Patent Application
20240196773
The present invention relates to a vehicle with system to attach implements, such as three-point linkage system for vehicles. Specifically, the invention relates to a connector link for safer three-point link system.
Background description includes information that may be useful in understanding the present invention. It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art or relevant to the presently disclosed invention, or that any publication specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art. Agricultural vehicles, such as tractors typically include a hitch or linkage assembly, such as a 3-point linkage, for coupling an implement to the tractor. Presently 3-point hitch systems are rigid mechanical parts including two lower draft links and an adjustable connector link or centre link.
A shock absorber assembly designed to absorb shocks transmitted between a vehicle (such as a tractor) and an article (such as an agricultural equipment) that the vehicle is connected to is envisaged for large agricultural vehicles but even such system is not available for an all-terrain vehicle (ATV) which is usually made for one rider to go off-roading of a utility task vehicle (UTV) which is a larger type of ATV designed to haul heavier loads. In particular, but not exclusively, the shock absorber assembly is used to absorb shocks transmitted from equipment to a three-point hitch of a vehicle which supports the agricultural equipment. ATV and UTV used in farm applications are equipped with a 3-point linkage system at the rear of the ATV/UTV (A) and optional at the front of the ATV/UTV to connect with Receiver (7) an attachment to the ATV/UTV.
In a small ATV/UTV/tractor, all the members of the linkage are rigid members. There is no softening or cushioning effect. Therefore, any load which comes from implement or from road/soil is transferred to the 3-point linkage which may lead to structural failure as well as vehicle instability. The vehicle may toggle, there may be safety related concerns. Thus, there is a need to have a system with safer linkage of implements with the vehicles. The objective of the invention is to provide such system with modified connector link of three-point linkage system. Another objective of the invention is to provide for a connector link with tension and compression applications.
The following presents a simplified summary of the subject matter in order to provide a basic understanding of some of the aspects of subject matter embodiments. This summary is not an extensive overview of the subject matter. It is not intended to identify key/critical elements of the embodiments or to delineate the scope of the subject matter. Its sole purpose to present some concepts of the subject matter in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.
A connector link or top link disclosed here addresses a device or system for a safer linkage of implements with the vehicles, an improved and modified connector link of three-point linkage system, and an improved connector link with tension and compression applications. The connector link or top link disclosed here comprises a tubular body a threaded bolt and an unthreaded bolt. The threaded bolt is insertable within one end of the tubular body, where the threaded bolt is configured to be threaded inside the tubular body for adjustment of length of the connector link. The unthreaded bolt is insertable within other end of the tubular body, where the unthreaded bolt is connected to a suspension member to counter compressive and expansive forces caused due to movement of an implement that is connected to the unthreaded bolt. In an embodiment, the connector link further comprises an adjusting bar used to rotate the tubular body and threaded bolt to adjust the length of the connector link.
In an embodiment, the suspension member comprises one of a spring member, a leaf spring, and an elastomeric pad. In an embodiment, the elastomeric pad comprises a locating member that prevents radial slippage of the elastomeric pad. In an embodiment, the suspension member comprises: a fluid filled cylinder, a piston assembly that is insertable into the fluid filled cylinder, and a valve positioned in the fluid filled cylinder that regulates flow of the fluid into and out of the fluid filled cylinder between chambers within the fluid filled cylinder. In an embodiment, the connector link further comprises a hydraulic shock absorber, wherein the spring member is a helical suspension spring which is supported by a reservoir tube of the hydraulic shock absorber. In an embodiment, wherein the hydraulic shock absorber comprises linear bearings within the tubular body of the connector link, wherein the tubular body of the connector link and the linear bearings provide strength to resist load pressure occurring during vehicle operation.
Description: The new spring-loaded auto connector link controls tensile and compressive forces and thus also the attached implement. During work, switching between rigid and floating position takes place automatically during lifting and lowering of the implement. During lifting, the implement moves through the centre position where it engages safely and then remains stable. While mechanical top links with hook or eyebolt must be set to the right dimension by hand but new spring loaded Auto top link are particularly convenient to operate just set the top link to the required length and with or without an attached implement.
During operation, the new spring-loaded connector link allows for considerable extra comfort. In addition, that desired damping rate can be adjusted to individual vehicle implement combinations. Impact loads caused by “bouncing implements” are isolated from the vehicle. This results in a markedly improved driving performance due to optimising the ground contact of the front axle. Consequently, safety is improved in all driving situations with more grip. In addition to improved driving comfort, there is an clear evidence of reduced component wear. The range of new spring loaded auto top link completely covers the different requirements of modern agriculture. The new spring loaded auto top link are compatible and interchangeable in comparison with manual or mechanical and hydraulic top links. They can be installed without additional components, and no additional space is required.
The following drawings are illustrative of particular examples for enabling systems and methods of the present disclosure, are descriptive of some of the methods and mechanism, and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. The drawings are not to scale (unless so stated) and are intended for use in conjunction with the explanations in the following detailed description.
Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and may represent both hardware and software components of the system. Further, the dimensions of some of the elements in the figure may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help to improve understanding of various exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. Throughout the drawings, it should be noted that like reference numbers are used to depict the same or similar elements, features, and structures.
Exemplary embodiments now will be described. The disclosure may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein: rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey its scope to those skilled in the art. The terminology used in the detailed description of the particular exemplary embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings is not intended to be limiting. In the drawings, like numbers refer to like elements.
It is to be noted, however, that the reference numerals used herein illustrate only typical embodiments of the present subject matter, and are therefore, not to be considered for limiting of its scope, for the subject matter may admit to other equally effective embodiments.
The specification may refer to “an”, “one” or “some” embodiment(s) in several locations. This does not necessarily imply that each such reference is to the same embodiment(s), or that the feature only applies to a single embodiment. Single features of different embodiments may also be combined to provide other embodiments.
As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless expressly stated otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “includes”, “comprises”, “including” and/or “comprising” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. It will be understood that when an element is referred to as being “connected” or “coupled” to another element, it can be directly connected or coupled to the other element or intervening elements may be present. Furthermore, “connected” or “coupled” as used herein may include operatively connected or coupled. As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations and arrangements of one or more of the associated listed items.
Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure pertains. It will be further understood that terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.
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Vibrations in a vehicle are avoided by using the connector link of the invention and field operation becomes smooth. The structural failure because of sudden jerk or obstacle force is avoided and performance of vehicle is improved by the connector link of the invention. The connector link of the invention helps for predefining draft load for better applications. Draft load can be adjusted based on applications for better field work. The connector link of the invention helps in grading of a soil by mixing it with other types of soils of different grades. Thus, a compacted soil mass can be achieved by using the novel system. The connector link of the invention provides for additional features or embodiments: Safety of structural parts of Three Point Linkage (TPL): The external load is fully borne by the spring loaded automatic connector link and also protects all other structural parts of TPL from damage.
Optimizing of the depth and draft while cultivating: The automatic connector link helps in adjusting depth and draft while cultivating depending upon types of soil and field in which it is being used. Compatibility with Vehicles: The automatic connector link can be use as compatible with all categories of vehicle.
In short, the connector link (1):
Current invention has been discussed specifically with full disclosure. However, numerous changes can be made in the detail of structures, combinations, and part arrangement along with technical advancements that will be implemented in near future without changing the spirit and scope of the invention.
Although the invention has been described with reference to specific embodiments, this description is not meant to be construed in a limiting sense. Various modifications of the disclosed embodiments, as well as alternate embodiments of the invention, will become apparent to persons skilled in the art upon reference to the description of the invention. It is therefore, contemplated that such modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention as defined.
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 202211072672 | Dec 2022 | IN | national |
