Agricultural Coupling Device with Movable Operating Portion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current coupling devices for agricultural vehicles, such as lawnmower tractors, are complex, require numerous operations, and lack practicality, stability, and reliability when connecting or disconnecting accessories like cutting plates, leading to inefficiencies and increased maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A coupling device with a first element featuring a cavity and a second element with a movable operating portion that can switch between working and resting positions, allowing for quick and simple engagement and disengagement of external elements by obstructing or allowing access to the cavity's inlet section, utilizing a pin for rotational freedom and an elastic element for stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional coupling devices (hooks, chains, bolts, brackets) are used to connect accessories to agricultural vehicles, then connection stability is achieved, but the number of operations required increases and practicality decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling device is divided into two independent elements: a first element with a cavity integrated to the accessory, and a second element with an operating portion integrated to the vehicle. This segmentation allows each element to perform its specific function independently, enabling quick coupling without multiple operations while maintaining stable connection through the cavity-portion engagement.
Solution Approach 2:
The second element (operating portion) is designed to be received within the first element (cavity), creating a nested structure. The operating portion fits into the cavity space, with the cavity inlet section allowing controlled access. This nesting arrangement enables secure connection with minimal operations, as the operating portion simply needs to be positioned within the cavity to establish the coupling.
2Reliability
If complex coupling systems with multiple elements (brackets, inserts, pins, pulleys) are used, then connection stability is improved, but device complexity increases and maintenance requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges multiple traditional coupling elements (brackets, inserts, pins) into a single integrated cavity structure on the first element. The cavity itself serves as both the receiving space and the locking mechanism, eliminating the need for separate brackets, inserts, and pins. This merging reduces the number of elements while maintaining connection stability through the cavity-operating portion engagement.
Solution Approach 2:
The cavity structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides the receiving space for the operating portion, acts as the locking mechanism through its inlet section geometry, and enables both coupling and uncoupling operations. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate specialized elements, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining reliable connection.
3Reliability
If traditional coupling methods requiring multiple operations are used, then connection stability is achieved, but time consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cavity is pre-configured with its inlet section geometry designed to automatically guide and receive the operating portion. The cavity structure itself is prepared in advance to perform the locking function, eliminating the need for multiple sequential operations during coupling. This preliminary configuration enables rapid connection while maintaining stable engagement through the pre-designed cavity-portion interface.
4Ease of operation
If simple hook-based coupling is used, then ease of operation is improved, but connection stability and reliability decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The cavity inlet section is designed with asymmetric geometry that allows easy insertion of the operating portion but prevents easy removal without deliberate action. The inlet section width and orientation create a one-way engagement mechanism that is simple to couple but stable and secure, overcoming the instability of simple symmetric hooks while maintaining operational simplicity.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables faster, more straightforward, and less labor-intensive coupling and disconnection of accessories, enhancing operational efficiency and reducing the risk of faults and wear, while maintaining stability and reliability.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic element (16) configured to act against movements of the operating portion (28) aimed at establishing the resting position (11) starting from the working position (10)
Implementation Method 2
said first element (2) and said second element (3) being constrained to each other, in particular by means of a pin (12), so as to allow said second element (3) to be movable by rotation with respect to said first element (2)
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a coupling device (1) which includes a first element (2) and a second element (3). The first element (2) comprises a connection portion (29) and a cavity (5), whose penetration in the connection portion (29) occurs starting from an inlet section (7). The second element (3) comprises an operating portion (28) which is movable relative to the connection portion (29), so as to selectively assume a working position (10) and a resting position (11). In the working position (10), the operating portion (28) causes a complete obstruction of the inlet section (7) or causes an obstruction of the inlet section (7) limited to a first fraction of the width of the inlet section (7). In the resting position (11), the operating portion (28) does not cause any obstruction of the inlet section (7) or causes an obstruction of the inlet section (7) limited to a second fraction of the width of the inlet section (7), the second fraction being smaller than the first fraction.