Tractor Three-Point Linkage Bolt Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Three-point power lifts on tractors often have lower links that remain mounted even when not in use, causing hindrances and potential collisions with trailers when cornering, necessitating a method to securely raise and fix these links in a transport or raised position without altering the lifting rod length.
Innovation Solution
A link arrangement featuring a bolt element guided in a slot with a locking element that secures the bolt element at one end of the slot, allowing for a mechanical locking function to prevent unintentional loosening and a floating mounting area for operational positions, enabling the link to be fixed in a transport or raised position relative to the lifting element.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If the lower links are raised to a transport position, then collision with trailers is prevented, but the links cannot be securely fixed in the raised position
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses self-locking features where the bolt element automatically engages with the slot and locking element when the link is in the raised position, eliminating the need for separate manual locking operations while ensuring reliable fixation
Solution Approach 2:
The bolt element is designed to be movable along the slot during operation but automatically locks when reaching the raised position, providing dynamic adaptability between operational flexibility and fixed stability
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the lifting rod length is altered to raise the lower links, then collision is prevented, but the lifting mechanism performance changes
Solution Approach 1:
The lifting mechanism is segmented into the lifting rod and the lower link as separate components connected by the slot-bolt arrangement, allowing the lower link to be repositioned independently without modifying the lifting rod length or performance characteristics
3Reliability
If a locking mechanism is added to fix the bolt element, then fixation reliability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking function is merged into the existing slot-bolt connection structure, where the locking element is integrated with the slot geometry rather than being a separate complex mechanism, thus achieving reliable fixation without significant complexity increase
4Ease of operation
If the bolt element is made freely movable in the slot, then ease of operation improves, but unintentional loosening occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The bolt element transitions from a freely movable state during operation to a locked state when reaching the raised position, providing dynamic adaptability that ensures both ease of operation and position stability at the transport position
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The invention relates to a linkage assembly (1) for a three-point linkage (100) of a tractor (200) or other agricultural machinery. The linkage assembly (1) comprises a link (2) and an elongated lifting element (3), wherein the link (2) is connected to the lifting element (3) via a bolt element (5) guided in an elongated hole (4) along a displacement path. A locking element (8) is provided, which is configured to be moved from a locking position (V) to an unlocking position, wherein in the locking position (V) the locking element (8) engages in the displacement path and forms a stop (9) for the bolt element (5) in order to secure the bolt element (5) in a region at one of the two longitudinal ends (6, 7) of the elongated hole (4) against movement towards the other longitudinal end (7) of the elongated hole (4).The invention further comprises a three-point linkage (100) for a tractor (200) or other agricultural machinery.