Three-Point Dolly Extension for Articulating Tractor Turning Radius
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Solution Overview
Problem
Articulating tractors with larger plows require multiple connection points for stable attachment, but the standard spacing of these points often exceeds the rear wheel base, leading to incorrect orientation and potential tipping during turns due to insufficient support and interference with the tractor's turning radius.
Innovation Solution
A three-point connection dolly system with a hitch extension that provides clearance for the rear wheels, allowing for stable attachment of plows by extending the connection points away from the tractor, incorporating a chassis with adjustable wheel base and hydraulic assembly for alignment and support.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the standard spacing of connection points is used, then the attachment structure is simple, but the connection points interfere with the tractor's turning radius and cause incorrect orientation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extends the connection points in a longitudinal dimension away from the tractor body using a dolly with extended arms. This dimensional extension allows the connection points to be positioned farther from the tractor's turning center, enabling the tractor to turn without the connection points interfering with the turning radius, while maintaining proper attachment geometry
2Productivity
If larger plows are used to reduce plow time, then productivity increases, but the connection points exceed the rear wheel base and cause instability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the attachment system into three distinct connection points distributed along the dolly structure. This segmentation allows the attachment to span a wider effective width to accommodate larger plows while distributing the load across multiple points, preventing the attachment from tipping or orienting incorrectly during operation
Solution Approach 2:
The dolly acts as an intermediary device between the tractor and the plow. It provides the extended reach and three-point connection geometry needed to support larger plows, while the tractor only needs to provide basic pulling force. The dolly mediates the force distribution and maintains proper attachment orientation
3Reliability
If multiple connection points are used for stable attachment, then reliability improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The dolly is designed as a universal attachment device that can accommodate various plow sizes and configurations while maintaining the same three-point connection system. The standardized dolly design with extended arms and multiple connection points provides reliable attachment stability across different applications without requiring complex custom configurations for each plow type
Data Source
AI summary
A three point connection dolly for connecting an articulating tractor to a plow includes a dolly having a three point plow hitch configured to connect to a plow. The dolly also includes a chassis frame with a tractor hitch extension configured to extend the three point plow hitch a distance from the articulating tractor sufficient to allow rear wheels of the articulating tractor to fully turn.