Tractor Hitch Stabilizing Mechanism With Automatic Pin Retraction

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing stabilizing mechanisms for tractor hitch lifting arms face challenges in smoothly retracting the locking pin due to lateral stresses and potential damage from misaligned anchoring points, which hinder efficient lateral movement stabilization.

Innovation Solution

An anchoring point for the flexible linkage is provided on the hydraulic cylinder, ensuring the chain tension acts directly with the locking pin's axis, using a clamp that encircles and secures the cylinder, aligning the chain's end with the pin's movement axis, thus reducing stress and preventing distortion.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the chain is anchored to a compromise position on the tractor chassis, then the stabilizing mechanism can be implemented, but the locking pin experiences lateral stresses and potential damage due to misalignment

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelocking pin operationVSAvoidlateral stresses on locking pin

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a specifically positioned anchoring point on the tractor chassis that serves as an intermediary element. This anchoring point is strategically located to align with the locking pin's axis of movement, allowing the chain to exert force directly along the pin's movement path rather than at an angled compromise position, thereby eliminating lateral stresses

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the positional parameter of the chain anchoring point on the tractor chassis. By relocating the anchoring point to a specific position that aligns with the locking pin's vertical axis of movement, the force vector of the chain is adjusted to act purely in the vertical direction, transforming the stress condition from misaligned to aligned

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If the locking pin is retracted smoothly without lateral stresses, then damage is prevented, but the anchoring point must be precisely aligned with the pin's axis which complicates the structure

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelocking pin durabilityVSAvoidanchoring point configuration

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The anchoring point on the tractor chassis is designed to serve multiple functions: it anchors the chain for the stabilizing mechanism, provides precise alignment for the locking pin operation, and maintains structural simplicity. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate alignment mechanisms or complex mounting arrangements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS9468139B2Implement hitch for a tractor

Publication Date: 2016.10.18 BLUE LEAF I P INC

AI summary

An implement hitch is disclosed for a tractor, wherein the hitch is fitted with a mechanism for stabilizing lateral movement of lifting arms of the hitch. The lifting arms are raised and lower by respective hydraulic cylinders. The stabilizing mechanism has a locking pin that is automatically retracted to an unlocked position by means of a flexible linkage when the lifting arms are in a lowered position. In the invention, the opposite end of the flexible linkage from the locking pin is connected to an anchoring point provided on the hydraulic cylinder serving to raise and lower one of the lifting arms.