Tractor Implement Suspension With Rotatable Link Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tractor implement attachment systems face challenges in quickly and accurately adjusting the length and alignment of lower links to accommodate various implements, leading to potential compatibility issues and mounting difficulties.
Innovation Solution
A suspension system comprising a first arm, a second arm, and an intermediate piece that allows for quick adjustment between predefined length settings by rotating the intermediate piece, which can be secured temporarily to maintain alignment during assembly, and includes a length-adjustable side strut for compatibility with different implements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If side braces with multiple adjustable positions are used to accommodate different implements, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity and adjustment difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The side brace is divided into two separate arms (first arm and second arm) connected by an intermediate piece. This segmentation allows each arm to be independently positioned and the intermediate piece to be rotated to different connection positions, providing adjustability without requiring a single complex multi-position mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The intermediate piece can be rotated dynamically between a first connection position and a second connection position, allowing the distance between rear attachment points to be changed. This dynamic repositioning provides adaptability for different implement widths without requiring multiple fixed-length side braces.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple adjustable positions are provided for different implements, then versatility is improved, but time to find correct setting increases
Solution Approach 1:
The intermediate piece is designed with predetermined connection positions (first and second connection positions) that correspond to common implement widths. These positions are pre-configured during manufacturing, eliminating the need for operators to search through multiple adjustable settings and reducing adjustment time.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of providing uniform adjustability across all possible positions, the invention focuses on providing precise adjustment at specific critical positions (first and second connection positions) that match common implement requirements. This targeted approach reduces complexity while maintaining practical versatility.
3Device complexity
If fixed-length lower links are used, then structural simplicity is improved, but adaptability to different implement widths deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of changing the length of the lower links themselves, the invention introduces an intermediate dimension through the rotatable intermediate piece. By rotating the intermediate piece between different connection positions, the effective distance between rear attachment points is changed, providing adaptability while keeping the lower links themselves simple and fixed-length.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
A tractor comprises at least one, preferably two, complementary suspensions for an implement. The suspension comprises: a first arm (2), also referred to as a lower link, designed to be connected to the tractor (1) at a first connection point (4) and to the implement at a second connection point (7) spaced apart in a first longitudinal direction (L); a second arm (9), also referred to as a side link, with a second longitudinal direction, which is detachably connected to the first arm (2) to stabilize it; and an intermediate piece (10) for mediating the detachable connection, which is rotatable on one of the arms (2) about an axis (A) between a first and a second connection position, each of these connection positions being suitable for engaging a coupling element (14) of the intermediate piece (10) and a coupling element (15) of the other arm (9).and the position of the coupling element (14) of the intermediate piece (10) with respect to the longitudinal direction (L) of one arm (2) is different in the two connection positions.