Drawbar Clevis Assembly Offset Strap Design

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current tractor drawbar clevis assemblies with standard hardware are not compatible with larger offset drawbars, leading to implement dragging and debris pickup when used with certain implements like balers or hay equipment, due to incompatibility with increased offset requirements.

Innovation Solution

A drawbar clevis assembly with an increased offset between the upper inboard and lower outboard members, featuring a strap with a mid-portion opening that receives the drawbar connecting portion and attaches to the inboard member, allowing use of existing drawbar pins and hardware while maintaining compatibility with ASAE standards.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a drawbar with larger offset is used to prevent implement dragging, then implement stability is improved, but compatibility with current hardware is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimplement stabilityVSAvoidhardware compatibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The drawbar assembly is divided into separate functional components: the drawbar itself with increased offset, and a reusable strap assembly with integrated hardware mounting points. This segmentation allows the offset to be increased while maintaining compatibility with existing drawbar pins and latches through the strap interface.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The strap serves as an intermediary component between the drawbar and the implement drawbar pin. It provides the necessary mounting surface and structural support for the increased offset configuration while maintaining compatibility with standard hardware through its integrated loops and attachment points.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If a drawbar with larger offset is used, then implement dragging is prevented, but new hardware and straps are required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimplement stabilityVSAvoidpart count

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The strap assembly is designed with universal compatibility features, including standardized loop configurations and attachment points that work with existing drawbar pins, latches, and safety chains. This multi-functionality allows a single strap design to accommodate various implements while maintaining the increased offset benefit.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If current drawbar strap and hardware are used with standard offset, then hardware compatibility is maintained, but implement dragging occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehardware compatibilityVSAvoidimplement dragging

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The solution addresses the offset limitation by adding a vertical dimension to the strap configuration. The strap extends downward from the drawbar, creating additional vertical space that accommodates the increased offset while maintaining proper alignment and connection geometry for standard hardware.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentUS7478823B2Drawbar clevis assembly

Publication Date: 2009.01.20 DEERE & CO

AI summary

A drawbar clevis assembly includes a drawbar with a greater offset between the upper inboard member and the lower outboard member. The clevis assembly also includes a strap which is mounted to the drawbar and which has an opening in a mid portion. The strap is slid over the drawbar so that the opening receives a portion of the drawbar and so that the inner portion of the strap is attached to an underside of the inboard portion of the drawbar.