Plough Three-Point Hitch Self-Alignment During Configuration Changes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing plough coupling devices for reversible mounted ploughs face issues with incorrect orientation of the front part during configuration changes, leading to potential deformation or breakage and inability to plow effectively.
Innovation Solution
Incorporation of self-aligning means to guide the movable arm into a correct rotational position around the first axis during pivoting, ensuring proper alignment with the jib frame, preventing deformation and enabling secure locking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the front part is allowed to pivot freely around the first axis during configuration changes, then the mobility and adaptability of the plough is improved, but the risk of incorrect orientation leading to deformation or breakage increases
Solution Approach 1:
A self-alignment means is introduced as an intermediary mechanism between the movable arm and the fixed jib frame. This self-alignment means guides the movable arm during pivoting around the first axis, ensuring it returns to the correct predetermined position. The intermediary mechanism allows free pivoting for adaptability while simultaneously preventing incorrect orientation that would cause damage, thus resolving the contradiction between mobility and reliability.
2Strength
If the front part is mechanically locked to the rear part, then the structural stability and strength are improved, but the ability to adapt to ground unevenness during transport is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling device employs a dynamic locking system where the movable arm can be locked to the fixed jib frame during working configuration for structural stability, yet remains unlockable during transport configuration to allow pivoting and adaptation to ground unevenness. The self-alignment means ensures that when unlocked, the arm returns to the correct position. This dynamic state change resolves the contradiction between strength and adaptability by allowing the system to switch between locked and unlocked states based on operational requirements.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the movable arm is allowed to pivot freely around the second axis, then the ability to follow ground unevenness is improved, but the precision of alignment with the jib frame during configuration changes deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The self-alignment means acts as an intermediary guidance mechanism that constrains the pivoting motion of the movable arm around the second axis. It provides physical guidance surfaces or alignment features that ensure the arm follows the correct path during pivoting, maintaining precise alignment with the jib frame. This intermediary mechanism preserves the ability to follow ground unevenness while ensuring manufacturing precision during configuration changes.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a three-point hitch device (1) for a plough comprising a support body (1') on which is mounted a jib (5) composed of a fixed rear part (6) and a movable front part (6') which carries the upper attachment point (2") and which is doubly articulated at its lower end (6") relative to the jib frame (6) and to the support body (1'), this being by two pivoting assemblies, namely, on the one hand, around a first axis (AP1) perpendicular to the reference plane (PR) and, on the other hand, around a second axis (AP2) perpendicular to the first axis (AP1) and located in the reference plane (PR), the pivoting around the second axis (AP2) making it possible to modify the inclination of the movable arm (6') relative to the fixed jib frame (6) and the position of the movable arm (6') against the fixed jib frame (6) being locked by a locking means (15).Coupling device (1) characterized in that it also comprises a self-aligning means (7) configured to bring the movable arm (6') towards a determined rotational position around the first axis (AP1) during a pivoting of the movable arm (6') in the direction of the jib frame (6) around the second axis (AP2).