Tractor Side Strut with Lateral Locking Element for Length Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing side struts for stabilizing the lower links of a three-point hitch on tractors are time-consuming and imprecise in adjusting their basic length, leading to potential safety risks due to the complexity of aligning locking pins with locking holes.
Innovation Solution
A side strut design featuring a locking element that changes position and orientation between different length settings, ensuring clear and quick adjustment and fixation, with recesses and a split pin or bolt mechanism for precise alignment and secure locking, and optionally using magnets or spring-loaded components for stability against vibrations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional locking pin and locating holes mechanism is used for adjusting side strut length, then multiple length positions can be achieved, but the adjustment process becomes time-consuming and imprecise due to alignment complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the alignment requirement from the adjustment mechanism by using a locking element with an extended portion that protrudes laterally from the strut's longitudinal axis. This extended portion engages with a corresponding recess in the telescopic member, eliminating the need for precise alignment between multiple locating holes and locking pins, thus reducing adjustment time while maintaining multiple length positions
Solution Approach 2:
The locking element serves as an intermediary component between the telescopic member and the strut body. It provides a simplified engagement interface where the extended portion laterally engages with the recess, mediating the connection without requiring complex alignment procedures, thereby enabling quick and precise length adjustments
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional locking pin and locating holes mechanism is used for adjusting side strut length, then multiple length positions can be achieved, but precision is insufficient due to lack of clear alignment reference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the ambiguity inherent in multiple locating holes by providing a single, clearly defined recess in the telescopic member that corresponds to a specific length position. The locking element's extended portion engages with this recess, providing a unique and precise alignment reference that eliminates uncertainty about the achieved length setting
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical alignment system of multiple locating holes and locking pins with a simplified engagement system where the extended portion of the locking element laterally engages with a single recess. This substitution provides clearer feedback and more precise length setting confirmation
3Ease of operation
If multiple locating holes are provided in outer telescopic link and sliding pin, then operator has flexibility in positioning, but safety risk increases due to possible misalignment and unintended loosening
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the flexibility provided by multiple locating holes while eliminating the associated safety risks by using a single, well-defined recess in the telescopic member. The locking element's extended portion engages with this recess in a manner that provides both positioning flexibility through the telescopic adjustment and enhanced reliability through clear engagement feedback and resistance to unintended loosening
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3A~3C
Figure 4A~4C
AI summary
The present invention relates to a lateral brace (11) for stabilizing a lower link (6) of a three-point linkage (4) of a tractor (2). The lateral brace (11) comprises a first brace element (15) and a second brace element (16), wherein the second brace element (16) is linearly displaceable along the longitudinal axis (17) of the lateral brace (11) relative to the first brace element (15) for adjusting the lateral brace (11) between a first, shorter length (L1) and at least a second, longer length (L2). The lateral brace (11) is characterized by a locking element (18) which interacts with the first brace element (15) and the second brace element (16) for adjusting the lateral brace (11) between the lengths (L1, L2) and/or for fixing the lateral brace (11) at one of the lengths (L1, L2).The locking element (18) assumes a different position along the longitudinal axis (17) of the side strut (11) and/or a different orientation in the first length (L1) of the side strut (11) than in the second length (L2) of the side strut (11).