Adjustable Vehicle Hitch Hydraulics for Selectable Downforce
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle hitch systems lack flexibility and efficiency in raising and lowering attachments, particularly when additional downward force is required for certain operations.
Innovation Solution
A hydraulic system that allows the hitch to be configured between single-acting and double-acting modes, utilizing pressurized fluid to apply a positive downward force when needed and relying on gravity for efficiency when not required, with a mode valve controlling the operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If a hydraulic system uses single-acting configuration for hitch lowering, then energy efficiency is improved by relying on gravity, but the ability to apply positive downward force is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The hydraulic system dynamically switches between single-acting and double-acting configurations based on operational requirements. The mode valve allows the system to adapt its acting mode in real-time, enabling gravity-assisted lowering in single-acting mode for energy efficiency, and hydraulic force application in double-acting mode when additional downward force is needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameter of the hydraulic cylinder from single-acting to double-acting configuration by reconfiguring the fluid system connections through the mode valve. This parameter change allows the same physical component to exhibit different functional characteristics, providing both energy-efficient gravity-based operation and hydraulic force application capability.
2Force
If a hydraulic system uses double-acting configuration for hitch lowering, then the ability to apply positive downward force is improved, but energy efficiency is reduced due to continuous fluid supply requirement
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically selects the appropriate acting mode based on task requirements. When heavy downward force is needed, the double-acting configuration is engaged; when energy efficiency is prioritized and gravity suffices, the single-acting configuration is used. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction by making the system's force application capability conditional rather than continuous.
Solution Approach 2:
The hydraulic system achieves multi-functionality by incorporating both single-acting and double-acting capabilities within the same physical infrastructure. The mode valve enables the system to perform both gravity-assisted lowering and hydraulic force application, making the system universally applicable to various operational scenarios without requiring separate systems.
3Device complexity
If the hitch system provides fixed configuration only, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to different operational requirements is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The hitch system transitions from a fixed configuration to a dynamic, reconfigurable system. The mode valve enables real-time switching between single-acting and double-acting configurations, allowing the system to adapt its behavior based on operational needs while maintaining a relatively simple physical structure.
Solution Approach 2:
By integrating both single-acting and double-acting capabilities into one unified system, the invention achieves multi-functionality without proportionally increasing complexity. The same hydraulic cylinder and fluid system serve dual purposes, with the mode valve acting as a simple switching mechanism that enables adaptability across different operational scenarios.
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
Provides flexibility and efficiency in operating vehicle attachments by allowing operators to select between single-acting and double-acting configurations, enhancing the vehicle's operational capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
A hydraulic system allows the hitch to be configured between single-acting and double-acting modes, utilizing pressurized fluid to apply a positive downward force when needed
Implementation Method 2
relying on gravity for efficiency when not required
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle includes a frame, a hitch coupled to the frame, a cylinder positioned to move the hitch relative to the frame, the cylinder having a first chamber and a second chamber, and a fluid system fluidly coupled to the cylinder. The fluid system includes an action select valve reconfigurable between a single-acting configuration and a double-acting configuration. The fluid system is configured to supply a fluid to the first chamber to raise the hitch. When the action select valve is in the double-acting configuration, the fluid system controls the cylinder to lower the hitch by draining the fluid from the first chamber and supplying the fluid to the second chamber. When the action select valve is in the single-acting configuration, the fluid system controls the cylinder to lower the hitch by draining the fluid from the first chamber without supplying the fluid to the second chamber.