Hitch Assembly Guide Element for Automated Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Coupling a towing vehicle and a towed vehicle is challenging, especially in agricultural harvesting conditions with uneven terrain, as existing methods require manual intervention and multiple steps, making it difficult to align and latch the hitch elements efficiently.
Innovation Solution
A hitch assembly with a first and second coupling element, where a rod member connected to an actuator moves between retracted and extended positions, guided by a pivot element and guide element, allowing automatic or remote latching of the coupling elements without the operator needing to leave the cab, enabling easier alignment and coupling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual alignment and latching methods are used, then the coupling process can be completed, but the operator must leave the cab multiple times and the process is time-consuming and difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical alignment and latching operations with an automated actuator system. The actuator automatically moves the rod member to align the coupling elements and engages the latch mechanism, eliminating the need for the operator to manually position and secure the hitch connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The hitch assembly performs self-alignment and self-latching through the actuator system. Once the vehicles are in proximity, the actuator automatically positions the rod member to align the coupling elements and engages the latch without requiring external manual intervention, making the system serve itself.
2Manufacturing precision
If the rod member is constrained during movement, then alignment precision is improved, but the coupling mechanism becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The guide element serves as an intermediary component between the rod member and the coupling elements. It provides the necessary constraints to ensure precise alignment during the actuator's movement, while its simple tubular structure minimizes added complexity to the overall system.
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 the coupling of towing and towed vehicles with reduced manual effort, allowing the operator to remain in the cab during the process and facilitating smoother steering and transport by allowing the coupling elements to pivot and follow the towing vehicle's motions.
Implementation Method 1
A pivot element is provided allowing a pivot movement of the rod member about a vertical axis when the actuator is in the extended position
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~4
AI summary
A hitch assembly comprises a first coupling element (62) and a second coupling element (60) configured to be latched to the first coupling element (62). A rod member (86) has a first end connected to the first coupling element (62) via a pivot element (84). An actuator (64) has a movable output member (68) that can move between a retracted position within a guide element (78) and an extended position. The actuator (64) is brought into the extended position for towing the towed vehicle (44) with the towing vehicle (10) such that the pivot element (84) allows a pivot movement of the first coupling element (62) with respect to the actuator (64) about the vertical pivot axis during driving.