Implement Coupling System Frame Force Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current work vehicle systems face challenges in efficiently coupling implements to the vehicle, leading to limited force ratings and increased effort due to reliance on arm support, which restricts the capacity for work operations.
Innovation Solution
A connection system that includes a receiver assembly on the implement and a connector assembly on the work vehicle's arm, allowing for direct coupling of the implement to the vehicle's frame, utilizing sensors and actuators for automated alignment and locking, thereby distributing forces efficiently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the implement is coupled only to the arm of the work vehicle, then the coupling process is simplified, but the force rating is limited and work capacity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling system is divided into two independent connection points: one on the arm and one on the frame. This segmentation allows each connection to serve a specific function - the arm connection for positioning and control, and the frame connection for force bearing, thereby resolving the contradiction between simplified coupling and increased force capacity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines two coupling methods (arm-only coupling and frame coupling) into a hybrid system where both connections are utilized simultaneously. This merging allows the implement to benefit from both the operational flexibility of arm coupling and the structural strength of frame coupling
2Strength
If the implement is coupled directly to the frame of the work vehicle, then the force rating is increased, but the coupling process becomes more complex and requires precise alignment
Solution Approach 1:
The arm connection is established first as a preliminary action, positioning the implement in approximate alignment with the frame connection point. This preliminary positioning simplifies the subsequent frame coupling process by reducing the precision requirements for the final alignment
Solution Approach 2:
The arm connection acts as an intermediary that facilitates the frame connection. By first coupling the implement to the arm, the system creates a stable intermediate state that makes the subsequent frame coupling easier and more accurate
3Reliability
If the operator manually aligns locking features multiple times, then the coupling can be achieved, but the operational effort and time are increased
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates self-aligning features that automatically guide the locking features into proper alignment without requiring multiple manual adjustments. The geometric design of the coupling interfaces ensures that the components naturally align during the coupling process, reducing operational effort and time
Data Source
AI summary
A connection system for coupling an implement to a work vehicle includes a receiver assembly of the implement configured to couple the implement to a connector assembly of an arm of the work vehicle. The connection system also includes a frame of the implement including a first end having a mounting portion and a second end coupled to a mounting assembly of the implement. The mounting portion of the frame of the implement is configured to couple the implement directly to a frame of the work vehicle. Additionally, the receiver assembly is directly coupled to the frame of the implement between the first end of the frame of the implement and the second end of the frame of the implement.