Tractor Stabilizer Piston Adjustment Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing stabilizers for agricultural tractors' three-point suspension systems are complex to handle, particularly in adjusting the length of the piston, which affects the spring's working point and is difficult to set accurately, especially when transitioning between field and public road use.
Innovation Solution
A stabilizer with a rotatable piston and adjustable length using a thread mechanism, featuring a retaining clip that allows for easy length verification and a locking mechanism for precise adjustment, including a resilient pushbutton and multiple abutments for enhanced sensitivity and security.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the piston length is adjusted by rotating the piston using a thread mechanism, then the stabilizer can be adapted to different implement widths, but the adjustment process becomes complex and difficult to verify accurately
Solution Approach 1:
A retaining clip is introduced as an intermediary component to simplify the adjustment process. The retaining clip can be pivoted between a retaining position (blocking telescope movement) and a release position (allowing adjustment). This mediator makes it easier to control and verify piston length adjustments without directly manipulating the thread mechanism throughout the entire process
Solution Approach 2:
The piston is designed with dynamic characteristics allowing it to be rotated into different angular positions (0°, 45°, 90°, 135°) corresponding to different implement widths. The piston can be locked at these discrete positions while maintaining the ability to move freely when needed, providing both adjustability and stability
2Reliability
If the retaining clip is used to block the telescope for public road travel, then safety is improved, but the transition between field and road use becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining clip combines multiple functions: it blocks the telescope for road safety, serves as a handle for rotating the piston during adjustment, and can be positioned to indicate adjustment status. By merging these functions into a single component, the overall device complexity is reduced despite the multiple operations required
Solution Approach 2:
The retaining clip is designed as a multi-functional component that operates in both field and road conditions. It provides telescope blocking for road travel safety while also facilitating piston adjustment during field operations, eliminating the need for separate components for each function
3Measurement precision
If the piston is divided into two pieces with thread adjustment, then precise length setting is possible, but the working point of the spring is considerably displaced
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of allowing continuous infinite adjustment of the piston length, the system uses discrete angular positions (0°, 45°, 90°, 135°) that provide sufficient precision for different implement widths while limiting the total displacement of the spring working point. This partial action approach achieves adequate precision without excessive displacement
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Simplifies the adjustment process, ensures accurate piston length setting without interrupting operation, and provides secure locking to prevent unintended rotation, enhancing handling and safety during both field and road use.
Implementation Method 1
The piston and the tube are elastically coupled by at least one spring. During a lateral pivoting movement of the lower link and/or upper link, the stabilizer is compressed and/or extended, which leads to a corresponding spring force.
Implementation Method 2
the piston is divided in two and can be adjusted in length by means of at least one thread. Therefore, by rotation of part of the piston, the length of the piston can be set
Data Source
AI summary
A stabilizer serves for stabilizing a link of a three-point suspension system of an agricultural tractor. The stabilizer has at least one telescope consisting of a tube and a piston held displaceably therein. Said tube and piston are coupled elastically by at least one spring. The piston is designed such that it can be adjusted in length by means of at least one thread. In order to retain the telescope, the stabilizer has at least one pivotably held retaining clip. In a retaining position, said retaining clip engages over an abutment of the piston whereas, in a release position of the retaining clip, the piston can be freely moved. In order to obtain simple handleability of said stabilizer, the abutment is formed by at least one substantially rotationally symmetrical disc. The piston length can therefore be adjusted in or in the vicinity of the retaining position.