Grease-Adjusted End Stop for Three-Point Hitch Sway Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing adjustable end stops for three-point hitches require complex and inaccessible adjustment processes, often necessitating multiple operations and tools to adjust the height of the end stop, which can be cumbersome and difficult to perform.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable end stop mechanism utilizing a piston and cavity filled with a flowable material, such as grease, to adjust the height of the end stop by sliding the piston between retracted and extended positions, allowing easy adjustment using a grease gun, with a cap that transfers lateral forces directly to the body, protecting the piston and seals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If existing adjustable end stop mechanisms are used, then the height of the end stop can be adjusted, but the adjustment process requires complex operations and multiple tools that are difficult to perform
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a hydraulic piston system where a cavity is filled with incompressible fluid (hydraulic fluid). By introducing fluid through a grease nipple using a standard grease gun, the piston is driven to extend or retract, thereby adjusting the end stop height. This hydraulic mechanism transforms a simple fluid injection operation into precise mechanical adjustment, eliminating the need for complex mechanical assembly operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The end stop adjustment mechanism is designed to be self-contained and self-adjusting. The hydraulic piston system allows the operator to perform adjustment independently by simply injecting fluid through the grease nipple. The system automatically translates the fluid injection into the desired mechanical adjustment without requiring external tools or complex procedures, making the adjustment process as simple as routine grease application.
2Adaptability or versatility
If existing adjustable end stop mechanisms are used, then the height of the end stop can be adjusted, but the adjustment components are not easily accessible
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustment mechanism is extracted and positioned at an externally accessible location on the end stop body. The grease nipple is mounted on the outer surface, allowing operators to access the adjustment point without disassembling the end stop or reaching into confined spaces. This external positioning of the adjustment interface separates the control function from the internal mechanical structure, making it easily accessible while maintaining the adjustability function.
3Reliability
If draft links are allowed to sway laterally, then damage to the plow is prevented, but wear of the draft links occurs due to direct contact between metallic components
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustable end stop acts as an intermediary element between the draft link and the plow or other components. By positioning the end stop at various heights through hydraulic adjustment, it serves as a protective mediator that limits lateral sway to predetermined safe levels. This intermediary structure prevents direct harmful contact between metallic components, simultaneously protecting the plow from damage and reducing wear on draft links by controlling their movement paths.
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
Facilitates simple and efficient height adjustment of the end stop without requiring complex tools, reducing wear and tear on components and ensuring easy accessibility, while maintaining effective control over lateral movement of draft links.
Implementation Method 1
Filling the cavity with a flowable filling material via the grease nipple causes the piston to move towards the extended position
Data Source
AI summary
An adjustable end stop comprises a body having a cavity fluidly connected to a port fitted with a grease nipple. A piston has a first end slidably mounted in the cavity and moveable between a retracted position and an extended position. Filling the cavity with a flowable filling material such as grease via the grease nipple causes the piston to move towards the extended position to adjust the overall height of the end stop. The end stop is suitable for use in limiting sway of a draft link of a three-point hitch.