Tractor Three-Point Linkage Control Lever Method

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing tractor three-point linkage control systems are complex and require operators to manually adjust multiple components, leading to inaccuracies and time-consuming corrections when maneuvering attachments into desired positions.

Innovation Solution

A method using a single operating lever to control the three-point power lift, allowing for intuitive movement control with distinct actuation movements for translational, rotational, and tilting paths, reducing the need for manual adjustment of hydraulic actuators and simplifying the process of positioning attachments.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a single operating lever is used to control the three-point linkage, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases due to the need for sophisticated control mechanisms

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of operationVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The single operating lever is designed to perform multiple functions: it can control translational movement of the attachment, rotational pivoting movement, and tilting movement. By consolidating multiple control functions into one lever, the system improves ease of operation while the control device achieves multi-functionality that justifies the increased complexity through reduced operational complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The operating lever acts as an intermediary device between the operator and the complex hydraulic system. It translates simple operator inputs into coordinated movements of multiple hydraulic actuators, shielding the operator from the underlying system complexity while maintaining precise control capability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Device complexity

If manual adjustment of multiple components is required, then device complexity is reduced, but manufacturing precision and positioning accuracy deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice complexityVSAvoidpositioning accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The control system incorporates feedback mechanisms that monitor the actual position and orientation of the attachment and compare it with the desired position. This feedback enables automatic adjustments to achieve precise positioning, eliminating the inaccuracies that would result from manual adjustment while maintaining relatively simple device architecture

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs self-adjustment to achieve precise positioning. The control device automatically coordinates the hydraulic actuators to move the attachment to the desired position and orientation without requiring manual intervention, thereby achieving high positioning accuracy through automated self-correction

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Device complexity

If multiple control elements are used for different movements, then ease of operation is reduced, but device complexity is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice complexityVSAvoidease of operation
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple control functions that would traditionally require separate control elements are merged into a single operating lever. The lever's position and movement in different directions control translational movement, rotational pivoting, and tilting of the attachment, reducing the number of control elements while increasing operational convenience through unified control

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP3498065B1Method for controlling the movement of a three-point hydraulic lift of a tractor
Publication Date: 2021.04.21 DEERE & CO
  • EP3498065B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3498065B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for controlling the movement of a three-point linkage (14) which is arranged on a tractor (10). Movements of an actuated control lever are converted into movements of the three-point linkage (14) such that - during a first actuating movement of the control lever, the implement (22) is moved along a movement path (16) that is executed exclusively translationally, and - during a second actuating movement of the control lever, the implement (22) is pivoted along a movement path (17) that is executed exclusively rotationally with respect to a pivot axis.