Agricultural Hitch Linkage for Precise Lateral Tool Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing agricultural vehicle hitching systems face challenges in maintaining precise lateral positioning of tools while navigating varying soil conditions and topography, leading to potential crop damage and complex control issues.
Innovation Solution
A hitching device with a transverse frame and actuating means, including pivot connections and hydraulic rams, allows the tool to pivot and translate independently, maintaining alignment with the vehicle's path without modifying the standard hitch, reducing weight and offset, and accommodating soil variations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the rear hitch is locked without balance beam capability to enable translational tool movement, then tool positioning precision is improved, but compatibility with deeply engaged soil tools is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The hitch system dynamically switches between locked mode (for translational movement precision) and unlocked mode (for balance beam capability), allowing adaptation to different tool types and soil conditions while maintaining both precision and versatility
2Adaptability or versatility
If the tool turns about a vertical axis with free balance beam capability, then adaptability to soil conditions is improved, but tool positioning precision deteriorates due to sensitivity to soil typology and terrain slope
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically controls the balance beam capability, switching between locked and unlocked states based on operational requirements, thereby achieving both precision and adaptability in different soil conditions
3Adaptability or versatility
If anchor points are added to enable tool lateral movement while maintaining balance beam capability, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases and applicability is limited to easily drawn tools
Solution Approach 1:
The hitch system uses the tool's own weight and the balance beam mechanism to achieve lateral movement, eliminating the need for additional anchor points and complex actuating mechanisms, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining adaptability
4Adaptability or versatility
If the hitch is modified with variable arm length using a ram to enable rotation and translation, then tool positioning capability is improved, but device complexity and control complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system achieves rotation and translation capabilities through dynamic locking and unlocking of the balance beam mechanism, avoiding the need for complex variable arm length modifications and multiple actuating mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The hitch utilizes the tool's weight and the balance beam's natural mechanics to achieve movement, eliminating the need for additional rams and complex control systems
5Adaptability or versatility
If standard ISO 730/1 hitch width is maintained, then compatibility with standard vehicles is improved, but ability to compensate for tractor sideways movement is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The hitch dynamically adjusts its configuration by locking or unlocking the balance beam mechanism, enabling it to compensate for tractor sideways movement while maintaining standard width for vehicle compatibility
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 system enables precise, lightweight, and adaptable tool positioning that self-balances and maintains the desired path, reducing mechanical stress and crop damage, while being compatible with standard agricultural vehicle hitches.
Implementation Method 1
actuating means, each arm comprising, at its end that is proximal relative to the first frame, a first pivot connection with the first frame
Implementation Method 2
each arm comprising, at its end that is proximal relative to the first frame, a first pivot connection with the first frame, allowing said arm to pivot relative to the first frame about the vertical axis
Implementation Method 3
the four pivot connections together thus defining a quadrilateral that can be deformed under the action of the actuating means
Data Source
AI summary
A method and a device for hitching a tool to an agricultural vehicle by a system for coupling the agricultural vehicle to a first frame, the coupling system including two hooks which extend substantially in the progression direction of the hitch, each of the hooks being provided with a first end that is proximal and a second end that is distal relative to the first free frame and being intended to be connected to the tool, the second free ends defining, once connected to the tool, a direction, the coupling system further having elements which are positioned between the first proximal ends of the hooks and the first frame in order to pivot, about the vertical axis, the direction, defined by the second free distal ends.