Deformable Parallelogram Hitch for Lateral Implement Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions for laterally adjusting agricultural implements on tractors are either sensitive to ground type and terrain, incompatible with deeply embedded implements, or result in increased weight and offset, limiting their flexibility and compatibility with standard agricultural vehicles.
Innovation Solution
A hitch device with a deformable parallelogram mechanism allowing the hitch arms to pivot freely about the vertical axis, coupled with activation means such as cylinders, to enable precise lateral movement of the implement while maintaining flexibility and reducing weight and offset.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed link to the tractor by means of a tow bar or attachment points is used, then the implement positioning is stable, but the implement cannot laterally adjust to follow crop rows or avoid damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by transforming the static fixed link into a dynamic deformable parallelogram mechanism. The hitch arms can pivot about vertical axes, allowing the implement to laterally adjust its position relative to the tractor while maintaining a stable connection. This dynamic structure enables the implement to follow crop rows or avoid damage through active lateral movement control.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the rear hitch is locked without float capability, then translational movement is enabled, but implements deeply embedded in the ground cannot be accommodated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the hitch mechanism into multiple independently pivotable components. The deformable parallelogram consists of separate arms that can pivot about vertical axes at different locations. This segmentation allows the hitch to accommodate implements deeply embedded in the ground while maintaining controlled lateral movement through coordinated pivoting of the individual arms.
3Ease of operation
If standard hitch width according to ISO 730/1 is used, then compatibility with standard vehicles is maintained, but lateral movement is limited by wheel spacing and road travel width restrictions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dimensionality change principle by introducing vertical axis pivoting capability to the hitch arms. Instead of limiting lateral movement to the horizontal plane constrained by wheel spacing, the mechanism allows rotation about vertical axes, enabling the implement to achieve lateral adjustment through a different dimensional approach. This maintains compatibility with standard vehicle widths while expanding the effective lateral movement range.
4Manufacturing precision
If offset lateral movement is implemented, then the implement can follow desired trajectory, but the implement describes an arc of a circle which alters its ability to work in a straight line and disrupts the tractor trajectory
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies feedback by using sensors (GPS, video images, ultrasonic sensors, or mechanical sensors) to detect the implement's position and orientation relative to the desired trajectory. This information is fed back to the control system, which adjusts the pivoting of the hitch arms to correct any arc-shaped deviations. The feedback mechanism enables the implement to maintain straight line working capability while following the desired trajectory by continuously compensating for trajectory errors.
Data Source
AI summary
A hitch device for an implement, suitable for being mounted on an agricultural vehicle, including a chassis transverse to the direction of travel of the hitch, a system for coupling an agricultural implement to the chassis, the coupling system being designed to pivot freely relative to the chassis, about a vertical axis, an attachment device for attaching the chassis to the agricultural vehicle, the attachment device including at least two arms intended to link the chassis to the agricultural vehicle, and each carrying two pivot links that together define a deformable parallelogram.