Adjustable Quick Hitch Structure for Easier Implement Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing quick hitches for agricultural vehicles often require complex alignment and positioning of tractor implements, and their adjustable dimensions are limited, leading to inefficiencies in coupling various implements to the tractor.
Innovation Solution
A quick hitch design featuring horizontally aligned joints between the top link member and leg members, allowing for easy attachment and detachment of leg members, with vertically inserted fasteners for enhanced strength and clearance, and adjustable configurations for varying implement widths.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If vertical joints are used between leg members and top link member, then alignment is simpler, but the coupling strength is reduced and clearance requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional vertical joint arrangement by using horizontal joints between the leg members and top link member. This inversion allows fasteners to be inserted vertically from above or below, combining the alignment simplicity of vertical joints with the structural advantages of horizontal joint positioning, thereby achieving both ease of operation and enhanced coupling strength
2Ease of operation
If horizontal fastener insertion is used for vertical joints, then attachment is straightforward, but clearance between quick hitch and vehicle parts is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the fastener insertion direction by having fasteners insert vertically from above or below rather than horizontally from the side. This inversion provides greater clearance between the quick hitch and vehicle parts such as rear fenders, while maintaining straightforward attachment through the vertical insertion path
3Device complexity
If fixed dimension quick hitch is used, then structure is simpler, but adaptability to various implement configurations is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the quick hitch frame into separable leg members that can be independently removed and repositioned. This segmentation allows the leg members to be swapped from one side of the top link member to the other, enabling adjustment of the width between lower fittings to accommodate implements of differing widths while maintaining relatively simple structure
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates dynamic adjustability by allowing the leg members to be repositioned between different sides of the top link member. This creates a dynamically adjustable width configuration that can adapt to various implement requirements without requiring a completely different hitch structure
Data Source
AI summary
A quick hitch for an agricultural vehicle has a frame with an elongate top link member and a pair of leg members removably attached to the top link member. The top link member has a central portion extending generally horizontally in a lateral direction and a pair of side regions which extend laterally outwardly and downwardly from the central portion. Each leg member is removably attached to a distal end of a respective one of the side regions via a generally horizontally aligned joint. Each leg member may be secured to the top link member by fasteners which extend vertically, and which may be inserted and removed from above. The leg members may be attachable to the top link member in a first configuration to provide a quick hitch having a first width and in a second configuration to provide a quick hitch having a second width.