Dual-Axis Adjustable Hitch for Stable Surface Tool Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hitches for surface conditioning tools lack adjustability and stability when coupled with work machines, particularly in maintaining playing surfaces and landscaping applications, leading to inefficiencies in operation and tool positioning.
Innovation Solution
An articulating pitch-adjustable hitch with a dual-axis joint assembly and flexible rigging members allows for adjustable coupling with work machines, enabling rotation and elevation adjustments to maintain optimal tool positioning and operation, including a three-point connection for pitch adjustment and use of flexible rigging members to manage slack and stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a fixed rigid hitch is used to couple the surface conditioning tool with the work machine, then structural strength and stability are improved, but adaptability and ease of operation deteriorate due to inability to adjust tool positioning
Solution Approach 1:
The hitch is divided into multiple segments: a first elongate member coupled to the work machine, a two-axis joint member, a rigid frame portion with second and third elongate members. This segmentation allows each component to perform specific functions while maintaining overall structural integrity and enabling adjustment capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The hitch incorporates two-axis joint members that permit rotation about first and second perpendicular axes, transforming the rigid fixed structure into a dynamic adjustable system. This allows the tool to be positioned at various angles and orientations while maintaining structural strength through controlled articulation points.
2Ease of manufacture
If a rigid fixed hitch structure is used, then manufacturing simplicity is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to lack of pitch and angle adjustments
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the hitch into standardized components (elongate members, two-axis joint members, rigid frame portions), each component can be manufactured independently using conventional processes, then assembled to provide adjustment capabilities without significantly increasing manufacturing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The two-axis joint member acts as an intermediary component between the first elongate member and the rigid frame portion, enabling pitch and angle adjustments while maintaining structural connection. This intermediary element provides the necessary adjustability without requiring complex integrated mechanisms.
3Adaptability or versatility
If adjustable joint members are added to the hitch, then adaptability and ease of operation are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The complexity is managed by segmenting the adjustment mechanism into discrete two-axis joint members that can be independently positioned and locked. Each joint member handles specific adjustment functions, preventing the need for a single complex adjustment system.
Solution Approach 2:
The two-axis joint members provide dynamic adjustment capabilities with rotation about perpendicular axes, allowing the hitch to adapt to various operational conditions. The articulated design enables movement and positioning while maintaining structural integrity through controlled degrees of freedom.
4Ease of operation
If the hitch allows multiple axes of rotation for positioning, then ease of operation and adaptability are improved, but stability deteriorates due to potential movement and slack
Solution Approach 1:
The two-axis joint members enable dynamic positioning with rotation about perpendicular axes, allowing the tool to be precisely positioned for different operational conditions. The articulated structure provides movement capability while maintaining stability through controlled articulation points that can be locked in position.
Solution Approach 2:
By segmenting the hitch into rigid frame portions connected through articulated joint members, the design maintains stability in the rigid segments while allowing controlled movement at the joint points. This segmentation enables the system to be stable when positioned and adaptable when adjustment is needed.
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
The solution provides enhanced adjustability and stability, allowing the surface conditioning tool to maintain effective contact with the ground and adjust to different operational positions, improving the usability and efficiency of surface conditioning tasks.
Implementation Method 1
a two-axis joint member coupled with the first elongate member at a first joint permitting rotation of the two-axis joint member relative to the first elongate member about a first axis of rotation
Implementation Method 2
a rigid frame portion including a second elongate member coupled with the two-axis joint member at a second joint permitting rotation of the second elongate member relative to the two-axis joint member about a second axis of rotation perpendicular to the first axis of rotation
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus comprises a first elongate member configured to detachably and fixedly couple with a work machine in a tow-behind configuration, a two-axis joint member coupled with the first elongate member at a first joint permitting rotation of the two-axis joint member relative to the first elongate member about a first axis of rotation, a rigid frame portion including a second elongate member coupled with the two-axis joint member at a second joint permitting rotation of the second elongate member relative to the two-axis joint member about a second axis of rotation perpendicular to the first axis of rotation and a third elongate member extending perpendicular to the second elongate member, a surface conditioning tool extending parallel to the third elongate member and coupled with the rigid frame portion at a third joint and at a fourth joint permitting rotation of the surface conditioning tool relative to the rigid frame portion about a third axis of rotation parallel to the second axis of rotation, and a variable-length tool coupling member coupled with the rigid frame portion at a fifth joint and coupled with the surface conditioning tool at a sixth joint.