Fork-Mounted Hitch Ball Assembly for Fast Towing Reconfiguration
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional hitch ball attachments with fixed hitch balls require significant time and manual effort to change, leading to decreased productivity and increased operational costs due to the need for frequent equipment changes and downtime.
Innovation Solution
A hitch assembly with a hitch ball attachment that includes two or more different size hitch balls, which can be easily transitioned between different towing configurations using a locking pin, quick release pin, and connecting member, allowing for quick repositioning without the need for frequent equipment changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If traditional fixed hitch ball attachments are used, then structural simplicity is maintained, but time consumption and manual effort increase significantly when changing hitch configurations
Solution Approach 1:
The hitch ball attachment is divided into multiple segments or positions, allowing different hitch ball sizes to be segmented within a single attachment unit. This enables quick selection and switching between different ball sizes without replacing the entire attachment, thereby reducing equipment change time while maintaining reasonable structural complexity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The hitch ball attachment incorporates dynamic positioning capabilities, allowing the hitch ball to be moved or adjusted between different positions and configurations. This dynamic feature enables rapid adaptation to different towing requirements without permanent fixed installations, reducing time loss during configuration changes while accepting increased mechanical complexity for the adjustment mechanism.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple hitch ball sizes are provided in separate attachments, then versatility for different towing configurations is achieved, but device complexity and number of components increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple hitch ball sizes that would traditionally require separate attachments are merged into a single integrated hitch ball attachment. This consolidation provides versatility for different towing configurations while reducing the total number of components and attachments needed, thereby decreasing device complexity and inventory requirements while maintaining adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The single hitch ball attachment is designed with multi-functionality to accommodate different towing configurations through various hitch ball sizes. This universal design allows one attachment to perform multiple functions that would otherwise require several specialized attachments, reducing overall system complexity while enhancing versatility for different towing needs.
3Adaptability or versatility
If frequent equipment changes are made to accommodate different towing needs, then adaptability is maintained, but productivity decreases due to downtime
Solution Approach 1:
The hitch ball attachment is pre-configured with multiple hitch ball sizes and positions ready for immediate use. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for time-consuming assembly or modification during equipment changes, allowing rapid switching between towing configurations and maintaining high productivity by minimizing operational downtime.
Solution Approach 2:
The design enables rapid transition between different hitch ball configurations by skipping the traditional time-consuming processes of detachment, disposal, and reattachment. The system allows quick selection and engagement of different hitch ball sizes, rushing through the configuration change process to maintain operational efficiency and productivity.
Data Source
AI summary
A hitch assembly having a hitch ball attachment for a skid steer or a forklift fork is disclosed. The hitch assembly includes a fork having a hitch receiving area that receives a hitch ball attachment. The fork includes a first frame and a second frame. The first frame includes frame holes aligning with the hitch receiving area. The hitch ball attachment has hitch holes configured to align with the frame holes. Further, the hitch ball attachment has hitch balls of different sizes. Further, the hitch assembly includes a locking pin and a quick release pin. The locking pin inserts through the frame holes and the hitch holes for connecting the hitch ball attachment to the fork while positioning the hitch balls vertically and allow transition between different towing configurations. Furthermore, the hitch assembly includes a connecting member for connecting the hitch ball attachment to the fork.