Work Machine Coupler Device Lateral Linkage Arrangement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing working machine coupler devices require tilting the working machine to position the second upper coupler portion below the first upper coupler portion, which can lead to impractical workability, especially with large implements like rear-mounted mowers.

Innovation Solution

The working machine coupler device employs a three-point linkage mechanism that allows the second upper coupler portion to be positioned below the first upper coupler portion without tilting the working machine, using a detachable frame and top linkage controller mechanism to facilitate coupling.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the working machine is tilted forward to position the second upper coupler portion below the first upper coupler portion, then the coupling mechanism can function properly, but the working machine requires a stand to maintain the tilted posture, which deteriorates workability and is impractical for large implements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoupling mechanism functionalityVSAvoidworkability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The invention changes the spatial arrangement from a vertical stacking configuration (requiring forward tilt) to a horizontal side-by-side configuration. The first and second upper coupler portions are arranged laterally rather than vertically, allowing the working machine to maintain its normal working posture without forward tilting, thus eliminating the need for a stand while preserving coupling functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of tilting the working machine forward to achieve the required coupler positioning, the invention inverts the approach by keeping the working machine in its normal posture and repositioning the coupler mechanism. The detachable frame is configured to laterally offset the second upper coupler portion relative to the first, reversing the traditional solution approach.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Reliability

If a stand is used to maintain the forward tilting posture during attachment and detachment, then the coupling can be achieved, but the stand requires a large size which deteriorates workability

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoupling achievementVSAvoidstand size
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The invention eliminates the need for a large stand by changing the dimensional arrangement of the coupler portions from vertical to horizontal. This spatial reconfiguration allows coupling to be achieved without forward tilting the working machine, thereby removing the requirement for any stand structure entirely.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention extracts and eliminates the stand component from the coupling system. By reconfiguring the coupler portions to be laterally arranged rather than vertically stacked, the solution removes the need for the stand that would otherwise be required to maintain the tilted posture during coupling operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Ease of manufacture

If the second upper coupler portion is positioned below the first upper coupler portion, then the engagement mechanism works, but the working machine must be tilted forward which is impractical for large implements like rear-mounted mowers

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveengagement mechanism operationVSAvoidapplicability to different working machines
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The invention creates a universal coupling system that can be applied to various types of working machines including large implements like rear-mounted mowers. By arranging the upper coupler portions laterally instead of vertically, the system adapts to different machine types without requiring forward tilting, thereby enhancing versatility while maintaining engagement mechanism functionality.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The invention resolves the conflict between engagement mechanism operation and adaptability by transitioning from a vertical arrangement to a lateral arrangement of coupler portions. This dimensional change allows the system to work with diverse working machines in their normal postures, improving adaptability while preserving the engagement mechanism's operational effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentEP3845047B1Work machine coupling device and work machine coupling method
Publication Date: 2025.01.22 KUBOTA CORP
  • EP3845047B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3845047B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3845047B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

To couple a working machine to a raveling device without inclining the working machine. A working machine coupler device includes a top linkage (6) pivotally supported on a traveling vehicle (2) upward and downward, the top linkage (6) being configured to stretch and shorten; a lower linkage (7) pivotally supported on the traveling vehicle (2) upward and downward; a detachable frame (30) connecting the top linkage (6) and the lower linkage (7), the detachable frame (30) including: a second upper coupler (33) to be coupled to a first upper coupler (26) provided to a working machine; and a second lower coupler (34) to be coupled to a first lower coupler (27) provided to the working machine; and a top linkage controller mechanism (36) to control stretching and shortening of the top linkage (6). The second upper coupler (33) of the detachable frame (30) inclining backward is coupled to the first upper coupler (26) when the lower linkage (7) is pivoted upward, and the first lower coupler (27) is configured to move toward and be coupled to the second lower coupler (34) when a front portion of the working machine is moved upward, and the top linkage controller mechanism (36) is configured to regulate the stretching and shortening of the top linkage (6) to hold the detachable frame (30) inclining backward, and allows the top linkage (6) to be shortened until the working machine takes a working posture after the lower linkage (7) is pivoted downward from a state where the front portion of the working machine is lifted.