD Variation

Adding a control unit that receives pedal assembly input and autonomously manages height adjustment

Obviousness Reasoning

Introducing microcontroller-based automation represents a predictable technological progression for mechanical systems seeking increased user convenience

Source Patent Element

Sliding plate and positioning member for deck height control

PTD Variation

Implementing pressure or proximity sensors to provide additional positional feedback

Obviousness Reasoning

Expanding mechanical position detection through electronic sensing is a routine engineering design choice with foreseeable implementation strategies

Source Patent Element

Basic cutting deck lifting mechanism

PTD Variation

Integrating the height adjustment system with additional mower component sensors for performance optimization

Obviousness Reasoning

Creating interconnected sensor systems across mechanical subsystems represents a standard approach to improving overall equipment functionality

35 U.S.C. § 103 Summary: Based on US Patent 11856886's disclosure of a cutting deck lifting device, the present publication demonstrates that a Person Having Ordinary Skill In The Art would find the proposed variations obvious through routine mechanical engineering design choices. The incremental technological enhancements, including automated locking, sensor integration, and control unit management, represent predictable extensions of the source patent's fundamental mechanical principles.

Original Patent Information

Patent Number	US 11,856,886
Title	Cutting deck lifting device and mower having cutting deck lifting device
Assignee(s)	Globe (Jiangsu) Co., Ltd.