Tractor Three-Point Linkage Support Structure

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing agricultural attachment connecting structures for tractors are complex and specialized, limiting their universal applicability and efficiency in combining multiple attachments during a single tractor trip.

Innovation Solution

A supporting structure with a frame, cross members, and side supports that includes coupling units and a coupling device for attaching multiple agricultural attachments, featuring adjustable height and non-standard mechanical connections to ensure secure, road-traffic-approved combinations of tractor, supporting structure, and attachments.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If existing specialized connecting structures are used for each agricultural attachment, then the connection is secure and stable, but the device complexity increases and universal applicability decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection stabilityVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by designing a single supporting structure with standardized coupling units that can connect multiple different agricultural attachments to a tractor three-point linkage. The structure includes universal coupling units (lower coupling units 9, upper coupling unit 12) that can accommodate various attachments through standardized interfaces, eliminating the need for specialized connecting structures for each attachment type while maintaining secure connections

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies segmentation by dividing the connecting structure into modular components: a frame (20), multiple lower coupling units (9), an upper coupling unit (12), and a drawbar (30). Each component can be independently manufactured, adjusted, and replaced. The lower coupling units can be positioned at different heights and locations, allowing flexible configuration for different attachment combinations while simplifying the overall system design

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Productivity

If multiple agricultural attachments are combined on a single tractor, then productivity increases, but the ease of operation and adjustment decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational efficiencyVSAvoidadjustment convenience
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the lower coupling units height-adjustable along the side supports (4) and allowing the drawbar (30) to be positioned at different locations on the frame (20). This dynamic adjustability enables operators to optimize the configuration for different attachment combinations and operational conditions, maintaining ease of operation while combining multiple attachments for increased productivity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies preliminary action by providing a pre-configured supporting structure with all necessary coupling units and adjustment mechanisms in place before attachments are mounted. The structure is designed to accommodate various attachment types and configurations, allowing operators to simply attach the desired attachments without complex setup or modification, thereby maintaining ease of operation while enabling multiple attachments

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Ease of operation

If standardized coupling units are used for three-point connection, then ease of operation improves, but adaptability to different attachment types decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattachment convenienceVSAvoidattachment compatibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by providing multiple lower coupling units (9) at different heights and positions on the frame (20), with each coupling unit capable of being independently adjusted and configured. The side supports (4) allow vertical adjustment of coupling units, while the cross members (2, 3) provide horizontal positioning options. This localized variability within a standardized structure enables adaptation to different attachment types while maintaining ease of operation through standardized coupling mechanisms

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentEP3753385B1Supporting structure for connecting two agricultural implements to a tractor and agricultural implement
Publication Date: 2023.06.07 GRIMME LANDMASCHINENFABRIK GMBH & CO KG
  • EP3753385B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3753385B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3753385B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Support structure (1) for connecting two agricultural implements to a tractor three-point linkage, comprising a frame with at least one lower and preferably at least one upper cross member (2, 3), and with at least one, preferably two, side members (4), wherein the support structure (1) has at least two, preferably three, namely one upper and two lower coupling units (12, 9) for a three-point connection with a first implement (23), the support structure (1) further comprising, in operation, at least one, preferably two, lower link coupling means and preferably at least one upper link coupling means for connection to the tractor three-point linkage, and a coupling device (16) arranged at the top of the frame, in particular on the upper cross member (3), for attaching the at least one further implement (33), and an agricultural implement.