Convertible Hitching Assembly for Stable Coupling on Uneven Terrain

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing agricultural implements attached to tractors or utility vehicles are not utilized efficiently due to cumbersome coupling mechanisms, limiting their convenience and adaptability, especially on uneven terrain.

Innovation Solution

A hitching assembly comprising a single-point and a two-point assembly with manually-operated latch mechanisms, allowing for easy attachment and detachment, and adjustable positioning to accommodate various angles and offsets of the vehicle.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a traditional coupling mechanism is used to attach implements to vehicles, then the connection is secure and stable, but the coupling process becomes cumbersome and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection stabilityVSAvoidcoupling convenience

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The hitching assembly is divided into separate single-point and two-point assemblies that can be independently positioned and then easily coupled together. This segmentation allows each assembly to be simplified and attached separately, making the overall coupling process less cumbersome while maintaining secure connection through the combined structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The hitching assembly incorporates movable components including the two-point assembly that can move between raised and lowered positions, and latch mechanisms that can be manually operated to engage or disengage. This dynamic design enables easy attachment and detachment while maintaining stable connection when engaged.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Device complexity

If a fixed positioning hitching assembly is used, then the structure is simple and robust, but the adaptability to various angles and offsets on uneven terrain is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehitching assembly structureVSAvoidadjustability to terrain

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The hitching assembly incorporates movable components including the two-point assembly that can move between raised and lowered positions, and latch mechanisms that can be manually operated to engage or disengage. This dynamic design enables easy attachment and detachment while maintaining stable connection when engaged.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The hitching assembly is designed to accommodate various angles and offsets by allowing the two-point assembly to be positioned at different locations and orientations. The same basic structure can adapt to different terrain conditions and implement configurations, providing multi-functionality without requiring multiple specialized components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Productivity

If implements are frequently attached and detached, then operational flexibility is improved, but the coupling mechanism experiences increased wear and potential failure

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational flexibilityVSAvoidcoupling mechanism durability

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The hitching assembly incorporates movable components including the two-point assembly that can move between raised and lowered positions, and latch mechanisms that can be manually operated to engage or disengage. This dynamic design enables easy attachment and detachment while maintaining stable connection when engaged.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The latch mechanisms are designed with features that distribute wear and absorb stress before failure occurs. The manual operation of latches allows for controlled engagement and disengagement, reducing shock loads on the coupling components and extending their service life under frequent use conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Data Source

PatentEP4316226B1Hitching assembly

Publication Date: 2025.09.24 DEERE & CO

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AI summary

Provided is a hitching assembly for coupling to a hitch assembly on a vehicle. The hitching assembly includes a single point assembly including a first attachment area for attaching to the hitch assembly and a support passage extending through the single point assembly, a two-point assembly extending through the support passage, the two-point assembly having second and third attachment areas for attaching to the hitch assembly, and one or more manually-operated latch mechanisms configured to couple the two-point assembly to the single point assembly. The two-point assembly is movable from a raised position where the two-point assembly is coupled to the single point assembly, to a lowered position where the two-point assembly is decoupled from the single point assembly to move relative to the single point assembly.