Sway Block Adjustment via Top Access for Narrow Tractors

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current sway blocks for three-point implement hitches are difficult to maneuver and adjust safely, posing a risk to operators due to the need to insert hands into a confined space, and are not suitable for narrower tractors.

Innovation Solution

A redesigned sway block that allows adjustment from above, featuring a supporting frame with articulated parallelograms and a mechanism for locking bottom arms, reducing the overall width and enabling safe operation from the driver's cab.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the sway block is adjusted by inserting a hand inside the space housing, then the adjustment can be made directly at the bottom of the implement hitch, but this poses a safety risk to the operator due to potential crushing of the hand

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadjustment accessibilityVSAvoidoperator safety

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the adjustment approach by providing access to the sway block from above through the opening in the support plate, rather than from below through the space housing. This allows the operator to adjust the sway block from a safe position above the implement hitch, eliminating the need to insert hands into the dangerous confined space at the bottom.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the sway block width is reduced for use with small tractors, then the adaptability to narrow tractors (orchards, vineyards) is improved, but the structural complexity may increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetractor compatibilityVSAvoidsway block structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The sway block is segmented into multiple components: a support plate with an opening, adjustable blocks with slots, and locking mechanisms. This segmentation allows the structure to be compact and adaptable to narrow tractors while maintaining functionality through the modular design of the adjustment and locking system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The sway block incorporates dynamic elements including slots in the adjustable blocks that allow movement in multiple directions, and a locking mechanism that can lock at different positions. This dynamic design enables the sway block to adapt to different tractor widths and configurations while maintaining a compact form factor.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Object-affected harmful factors

If the sway block allows adjustment from above through the opening in the support plate, then operator safety is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional structural components

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperator safetyVSAvoidsway block structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The support plate serves multiple functions: it provides structural support, contains the opening for safe adjustment access, and integrates the locking mechanism. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while achieving the safety benefit of top-down adjustment access.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS7578355B2Sway block of a three-point implement hitch

Publication Date: 2009.08.25 BLUE LEAF I P INC

AI summary

A sway block for a three-point hitch of an agricultural implement has a frame for supporting a tow hook; and the frame in turn has two substantially parallel right-angle plates. A respective pair of levers is hinged to each right-angle plate by pins; and each pair of levers is associated with a respective lock member operated from above by an operator using an actuating mechanism. The sway block performs the dual function of preventing sway and supporting a tow member.