Coordinated Operating Arm Geometry for Versatile Single-Axle Tractors

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing adjustable operating arms for single-axle tractors are not optimally suitable for all use-cases or modes of operation, particularly when different types of auxiliary equipment are attached, due to their fixed or limited adjustability.

Innovation Solution

An adjustable operating arm with a coordinated mechanism that allows for parallel orientation of its members, incorporating a force accumulator, electric actuators, and locking mechanisms to facilitate versatile and ergonomic operation across various tasks.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the operating arm is made immovable or with fixed adjustability, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability to different auxiliary equipment and operating modes deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to different auxiliary equipmentVSAvoidcomplexity of operating arm mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The operating arm transitions from a static or fixed structure to a dynamic, adjustable structure with two degrees of freedom. The proximal joint allows rotation of the proximal member relative to the main body, while the distal joint allows rotation of the distal member relative to the link member, enabling the arm to adapt to different operating conditions and auxiliary equipment configurations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The operating arm is divided into multiple segments (proximal member, link member, distal member) connected by joints. This segmentation allows each segment to be independently adjusted and positioned, providing versatility while keeping each individual component relatively simple in design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of operation

If the operating arm allows diagonal positioning behind the tractor, then the ease of operation is improved, but the stability of the operating arm configuration deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperator positioning flexibilityVSAvoidstability of arm configuration
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The operating arm provides dynamic adjustability through two rotational joints, allowing the operator to position the operating unit in various locations including diagonal positions behind the tractor. The coordination mechanism ensures that adjustments maintain proper geometric relationships, providing stability in the configured position.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The operating arm allows changes in multiple parameters simultaneously - the angle of the proximal member relative to the main body and the angle of the distal member relative to the link member. This coordinated parameter adjustment enables flexible positioning while maintaining configuration stability through the coordination mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of operation

If the operating arm members are kept parallel through coordination mechanism, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveergonomics of operationVSAvoidcomplexity of coordination mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The coordination mechanism coordinates changes in two parameters - the rotation angle at the proximal joint and the rotation angle at the distal joint - to maintain a constant angle between the proximal and distal members. This ensures ergonomic operation while the coordination mechanism manages the complexity of simultaneous parameter adjustment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP4635831A1Adjustable operating arm for mobile working machine
Publication Date: 2025.10.22 NOVAZIUN AG
  • EP4635831A1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP4635831A1 patent drawingFigure 4~5
  • EP4635831A1 patent drawingFigure 6~7

AI summary

Disclosed is a mobile working machine (1) comprising an operating arm comprising: a proximal member (21) attached to the mobile working machine (1), a distal member (23) attached to an operating unit (3) for the mobile working machine (1), a link member arranged between the proximal member (21) and the distal member (23), rotatably connected to the proximal member (21) by a proximal joint (211) and the distal member (23) by a distal joint (231), and a coordination mechanism (4) configured such that the rotation of the proximal member (21) with respect to the link member around the proximal joint (211) and the rotation of the distal member (23) with respect to the link member around the distal joint (231) are coordinated to each other..