Three-Point Linkage System for Utility Vehicles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing three-point hitch systems often occupy the receiver hitch on work machines, limiting their versatility and requiring removal to attach or detach implements, which is inconvenient and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A three-point linkage system comprising a frame with pivotally mounted upper and lower lift arm assemblies, an actuator for moving these arms, and a top link arm for connecting implements, allowing for attachment without occupying the receiver hitch, enabling continuous use of adjacent vehicle features like cargo beds.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional three-point hitch is used to attach implements, then the implement can be securely connected to the work machine, but the receiver hitch is occupied and cannot be used for other attachments like cargo beds
Solution Approach 1:
The three-point hitch system is segmented into separate components: the lift arm assembly that attaches to the receiver hitch and the implement mounting points on the vehicle frame. This allows the receiver hitch to be used for one attachment while the lift arms provide additional attachment points elsewhere on the frame, enabling multiple simultaneous attachments without conflict.
Solution Approach 2:
The lift arm assembly acts as an intermediary between the receiver hitch and the implement. Instead of directly occupying the receiver hitch for implement attachment, the system uses the receiver hitch to position the lift arms, which then provide the actual implement mounting points. This intermediary mechanism allows the receiver hitch to remain available for other purposes like cargo beds.
2Reliability
If a high-mounted three-point hitch is used, then implement attachment is secure, but it interferes with devices like cargo beds that need to operate in the same space
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment system transitions from a single high-mounted attachment point to a distributed arrangement with multiple mounting points at different locations on the vehicle frame. By spreading the attachment points across different dimensions of the frame structure rather than concentrating them at one high point, the system maintains secure implement attachment while avoiding interference with cargo bed operations in the same spatial zone.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a low profile three-point linkage is used, then it prevents interference with cargo beds, but may compromise the lifting and lowering capability
Solution Approach 1:
The lift arms are pre-positioned and pivotally connected to the vehicle frame at optimized locations that provide adequate mechanical advantage for lifting and lowering implements. By carefully selecting the mounting positions and pivot points during the design phase, the system achieves sufficient lifting power without requiring a high profile configuration that would interfere with cargo bed operations.
Data Source
AI summary
A three-point linkage system includes a frame, an upper lift arm assembly pivotally mounted to the frame and a lower lift arm assembly pivotally mounted to the frame. The lower lift arm assembly is linked to the upper lift arm assembly for movement therewith. An actuator is connected to the frame and the upper lift arm assembly to move the upper lift arm assembly and the lower lift arm assembly linked to the upper lift arm assembly relative to the frame. A top link arm is pivotally connected to the upper lift arm assembly such that the top link arm moves with the upper lift arm assembly as the upper lift arm assembly is moved by the actuator. The top link arm including connecting structure for connecting the top link arm to an implement.