Three-Point Hitch Fluid Passage in Support Bracket
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing three-point hitch systems for agricultural tractors and mobile machines require complex fluid line connections and additional components, leading to increased complexity and the need for additional fixation methods to secure fluid lines, which can be prone to loosening due to shocks or oscillations.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a fluid passage through the upper link support bracket that defines part of the fluid line between the lower link actuator control valve and the working chambers of the lower link actuators, simplifying the fluid circuit and providing fixation for the fluid lines, thereby reducing the number of components and eliminating the need for separate T couplings and additional clamps.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If separate T couplings and additional clamps are used to connect fluid lines, then the fluid lines can be connected to the actuators, but the number of components increases and the system becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the upper link support bracket with the fluid passage integration, merging the structural support function and the fluid distribution function into a single component. This eliminates the need for separate T couplings and reduces the number of clamps required, directly resolving the contradiction between ease of installation and device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The upper link support bracket is designed to serve multiple functions: it provides structural support for the upper link and simultaneously houses the fluid passages that distribute hydraulic fluid to the actuators. This multi-functionality reduces the overall component count while maintaining installation simplicity.
2Reliability
If fluid lines are connected via screw fittings and T couplings, then the fluid circulation is established, but the fixation becomes complex and prone to loosening due to shocks or oscillations
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating the fluid passages directly into the upper link support bracket, the patent eliminates separate T couplings and reduces clamp requirements. The fluid lines are routed through the bracket itself, which provides inherent fixation and reduces loosening risks from shocks and oscillations, thereby improving reliability while simplifying the fixation system.
3Productivity
If multiple separate components are used for fluid line connections, then the fluid circuit can be assembled, but the integration effort and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The integration of fluid passages into the upper link support bracket reduces the number of components that need to be assembled. This merger directly improves productivity by reducing assembly steps and integration time, while the bracket's integrated design maintains functional completeness.
4Ease of operation
If T couplings are used to split fluid lines to both actuators, then the fluid distribution is achieved, but additional fixation points are required close to the T coupling
Solution Approach 1:
The upper link support bracket integrates the fluid distribution function by housing passages that naturally route fluid to both actuators. This eliminates the need for separate T couplings and their associated fixation requirements, simplifying installation while reducing the number of fixation points needed.
Data Source
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AI summary
A mobile machine has a three-point hitch comprising a pair of lower links and an upper link. The upper link is mounted to an upper link support bracket (40) and a respective double acting fluid actuator (50) is connected to each of the lower links for raising and lowering the lower links. A fluid system for actuating the actuators includes a lower link actuator control valve (60) having a lift port fluidly connected with lift chambers of the lower link actuators by a lift chamber fluid line and a down port fluidly connected with down chambers of the lower link actuators by a down chamber fluid line. At least one, and preferably both, of the lift chamber fluid line and the down chamber fluid line includes a fluid passage (80) extending through the upper link support bracket.