Steering-Column Lift Arm Control to Replace Tractor Linkages

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional hydraulic systems in work vehicles, such as tractors, require complex mechanical linkages for position and draft control, increasing costs, complexity, and ergonomic issues, while consuming valuable space and posing safety hazards due to the placement of levers beside the driver's seat.

Innovation Solution

A compact hydraulic mechanism with a single operating lever secured at the steering wheel, utilizing a closed loop hydraulic circuit with piston-cylinder pairs and fluid conduits to control lifting arms, replacing mechanical linkages and improving ergonomics and safety.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If mechanical linkages are used for position and draft control, then the hydraulic system can operate the lifting arms, but the complexity and cost of the system increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehydraulic system operationVSAvoidmechanical linkages

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the conventional mechanical linkage system with a direct hydraulic control system. The operating lever is connected directly to the control valve spool through hydraulic means, eliminating the need for complex mechanical linkages. This substitution reduces system complexity while maintaining the ability to operate the lifting arms effectively.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses hydraulic fluid and pressure to transmit the control signal from the operating lever to the control valve. Instead of mechanical linkages, hydraulic pressure moves the spool to control the lifting arms. This hydraulic approach simplifies the mechanical structure while providing reliable control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

2Ease of operation

If levers are positioned beside the driver's seat for control operation, then position and draft control can be achieved, but ergonomic issues and driver stress increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol operationVSAvoidergonomic issues

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The operating lever is relocated from the horizontal plane beside the driver's seat to the vertical plane of the steering column. This dimensional change allows the lever to be positioned within easy reach of the driver's hand while operating the steering wheel, improving ergonomics without compromising control functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Ease of operation

If mechanical linkages are fitted adjacent to the driver's seat, then position and draft control is possible, but valuable space in the tractor is consumed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveposition and draft controlVSAvoidworking space

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and eliminates the mechanical linkage components from the space beside the driver's seat. By replacing them with a compact hydraulic control system integrated into the steering column, the valuable working space is freed up while maintaining full control functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

4Ease of operation

If linkages are used for control operation, then lifting arms can be controlled, but the driver must shift focus from the steering wheel leading to safety issues

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol operationVSAvoiddriving safety

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The operating lever is merged with the steering column structure, integrating the control function directly into the steering assembly. This allows the driver to operate the lifting arms using the same hand that operates the steering wheel, eliminating the need to shift focus and improving driving safety.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 solution simplifies the design, reduces manufacturing costs, enhances ergonomics, and increases operational space by eliminating the need for separate levers, allowing for safer and more efficient operation of lifting arms.

Implementation Method 1

a hydraulic arrangement and at least one linkage provided between the operating lever and the lifting arms of the work vehicle. The hydraulic arrangement further comprises a plurality of piston-cylinder pairs that is provided between the linkage and the operating lever

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHydraulic pressure: Hydraulic Press

Data Source

PatentUS11466433B2Mechanism for raising and lowering lifting arms of a work vehicle

Publication Date: 2022.10.11 MAHINDRA & MAHINDRA LTD

AI summary

A mechanism (100) for raising and lowering lifting arms (104) of a work vehicle includes an operating lever (111) that is secured at the column (103) of the steering wheel (102) of the work vehicle, a hydraulic arrangement and at least one linkage for operating the lifting arms (104). The hydraulic arrangement further includes a plurality of piston-cylinder pairs (105a-105b, 110a-110b, 115a-115b, 120a-120b, and 125a-125b) provided between the operating lever (111) and the linkage, for controlling the raising and lowering operation of the lifting arms (104). The operating lever (111) permits an effective and easy control of the raising and lowering operation of the lifting arms (104).