Three-Point Hitch Linkage With Centralizing Spring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing three-point hitch systems for agricultural machines face difficulties in handling heavy upper links due to increasing tensile forces, making it cumbersome to couple and decouple implements, and are prone to damage from objects in the hitch area.
Innovation Solution
A link device with a fixed spring element attached to the mounting frame, allowing the link to be pushed into a predeterminable central pivot position, combined with a pivot joint providing two degrees of freedom, and additional spring elements to assist in maintaining the link's position, reducing operational effort and protecting against external objects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the upper link is made larger to handle increasing tensile forces, then the load-bearing capacity is improved, but the weight increases and handling becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
Spring elements are introduced as counterbalancing mechanisms that apply upward force to offset the weight of the heavy upper link. The spring elements are connected between the upper link and the mounting frame, creating a counterbalancing effect that reduces the effort required to lift and position the upper link during coupling operations.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the spring elements are connected to the brackets that move with the upper link, then the upper link is held in central position, but the arrangement becomes cumbersome when detaching the upper link
Solution Approach 1:
The spring element connections are segmented into two distinct attachment points: one end connects to the movable upper link while the other end connects to the stationary mounting frame. This segmentation allows the spring elements to maintain their position on the mounting frame while still providing centralizing force to the upper link, enabling easy detachment without moving the spring elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring elements are pre-positioned and pre-tensioned on the mounting frame before the upper link is attached. This preliminary arrangement ensures that when the upper link is coupled, the spring elements are already in position to provide centralizing force, eliminating the need to reposition or reattach the spring elements during coupling or decoupling operations.
3Area of stationary object
If the spring elements are arranged in a compact manner, then space is saved, but they become more susceptible to damage from objects in the hitch area
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting frame serves as an intermediary structure that positions the spring elements in a protected location. By anchoring the spring elements to the mounting frame rather than allowing them to extend freely into the hitch area, the mounting frame acts as a barrier that shields the spring elements from external objects while still allowing them to function in maintaining the upper link's central position.
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
Simplifies the handling of heavy upper links by maintaining them in a central position, reducing operational effort, and preventing damage from external objects, while allowing for efficient coupling and decoupling of implements.
Implementation Method 1
a first spring element, which is connected at one end to the handlebar in such a way that the link is pushed into a predeterminable central pivot position or is held in such a position
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
The device (17) has a guide (18) rotatably linked to a mounting frame (12) by a pivoting joint. The guide is rotatable around an axis in two rotational directions. The spring element is connected with the guide in such a manner that the guide is pushed and/or held in a predetermined middle rotational position, so that the spring element is fastened to the mounting frame in a fixed manner. The pivoting joint is designed in such a manner that the guide is rotatable around two axes.