Telescopic Side Stabilizer Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing side stabilizers for tractors are prone to dirt accumulation, require sturdy and heavy catches, have complex manufacturing processes with weak welded joints, and are limited in versatility and durability, as well as suitability for specific three-point couplings.
Innovation Solution
A telescopic side stabilizer design with precision-cast body pieces and a catch that uses wedge pieces for locking, reducing the load on the catch and allowing for a lighter construction, improved durability, and easy length adjustment, featuring a locking structure that transmits forces directly between body pieces without overloading the catch, and a manufacturing process that minimizes machining stages and dirt collection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the catch is made sturdy to transmit loads between body pieces, then the load-bearing capacity is improved, but the catch becomes large and heavy
Solution Approach 1:
The locking force transmission path is segmented into two separate locking detent elements (first and second locking detent elements) that are distributed across different body pieces. This segmentation allows the load to be distributed across multiple contact points rather than concentrated on a single large catch structure, enabling lighter construction while maintaining strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking detent elements act as intermediary components between the body pieces, providing a distributed locking mechanism that reduces the load on any single catch element. These detent elements serve as mediators that transmit locking forces through multiple pathways, reducing the need for a heavy, monolithic catch structure.
2Strength
If numerous welding stages are used in manufacture, then the structural integrity is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases and welded joints become weak points
Solution Approach 1:
The manufacturing process replaces mechanical welding joints with precision-cast components that are assembled together. The body pieces and catch are manufactured as separate precision-cast elements with integrated locking features, eliminating the need for multiple welding stages and avoiding the creation of weak welded joints while maintaining structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The manufacturing approach changes from a process based on joining components through welding to a process based on precision casting and assembly. This parameter change in the manufacturing method reduces complexity by eliminating multiple welding stages while achieving equivalent or superior structural integrity through precision-cast, interference-fit connections.
3Ease of operation
If the side stabilizer structure is open to allow movement, then the ease of operation is improved, but dirt accumulation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The body pieces are arranged in a nested configuration where the first body piece is positioned within the second body piece. This nesting arrangement provides a more closed structure that reduces exposed surfaces where dirt can accumulate, while still allowing the telescopic movement and locking functionality to operate freely.
4Reliability
If the catch is heavily loaded to prevent lateral movement, then the locking reliability is improved, but the catch becomes more prone to failure
Solution Approach 1:
The locking function is segmented into multiple locking detent elements distributed across different body pieces. This distribution segments the load-bearing responsibility, preventing any single catch element from being overloaded while maintaining reliable locking through the collective action of multiple detent elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The distributed locking detent elements provide beforehand cushioning by distributing the locking forces across multiple contact points. This pre-distributed force distribution prevents excessive stress concentration on any single catch element, reducing the risk of failure while maintaining locking reliability.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a side stabilizer, which is intended for the three-point coupling of a tractor. The side stabilizer includes two body pieces (10, 11) arranged to form a telescopic structure, at both ends of which mounts (12, 13) are arranged for attaching the side stabilizer. In addition, a catch (14) is supported moveably on one of the body pieces (10, 11), for preventing the mutual longitudinal movement of the body pieces (10, 11), when the catch (14) is in the locking position. For which purpose there is a locking structure (15) in the catch (14), a locking detent (16) corresponding to which being arranged in the body piece (10, 11) without a catch. In the body piece (10, 11) too, that is equipped with the catch (14), there is a second locking detent (17), which corresponds to the locking structure (15) of the catch (14) .