Three-Point Hitch Upper Link Alignment Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing three-point hitch devices require significant manual effort and pose safety risks for tractor drivers when coupling the upper link arm to a work machine, especially in cramped spaces and with limited visibility, often necessitating a second person to assist and increasing the risk of accidents.
Innovation Solution
The alignment means for the upper link arm's coupling element operate independently of other operating devices, allowing for motorization and partial automation of the alignment process, enabling axial or vertical movement to lock the upper link arm to the work machine's coupling counterpiece without complex mechanisms, thereby simplifying and facilitating the coupling process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual coupling of the upper link arm is performed from the cab, then the driver can control the coupling operation, but the driver must reach behind the seat which makes controlling pedals extremely difficult and creates safety risks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical coupling operations with an automated alignment means system that uses sensors, actuators, and control algorithms to automatically align and couple the upper link arm to the work machine, eliminating the need for the driver to manually reach behind the seat
Solution Approach 2:
The alignment means system performs self-alignment and self-coupling operations autonomously based on detected position information, enabling the coupling process to service itself without requiring the driver's direct physical intervention behind the seat
2Manufacturing precision
If the driver leaves the cab to orientate and align the upper link arm, then better alignment can be achieved, but the coupling operation becomes labourious and dangerous
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual visual alignment operations with an automated optical/electronic alignment means system that uses sensors and actuators to detect and correct misalignment, achieving precise coupling without requiring the driver to exit the cab
Solution Approach 2:
The alignment means incorporates feedback mechanisms where sensors continuously monitor the position and orientation of the upper link arm relative to the work machine, and the control system adjusts the alignment in real-time based on this feedback information
3Volume of moving object
If the rear of the tractor has a cramped construction, then the tractor design is compact, but it makes it difficult to couple a work machine that must be attached very close to the rear
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical coupling operations with an automated alignment means that can precisely position and couple the upper link arm in confined spaces, overcoming the limitations imposed by the cramped rear construction
Solution Approach 2:
The alignment means operates in multiple dimensions (horizontal, vertical, and angular adjustments) to achieve proper coupling alignment, allowing the system to navigate the spatial constraints of the cramped rear construction by adjusting parameters in different dimensional directions
4Reliability
If conventional locking mechanisms are used for the upper link arm, then the coupling can be secured, but the locking coupling requires the work of even two people
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex manual mechanical locking operations with an automated locking mechanism controlled by the alignment means, which can detect proper alignment and automatically engage the locking mechanism, reducing the operation from requiring two people to being fully automated
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the alignment function and the locking function into a single integrated system, where the alignment means simultaneously performs both alignment and locking operations, eliminating the need for separate manual operations
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to an arrangement in connection with a three-point hitch device, which includes - an upper link arm (11), in which there is a coupling element (12) for coupling the upper link arm (11) to a coupling counterpiece (51') fitted to a work machine (50), - alignment means (16, 17, 19, 72) for aligning the coupling element of the upper link arm relative to the counterpiece fitted to the work machine, and - lower link arms (13) together with operating devices (43). The alignment means are arranged to operate independently of the other operating devices. In addition, the invention also relates to an adapter part (51) for a work machine, to couple it to a three-point hitch device, a tractor, an upper link arm, and an arrangement for the coupling element (24) of a power take-off shaft (21).