Agricultural Coupling Device with Actuated Slider
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing coupling devices for agricultural machines and towing vehicles lack robustness and efficiency, requiring manual effort and time for connection and disconnection, and do not provide a precise and safe connection.
Innovation Solution
A coupling device featuring a universal connection joint with a first coupling part mounted on the towing vehicle and a second coupling part on the agricultural machine, utilizing a slider and actuator for vertical movement to establish mechanical and hydraulic connections without requiring the towing vehicle's lift, along with a sleeve for precise shaft alignment and a support device for stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional three-point coupling is used to connect the towing vehicle to the agricultural machine, then the connection is established, but the coupling and uncoupling process requires manual effort and is time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling device performs the coupling operation automatically without requiring manual intervention. The device uses its own mechanical structure and the movement of the towing vehicle to complete the coupling process, making the system self-servicing rather than requiring external human effort for each coupling operation
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling device is pre-configured with the mechanical components and geometry necessary for automatic engagement. The universal connection joint and connecting parts are designed in advance to align and engage automatically when the towing vehicle approaches the agricultural machine, eliminating the need for manual assembly during the coupling process
2Ease of operation
If the towing vehicle's lift system is used to raise the first coupling part for connection, then the coupling can be made, but the robustness of the coupling device is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling device extracts the dependency on the towing vehicle's lift system by using its own dedicated raising mechanism. The first coupling part is raised using the coupling device's internal actuator rather than relying on the external lift system, making the coupling operation independent and more robust
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling device is segmented into independent functional modules: the raising mechanism, the universal connection joint, and the hydraulic connection system. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function reliably without being constrained by the limitations of the towing vehicle's integrated lift system
3Productivity
If manual coupling methods are used, then the connection can be established, but the precision and safety of the connection are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling device replaces manual mechanical coupling operations with an automated mechanical-hydraulic system. The universal connection joint provides precise mechanical alignment while hydraulic actuators ensure accurate engagement of connecting parts, achieving higher precision than manual methods without sacrificing coupling efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The universal connection joint acts as an intermediary component that mediates between the towing vehicle and the agricultural machine. It provides a standardized interface that ensures precise and safe connection by controlling the engagement process through its mechanical design and hydraulic actuation system
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 rapid, precise, and safe connection of the towing vehicle to the agricultural machine, reducing manual effort and time, while enhancing the robustness and efficiency of the coupling process.
Implementation Method 1
a first hydraulic connector (202) and a second hydraulic connector (302). The second hydraulic connector (302) is configured to be connected to the first hydraulic connector (202)
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 2
AI summary
A coupling device (1) for connecting an agricultural machine (A) to a towing vehicle (T) comprises: a first coupling part (2), connectable to the towing vehicle (T) and comprising a first connecting arrangement (201) and a first hydraulic connector (202); a second coupling part (3) connectable to the agricultural machine (A) and comprising a second connecting arrangement (301) to be connected to the first connecting arrangement to establish a mechanical connection between the agricultural machine (A) and the towing vehicle (T), and a second hydraulic connector (302) to be connected to the first hydraulic connector to establish a hydraulic connection between the towing vehicle and the agricultural machine. The first coupling part (2) includes a stationary portion (2A) and a slider (2B) connected movably to the stationary portion (2A). The first connecting arrangement is attached to the slider to be moved upwards and downwards by an actuator (205), to couple and uncouple the first and the second connecting arrangement, respectively.