Three-Point Hitch Implement Actuators for Crop Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
The conventional three-point hitch system fails to maintain the implement centerline in parallel alignment with the crop centerline during tractor steering corrections, leading to crop damage.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of dual action linear actuators along the three-point hitch bottom-lift-arms allows for the pivoting of the implement on a vertical axis, enabling the centerline of the implement to be realigned with the crop centerline independently of the tractor centerline.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the tractor centerline is realigned with the crop centerline during steering corrections, then the tractor can maintain proper alignment, but the implement centerline becomes misaligned with the crop centerline causing crop damage
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the control of tractor orientation and implement orientation into independent degrees of freedom. The implement can be independently pivoted on its vertical centerline relative to the tractor, allowing the tractor to steer for alignment while the implement maintains separate alignment with crop rows, preventing crop damage during steering corrections
Solution Approach 2:
A control system acts as an intermediary between the tractor steering input and implement positioning. The control system receives steering correction signals and automatically adjusts the implement's vertical axis rotation to maintain implement-centerline alignment with crop centerline, decoupling the tractor's alignment needs from implement alignment needs
2Stability of the object's composition
If the implement is rigidly attached to the tractor via conventional three-point hitch, then the attachment is simple and stable, but the implement cannot be independently realigned with the crop centerline during steering corrections
Solution Approach 1:
The implement attachment system transitions from a rigid fixed connection to a dynamic system with independent rotational degrees of freedom. The implement can rotate about its vertical centerline relative to the tractor while maintaining stable attachment, enabling real-time adaptation of implement orientation to maintain alignment with crop rows during tractor steering operations
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment system provides multiple functions: it maintains the stable mechanical connection of a conventional three-point hitch while adding independent implement rotation capability. This multi-functional design allows the same attachment mechanism to provide both structural stability and directional adaptability for different operational requirements
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 2c
AI summary
The present invention relates to mobile machinery such as an agricultural tractor comprising a three-point hitch for the connection and use of working implements cultivating or excavating the earth and other duties involved in the industry of farming or grading excavation. The disclosed invention modifies and improves the conventional three-point hitch in use today. The disclosed invention modifies the three-point hitch by adding extending and retracting implement-actuators attachable to the existing bottom-lift-arms, therefore supplanting, but still using the existing bottom-lift-arms on the three-point hitch. The implement-actuators assist the implement in correcting the implements centerline when the tractor centerline is off a predetermined centerline path. In addition, the extending of the implement-actuators proportionally, inversely and simultaneously can correct the pivot point of the implement to match the pivot point of the tractor while the tractor performs turns during the working use of the implement.