Quick Connect Stalk Stomper Coupling Tool-Free Assembly
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for securing stalk stompers to tractor or combine tool bar assemblies require tools, making the connection and disconnection process cumbersome and time-consuming.
Innovation Solution
A quick connect/disconnect coupling system using transversely spaced bracket arms with recesses and holes, a transverse bar, and a pin that allows for tool-free attachment and detachment by engaging the cross bar in recesses and inserting a pin through aligned holes, with a retention stop to prevent longitudinal movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If nut and bolt fasteners are used to secure the stalk stomper to the tool bar assembly, then the connection is strong and reliable, but the assembly and disassembly process requires tools and is time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system is divided into separate functional components: bracket arms with recesses, a transverse bar, alignment holes, and a pin. This segmentation allows for quick visual alignment and tool-free assembly while maintaining connection reliability through the coordinated interaction of these simplified parts.
Solution Approach 2:
The pin acts as an intermediary element that quickly secures the transverse bar to the bracket arms. Instead of using complex fasteners, the simple pin through aligned holes provides both alignment and retention functions, enabling rapid assembly and disassembly without tools.
2Strength
If nut and bolt fasteners are used to secure the stalk stomper to the tool bar assembly, then the connection is secure, but the operation becomes complex and requires specialized tools
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts only the essential functions from traditional fastening systems: the bracket arms with recesses provide structural support and positioning, while the simple pin provides retention. This extraction eliminates unnecessary complexity of nuts and bolts while maintaining connection strength through proper geometric design.
Solution Approach 2:
The aligned holes and recesses are designed to self-align during assembly, guiding the transverse bar and pin into their correct positions without requiring tools or specialized operations. The geometry itself performs the alignment and securing functions.
3Stability of the object's composition
If a rigid connection with nut and bolt fasteners is used, then the stalk stomper remains stable during operation, but the system lacks flexibility for quick attachment and detachment
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system transitions from a static rigid fastening to a dynamic quick-connect mechanism. The bracket arms with recesses and the transverse bar with alignment holes create a flexible system that can be quickly assembled and disassembled, yet provides stable operation when connected through the pin retention mechanism.
Data Source
AI summary
A quick connect/disconnect coupling for securing an agricultural implement, such as a stalk stomper, to a tool bar assembly on a tractor, without the need for any tools. The tool bar assembly includes a bracket having a pair of spaced-apart arm members. Each arm member has a recess therein, and a hole spaced therefrom. The recesses and the holes are generally transversely aligned. A pin is adapted to be received in the holes. The agricultural implement includes a plate member. Provided on the plate member are a cross bar and a retention stop. The cross bar is adapted to be engaged in the recesses. To connect the agricultural implement to the tool bar assembly, the cross bar is engaged in the recesses and the agricultural implement is pivoted so that the plate member is above the pair of holes and the pin can be inserted into the transversely aligned holes to connect the agricultural implement to the tool bar assembly. The pin engages the retention stop so as to prevent longitudinal movement of the stalk stomper with respect to the tool bar assembly in operation and thereby prevent the cross bar from disengaging from the recesses. To disconnect the agricultural implement from the tool bar assembly, the pin is removed from the transversely aligned holes and the cross bar is disengaged from the recesses.