Work Vehicle Three-Point Hitch Attachment Leveling Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing three-point hitch attachment devices for work vehicles often result in an inclined position of the attachment relative to the ground during pivoting, leading to uneven working depths and potential soil compaction issues during crab steering operations.

Innovation Solution

An adjusting device is integrated between the lifting device and the lower links, which automatically corrects the tilting movement, ensuring the attachment maintains a horizontal position by compensating for the displacement caused by the pivoting mechanism, thereby preventing tilting and maintaining consistent working depth.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the lower links are pivoted to enable crab steering operation, then the attachment can run at an angle to the direction of travel, but the attachment assumes an inclined position relative to the ground causing uneven working depths

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattachment angle adjustmentVSAvoidattachment horizontal position
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

A turntable is introduced as an intermediary component between the lower links and the attachment. The turntable receives pivoting movement from the lower links and transfers it to the attachment, while its vertical axis allows the attachment to maintain a horizontal position relative to the ground even when the lower links are displaced at angles, thus preventing tilting during crab steering operations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The solution adds a vertical dimension to the pivoting mechanism by introducing a turntable that rotates about a vertical axis. This allows the attachment to be positioned at angular orientations (for crab steering) while maintaining its horizontal working position, separating the orientation function from the elevation function

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Device complexity

If the upper link is rigidly articulated to the work vehicle frame, then the structure is simplified, but displacing the lower links causes the attachment to tilt around its longitudinal center axis

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattachment device structureVSAvoidattachment horizontal position
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The turntable acts as a mediator between the rigid upper link articulation and the lower link displacement. It absorbs the tilting effect that would otherwise be transmitted to the attachment, allowing the simple rigid upper link structure to be maintained while preventing attachment instability during lower link pivoting

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

This solution allows for efficient operation without additional structural components, ensuring the attachment remains level and protects the soil by maintaining consistent working depth and reducing soil compaction during crab steering.

Implementation Method 1

a lifting device which has a lifting piston arranged in a power lift block

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHydraulic pressure: Hydraulic Press

Implementation Method 2

a pivoting device for the synchronous displacement of the lower links from their basic position into a position in which the angle of one lower link is increased and that of the other lower link is reduced analogously

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical rotation:

Data Source

PatentEP2710869B1Implement attachment device of a work vehicle
Publication Date: 2015.08.12 CLAAS SELBSTFAHRENDE ERNTEMASCHINEN GMBH
  • EP2710869B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP2710869B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5
  • EP2710869B1 patent drawingFigure 6~7

AI summary

The mechanism (4) has a three-point suspension for receiving a mounting device with a pair of lower link (6,7). A pivoting unit is used for the synchronous displacement of the lower links out of basic position into another position. The second ends (28,29) are provided with receptacles having coupling elements (30,31) coupled to the attachment. An actuating device (33) is arranged between a lifting device (14) and lower links by which a displacement of the pivoting unit of the lower links and horizontal position of the unmodified second ends are maintained.