Tractor Ball Hitch Locking Assembly for Dirt-Resistant Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ball coupling arrangements for agricultural tractors are susceptible to contamination, making it difficult for operators to handle the safety bolt, especially in adverse environmental conditions.
Innovation Solution
A ball coupling arrangement with a closure element that contacts a flat stop area on the hold-down device, preventing pivoting movement and reducing dirt adhesion, featuring a crossbar that can be easily cleaned and manually operated, and a spring-loaded securing bolt for secure locking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a locking bolt with handle and spring-loaded grip piece is used to secure the hold-down device, then the locking reliability is improved, but the susceptibility to contamination increases and handling difficulty increases under adverse environmental conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the handling elements (handle, grip piece) from the locking mechanism that cause contamination susceptibility. The new design uses a simple pivoting closure element (flap) that can be operated without complex handles or grip pieces, thereby removing the sources of contamination while maintaining locking reliability through the flat stop area design that resists dirt adhesion.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using a traditional bolt that pushes through locking openings, the invention inverts the approach by using a closure element that pivots to allow the locking element to contact a flat stop area. This inversion simplifies the structure and reduces contamination susceptibility while maintaining the locking function.
2Reliability
If a locking bolt with handle and spring-loaded grip piece is used to secure the hold-down device, then the locking reliability is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates under adverse environmental conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes the complex handle and grip piece mechanisms that make operation difficult under adverse conditions. The new closure element is a simple pivoting flap that can be operated with minimal effort, significantly improving ease of operation while maintaining locking reliability through the flat stop area contact mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the operational parameters by transitioning from a multi-component bolt mechanism to a simple pivoting closure element. This parameter change simplifies the operation from requiring precise handle manipulation to a simple pivot motion, greatly improving ease of operation in adverse environmental conditions.
3Reliability
If traditional locking openings and locking bolt design is used, then the locking function is achieved, but the device complexity increases and cleaning difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and removes the complex locking openings and multi-component bolt structure. Instead, it uses a simple flat stop area on the hold-down device that contacts a locking element, eliminating the need for complex locking openings and reducing overall structural complexity while maintaining the locking function.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention inverts the traditional locking approach by replacing the bolt pushing through openings with a closure element that pivots to enable contact between the locking element and flat stop area. This inversion simplifies the structure and makes cleaning much easier.
4Reliability
If traditional locking openings and locking bolt design is used, then the locking function is achieved, but the ease of repair and maintenance deteriorates due to cleaning difficulty
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes the complex locking openings that are difficult to clean. The flat stop area design exposes the contact surface, making it easily accessible for cleaning and maintenance while preserving the locking function through the simple contact mechanism between the locking element and flat stop area.
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 design enhances the resistance to contamination, simplifies the structural design, and ensures easy operation and maintenance by preventing unintentional loosening of the coupling connection.
Implementation Method 1
a spring-loaded securing bolt for secure locking
Data Source
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AI summary
A ball coupling assembly (10) for an agricultural tractor comprising a coupling base (12) with a coupling ball (14) attached thereto for receiving a complementary coupling socket (16) and a coupling housing (18) arranged on the coupling base (12), wherein a retainer (30) is pivotally attached to the coupling housing (18) such that it is pivotable between a position (62) locking the coupling ball (14) and a position (50) releasing it. A locking element (68) is attached to the coupling housing (18), which can be brought into contact with a flat stop area (72) formed on an outer contour (70) of the retainer (30) to lock the retainer (30) in its locking position (62).