The present disclosure relates to the field of tractors. In particular, the present disclosure relates to the field of arrangements for varying the ground clearance of a tractor.
BACKGROUND
Ground clearance refers to the amount of space present between a base of an automobile tire and the lowest point, typically the axle, of the vehicle. More specifically, ground clearance refers to the shortest distance between a flat, level surface, and the lowest part of a vehicle other than those parts designed to contact the ground such as tires, tracks, skis, etc. In a conventional tractor, the ground clearance is fixed and if the operator wishes to vary the ground clearance for a specific requirement, the only alternatives available are to either opt for a permanent change in ground clearance of the vehicle or has to use a different vehicle with required ground clearance. This is not desirable because in some applications, the front axle of the tractor needs to have a higher ground clearance to accommodate the crops without harming them. In such a scenario, as mentioned before, the operator has to use a different tractor having a higher ground clearance. This necessitates the expenditure of cost associated with the purchasing or renting of the tractor with a higher ground clearance.
Therefore, in order to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks associated with the conventional tractors, there is felt a need for an arrangement for varying ground clearance of a tractor, which eliminates the need of using a different tractor just for addressing the ground clearance requirements associated with different agricultural operations.
OBJECTS
Some of the objects of the present disclosure, which at least one embodiment herein satisfies are as follows.

An object of present disclosure is to provide an arrangement for varying ground clearance of a tractor, which eliminates the need of using a different tractor just for addressing the ground clearance requirements associated with different agricultural operations.
Another object of the present disclosure is to provide an arrangement for varying ground clearance of a tractor using which an operator can easily vary the ground clearance of the tractor.
Other objects and advantages of the present disclosure will be more apparent from the following description when read in conjunction with the accompanying figure, which are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.
SUMMARY
The present disclosure envisages an arrangement for varying ground clearance of a tractor. The arrangement comprises a front axle having a first operative end and a second operative end, wherein the front axle having tubular sections configured at the first operative end and the second operative end. A sleeve is securely disposed within each of the tubular sections. A kingpin is slidably received and securely coupled to each of the sleeve and is configured to facilitate coupling between wheels of the tractor and the front axle, wherein the slidable movement of the kingpin within the sleeves facilitates variation of the ground clearance of the tractor.
In an embodiment, each of the kingpins is securely coupled to the wheels via a stub axle having a first operative end and a second operative end, wherein the first operative end of the stub axle is operably connected to the wheels, and the second operative end of the stub axle is configured to securely receive the kingpin.
In another embodiment, the stub axle has an internally splined opening configured at the second operative end.

In another embodiment, the kingpin has a splined configuration for being securely received within the internally splined opening of the stub axle.
In another embodiment, the arrangement further comprises a hollow cup secured on an operative top end of each of the sleeves for preventing dust ingress thereinto.
In an embodiment, the hollow cups can be made as rubber or a plastic part, which will be snugly fit on the sleeves. In another embodiment, the hollow cups can also be a metallic part with lower end having internal threads further screwed onto external thread on top end of sleeves.
In another embodiment, the arrangement further comprises a steering arm coupled with the sleeves, wherein the steering arm is configured to transmit the motion of a steering wheel of the tractor to the sleeve.
In a first ground clearance position (GC1) of the arrangement, the motion of the steering arm is transmitted to the sleeves and the kingpins, wherein a substantial length of the kingpins is received within the sleeves and an operative bottom portion of the kingpins is received at the second operative end of the stub axles.
In a second ground clearance position (GC2) of the arrangement, the motion of the steering arm is transmitted to the sleeves and the kingpins, wherein in an extended configuration of the kingpins, an operative upper portion of the kingpins is connected to an operative bottom portion of the sleeves, and an operative bottom portion of the kingpin is received at the second operative end of the stub axle.
In an embodiment, the sleeve has an internally splined portion configured at operative bottom portion thereof for transmitting the motion of the steering arm to the kingpin in the second ground clearance position (GC2) of the arrangement.

In an embodiment, the secure coupling between the kingpin and the sleeve, and the secure coupling between the kingpin and the stub axle are facilitated via fasteners and splines.
The present disclosure also envisages a method for varying a ground clearance of a tractor.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWING
An arrangement for varying ground clearance of a tractor, of the present disclosure, will now be described with the help of the accompanying drawing, in which:
Fig. 1 illustrates an isometric view of a chassis of a tractor having the arrangement, for varying the ground clearance of the tractor, employed at an operative front axle of the chassis, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
Fig. 2A illustrates a front view of the arrangement for varying the ground clearance of the tractor, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
Fig. 2B illustrates a front view of the arrangement of Fig. 2A, in which the ground clearance of the tractor is highest.
Fig. 3 A illustrates a sectional view of the arrangement of Fig. 2A.
Fig. 3B illustrates a sectional view of the arrangement of Fig. 2B.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Fig. 1 illustrates an isometric view of a chassis 102 of a tractor having the arrangement for varying the ground clearance of the tractor 100 (hereinafter referred to as arrangement 100) employed at an operative front axle 102A of the chassis 102.

Referring to Fig. 2A through Fig. 3B, the arrangement 100 comprises a front axle 102A having a first operative end 102A' and a second operative end 102A", wherein the front axle 102A has tubular sections 104A', 104A" configured at the first operative end 102A' and the second operative end 102A" respectively. A sleeve 106A', 106A" (as shown in Fig. 3A and Fig. 3B) is securely guided within each of the tubular sections 104A', 104A". In an embodiment, the sleeves 106A', 106A" are retained at the lower end within the tubular sections 104A', 104A" by thrust produced from ground via kingpin 110A' and 110A" (assembled with fasteners 108) and at the top end sleeves are secured with steering arm 118A', 118A" via fasteners. To reduce the steering effort, thrust bearing 130 can be added. In an embodiment, the fastener 108 includes a bolt and nut assembly and a spring washer. In an embodiment, the nut is a hex nut or nyloc nut.
The arrangement 100 further comprises a kingpin 110A', 110A" is slidably received within each of the sleeve 106A', 106A" and is configured to facilitate coupling between wheels 112 of the tractor and the front axle 102A, wherein the slidable movement of the kingpin 110A', 110A" within the sleeves 106A', 106A" facilitates variation of the ground clearance of the tractor. The operative configuration of the arrangement 100 is described in the subsequent sections of the present disclosure.
In an embodiment, each of the kingpins 110A', 110A" is coupled to the wheels via a stub axle 114A', 114A". In an embodiment, the stub axle 114A' has a first operative end 114A'-1 and a second operative end 114A'-2, wherein the first operative end 114A'-1 of the stub axle 114A' is operably connected to the wheels 112, and the second operative end 114 A'-2 of the stub axle 114 A' is configured to securely receive the kingpin 110A'. In another embodiment, the kingpin 110A', 110A" has a splined configuration for being securely received within the stub axle 114A', 114A" and guided inside hub of sleeves 106A' and 106A". More specifically, the stub axle 114A' has an internally splined opening configured at the second operative end 114A'-2 for receiving the splined portion of the kingpin 110A'. Similarly, the stub axle 114A" also has a splined opening thereon for

receiving the splined portion of the kingpin 110A". The secure coupling between the kingpin 110A', 110A" and the stub axle 114A', 114A" is facilitated via a plurality of notches 122 configured at the operative bottom portion of the kingpin 110A', 110A". More specifically, a fastener 124 such as a screw or a nut and bolt assembly is used as the fastening means that passes through the notches 122 aligned with the corresponding apertures configured on the stub axle 114A', 114A". In yet another embodiment, the secure coupling between the kingpin 110A', 110A" and the stub axle 114A', 114A" is facilitated via fastening means such as nut and bolt assembly passing through complementary apertures that are configured on the stub axle 114A', 114A" and the kingpin 110A', 110A". In an embodiment, the nut is a hex nut or nyloc nut.
The arrangement 100 further comprises a hollow cup 116A', 116A" secured on an operative top end of each of the sleeves 106A', 106A" for preventing the dust ingress thereinto. It is to be noted that the interface or the surface contact between the kingpin 110A', 110A" and the sleeve 106A', 106A" may have an oil film therebetween to facilitate smooth sliding movement of the kingpin 110A', 110A" within the sleeve 106A', 106A". In order to prevent the formation of the sludge in between the kingpin 110A', 110A" and the sleeve 106A', 106A", the hollow cup 116A', 116A" secured on the operative top end of each of the sleeves 106A', 106A". In an embodiment, the hollow cups 116A', 116A" can be made as rubber or a plastic part, which will be snugly fit on the sleeves 106A', 106A". In another embodiment, the hollow cups 116A', 116A" can also be a metallic part with lower end having internal threads further screwed onto external thread on top end of sleeves 106A', 106A". Similarly, at lower end of sleeve 106A' and 106A", seals 131 can be provided to prevent entry of foreign contaminants, viz., dust from ground.
In another embodiment, the arrangement 100 further comprises a steering arm 118A', 118A" coupled with the sleeves 106A', 106A", wherein the steering arm 118A', 118A" is configured to transmit the motion of a steering wheel (not shown in figures) of the tractor to the sleeve 106A', 106A". More specifically, the

steering arm 118A" is coupled with a drag link 120, which in turn is coupled with the steering wheel of the tractor. The presence of the splined coupling between the kingpin 110A', 110A" with the stub axle 114A', 114A" facilitates the slip-free transmission of the steering wheel motion to the wheels 112 of tractor.
The operative configuration of the arrangement 100 is hereinafter described with reference to Fig. 2A through Fig. 3B. The original ground clearance of the tractor is represented by the reference sign GC1 in Fig. 2A. For increasing the ground clearance, the operator uses mechanical devices such as jacks or any other means for lifting the chassis 102 of the tractor. Once the chassis 102 or the front axle 102A is lifted, the space below the chassis 102 or the front axle 102A becomes accessible to the operator. The operator then uses conventional tools to unfasten the connection between the kingpin 110A', 110A" and the sleeve 106A', 106A" and the connection between the kingpin 110A', 110A" and the stub axle 114A', 114A". Subsequent to the unfastening, the kingpin 110A', 110A" is slidably displaced within the sleeve 106A', 106A" and secured at an increased elevation, as seen in Fig. 2B. The increased ground clearance is denoted by the reference sign GC2.
The method of transmitting the motion of the steering wheel to the wheels of the tractor is hereinafter described for different ground clearance positions. In a first ground clearance position (GC1) of the arrangement, the motion of the steering arm 118A', 118A" is transmitted to the sleeves 106A', 106A" and the kingpins 110A', 110A", wherein a substantial length of the kingpins 110A', 110A" is received within the sleeves 106A', 106A" and an operative bottom portion of the kingpins 110A', 110A" is received at the second operative end of the stub axles 114A', 114A". More specifically, in GC1 condition, steering arm 118A', 118A" rotate both and along with sleeves 106A', 106A" (guided in bush inside tubular section 104A', 104A" respectively) and kingpin 110A', 110A" which further steers the wheel 112 via connected stub axles 114A', 114A".

In a second ground clearance position (GC2) of the arrangement, the motion of the steering arm 118A’, 118A” is transmitted to the sleeves 106A’, 106A” and the kingpins 110A’, 110A”, wherein in an extended configuration of the kingpins 110A’, 110A”, an operative upper portion of the kingpins 110A’, 110A” 5 is connected to an operative bottom portion of the sleeves 106A’, 106A”, and an operative bottom portion of the kingpin 110A’, 110A” is received at the second operative end of the stub axle 114A’, 114A”. More specifically, in GC2 condition, steering arm 118A’, 118A” rotate sleeves 106A’, 106A” which is guided in bush inside tubular section 104A’, 104A” respectively. Kingpin 110A, 110A” guided at 10 lower end splined hub of sleeves 106A’, 106A” gets drive from rotated sleeves 106A’, 106A” which further steers the wheel 112 via connected stub axles 114A’, 114A”.
In yet another embodiment, the arrangement 100 includes motor assisted system for lifting the chassis 102 or the front axle 102A. In yet another embodiment, the 15 arrangement 100 includes hydraulic or pneumatic means for lifting the chassis 102 or the front axle 102A. In accordance with the present disclosure, the arrangement 100 includes a switch that is accessible to the driver/operator of the vehicle proximal the steering wheel for actuating the aforementioned motor assisted system or hydraulic means or pneumatic means.
20 TECHNICAL ADVANCEMENTS
The present disclosure described herein above has several technical advantages including, but not limited to, an arrangement for varying ground clearance of a tractor, which:
• eliminates the need of using a different tractor just for addressing the
25 ground clearance requirements associated with different agricultural
operations; and
• an operator can easily vary the ground clearance of the tractor.
9

The disclosure has been described with reference to the accompanying embodiments which do not limit the scope and ambit of the disclosure. The description provided is purely by way of example and illustration.
The embodiments herein and the various features and advantageous details thereof
5 are explained with reference to the non-limiting embodiments in the following
description. Descriptions of well-known components and processing techniques
are omitted so as to not unnecessarily obscure the embodiments herein. The
examples used herein are intended merely to facilitate an understanding of ways
in which the embodiments herein may be practiced and to further enable those of
10 skill in the art to practice the embodiments herein. Accordingly, the examples
should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments herein.
The foregoing description of the specific embodiments so fully revealed the general nature of the embodiments herein that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific
15 embodiments without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such
adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Therefore, while the embodiments
20 herein have been described in terms of preferred embodiments, those skilled in the
art will recognize that the embodiments herein can be practiced with modification within the spirit and scope of the embodiments as described herein.
Throughout this specification the word “comprise”, or variations such as
“comprises” or “comprising”, will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated
25 element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps, but not the
exclusion of any other element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps.
10

The use of the expression "at least" or "at least one" suggests the use of one or more elements or ingredients or quantities, as the use may be in the embodiment of the disclosure to achieve one or more of the desired objects or results.
Any discussion of documents, acts, materials, devices, articles or the like that has been included in this specification is solely for the purpose of providing a context for the disclosure. It is not to be taken as an admission that any or all of these matters form a part of the prior art base or were common general knowledge in the field relevant to the disclosure as it existed anywhere before the priority date of this application.
The numerical values mentioned for the various physical parameters, dimensions or quantities are only approximations and it is envisaged that the values higher/lower than the numerical values assigned to the parameters, dimensions or quantities fall within the scope of the disclosure, unless there is a statement in the specification specific to the contrary.
While considerable emphasis has been placed herein on the components and component parts of the preferred embodiments, it will be appreciated that many embodiments can be made and that many changes can be made in the preferred embodiments without departing from the principles of the disclosure. These and other changes in the preferred embodiment as well as other embodiments of the disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the disclosure herein, whereby it is to be distinctly understood that the foregoing descriptive matter is to be interpreted merely as illustrative of the disclosure and not as a limitation.

Claims:

1.An arrangement for varying ground clearance of a tractor, said arrangement comprising:
a front axle having a first operative end and a second operative end, said front axle having tubular sections configured at said first operative end and said second operative end;
a sleeve securely disposed within each of said tubular sections; and
a kingpin slidably received and securely coupled to each of said sleeve, said kingpin configured to facilitate coupling between wheels of said tractor and said front axle, wherein the slidable movement of said kingpin within said sleeves facilitates variation of the ground clearance of said tractor.
2. The arrangement as claimed in claim 1, wherein each of said kingpin is securely coupled to said wheels via stub axle having a first operative end and a second operative end, wherein said first operative end of said stub axle is operably connected to said wheels, and said second operative end of said stub axle is configured to securely receive said kingpin.
3. The arrangement as claimed in claim 2, wherein said stub axle has an internally splined opening configured at said second operative end.
4. The arrangement as claimed in claim 3, wherein said kingpin has a spline configuration for being securely received within said internally splined opening of said stub axle.
5. The arrangement as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a hollow cup secured on an operative top end of each of said sleeves for preventing dust ingress thereinto
6. The arrangement as claimed in claim 5, wherein said hollow cup is a rubber or a plastic part snugly fitted on said sleeves.
7. The arrangement as claimed in claim 5, wherein said hollow cup is a metallic part with a lower end thereof having internal threads for being screwed onto external threads configured on top end of said sleeves.
8. The arrangement as claimed 2, further comprising a steering arm coupled with said sleeves, wherein said steering arm is configured to transmit the motion of a steering wheel of said tractor to said sleeve.
9. The arrangement as claimed in claim 8, wherein in a first ground clearance position (GC1) of said arrangement, the motion of said steering arm is transmitted to said sleeves and said kingpin, wherein a substantial length of said kingpin is received within said sleeve and an operative bottom portion of said kingpin is received at said second operative end of said stub axle.
10. The arrangement as claimed in claim 8, wherein in a second ground clearance position (GC2) of said arrangement, the motion of said steering arm is transmitted to said sleeves and said kingpins, wherein in an extended configuration of said kingpins, an operative upper portion of said kingpins is connected to an operative bottom portion of said sleeves, and an operative bottom portion of said kingpin is received at said second operative end of said stub axle.
11. The arrangement as claimed in claim 10, wherein said sleeve has an internally splined portion configured at operative bottom portion thereof for transmitting the motion of said steering arm to said kingpin in said second ground clearance position (GC2) of said arrangement.
12. The arrangement as claimed in claim 2, wherein the secure coupling between said kingpin and said sleeve, and the secure coupling between said kingpin and said stub axle are facilitated via fasteners and splines.
13. A method for varying a ground clearance of a tractor comprising the steps of:
providing tubular sections at first operative end and a second operative end of a front axle;
disposing a sleeve within each tubular section;
slidably receiving a kingpin within each sleeve and securely coupling said kingpin thereto, wherein the slidable movement of said kingpin within said sleeve facilitates variation of the ground clearance of said tractor.
14. The method as claimed in claim 13, further comprising the step of providing a steering arm coupled with said sleeves, wherein said steering arm is configured to transmit the motion of a steering wheel of said tractor to said sleeve.
15. The method as claimed in claim 14, further comprising, in a first ground clearance position (GC1) of said front axle, the step of transmitting the motion of said steering arm to said sleeves and said kingpin, wherein a substantial length of said kingpin is received within said sleeve and an operative bottom portion of said kingpin is received at a stub axle connected to a wheel of said tractor.
16. The method as claimed in claim 14, further comprising, in a second ground clearance position (GC2) of said front axle, the step of transmitting the motion of said steering arm to said sleeves and said kingpin, wherein in an extended configuration of said kingpin, an operative upper portion of said kingpins is connected to an operative bottom portion of said sleeves, and an operative bottom portion of said kingpin is received at a stub axle connected to a wheel of said tractor. , Description:FIELD
The present disclosure relates to the field of tractors. In particular, the present disclosure relates to the field of arrangements for varying the ground clearance of a tractor.
BACKGROUND
Ground clearance refers to the amount of space present between a base of an automobile tire and the lowest point, typically the axle, of the vehicle. More specifically, ground clearance refers to the shortest distance between a flat, level surface, and the lowest part of a vehicle other than those parts designed to contact the ground such as tires, tracks, skis, etc. In a conventional tractor, the ground clearance is fixed and if the operator wishes to vary the ground clearance for a specific requirement, the only alternatives available are to either opt for a permanent change in ground clearance of the vehicle or has to use a different vehicle with required ground clearance. This is not desirable because in some applications, the front axle of the tractor needs to have a higher ground clearance to accommodate the crops without harming them. In such a scenario, as mentioned before, the operator has to use a different tractor having a higher ground clearance. This necessitates the expenditure of cost associated with the purchasing or renting of the tractor with a higher ground clearance.
Therefore, in order to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks associated with the conventional tractors, there is felt a need for an arrangement for varying ground clearance of a tractor, which eliminates the need of using a different tractor just for addressing the ground clearance requirements associated with different agricultural operations.
OBJECTS
Some of the objects of the present disclosure, which at least one embodiment herein satisfies are as follows.
An object of present disclosure is to provide an arrangement for varying ground clearance of a tractor, which eliminates the need of using a different tractor just for addressing the ground clearance requirements associated with different agricultural operations.
Another object of the present disclosure is to provide an arrangement for varying ground clearance of a tractor using which an operator can easily vary the ground clearance of the tractor.
Other objects and advantages of the present disclosure will be more apparent from the following description when read in conjunction with the accompanying figure, which are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.
SUMMARY
The present disclosure envisages an arrangement for varying ground clearance of a tractor. The arrangement comprises a front axle having a first operative end and a second operative end, wherein the front axle having tubular sections configured at the first operative end and the second operative end. A sleeve is securely disposed within each of the tubular sections. A kingpin is slidably received and securely coupled to each of the sleeve and is configured to facilitate coupling between wheels of the tractor and the front axle, wherein the slidable movement of the kingpin within the sleeves facilitates variation of the ground clearance of the tractor.
In an embodiment, each of the kingpins is securely coupled to the wheels via a stub axle having a first operative end and a second operative end, wherein the first operative end of the stub axle is operably connected to the wheels, and the second operative end of the stub axle is configured to securely receive the kingpin.
In another embodiment, the stub axle has an internally splined opening configured at the second operative end.
In another embodiment, the kingpin has a splined configuration for being securely received within the internally splined opening of the stub axle.
In another embodiment, the arrangement further comprises a hollow cup secured on an operative top end of each of the sleeves for preventing dust ingress thereinto.
In an embodiment, the hollow cups can be made as rubber or a plastic part, which will be snugly fit on the sleeves. In another embodiment, the hollow cups can also be a metallic part with lower end having internal threads further screwed onto external thread on top end of sleeves.
In another embodiment, the arrangement further comprises a steering arm coupled with the sleeves, wherein the steering arm is configured to transmit the motion of a steering wheel of the tractor to the sleeve.
In a first ground clearance position (GC1) of the arrangement, the motion of the steering arm is transmitted to the sleeves and the kingpins, wherein a substantial length of the kingpins is received within the sleeves and an operative bottom portion of the kingpins is received at the second operative end of the stub axles.
In a second ground clearance position (GC2) of the arrangement, the motion of the steering arm is transmitted to the sleeves and the kingpins, wherein in an extended configuration of the kingpins, an operative upper portion of the kingpins is connected to an operative bottom portion of the sleeves, and an operative bottom portion of the kingpin is received at the second operative end of the stub axle.
In an embodiment, the sleeve has an internally splined portion configured at operative bottom portion thereof for transmitting the motion of the steering arm to the kingpin in the second ground clearance position (GC2) of the arrangement.
In an embodiment, the secure coupling between the kingpin and the sleeve, and the secure coupling between the kingpin and the stub axle are facilitated via fasteners and splines.
The present disclosure also envisages a method for varying a ground clearance of a tractor.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWING
An arrangement for varying ground clearance of a tractor, of the present disclosure, will now be described with the help of the accompanying drawing, in which:
Fig. 1 illustrates an isometric view of a chassis of a tractor having the arrangement, for varying the ground clearance of the tractor, employed at an operative front axle of the chassis, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
Fig. 2A illustrates a front view of the arrangement for varying the ground clearance of the tractor, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
Fig. 2B illustrates a front view of the arrangement of Fig. 2A, in which the ground clearance of the tractor is highest.
Fig. 3A illustrates a sectional view of the arrangement of Fig. 2A.
Fig. 3B illustrates a sectional view of the arrangement of Fig. 2B.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Fig. 1 illustrates an isometric view of a chassis 102 of a tractor having the arrangement for varying the ground clearance of the tractor 100 (hereinafter referred to as arrangement 100) employed at an operative front axle 102A of the chassis 102.
Referring to Fig. 2A through Fig. 3B, the arrangement 100 comprises a front axle 102A having a first operative end 102A’ and a second operative end 102A”, wherein the front axle 102A has tubular sections 104A’, 104A” configured at the first operative end 102A’ and the second operative end 102A” respectively. A sleeve 106A’, 106A” (as shown in Fig. 3A and Fig. 3B) is securely guided within each of the tubular sections 104A’, 104A”. In an embodiment, the sleeves 106A’, 106A’’ are retained at the lower end within the tubular sections 104A’, 104A” by thrust produced from ground via kingpin 110A’ and 110A” (assembled with fasteners 108) and at the top end sleeves are secured with steering arm 118A’, 118A” via fasteners. To reduce the steering effort, thrust bearing 130 can be added. In an embodiment, the fastener 108 includes a bolt and nut assembly and a spring washer. In an embodiment, the nut is a hex nut or nyloc nut.
The arrangement 100 further comprises a kingpin 110A’, 110A” is slidably received within each of the sleeve 106A’, 106A” and is configured to facilitate coupling between wheels 112 of the tractor and the front axle 102A, wherein the slidable movement of the kingpin 110A’, 110A” within the sleeves 106A’, 106A” facilitates variation of the ground clearance of the tractor. The operative configuration of the arrangement 100 is described in the subsequent sections of the present disclosure.
In an embodiment, each of the kingpins 110A’, 110A” is coupled to the wheels via a stub axle 114A’, 114A”. In an embodiment, the stub axle 114A’ has a first operative end 114A’-1 and a second operative end 114A’-2, wherein the first operative end 114A’-1 of the stub axle 114A’ is operably connected to the wheels 112, and the second operative end 114A’-2 of the stub axle 114A’ is configured to securely receive the kingpin 110A’. In another embodiment, the kingpin 110A’, 110A” has a splined configuration for being securely received within the stub axle 114A’, 114A” and guided inside hub of sleeves 106A’ and 106A”. More specifically, the stub axle 114A’ has an internally splined opening configured at the second operative end 114A’-2 for receiving the splined portion of the kingpin 110A’. Similarly, the stub axle 114A” also has a splined opening thereon for receiving the splined portion of the kingpin 110A”. The secure coupling between the kingpin 110A’, 110A” and the stub axle 114A’, 114A” is facilitated via a plurality of notches 122 configured at the operative bottom portion of the kingpin 110A’, 110A”. More specifically, a fastener 124 such as a screw or a nut and bolt assembly is used as the fastening means that passes through the notches 122 aligned with the corresponding apertures configured on the stub axle 114A’, 114A”. In yet another embodiment, the secure coupling between the kingpin 110A’, 110A” and the stub axle 114A’, 114A” is facilitated via fastening means such as nut and bolt assembly passing through complementary apertures that are configured on the stub axle 114A’, 114A” and the kingpin 110A’, 110A”. In an embodiment, the nut is a hex nut or nyloc nut.
The arrangement 100 further comprises a hollow cup 116A’, 116A” secured on an operative top end of each of the sleeves 106A’, 106A” for preventing the dust ingress thereinto. It is to be noted that the interface or the surface contact between the kingpin 110A’, 110A” and the sleeve 106A’, 106A” may have an oil film therebetween to facilitate smooth sliding movement of the kingpin 110A’, 110A” within the sleeve 106A’, 106A”. In order to prevent the formation of the sludge in between the kingpin 110A’, 110A” and the sleeve 106A’, 106A”, the hollow cup 116A’, 116A” secured on the operative top end of each of the sleeves 106A’, 106A”. In an embodiment, the hollow cups 116A’, 116A” can be made as rubber or a plastic part, which will be snugly fit on the sleeves 106A’, 106A”. In another embodiment, the hollow cups 116A’, 116A” can also be a metallic part with lower end having internal threads further screwed onto external thread on top end of sleeves 106A’, 106A”. Similarly, at lower end of sleeve 106A’ and 106A”, seals 131 can be provided to prevent entry of foreign contaminants, viz., dust from ground.
In another embodiment, the arrangement 100 further comprises a steering arm 118A’, 118A” coupled with the sleeves 106A’, 106A”, wherein the steering arm 118A’, 118A” is configured to transmit the motion of a steering wheel (not shown in figures) of the tractor to the sleeve 106A’, 106A”. More specifically, the steering arm 118A” is coupled with a drag link 120, which in turn is coupled with the steering wheel of the tractor. The presence of the splined coupling between the kingpin 110A’, 110A” with the stub axle 114A’, 114A” facilitates the slip-free transmission of the steering wheel motion to the wheels 112 of tractor.
The operative configuration of the arrangement 100 is hereinafter described with reference to Fig. 2A through Fig. 3B. The original ground clearance of the tractor is represented by the reference sign GC1 in Fig. 2A. For increasing the ground clearance, the operator uses mechanical devices such as jacks or any other means for lifting the chassis 102 of the tractor. Once the chassis 102 or the front axle 102A is lifted, the space below the chassis 102 or the front axle 102A becomes accessible to the operator. The operator then uses conventional tools to unfasten the connection between the kingpin 110A’, 110A” and the sleeve 106A’, 106A” and the connection between the kingpin 110A’, 110A” and the stub axle 114A’, 114A”. Subsequent to the unfastening, the kingpin 110A’, 110A” is slidably displaced within the sleeve 106A’, 106A” and secured at an increased elevation, as seen in Fig. 2B. The increased ground clearance is denoted by the reference sign GC2.
The method of transmitting the motion of the steering wheel to the wheels of the tractor is hereinafter described for different ground clearance positions. In a first ground clearance position (GC1) of the arrangement, the motion of the steering arm 118A’, 118A” is transmitted to the sleeves 106A’, 106A” and the kingpins 110A’, 110A”, wherein a substantial length of the kingpins 110A’, 110A” is received within the sleeves 106A’, 106A” and an operative bottom portion of the kingpins 110A’, 110A” is received at the second operative end of the stub axles 114A’, 114A”. More specifically, in GC1 condition, steering arm 118A’, 118A” rotate both and along with sleeves 106A’, 106A” (guided in bush inside tubular section 104A’, 104A” respectively) and kingpin 110A’, 110A” which further steers the wheel 112 via connected stub axles 114A’, 114A”.
In a second ground clearance position (GC2) of the arrangement, the motion of the steering arm 118A’, 118A” is transmitted to the sleeves 106A’, 106A” and the kingpins 110A’, 110A”, wherein in an extended configuration of the kingpins110A’, 110A”, an operative upper portion of the kingpins 110A’, 110A” is connected to an operative bottom portion of the sleeves 106A’, 106A”, and an operative bottom portion of the kingpin 110A’, 110A” is received at the second operative end of the stub axle 114A’, 114A”. More specifically, in GC2 condition, steering arm 118A’, 118A” rotate sleeves 106A’, 106A” which is guided in bush inside tubular section 104A’, 104A” respectively. Kingpin 110A, 110A” guided at lower end splined hub of sleeves 106A’, 106A” gets drive from rotated sleeves 106A’, 106A” which further steers the wheel 112 via connected stub axles 114A’, 114A”.
In yet another embodiment, the arrangement 100 includes motor assisted system for lifting the chassis 102 or the front axle 102A. In yet another embodiment, the arrangement 100 includes hydraulic or pneumatic means for lifting the chassis 102 or the front axle 102A. In accordance with the present disclosure, the arrangement 100 includes a switch that is accessible to the driver/operator of the vehicle proximal the steering wheel for actuating the aforementioned motor assisted system or hydraulic means or pneumatic means.
TECHNICAL ADVANCEMENTS
The present disclosure described herein above has several technical advantages including, but not limited to, an arrangement for varying ground clearance of a tractor, which:
• eliminates the need of using a different tractor just for addressing the ground clearance requirements associated with different agricultural operations; and
• an operator can easily vary the ground clearance of the tractor.
The disclosure has been described with reference to the accompanying embodiments which do not limit the scope and ambit of the disclosure. The description provided is purely by way of example and illustration.
The embodiments herein and the various features and advantageous details thereof are explained with reference to the non-limiting embodiments in the following description. Descriptions of well-known components and processing techniques are omitted so as to not unnecessarily obscure the embodiments herein. The examples used herein are intended merely to facilitate an understanding of ways in which the embodiments herein may be practiced and to further enable those of skill in the art to practice the embodiments herein. Accordingly, the examples should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments herein.
The foregoing description of the specific embodiments so fully revealed the general nature of the embodiments herein that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Therefore, while the embodiments herein have been described in terms of preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments herein can be practiced with modification within the spirit and scope of the embodiments as described herein.
Throughout this specification the word “comprise”, or variations such as “comprises” or “comprising”, will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps, but not the exclusion of any other element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps.
The use of the expression “at least” or “at least one” suggests the use of one or more elements or ingredients or quantities, as the use may be in the embodiment of the disclosure to achieve one or more of the desired objects or results.
Any discussion of documents, acts, materials, devices, articles or the like that has been included in this specification is solely for the purpose of providing a context for the disclosure. It is not to be taken as an admission that any or all of these matters form a part of the prior art base or were common general knowledge in the field relevant to the disclosure as it existed anywhere before the priority date of this application.
The numerical values mentioned for the various physical parameters, dimensions or quantities are only approximations and it is envisaged that the values higher/lower than the numerical values assigned to the parameters, dimensions or quantities fall within the scope of the disclosure, unless there is a statement in the specification specific to the contrary.
While considerable emphasis has been placed herein on the components and component parts of the preferred embodiments, it will be appreciated that many embodiments can be made and that many changes can be made in the preferred embodiments without departing from the principles of the disclosure. These and other changes in the preferred embodiment as well as other embodiments of the disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the disclosure herein, whereby it is to be distinctly understood that the foregoing descriptive matter is to be interpreted merely as illustrative of the disclosure and not as a limitation.