Clevis Hitch Storage Support With Auto Pin Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Clevis hitches are often stored in undesirable locations on tractors, leading to dirt and safety issues due to their manual handling and lack of secure storage solutions.
Innovation Solution
A dedicated storage support structure for clevis hitches that includes a base, guide members, and an actuator to automatically engage the coupling pin, allowing easy sliding and secure locking of the hitch without manual intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the clevis hitch is manually handled and stored in various locations on the tractor, then the operator can access it when needed, but this leads to dirt accumulation and safety issues
Solution Approach 1:
The storage support structure is pre-configured with guide members and actuator positioning elements that automatically guide the coupling pin into the correct engagement position when the clevis hitch is placed on the base, eliminating the need for manual positioning and reducing operator exposure to harmful environments
Solution Approach 2:
The storage support structure with its guide members and actuator system enables the clevis hitch to self-align and self-lock into the storage position without manual intervention, allowing the operator to simply place the hitch on the base while the system automatically completes the engagement
2Extent of automation
If the coupling pin is held in retracted position by a latch mechanism, then automatic engagement is achieved, but the latch must be released to remove the hitch
Solution Approach 1:
The latch mechanism is extracted from the clevis hitch itself and integrated into the storage support structure, allowing the latch to be engaged and disengaged by the support structure rather than requiring operations on the hitch itself
Solution Approach 2:
The actuator serves as an intermediary element that translates the simple action of placing the hitch on the base into the complex sequence of latch release and coupling pin engagement, eliminating the need for direct manual manipulation of the latch mechanism
3Adaptability or versatility
If the clevis hitch is removed from support rails for PTO shaft access, then the PTO shaft becomes accessible, but the hitch must be stored in inconvenient locations
Solution Approach 1:
The storage support structure is pre-positioned on the tractor in a location that provides both PTO shaft access and safe, clean storage for the clevis hitch, eliminating the need to manually transport the hitch to inconvenient locations
Solution Approach 2:
The storage support structure serves multiple functions: it provides a storage location for the clevis hitch, maintains accessibility to the PTO shaft, and offers a secure engagement mechanism, replacing the need for multiple separate solutions
Data Source
AI summary
A storage support for a clevis hitch has a support structure for receiving the clevis hitch after it has been removed from a towing vehicle. The support structure defines an opening for receiving a coupling pin of the clevis hitch to lock the hitch to the support and one more guide members for use in positioning the hitch for engagement of the coupling pin in the opening. For use with an automatic clevis hitch, the storage support has an actuator which enters a jaw of the clevis hitch and disengages a coupling pin latch of the clevis hitch, when the clevis hitch is fully received by the support structure. This moves the coupling pin to an engagement position in which it is received by the opening of the storage support.