Tractor Headlight Optical Axis Adjustment Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing tractors lack an efficient mechanism for adjusting the optical axis of headlights, making it difficult to achieve optimal lighting configurations for various operating conditions.

Innovation Solution

A tractor design featuring an optical axis adjusting mechanism that allows for easy adjustment of the headlight's optical axis by varying the attaching angles of the headlight relative to the attaching frame in both vertical and left/right directions, using a screw-type fixing tool and an urging member to maintain the headlight's posture, and allowing external access through a detachable headlight cover.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the optical axis adjusting mechanism is located inside the hood, then the headlight is protected from external damage, but the adjustment operation becomes difficult and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheadlight protectionVSAvoidoptical axis adjustment accessibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The hood is segmented into a removable cover portion and a fixed body portion. The cover can be detached to provide access to the optical axis adjusting mechanism, while the fixed body maintains headlight protection. This segmentation allows the system to switch between protected state (cover attached) and accessible state (cover removed) for adjustment operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The removable cover acts as an intermediary element between the headlight protection function and the adjustment accessibility function. When attached, it provides protection; when removed, it enables access to the adjusting mechanism. This intermediary component resolves the contradiction by providing both functions at different operational states.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Stability of the object's composition

If the headlight is firmly fixed to the attaching frame, then the headlight position is stable, but the optical axis adjustment becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheadlight position stabilityVSAvoidoptical axis adjustability
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The fixing tool incorporates an adjustable fastening mechanism that can dynamically change between a loose state (enabling adjustment) and a tight state (providing stability). The fastening member can be rotated or moved to adjust the clamping force, allowing the system to transition between flexibility for adjustment and rigidity for stable operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The fastening force parameter of the fixing tool is made variable. By changing the tightening parameter of the fixing mechanism, the system can switch between allowing movement (for adjustment) and preventing movement (for stability). This parameter change enables the same fixing structure to serve both adjustment and stabilization functions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Stability of the object's composition

If the headlight is tightly fastened to the attaching frame, then the headlight position is stable, but the adjustment operation becomes difficult and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheadlight attaching stabilityVSAvoidadjustment time
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The fixing tool uses a dynamic fastening mechanism that can be quickly switched between loose and tight states. The adjustable fastening member allows rapid transition from a state enabling easy adjustment to a state providing stable fixation, minimizing the time spent in the adjustment phase while maintaining stability during operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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

Enables easy and precise adjustment of the headlight's optical axis, improving lighting readiness and adaptability to different operating conditions without requiring complex internal access.

Implementation Method 1

an urging member fitted on a portion of the fixing tool between the headlight and the attaching frame

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3290269B1tractor
Publication Date: 2021.06.30 KUBOTA CORP
  • EP3290269B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3290269B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3290269B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A tractor includes a vehicle body, a hood (3) provided at a front portion of the vehicle body, a headlight (22) provided at a front portion of the hood (3), an optical axis adjusting mechanism (46) for adjusting an optical axis of the headlight (22), and a headlight cover (44) detachably attached to a corresponding opening portion (3c) of the hood (3) and configured to cover the headlight (22). The optical axis adjusting mechanism (46) is operable through the opening portion (3c) from the outside of the hood (3) when the headlight cover (44) is detached from the opening portion (3c).