Folding Hitch Assembly With Hydraulic Actuator

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing tractor hitch assemblies are cumbersome to switch between transport and working positions, requiring heavy lifting and obstructing vehicle components, which affects approach and departure angles and safety.

Innovation Solution

A hitch assembly with a double pivot arrangement and hydraulic actuators allows for easy conversion between configurations without lifting heavy parts, using a locking pin or collar for secure positioning, reducing complexity and hazards.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If lift arms are provided with pivot joints to enable folded configuration, then the hazard is reduced and profile extension is minimized, but the device becomes cumbersome to operate requiring detachment and lifting of heavy components

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehazard from lift arms extensionVSAvoidease of switching between transport and working positions

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The hydraulic actuator automatically performs the folding operation without requiring manual intervention for heavy lifting. The system uses its own hydraulic power source to move the lift arms between positions, making the heavy component movement automated and eliminating the need for operator lifting

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The lift arms are designed with pivot joints that enable dynamic reconfiguration between extended working position and folded transport position. This dynamic capability allows the structure to adapt its configuration based on operational requirements while maintaining strength through the pivot connection

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Length of stationary object

If lift arms are stowed closer to the working vehicle frame, then the profile extension is reduced, but the stowed arms obstruct the working vehicle lights or other components

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprofile extension of working vehicleVSAvoidobstruction of vehicle lights and components

Core Design Contradiction:

Length of stationary objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The pivot joint mechanism allows the lift arms to fold in a dimensional transformation that brings them closer to the vehicle frame while maintaining spatial clearance from lights and components. The arms rotate about a pivot point to achieve compact stowage without obstructing critical vehicle components

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Strength

If locking means are provided to prevent folding of arms when in working mode, then the structural strength is maintained, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural strength of lift arms in working modeVSAvoidcomplexity of locking mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The locking function is extracted as a separate, simple mechanism that can be independently engaged or disengaged. The locking means is designed as a distinct component that interfaces with the existing lift arm structure, adding minimal complexity while providing the necessary structural support in working mode

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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 hitch assembly minimizes vehicle profile extension, enhances approach angles, and reduces operator effort, ensuring safe and efficient operation in various environments.

Implementation Method 1

the actuators of the hitch assembly to move the hitch from the working arrangement to the stowed arrangement

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHydraulic pressure: Hydraulic Press

Implementation Method 2

provide lift arms that include a pivot joint to enable them to be placed in a folded (more compact) configuration

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRotation:

Data Source

PatentEP3571908B1Folding hitch

Publication Date: 2022.08.10 AGCO INT GMBH

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AI summary

There is described a hitch assembly for a working vehicle, the front hitch assembly includes a carrier for attachment to a working vehicle, the carrier being pivotable about a first axis; a pair of lift arms each of the lift arms having a first end and a second end, the lift arms pivotably attached to the carrier about a second axis, the second axis being proximate the first ends of the lift arms; a link member having a first end and a second end, the first end of the link member being pivotably attached to the pair of lift arms about a third axis, the third axis being positioned closer to the second end of the lift arms than the second axis, the second end of the link for attachment to a working vehicle; a locking means; an actuator pivotably connected to the carrier and the lift arms at the second axis; wherein the hitch assembly has a working configuration and a folded configuration; and wherein in the working configuration, the locking means secures the lift arms relative to the carrier such that relative movement about the second axis is prevented and the actuator is operable to raise and lower the lift arms; and wherein in the folded configuration, the lift arms are pivotable relative to the carrier about the second axis, and the second end of the link member is secured to a vehicle mount, such that extension of the actuator folds the lift arms relative to the carrier about the second axis, thereby moving the hitch assembly from the working configuration to the folded configuration.