Spring-Assisted Pivot Link for Three-Point Hitch Upper Handle
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing three-point hitch systems for agricultural machines face difficulties in handling heavy upper links due to increased tensile forces, making it cumbersome for operators to couple and decouple implements, especially when the system is prone to being affected by external objects and requires significant effort to position the upper link correctly.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a link device with spring elements connected to the pivot joint and handlebar, which deflects to push the link into a central pivot position, limiting the pivoting path and assisting the operator by providing a spring force to hold or return the link to a predetermined position, thereby simplifying handling and reducing operational effort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the upper link is made larger to handle increased tensile forces, then the strength and load-bearing capacity improve, but the weight increases and handling becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs spring elements that act as counterforces to the weight of the upper link. The springs are arranged to provide upward force that compensates for the downward gravitational force on the heavy link, making it easier for the operator to position and manipulate the link during coupling operations.
2Device complexity
If manual handling of the upper link is used, then device complexity is reduced, but operational effort and difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The spring elements are designed to automatically engage and support the upper link without requiring additional actuators, motors, or complex control systems. The springs self-regulate to provide support force based on the link position, enabling the heavy link to be handled with minimal operator effort while maintaining a relatively simple mechanical structure.
3Manufacturing precision
If the pivoting path is limited by rigid stops, then positioning precision improves, but the mechanism becomes more susceptible to damage from external objects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses spring elements that provide gradual resistance as the upper link approaches its pivoting limits, rather than abrupt rigid stops. This cushioning effect absorbs impact forces from external objects or accidental over-pivoting, protecting the mechanism from damage while still guiding the link to its correct position through the spring's restoring force.
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
The link device enhances the ease of handling heavy upper links by maintaining them in a central position, reducing the operational effort required for coupling and decoupling, and preventing external objects from interfering with the mechanism, thus improving the overall efficiency and safety of the three-point hitch system.
Implementation Method 1
a first spring element is provided, which is connected at one end to the link and at the other end to the pivot joint in such a way that pivoting the link about the first axis in both pivoting directions causes the first spring element to be deflected, so that the link is pushed or moved into a predeterminable central pivot position
Data Source
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AI summary
The device (17) has a guide (18) rotatably linked to a mounting frame (12) by a pivoting joint. Delimiting units e.g. stoppers, are provided at the guide or the pivoting joint. The stoppers delimit the rotation of the guide around the axis in two rotational directions. A spring element is connected with the pivoting joint in such a manner that the rotation of the guide around an axis in both the rotational directions causes deflection of the spring elements so that the guide is pushed and/or held in a predetermined middle rotational position.