Agricultural Coupling Device Spacer Flange Pivoting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional coupling devices for agricultural attachments experience undesired contact between the catch hook and retaining cheeks at small pivoting angles due to the direct contact between the coupling ball and the retaining cheeks, limiting the freedom of lateral pivoting.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of spacer flanges on the coupling ball, which maintain the ball at a distance from the retaining cheeks, allowing for increased lateral pivoting freedom by defining a specific installation width, and enabling the coupling ball to be detachably fastened for replacement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the coupling ball is in direct contact with the retaining cheeks, then the structural simplicity is maintained, but the freedom of lateral pivoting is limited due to unwanted contact at small pivoting angles
Solution Approach 1:
Spacer flanges are introduced as intermediary elements between the coupling ball and the retaining cheeks. These flanges create a defined clearance that prevents direct contact between the coupling ball and retaining cheeks during lateral pivoting, thereby increasing the freedom of movement without complicating the overall structure
Solution Approach 2:
The installation width of the spacer flanges is specifically optimized to achieve the desired balance between lateral pivoting freedom and structural simplicity. By adjusting this parameter, the coupling device allows greater angular movement while maintaining a straightforward design
2Ease of repair
If the coupling ball is made detachable for replacement, then the ease of repair is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional assembly components
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling ball is segmented from the retaining cheeks through the use of a separate mounting bolt and washer assembly. This allows the coupling ball to be independently removed and replaced without affecting the retaining cheeks or other components, significantly improving ease of repair
Solution Approach 2:
The detachable design enables users to perform maintenance and replacement operations themselves without requiring specialized tools or complex disassembly procedures. The simple bolt-and-washer fastening system allows for quick self-service replacement of worn coupling balls
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
Coupling device (30) for an agricultural implement, comprising a coupling ball (32) for insertion into a lower link coupler (14) of a three-point implement attachment (16), wherein the coupling ball (32) is secured within opposing retaining jaws (18, 20) of a lower implement coupling (22). Spacer flanges (34, 36) extending along opposite sides of the coupling ball (32) maintain the coupling ball (32) at a distance from the retaining jaws (18, 20).