Model Tractor Coupling with Adjustable Links

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing model tractor couplings lack adjustability in height and inclination, making it difficult to accommodate various add-on objects and simulate different operating positions, due to a lack of standardization and fixed attachment points.

Innovation Solution

A coupling system with height-adjustable and length-adjustable lower and upper links, utilizing a three-point power lift design with piston-cylinder units, allowing for adjustable inclination and height to align add-on objects and simulate various operating positions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If fixed couplings with standardized connection dimensions are used, then attachments always take the same position after attachment, but various positions during operation such as driving positions or use in the field cannot be simulated

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattachment position consistencyVSAvoidoperating position variability
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling system transitions from fixed to dynamic by making both the lower and upper links adjustable in length. The lower link can be adjusted in length to change the height of attachment points, and the upper link can be adjusted to vary the inclination angle. This allows the attachment to assume multiple positions including driving position and field work positions, resolving the contradiction between position consistency and operating position variability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of manufacture

If the upper link and lower link are made rigid for standardization, then manufacturing is simplified, but the height of the position cannot be adjusted when attachments are attached

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoupling structure simplicityVSAvoidheight adjustability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The rigid link is segmented into adjustable components. The lower link is divided into multiple length-adjustable segments that can be configured to different heights. The upper link is similarly segmented to allow inclination adjustment. This segmentation enables height and angle adjustability while maintaining a relatively simple manufacturing process using standard adjustment mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Device complexity

If previous solutions for couplings are used, then the structure is simple, but they do not allow the height of the position to be adjusted when attachments are attached and the inclination of the attachments is generally not adjustable

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoupling structureVSAvoidheight and inclination adjustability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling system is designed with universal adjustability features. Both the lower and upper links incorporate length adjustment capabilities that enable multiple functions: height adjustment for the lower link and inclination adjustment for the upper link. This multi-functional design allows a single coupling system to accommodate various attachment types and operating conditions without requiring multiple specialized components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP3050607B1Model tractor with a coupling for holding at least one attachment and/or trailer
Publication Date: 2017.07.12 SIEPER
  • EP3050607B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3050607B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3050607B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

The invention relates to a model vehicle, in particular a model tractor, with at least one coupling for receiving at least one implement and/or trailer, wherein the coupling comprises at least one lower link and at least one upper link for attaching the implement and/or trailer and the attachment point(s) of the upper link and/or lower link is/are height-adjustable, and wherein the upper link and/or lower link is length-adjustable.