Cable-Based Tractor Linkage for Draft and Tilling Depth Control

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional tractors with mechanical linkages for draft and tilling depth control are complex, leading to increased maintenance time and susceptibility to chattering due to numerous link members.

Innovation Solution

A tractor design incorporating a cable-based mechanical linkage that transmits traction load and tilling depth changes directly to a hydraulic lifting/lowering driver, reducing the number of link members and simplifying the structure while allowing easy maintenance and flexible operation mode switching.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a plurality of link members is used in the mechanical linkage, then the lifting/lowering operation amount can be transmitted from the load detector to the lifting/lowering driver, but the structure becomes complicated and maintenance time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetransmission of lifting/lowering operation amountVSAvoidstructure of mechanical linkage

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the essential function of transmitting the lifting/lowering operation amount from the complex plurality of link members and implements it through a simplified mechanical linkage structure with fewer components, thereby maintaining transmission reliability while reducing structural complexity and maintenance requirements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The simplified mechanical linkage structure performs multiple functions: it transmits the lifting/lowering operation amount from the load detector to the lifting/lowering driver, enables both draft control and tilling depth control modes, and reduces maintenance needs, thereby achieving universal functionality with reduced complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If a plurality of link members is used in the mechanical linkage, then the lifting/lowering operation amount can be transmitted, but chattering is more likely to occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetransmission of lifting/lowering operation amountVSAvoidchattering

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes the source of chattering by eliminating the complex plurality of link members and replacing them with a simplified mechanical linkage structure that maintains transmission functionality while preventing the harmful chattering effect

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent converts the potential harm of chattering into a benefit by designing a simplified mechanical linkage that not only eliminates chattering but also improves overall system reliability and reduces maintenance requirements through its streamlined structure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

3Device complexity

If the mechanical linkage structure is simplified, then maintenance time is reduced and stability is enhanced, but the ability to transmit lifting/lowering operation amount may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructure of mechanical linkageVSAvoidtransmission of lifting/lowering operation amount

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and retains only the essential components needed for transmitting the lifting/lowering operation amount, eliminating redundant link members while preserving the core transmission function, thereby achieving simplification without compromising reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The mechanical linkage structure is designed with inherent feedback characteristics that ensure accurate transmission of the lifting/lowering operation amount from the load detector to the lifting/lowering driver, maintaining reliability through self-regulating mechanical feedback while keeping the structure simplified

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS12419205B2Tractor having mechanical linkage for selective draft control or depth control

Publication Date: 2025.09.23 KUBOTA CORP

AI summary

A tractor includes a three-point linkage to which a tiller is mountable, a hydraulic lifting/lowering driver to lift and lower the three-point linkage, and a mechanical linkage to transmit a lifting/lowering operation amount of the three-point linkage to the lifting/lowering driver. The mechanical linkage includes a load detector to detect an amount of change in traction load via the three-point linkage, a cable to interlock according to the amount of change in the traction load detected by the load detector, and a mechanical linkage interlocked and connected to the cable and the lifting/lowering driver, the mechanical linkage being capable of transmitting the lifting/lowering operation amount according to the amount of change in the traction load to the lifting/lowering driver.