Arcuate Holding Device for Tractor Lower Link

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Solution Overview

Problem

The limited adjustment path of the hydraulic lifting mechanism in agricultural tractors with three-point attachments restricts the lateral clearance of trailer tow bars, limiting the articulation angle and maneuverability of tractor-trailer combinations during transport.

Innovation Solution

A holding device for the lower link of the three-point attachment, featuring an arcuate element with a coupling element and an abutment, which is rotatably attached to the lifting spindle, allowing the lower link to be raised beyond the structural limitations of the lifting mechanism, thereby increasing the articulation angle and maneuverability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Length of moving object

If the lifting mechanism is used to raise the lower link, then the lower link can be raised to a limited extent, but the lateral clearance is insufficient and the articulation angle is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveraising height of lower linkVSAvoidlateral clearance and articulation angle
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of moving objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The holding device is segmented into two legs (first leg with coupling element, second leg with abutment) connected by an intermediate piece, allowing independent functional zones: one for attachment to the lower link and another for interaction with the lifting spindle to achieve the raised position

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The intermediate piece acts as a mediator between the lifting spindle and the arcuate holding element, enabling rotational attachment while the abutment on the second leg interacts with the lifting spindle to press against it under gravity, achieving the predetermined raised position

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Area of stationary object

If the lower link is raised beyond the structural limitations of the lifting mechanism, then additional lateral space is created, but the lifting mechanism's adjustment path is exceeded

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelateral space in trailer drawbar areaVSAvoidadjustment path of lifting mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of relying on the lifting mechanism to achieve the raised position through its limited adjustment path, the invention inverts the approach: the holding device is rotatably attached to the lifting spindle and uses gravity (abutment pressing against the spindle) to achieve the raised position beyond the lifting mechanism's normal range

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The abutment on the second leg presses under the action of gravity against the lifting spindle, using gravitational force to maintain the lower link in the raised position, effectively counteracting the limitation of the lifting mechanism's adjustment path

Inventive Principle:
Principle #8Anti-weight (Counterweight)

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

The holding device enhances the permissible articulation angle and maneuverability of tractor-trailer combinations by providing additional lateral space, allowing the lower link to be raised independently of the lifting mechanism's constraints.

Implementation Method 1

the abutment provided on the second leg is pressed under the action of gravity against an upper side of the lifting spindle

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGravity: Gravitation

Data Source

PatentEP2992747B1Holding device for a lower link of a three-point device of an agricultural tractor
Publication Date: 2017.11.22 DEERE & CO
  • EP2992747B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2992747B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

Holding device (10) for a lower link (54) of a three-point implement attachment (50) of an agricultural tractor, comprising an arc-shaped holding element (12) having a first leg with a coupling element (30) for attaching the lower link (54), a second leg with a support (44) extending in the direction of the first leg, and an intermediate piece connecting the two legs, wherein the intermediate piece can be rotatably attached to a lifting spindle (60) of the three-point implement attachment (50) such that, when the lower link (54) is attached to the first leg, the support (44) provided on the second leg is pressed against a top surface (80) of the lifting spindle (60) under the influence of gravity in such a way that the lower link (54) is held in a predetermined lifting position.