Excavator Quick Hitch Multiple Mounting Positions

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Solution Overview

Problem

Standard excavator quick hitches restrict bucket movement when reversed, limiting operations such as transporting liquid concrete or excavating under structures, and lack the ability to mount two attachments simultaneously.

Innovation Solution

A quick hitch with multiple mounting position arrangements, allowing for the attachment of excavator attachments in various positions, including a first and second mounting position, enabling full bucket movement and simultaneous use of multiple attachments.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the bucket is reversed in the other direction, then the excavator can transport liquid concrete or excavate underneath structures, but the hydraulic bucket cylinder becomes 80% retracted which restricts movement of the bucket

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to transport liquid concrete or excavate underneath structuresVSAvoidbucket movement capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The quick hitch is divided into multiple mounting position arrangements (first, second, and third positions) that allow the attachment to be mounted in different orientations. This segmentation enables the bucket to be positioned optimally for different operations - facing forward for excavation and reversed for concrete transport - without being constrained by a single fixed mounting position

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The quick hitch design allows dynamic reconfiguration of the attachment mounting position. The ability to quickly switch between different mounting positions means the system can adapt its configuration based on operational requirements, maintaining full hydraulic cylinder functionality regardless of whether the bucket is reversed or in standard position

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If the excavator arm is extended to the maximum distance to give the reversed bucket more capacity, then the bucket has full movement, but the excavator cannot operate in confined spaces

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebucket movement freedomVSAvoidoperational capability in confined spaces

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

By providing multiple discrete mounting position arrangements on the quick hitch, the system segments the attachment positioning into specific configurations. This allows the bucket to achieve full movement capability through proper mounting position selection rather than requiring extended arm distance, enabling operation in confined spaces

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Adaptability or versatility

If a second attachment is physically welded onto an arm of the excavator to use two attachments simultaneously, then two attachments can be used, but the device complexity increases and requires bespoke engineering

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to use two attachments simultaneouslyVSAvoidbespoke engineering requirements

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The quick hitch is designed with multiple mounting position arrangements that can accommodate different attachment types and configurations. This universal design allows two attachments to be mounted simultaneously on the same excavator arm through the multi-position quick hitch system, eliminating the need for bespoke welding engineering while achieving the capability to use multiple attachments

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS10794036B2Excavator quick hitch with multiple mounting position arrangements

Publication Date: 2020.10.06 DOYLE KEN

AI summary

An excavator quick hitch comprises a quick hitch body, the body comprising: a first mounting position arrangement for attaching an excavator attachment in a first position; and a second mounting position arrangement for attaching the, or an alternate, excavator attachment in a second position, wherein in certain embodiments, the quick hitch (also sometimes called a ‘quick coupler’ in various countries) can facilitate mounting of more than one excavator attachment, at the same time.