Adjustable Hitch Device for Grain Conveyor Elevation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing conveyor systems for transporting granular materials are complex, require multiple moving parts, and lack compactness for transport and storage due to their adjustable frames, which restrict their ability to efficiently change elevation angles for operation and storage.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable hydraulic hitch device that allows a portable grain conveyor to pivot vertically, using a tongue, rigid arm, and displacement member, powered by a hydraulic system, to elevate or lower the conveyor for operation or storage, facilitating increased height during use and reduced profile for transport.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If an adjustable frame or sliding support is used to change the conveyor's elevation angle, then the conveyor can accommodate various vehicle and storage bin sizes, but the device complexity increases and the compactness for transport and storage is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The support assembly is divided into a tongue segment attached to the vehicle and a rigid arm segment attached to the conveyor, with a displacement member connecting them. This segmentation allows independent movement and adjustment of each segment, reducing overall complexity while maintaining adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The rigid arm is designed to pivot vertically relative to the tongue, creating a dynamic adjustment mechanism. The displacement member (hydraulic cylinder) enables active control of the elevation angle, allowing the system to adapt to different operating conditions while maintaining a compact configuration during transport.
2Reliability
If a separate power system is used to raise and lower the conveyor's housing, then the elevation adjustment is reliable, but the device complexity and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The displacement member (hydraulic cylinder) serves multiple functions: it adjusts the elevation angle of the conveyor, controls the positioning of the rigid arm, and can be integrated with either the vehicle's or conveyor's existing hydraulic system. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for a separate independent power system while maintaining reliable elevation adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses a hydraulic cylinder (displacement member) to provide reliable and controlled elevation adjustment. By utilizing hydraulic principles, the system achieves reliable positioning and force multiplication without requiring complex mechanical linkages or separate power systems, thereby reducing overall device complexity.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables the conveyor to achieve higher elevations during operation and a lower profile for transport and storage, improving operational efficiency and compactness by allowing the conveyor to adjust its angle and height using a simplified hydraulic system.
Implementation Method 1
an adjustable hydraulic hitch device that allows a portable grain conveyor to pivot vertically, using a tongue, rigid arm, and displacement member, powered by a hydraulic system
Data Source
AI summary
An adjustable hitch device for coupling a towing vehicle to a towed implement or trailer is adapted for changing the coupling angle between the vehicle and the implement and also for changing the elevation angle of the implement. An elongated, rigid link is pivotally coupled at a first end to a hitch mechanism coupled to the vehicle and at a second, opposed end to a forward portion of the implement. An intermediate portion of the link is pivotally coupled to one end of a hydraulic cylinder, while a second, opposed end of the hydraulic cylinder is coupled to a forward portion of the implement. Extension of the cylinder lowers the implement's forward portion and raises its aft portion, while retraction of the cylinder has an opposite effect. In this manner, the height of the implement may be increased for use in operation or may be lowered for transport or storage.