Tractor Top Link Opening for Gooseneck Attachment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Agricultural tractors face challenges in using both the three point hitch and trailer coupling simultaneously when a first implement lacks a rear hitch mounting point and a second implement with a gooseneck needs to attach to the trailer coupling, as existing solutions require large, cumbersome brackets that alter the tractor's geometry and increase instability by relocating the trailer coupling above the top link.
Innovation Solution
The design includes a three point hitch with two lift arms and a top link featuring an opening to accommodate the gooseneck of the second implement, allowing attachment without relocating the trailer coupling above the top link, thus maintaining the original tractor geometry and minimizing forces and bending moments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the trailer coupling is relocated to a point above the top link, then the trailer coupling becomes accessible when the three point hitch is in use, but the tractor experiences high forces and bending moments that may result in instability or rollover
Solution Approach 1:
The gooseneck of the second implement is designed to pass through the opening in the top link, nesting the coupling mechanism within the existing three point hitch structure. This allows the trailer coupling to remain in its original stable position while still being accessible when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The opening in the top link acts as an intermediary feature that allows the gooseneck to pass through, enabling the second implement to connect to the trailer coupling without requiring the coupling to be relocated to an unstable position above the top link.
2Ease of operation
If a large bracket is used to provide a trailer coupling mounting surface above the top link, then the trailer coupling becomes accessible, but the bracket is cumbersome and interferes with the original three point hitch geometry
Solution Approach 1:
The top link is designed with a dual function: it maintains its original role in the three point hitch system while simultaneously incorporating an opening to accommodate the gooseneck and enable trailer coupling accessibility. This eliminates the need for a separate bracket structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The functionality of the trailer coupling mounting surface is merged into the existing top link structure by incorporating an opening, rather than adding a separate large bracket. This combines multiple functions into a single integrated component.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the trailer coupling is relocated above the top link, then the second implement can attach to the trailer coupling, but the original three point hitch geometry is altered
Solution Approach 1:
The top link is segmented to include an opening that accommodates the gooseneck, allowing the second implement to pass through. This segmentation enables versatility in using both hitches while preserving the overall geometry and function of the three point hitch system.
Data Source
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AI summary
An agricultural tractor (10) has a chassis (18), a three point hitch (50) for attaching a first agricultural implement (30), and a trailer coupling (80) for attaching a second agricultural implement (32) having a gooseneck (34). The three point hitch (50) has two lift arms (56) for raising and lowering the first agricultural implement (30), and a top link (62). The top link (62) has an opening (64) that accommodates the passage therethrough of the gooseneck (34) of the second agricultural implement (32) as it attaches to the trailer coupling (80).