Drawbar Support Assembly for Tractor Hitch Clearance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing drawbar support assemblies for agricultural tractors interfere with the use of conventional three-point hitches due to collisions when a wide swing drawbar is used.
Innovation Solution
A drawbar support assembly comprising a rail member mounted to the vehicle, a slider member slidably received by the rail member, and a drawbar support member that allows lateral swinging of the drawbar, with features like curved plates, cam rollers, and spring units to maintain alignment and control the swing range, preventing interference with three-point hitches.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional drawbar support assembly is used, then the drawbar can be supported, but it interferes with the use of a conventional three-point hitch due to collisions when using a wide swing drawbar
Solution Approach 1:
The drawbar support assembly is divided into separate functional components: a support member that can be positioned independently from the three-point hitch linkage. This segmentation allows the drawbar support to be located clear of the three-point hitch components while still providing full drawbar functionality and wide swing capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention repositions the drawbar support function from the traditional location near the three-point hitch to a different spatial dimension - using a support member extending from the drawbar itself or from a separate mounting location. This dimensional relocation eliminates spatial interference with the three-point hitch while maintaining all drawbar operations.
2Ease of operation
If the drawbar support member is made movable to allow lateral swinging, then wide swing capability is achieved, but the mechanism becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The drawbar support member is designed with movable coupling mechanisms that allow lateral swinging motion. The coupling between the support member and the drawbar includes sliding or pivoting interfaces that enable the support to move laterally with the drawbar during wide swing operations, providing the needed flexibility without requiring complex active control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
A slider member acts as an intermediary between the rail member and the drawbar support member, facilitating smooth lateral movement. The slider within the rail configuration provides a simple yet effective mechanism for controlled swinging motion, reducing the complexity that would otherwise be required for guiding the movable support member.
3Ease of operation
If a slider member is added to enable smooth lateral movement, then the operation becomes smoother, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The slider member functionality is integrated into the existing rail structure rather than being a completely separate component. The rail member with its internal slider configuration combines the guidance and movement functions in a single integrated assembly, reducing the number of discrete parts while maintaining smooth lateral operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The rail member serves multiple functions: it provides structural support, guides the slider member for lateral movement, and constrains the motion to the desired path. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, achieving smooth operation without proportionally increasing device complexity.
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
Enables the use of both wide swing drawbars and three-point hitches without interference by ensuring smooth operation and controlled movement of the drawbar support assembly.
Implementation Method 1
a spring unit engageable with the drawbar support member to maintain contact between the drawbar support member and the drawbar
Implementation Method 2
features like curved plates, cam rollers, and spring units to maintain alignment and control the swing range
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 3
AI summary
A drawbar support assembly (28) comprises a rail member (30) adapted to be mounted to a vehicle. A slider member (32) is slidably received by the rail member (30). A drawbar support member (34) is movably coupled to the slider member (32), wherein the drawbar support member (34) has a drawbar receiving part (74) adapted to receive and support a drawbar (22).