Agricultural Attachment Device Dual Coupling Receptacles

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing agricultural attachments are limited in their ability to be easily connected to agricultural vehicles in different variants, as they are either designed for direct coupling to three-point coupling devices or quick-coupling frames, but not both, restricting flexibility and optimal positioning.

Innovation Solution

The attachment device features first receptacles for direct coupling to three-point coupling devices and second receptacles for indirect coupling via a quick-coupling frame, allowing for connection in both configurations with minimal positional difference, ensuring optimal alignment and functionality.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If an attachment is designed for direct coupling to the three-point coupling device, then the connection is simple and direct, but the attachment cannot be connected to a quick-coupling frame

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoupling compatibilityVSAvoidattachment device structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The attachment device is designed with both first receptacles for direct coupling to three-point coupling device links and second receptacles for indirect coupling via quick-coupling frame, enabling a single attachment to function with multiple coupling systems. This multi-functional design resolves the contradiction by making the attachment universally compatible without requiring separate attachment devices for different coupling types.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The attachment device is segmented into distinct first receptacles and second receptacles, each optimized for specific coupling methods. The first receptacles engage directly with coupling links while the second receptacles interface with quick-coupling frames. This segmentation allows each component to be specialized for its function while working together to achieve overall versatility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of operation

If different attachment types are used for direct and indirect coupling, then each coupling method has optimized positioning, but the relative position of the attachment to the vehicle varies significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoupling convenienceVSAvoidpositioning accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The first and second receptacles are designed with specific geometric parameters and spacing relationships that compensate for the different coupling paths. By carefully controlling the dimensions, angles, and relative positions of the receptacles, the design ensures that both direct and indirect coupling methods result in the attachment being positioned within acceptable tolerances (150 mm longitudinal, 100 mm vertical) relative to the vehicle.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If a single attachment device is designed to accommodate both direct and indirect coupling, then versatility is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoupling configuration flexibilityVSAvoidattachment device design
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The first receptacles and second receptacles are merged into a single integrated attachment device structure. This consolidation allows the attachment to access both direct and indirect coupling methods without requiring separate devices, thereby achieving versatility while managing complexity through unified design rather than multiple independent systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP3351074B1Trailer with a add-on device and combination of the trailer and a vehicle
Publication Date: 2022.08.10 CLAAS SAULGAU GMBH
  • EP3351074B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3351074B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3351074B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Attachment device (12) of an agricultural implement (10) for coupling the agricultural implement (10) to a coupling device of an agricultural vehicle (11), with first receptacles (16) which in a first mounting type of the implement (10) to the vehicle (11) are designed for direct coupling of the implement (10) to the linkages (14, 15) of a coupling device of the vehicle (11) designed as a three-point coupling device (13), with a second receptacle (17) which in a second mounting type of the implement (10) to the vehicle (11) is designed for indirect coupling of the implement (10) to the linkages (14, 15) of the coupling device of the vehicle (11) designed as a three-point coupling device (13), namely via a quick-coupling frame (22) of the agricultural vehicle mounted on the linkages (14, 15).