Floating-Rigid Hitch Assembly for Soil Depth and Transport Speed
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Solution Overview
Problem
Agricultural implements with rigid hitch assemblies struggle to maintain consistent soil penetration depth when traversing uneven terrain, leading to ineffective soil preparation, while also limiting transport speed due to the rigidity of the hitch assembly.
Innovation Solution
A hitch assembly that transitions between floating and rigid modes, controlled by a valve assembly and actuator system, allowing the implement to follow ground contours for precise soil engagement and switch to a rigid mode for transport.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If the hitch assembly is made rigid to enable higher transport speeds, then transport efficiency is improved, but the implement cannot follow ground contours resulting in inconsistent soil penetration depth
Solution Approach 1:
The hitch assembly incorporates an actuator system that dynamically changes the hitch between rigid and floating states based on operational requirements. During transport, the hitch is locked in a rigid state to maintain stability and enable higher speeds. During field operations, the hitch transitions to a floating state that allows the implement to follow ground contours, maintaining consistent soil penetration depth despite terrain variations.
2Manufacturing precision
If the hitch assembly is made floating to follow ground contours, then soil preparation precision is improved, but transport speed is limited due to hitch rigidity requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses a control assembly with processors that automatically transitions the hitch between floating and rigid modes based on the implement's operational state. When the implement is in a working position, the hitch operates in floating mode to maintain precise soil engagement. When transitioning to transport or non-working positions, the hitch locks into rigid mode, enabling higher transport speeds without compromising stability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed rigid hitch is used, then structural simplicity is maintained, but the system cannot adapt to different operational modes (working vs. transport)
Solution Approach 1:
The hitch assembly is designed as a multi-functional system that performs both rigid and floating operations through an integrated actuator mechanism. The same hitch structure serves dual purposes: it provides rigid support during transport and floating flexibility during field operations, eliminating the need for separate hitch assemblies for different operational modes.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuator system dynamically reconfigures the hitch assembly's mechanical properties based on operational requirements. Hydraulic or electric actuators adjust the hitch's stiffness in real-time, transitioning from a rigid configuration for transport to a compliant floating configuration for field work, thereby adapting the system's behavior to match the current operational context.
Data Source
AI summary
An agricultural implement system includes a hitch assembly having a hitch configured to couple the agricultural implement system to a work vehicle. The hitch assembly also includes an actuator configured to control the hitch. Furthermore, the agricultural implement system includes a control assembly communicatively coupled to the actuator. The control assembly includes a memory configured to store instructions and one or more processors. In addition, the control assembly is configured to control the actuator to operate the hitch assembly in a floating mode while the agricultural implement system is in a working position and to operate in a rigid mode while the agricultural implement system is in a non-working position.