Movable Hitch Positioning for Tractor Turning Radius
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Solution Overview
Problem
Movable connection hitches on agricultural vehicles face challenges in managing axle loading and preventing implement fouling during turns, as they require additional front weights to counterbalance implements at maximum extension and risk fouling rear wheels when positioned close to the rear axle.
Innovation Solution
An agricultural vehicle with a controllably movable implement connection hitch and a control system that automatically adjusts the hitch's position relative to the rear axle, moving it rearward and laterally during turns to reduce the turning circle and prevent fouling, while maintaining optimal axle loading.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If the hitch is positioned at the furthest extent away from the rear axle, then the implement can be mounted at maximum extension, but the front axle raises requiring additional front-mounted weights
Solution Approach 1:
The hitch is made dynamically adjustable in position relative to the rear axle, allowing it to move between a retracted position (reducing front axle loading) and an extended position (providing maximum implement clearance). This dynamic positioning resolves the contradiction by enabling the system to adapt its configuration based on operational requirements rather than being fixed at one extreme position
2Stability of the object's composition
If the hitch is brought to its closest position to the rear axle, then axle loading is optimized, but there is a risk of the implement fouling the rear wheels during turning
Solution Approach 1:
The hitch position is dynamically adjusted based on the vehicle's operational state. During straight-line travel, the hitch is positioned close to the rear axle for optimal axle loading. During turning maneuvers, the hitch is automatically extended rearward to increase the turning radius and prevent implement fouling of the rear wheels. This dynamic response to changing operational conditions resolves the contradiction
3Stability of the object's composition
If the hitch is positioned close to the rear axle during turns, then axle loading is maintained, but the turning circle of the combined vehicle and implement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically repositions the hitch during turning operations by extending it rearward, which effectively reduces the overall turning circle of the vehicle-implement combination. During straight travel, the hitch remains retracted for optimal axle loading. This dynamic repositioning allows the system to achieve tighter turning radii when needed without compromising axle loading during normal operation
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
An agricultural vehicle (10) has an implement connection hitch (23A) including means for controllably moving the same relative to a rear axle of the vehicle. A control system controlling movement of the connection hitch (23A) is coupled with position determining means such as a GPS receiver and determines a location for the vehicle (10). During turning manoeuvres, the control system moves the hitch relative to the rear axle of the vehicle until it reaches an offset position (71) such as to reduce the turning circle of the vehicle (10) and a connected implement (19). The extent of offset may be determined automatically by the control system on identification of a connected implement.