Tractor Three-Point Hitch Coupling Guide Elements

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Solution Overview

Problem

Coupling agricultural attachments or trailers to a three-point hitch of a tractor can be cumbersome, especially when link balls are mounted on adjustable bolts, requiring precise positioning and time-consuming maneuvering due to the lack of guiding elements on both sides.

Innovation Solution

The addition of a guide element with a guide surface on the side where link balls are connected via a bolt allows links to be guided from both sides during coupling, reducing the need for precise positioning and eliminating the need for repeated forward and backward movement of the tractor.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If link balls are mounted on adjustable bolts on one side only, then adaptability to different three-point hitch configurations is improved, but coupling precision and ease of operation deteriorate due to lack of guiding elements on both sides

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to different three-point hitch configurationsVSAvoidcoupling precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies asymmetry by providing guide elements only on one side of the holder where link balls are mounted on adjustable bolts. This asymmetric configuration allows the link ball to be laterally guided during coupling while maintaining the ability to adapt to different three-point hitch configurations through bolt repositioning, thus resolving the contradiction between adaptability and coupling precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

2Adaptability or versatility

If link balls are mounted on adjustable bolts on one side only, then adaptability is improved, but time consumption for coupling increases due to lack of guiding elements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to different three-point hitch configurationsVSAvoidtime consumption for coupling
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies asymmetry by providing guide elements only on one side of the holder where link balls are mounted on adjustable bolts. This asymmetric configuration allows the link ball to be laterally guided during coupling while maintaining the ability to adapt to different three-point hitch configurations through bolt repositioning, thus resolving the contradiction between adaptability and coupling precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

3Ease of operation

If guide elements are added on both sides, then ease of operation and coupling precision are improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoupling precisionVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies asymmetry by providing guide elements only on one side of the holder where link balls are mounted on adjustable bolts. This asymmetric configuration allows the link ball to be laterally guided during coupling while maintaining the ability to adapt to different three-point hitch configurations through bolt repositioning, thus resolving the contradiction between adaptability and coupling precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

Data Source

PatentEP2801246B1Agricultural attachment or trailer device
Publication Date: 2016.11.23 CLAAS SAULGAU GMBH
  • EP2801246B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2b
  • EP2801246B1 patent drawingFigure 3~5

AI summary

The invention relates to an agricultural implement (1) with coupling means (6) for connecting to a handlebar (2) of a three-point linkage (3) of a tractor (4), wherein the handlebar (2) has a hook-shaped recess (5) open on one side, into which the coupling means (6) can be received and the coupling means (6) are attached on one side to a bracket (7) of the implement (1) and are provided at their free end with a guide element (8) leading the handlebar (2) to the coupling means (6), and wherein at least one further guide element (9) is provided, which is opposite the first guide element (8) and through which the handlebar (2) can be guided from the side of the bracket opposite the free end to the coupling means (6).