Automated NH3 Hitch and Coupler for Rapid Tank Exchange

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Solution Overview

Problem

The manual process of exchanging empty and full anhydrous ammonia tanks in farming applications is time-consuming and exposes operators to ammonia vapor, reducing productivity and efficiency.

Innovation Solution

A remotely operable hitch and coupling arrangement that automatically decouples and recouples the fluid quick-coupler and implement hitch, minimizing operator exposure and preventing ammonia loss, featuring a carriage-mounted coupler section that moves fore-and-aft to align and lock with a tongue-mounted coupler section, with detent elements for secure locking and breakaway conditions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of time

If manual tank exchange process is used, then operator can control the process, but exchange time is long and operator exposure to ammonia increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetank exchange timeVSAvoidoperator exposure to ammonia

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs tank exchange operations automatically without requiring operator intervention. The quick-coupler mechanism self-actuates to disconnect from the empty tank and connect to the full tank, eliminating the need for operator presence during the hazardous exchange process while reducing exchange time from 15 minutes to a rapid automated operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The manual mechanical operation of disconnecting and reconnecting tanks is replaced by an automated quick-coupler mechanism. The system uses a carriage-mounted coupler section that moves fore-and-aft to automatically align and lock with the tongue-mounted coupler section, substituting operator manual labor with an automated mechanical system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Productivity

If applicator operates at high speed, then productivity increases, but tank exchange frequency increases causing efficiency loss

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveapplication speedVSAvoiddown time during tank exchange

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The quick-coupler mechanism is pre-positioned and ready to actuate immediately when tank exchange is required. The carriage-mounted coupler section can rapidly move into position and lock with the tongue-mounted coupler section before the applicator comes to a complete stop, minimizing downtime and allowing the applicator to maintain higher operating speeds.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The coupler system is designed with dynamic movement capability, allowing the carriage-mounted coupler section to move fore-and-aft to align and connect with the tongue-mounted coupler section. This dynamic adjustment enables rapid tank exchanges even when the applicator is in motion or刚刚 stopping, reducing the time loss associated with tank changes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If conventional hitch connection is used, then implement is securely connected, but operator must physically dismount and manually connect tanks

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehitch connection securityVSAvoidoperator convenience

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The hitch connection system performs its own connection and disconnection functions automatically. The carriage-mounted coupler section moves to automatically align and lock with the tongue-mounted coupler section, securing the implement to the tank wagon without requiring operator intervention. The detent elements automatically engage to maintain secure connection during operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The quick-coupler mechanism serves as an intermediary between the implement hitch and the tank connection. It provides a standardized interface that automatically mediates the connection process, allowing the implement to be securely attached to different tank wagons without requiring operator manual connection each time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS7850190B2Hitch and coupling arrangement for automatically effecting towing hitch and fluid quick-coupler connections between a nurse tank wagon and an NH3 applicator implement

Publication Date: 2010.12.14 DEERE & CO

AI summary

An NH3 applicator implement is equipped with a hitch arrangement for automatically effecting a connection with a tongue of an NH3 nurse tank wagon. A quick-connect coupler assembly is provided for connecting the transfer hose of the nurse tank wagon to the supply hose of the implement. The quick-connect coupler assembly includes a first coupler section mounted to the applicator implement for powered, guided movement into engagement with a second coupler section mounted to the tongue of the nurse tank wagon. An electro-hydraulic control system including relay logic is used to first lock the fully coupled coupler sections together and then to engage the flow of NH3 by remote actuation of a main on/off valve located at the nurse tank.