Bucket Hitch Bracket Repositioning Without Crane Handling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional dragline buckets require manual and cumbersome handling of heavy rigging assembly components, necessitating the use of cranes for repositioning hitch locations, which is inefficient and labor-intensive.

Innovation Solution

A hitch assembly with a bracket and mechanical fasteners that allows for easy repositioning of the bracket at multiple hitch locations on the bucket, facilitated by a second mechanical fastener that pivots relative to the bucket, and an adjustment mechanism for smooth movement between these locations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If manual handling of heavy rigging assembly components is used to reposition hitch locations, then the bucket can be maneuvered at different positions, but the operation becomes labor-intensive and requires cranes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehitch location repositioning capabilityVSAvoidoperational effort required

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The bracket is designed to rotate dynamically between different hitch locations along the bucket. The rotation mechanism allows the bracket to move from a first hitch location to a second hitch location by rotating around a pivot point, enabling easy repositioning without manual handling of heavy components

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The hitch assembly is segmented into a bracket that can be independently positioned at multiple discrete hitch locations on the bucket. This segmentation allows the bracket to be repositioned to different locations (first hitch location, second hitch location) based on operational requirements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Strength

If the bracket is made heavy to withstand operational loads, then structural strength is improved, but handling and repositioning becomes more cumbersome

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebracket structural strengthVSAvoidbracket repositioning ease

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The bracket incorporates a rotation mechanism that allows it to move dynamically between fixed hitch locations. This dynamic capability enables the bracket to be repositioned easily despite its weight, as the rotation occurs around a pivot point rather than requiring full manual relocation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

A rotation mechanism serves as an intermediary between the heavy bracket and the operator. This intermediary allows the bracket to be repositioned by rotating it to different angular positions corresponding to different hitch locations, reducing the effort required compared to manual handling

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS12529204B2Hitch assembly for bucket

Publication Date: 2026.01.20 CATERPILLAR GLOBAL MINING LLC

AI summary

A hitch assembly for a bucket of a work machine includes a bracket adapted to be removably coupled with the bucket at any one of a plurality of hitch locations. The bracket defines a first bracket end and a second bracket end. The bracket is adapted to be coupled with a drag chain proximal to the first bracket end. The hitch assembly also includes one or more first mechanical fasteners adapted to removably couple the bracket with the bucket. The hitch assembly further includes a second mechanical fastener adapted to be coupled with each of the bucket and the bracket proximal to the second bracket end. Based on a removal of the one or more first mechanical fasteners from the bucket and the bracket, the bracket and the second mechanical fastener rotate relative to the bucket for disposing the bracket at any one of the plurality of hitch locations.