Floating Hitch Biasing Apparatus for Draft Force Redistribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Agricultural implements with floating hitches experience issues due to uneven distribution of draft forces, leading to increased downward force on front wheels, reduced traction, and stress on frame members, particularly in muddy fields and varying terrain.
Innovation Solution
A biasing apparatus is introduced, comprising a tether and bias element that attaches to the implement frame and floating hitch assembly, exerting tension to counteract downward forces on the front and upward forces on the rear, redistributing draft forces to reduce stress on frame members and improve traction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If the floating hitch is mounted at a high location on the front frame member to avoid downward force, then the downward force on front wheels is reduced, but significant forces are added to frame members and connections
Solution Approach 1:
A biasing apparatus with a bias element (spring or hydraulic cylinder) and tether is introduced as an intermediary mechanism. The bias element exerts a biasing force on the floating hitch assembly through the tether, counteracting the draft force component that causes excessive downward force on front wheels and upward force on rear wheels, thereby reducing stress on frame members while maintaining wheel contact forces
2Force
If the floating hitch is mounted at a high location on the front frame member, then the downward force on front wheels is reduced, but traction on driving wheels is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The biasing apparatus acts as an intermediary force system that redistributes the draft force components. By applying a downward biasing force on the floating hitch assembly through the bias element and tether, it counteracts the upward force component that would otherwise reduce traction on the tractor's driving wheels, thereby maintaining reliable traction while still reducing excessive downward force on front implement wheels
3Adaptability or versatility
If the floating hitch pivots up and down with terrain variations, then the implement can adapt to varying terrain, but uneven penetration of ground engaging tools occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The biasing apparatus serves as a force-balancing intermediary that compensates for pivot-induced force variations. As the floating hitch pivots to adapt to terrain variations, the bias element continuously exerts a stabilizing biasing force that counteracts excessive downward or upward force components, thereby maintaining more uniform penetration depth across ground engaging tools mounted at different locations on the implement frame
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
The biasing apparatus effectively counteracts downward forces on the front and upward forces on the rear, reducing stress on frame members, enhancing traction by distributing draft forces more evenly and maintaining implement levelness across varying terrain.
Implementation Method 1
A bias element is operative to exert a main bias force on the tether to put the tether in tension drawing the floating hitch assembly toward the rearward frame member
Implementation Method 2
A bias element is operative to exert a main bias force on the tether to put the tether in tension drawing the floating hitch assembly toward the rearward frame member such that a downward bias force is exerted on the floating hitch assembly and a downward bias force is exerted on the rear frame member, and such that an upward bias force is exerted at the hitch pivot axis
Data Source
AI summary
A biasing apparatus attaches to an agricultural implement comprising an implement frame mounted on front and rear wheels for travel in an operating travel direction, and a floating hitch assembly pivotally attached to the implement frame. The apparatus includes a tether attached to a rearward frame member of the implement frame, and attached to the floating hitch assembly forward of the hitch pivot axis such that the tether extends under a forward frame member of the implement frame and under the hitch pivot axis. A bias element exerts a main bias force on the tether to put the tether in tension drawing the floating hitch assembly toward the rearward frame member such that a downward bias force is exerted on the floating hitch assembly and a downward bias force is exerted on the rear frame member, and such that an upward bias force is exerted at the hitch pivot axis.