Agricultural Hitch Interface With Sliding Frames for Stable Tillage
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing agricultural tractor hitch systems face issues with stability and maneuverability, particularly when connecting soil working tools, leading to uneven working depth and impaired traction due to front wheel lifting or sinking, which affects the tractor's ability to change direction and maintain soil working stability.
Innovation Solution
An interface device with a kinematic design featuring sliding and rotating elements, adjustable via hydraulic cylinders, allows for precise longitudinal and lateral tracking of the tool, ensuring uniform working depth and improved stability by using sensors and hydropneumatic accumulators for variable load transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a traditional rigid hitch connection is used to connect the tractor to the soil working tool, then the structural simplicity is maintained, but the stability and uniformity of working depth deteriorate due to front wheel lifting or sinking under load
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by replacing the rigid fixed connection with a kinematic mechanism featuring sliding elements that can move longitudinally and a distal frame that can rotate relative to the proximal frame. This dynamic structure allows the hitch to adapt to varying load conditions, maintaining tool stability and working depth uniformity while preventing front wheel lifting or sinking.
Solution Approach 2:
The hitch connection is segmented into distinct movable components: sliding elements secured to the tool-side connecting means that move longitudinally relative to the proximal frame, and a distal frame that rotates relative to the proximal frame. This segmentation allows independent adjustment of longitudinal and lateral positions, resolving the contradiction between structural simplicity and stability.
2Measurement precision
If height sensors are used to adjust the implement height, then the working depth control is attempted, but the stability and maneuverability are still impaired due to front wheel lifting or sinking
Solution Approach 1:
The kinematic hitch mechanism proactively maintains tractor stability through dynamic adjustment of the tool position, eliminating the need for reactive sensor-based correction. The sliding and rotating elements automatically compensate for load variations, preserving both maneuverability and working depth control without relying on height sensors.
3Force
If the front of the tractor lifts under heavy load, then the connection force to the tool is maintained, but the traction of the front wheels and ability to change direction deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The dynamic kinematic mechanism allows the hitch to adapt its geometry under load, maintaining connection force while distributing forces to prevent front wheel lifting. The sliding and rotating elements adjust the load path, preserving steering capability and traction even under heavy tool loads.
4Force
If the front wheels sink in under pushed implement load, then the connection to the tool is maintained, but the traction of the rear wheels and engine power requirements worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The kinematic mechanism dynamically adjusts the load distribution between the tractor wheels and the tool connection. The sliding and rotating elements modify the force transmission path, preventing front wheel sinking and reducing the energy required to move the tractor-tool assembly by optimizing weight distribution.
Data Source
Figure 1~2A
Figure 3~4
Figure 5(a)~6(b)
AI summary
The invention relates to an interface device (100) for mechanically connecting an agricultural tractor (200), by way of a hitch (210), to a soil-working tool (300), comprising connection means (21, 22) on the tractor side that are able to be mounted on the hitch of the tractor, and connection means (31, 32) on the tool side that are able to be mounted on the tool, a proximal frame (40) secured to the connection means on the tractor side, sliding elements (50, 51, 52) secured to the connection means on the tool side, the elements being able to move in longitudinal translation with respect to the proximal frame so as to adjust a height of the connection means on the tool side, and a distal frame (60) parallel to the proximal frame and able to rotate relative thereto. The invention also relates to an interface system (400).