Height Adjustable Implement Mount for Single-Point Hitch Vehicles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicles like ATVs, UTVs, and pickup trucks equipped with single-point hitches lack the ability to adjust the height of mounted implements, limiting their use with tools that require varying working heights or depths, such as mowers and tillage equipment.
Innovation Solution
A height-adjustable implement mount featuring a hitch coupler with a guide frame, link arms, and a follower arrangement that allows for vertical movement of the implement carrier along guide slots, enabling the implement to be raised or lowered for different working positions and transport configurations, using either a powered or manual actuator.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single-point hitch is used to mount implements, then the device complexity is reduced and ease of manufacture is improved, but the adaptability and ease of operation are worsened due to lack of height adjustment capability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by transforming the static single-point hitch into a dynamic height-adjustable system. The link arms are designed to pivot relative to the guide frame, enabling the implement carrier to move vertically along the guide slots. This pivotal movement allows the system to adapt between different working heights while maintaining the simplicity of the single-point hitch attachment to the vehicle.
Solution Approach 2:
The hitch system is segmented into distinct functional components: the hitch coupler that attaches to the vehicle, the guide frame that provides vertical guidance, the link arms that provide lifting force, and the implement carrier that holds the implement. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function while maintaining overall system simplicity and ease of manufacture.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a parallelogram linkage with manual crank or powered actuator is used, then the adaptability for height adjustment is improved, but the device complexity and ease of operation are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic link arms that pivot at multiple points (hitch coupler, guide frame, and implement carrier) to create a straightforward lifting mechanism. This dynamic arrangement allows the implement to be raised and lowered through simple pivotal movements without requiring complex parallelogram linkages, manual cranks, or powered actuators, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining height adjustment capability.
3Device complexity
If the implement carrier is fixed in position, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ease of operation is worsened due to inability to adjust working height and transport clearance
Solution Approach 1:
The implement carrier is designed with dynamic movement capability along the guide slots through the pivotal action of the link arms. This allows the carrier to be easily raised and lowered for different working heights and transport clearances without complex mechanisms. The follower arrangement ensures smooth constrained movement while the pivotal link arms provide the necessary lifting force through simple rotational motion.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide slots act as an intermediary element between the fixed guide frame and the movable implement carrier. They provide a constrained path that guides the vertical movement of the carrier while the link arms provide the lifting force. This intermediary arrangement simplifies the overall mechanism by separating the guidance function from the lifting function.
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
Enables flexible positioning of implements for optimal ground engagement and transport clearance, accommodating various vehicle types and implement types, while maintaining consistent orientation and enhancing operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
at least one link arm pivotally supported on the hitch coupler at a pivot point located intermediately between the at least one guide slot and the front end of the hitch coupler
Implementation Method 2
pivotal movement of the at least one link arm in a first direction lifting the rear end thereof upwardly is operable to lift the implement carrier along the at least one guide slot
Implementation Method 3
a follower arrangement engaged between the at least one link arm and the at least one guide slot proximate the rear end of the at least one link arm to constrain movement of the implement carrier to movement along said at least one guide slot
Data Source
AI summary
An implement mount for height adjustable mounting of an implement to a vehicle. The mount features a hitch coupler for mating with a single-point hitch of the vehicle to reach longitudinally therefrom, and a guide frame defining at least one guide slot lying transverse to the longitudinal direction of the hitch coupler in an upright orientation. At least one link arm is pivotally supported on the hitch coupler, and an implement carrier is coupled to the link arm proximate a rear end thereof. A follower arrangement is engaged between the link arm and the guide slot to constrain movement of the implement carrier to movement along the guide slot. Pivotal movement of the link arm in a first direction lifts the implement carrier along the guide slot, while pivotal moment in a second direction lowers the implement carrier along the guide slot.