Tractor Three-Point Linkage Pin Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Agricultural tractor linkages face challenges in maintaining implement ground clearance during turns, as lift arms can strike trailer drawbars, and existing solutions either lower the lift arms or require additional components for a raised transport position.
Innovation Solution
A tractor linkage mechanism with a lift rod and lift arm connection system that allows for a fixed, floating, and raised transport mode by using a pin with rectangular end members and stop elements, allowing the lift arm to be secured at different positions within elongated slots, extending the range of travel without lowering the implement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If the lift arms are lowered to prevent striking the drawbar during turns, then the risk of drawbar strikes is reduced, but the implement ground clearance is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic positioning system for the lift arm that allows it to move between a lowered operational position (providing ground clearance) and a raised transport position (preventing drawbar strikes). The elongated slot in the lift rod enables the lift arm to be positioned at different heights, transforming a static clearance issue into a dynamic positioning solution that adapts to different operational modes.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If additional components are added to provide a raised transport position for the lift arms, then the drawbar strike problem is solved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the existing elongated slot in the lift rod multi-functional. The same slot that enables floating mode operation during implement work is also used to achieve the raised transport position. By utilizing the existing slot structure for dual purposes (floating operation and transport positioning), the patent avoids adding separate components while solving both the operational flexibility and transport safety requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The lift arm system uses its own existing structure (the elongated slot already present in the lift rod) to solve the transport position problem. Rather than requiring an external positioning mechanism or additional components, the system leverages its inherent design feature to achieve both operational and transport requirements, making the solution self-sufficient and cost-effective.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the pin is secured at the bottom of the elongated hole, then the lift arm is fixed in the operative mode, but the lift arm cannot be raised to transport position
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic positioning system for the lift arm that allows it to move between a lowered operational position (providing ground clearance) and a raised transport position (preventing drawbar strikes). The elongated slot in the lift rod enables the lift arm to be positioned at different heights, transforming a static clearance issue into a dynamic positioning solution that adapts to different operational modes.
Data Source
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AI summary
A tractor three-point linkage (10) having three modes of operation is provided. Lower lift arms (13, 14) pivotally mounted to a chassis (11) are raised and lowered by attached lift rods (20). Each lift rod (20) comprises a pair of elongated slots (36) through which a pin (34) is inserted to secure the associated lift arm (13, 14). Rectangular end members (35, 38) provided on the pin (34) engage stop members provided on the lift rods to provide (a) a fixed operative position with the pin (34) held at the bottom of the slots (36), (b) a fixed transport position with the pin (34) held at the top of the slots (36), and (c) a floating operative position with the pin (34) free to move up and down within the slots (36).