Tractor Hitch Positioning System with External Controls
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Solution Overview
Problem
Aligning an agricultural tractor with an implement using a hitch pin can be time-consuming and requires manual visual checks, often resulting in misalignment issues that necessitate repositioning, especially when the hitch pin does not properly seat in the clevis.
Innovation Solution
A positioning system with controls outside the operator station, including forward, reverse, left, and right switches, connected to an electronic controller that allows precise movement and steering of the tractor, enabling operators to align the hitch from the ground, ensuring the hitch pin can drop into place correctly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the operator visually checks alignment from outside the tractor, then alignment accuracy can be assessed, but the operator must exit the operator station and reposition the tractor multiple times, increasing time consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces positioning controls as an intermediary device between the operator and the tractor propulsion system. These controls, located outside the operator station near the hitch, allow the operator to precisely adjust the tractor's position without repeatedly entering and exiting the operator station, thereby reducing time loss while maintaining alignment assessment capability
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning controls enable preliminary positioning adjustments to be made before the operator enters the operator station. By using the forward switch, reverse switch, left switch, and right switch to pre-align the tractor, the operator minimizes the need for repeated repositioning operations after entering the station
2Reliability
If the tractor is repositioned to align with the implement, then the hitch pin can properly seat in the clevis, but multiple repositioning operations are required when misalignment occurs, increasing operational complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning controls serve as an intermediary mechanism that provides fine-adjustment capability for tractor positioning. Located outside the operator station, these controls enable the operator to make precise alignment adjustments and ensure proper hitch pin seating without requiring multiple complex repositioning operations from inside the operator station
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning controls provide dynamic adjustment capability during the hitching operation. The forward switch, reverse switch, left switch, and right switch allow real-time position adjustments, enabling the operator to adapt to minor misalignments and ensure reliable hitch pin seating in a single operation
3Ease of operation
If positioning controls are located outside the operator station near the hitch, then the operator can manipulate the tractor from the ground for precise alignment, but the control system becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is segmented into two distinct parts: standard operator station controls for general tractor operation and positioning controls for precise hitch alignment. By locating the positioning controls outside the operator station near the hitch, the system allows operators to perform alignment operations from the ground without requiring complex integrated control mechanisms
Data Source
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AI summary
A positioning system (10) of an agricultural tractor comprises positioning controls (11) on the agricultural tractor outside an operator station of the agricultural tractor and adjacent to a hitch. The positioning controls (11) include a forward switch (15), a reverse switch (16), a left switch (19) and a right switch (21). An electronic controller (20) is electrically connected to the positioning controls (11) and connected to a propulsion and steering system of the agricultural tractor. The electronic controller (20) moves the agricultural tractor forward in response to actuation of the forward switch (15), the electronic controller (20) moves the agricultural tractor reverse in response to actuation of the reverse switch (16), the electronic controller (20) steers the agricultural tractor left in response to actuation of the left switch (19), and the electronic controller (20) steers the agricultural tractor right in response to actuation of the right switch (21).