Modular Three-Point Implement Mounting for Utility Vehicles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional three-point implement mountings for utility vehicles have limited degrees of freedom for relative movement between the working implement and the vehicle, restricting versatility and adaptability to different physical applications.
Innovation Solution
A modular three-point implement mounting system with a coupling interface that allows for quick-action coupling, hydraulic, and electrical connections, enabling flexible adaptation to various utility vehicles and working implements, and includes a lifting mechanism for mechanical torque transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional three-point implement mounting with fixed arrangement of upper and lower members is used, then the structural simplicity is maintained, but the degrees of freedom for relative movement between working implement and vehicle are restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The three-point implement mounting is divided into separate modular components: upper member, lower members, and connecting shaft. Each component can be independently configured and replaced, enabling different degrees of freedom and movement patterns without redesigning the entire system. This segmentation allows adaptation to various working implements while maintaining overall structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting system incorporates dynamic elements including hydraulic cylinders and positioning means that allow real-time adjustment of the relative positions and orientations of the upper and lower members. This dynamic capability provides additional degrees of freedom for relative movement between the working implement and vehicle, enabling the system to adapt to different operational requirements.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the three-point implement mounting is designed with fixed configuration, then the manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but the adaptability to different physical applications is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system is designed with universal interfaces and standardized components that can accommodate multiple types of working implements and vehicle configurations. The upper member, lower members, and connecting shaft can be arranged in different configurations to suit various physical applications, from agricultural plowing to industrial material handling, without requiring custom manufacturing for each application.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows adjustment of critical parameters such as the spacing between lower members, the height of the upper member, and the angle of connection through positioning means and adjustable linkages. These parameter changes enable the same basic mounting structure to adapt to different physical applications while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through standardized component design.
3Loss of time
If quick-action coupling is implemented for the coupling interface, then the coupling speed is improved, but the device complexity increases due to locking elements and positioning means
Solution Approach 1:
The quick-action coupling mechanism incorporates self-aligning positioning means with projections and recesses that automatically guide the upper member and lower members into correct alignment during coupling. The locking elements are designed to engage automatically when components are brought into proximity, reducing the need for manual alignment and complex control systems while minimizing coupling time.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling system replaces complex manual alignment and locking procedures with mechanically-driven positioning means and actuated locking elements. Hydraulic or pneumatic actuators can automatically engage locking mechanisms and adjust positioning, reducing coupling time while keeping the overall system complexity manageable through automated mechanical systems.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple hydraulic and electrical quick-action couplings are added to the coupling interface, then the functional versatility is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system integrates hydraulic and electrical quick-action couplings into the same physical interface structure where possible. Hydraulic lines and electrical connectors are routed through common mounting points and protected by shared enclosures, reducing the number of separate components and assembly steps. This merging approach provides functional versatility for operating multiple working implements simultaneously while controlling overall system complexity.
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
Enhances the versatility and adaptability of the interface between utility vehicles and working implements, allowing for improved lateral steering and simplified coupling, while maintaining mechanical torque transmission capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
The locking element can be actuated mechanically, hydraulically or electrically and could have a moveably arranged bolt which could be arranged on the utility vehicle
Implementation Method 2
The coupling interface of the three-point implement mounting and/or of the utility vehicle very particularly preferably has at least one hydraulic quick-action coupling, by means of which a hydraulic load of the three-point implement mounting can be connected to the utility vehicle
Implementation Method 3
the coupling interface of the three-point implement mounting and/or of the utility vehicle could have at least one electrical quick-action coupling, by means of which an electrical load of the three-point implement mounting and/or an electrical load of a working implement which is coupled to the three-point implement mounting and/or to the utility vehicle can be electrically connected
Implementation Method 4
a working implement is coupled by means of the components of the three-point implement mounting—specifically in particular by means of the upper member and the two lower members and if appropriate a connecting shaft to the power take-off shaft—to a utility vehicle
Data Source
AI summary
A three-point implement mounting for an agricultural or industrial utility vehicle includes an upper member and two lower members. A working implement is coupled to the three-point implement mounting in order to couple the working implement to the utility vehicle. In order to provide an interface between the utility vehicle and the working implement which is versatile and can adapted to the physical application, the three-point implement mounting is of modular design and has a coupling interface for coupling the three-point implement mounting to the utility vehicle.