Towed Implement Hitch Height Adjustment Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hitch systems for towed implements, such as agricultural balers, often lack the ability to adjust height in small incremental steps, limiting their versatility and efficiency in crop material pickup.
Innovation Solution
A height adjustment arrangement featuring a cam-shaped stop key with teeth that lock into notches on the hitch frame, allowing for precise adjustments of the hitch height in small increments, enabling both coarse and fine positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a known index ring with axial teeth is used to adjust hitch height, then the hitch height can be adjusted relative to the main frame, but the adjustment is limited to large incremental steps (7-10° rotations) and cannot provide small incremental adjustments
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustment mechanism is segmented into two independent components: an index ring for coarse adjustment (large increments) and a stop key with cam profile for fine adjustment (small increments). This segmentation allows each component to specialize in a specific adjustment range, achieving both large and small incremental adjustments without requiring a single complex mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The stop key acts as an intermediary mechanism between the operator and the hitch frame. By introducing the cam-shaped stop key that engages with notches in the hitch frame, the system enables precise small incremental adjustments (e.g., 30-35mm) that would be difficult to achieve directly through the index ring alone.
2Device complexity
If the hitch height adjustment mechanism is simplified, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ability to provide both coarse and fine adjustment capabilities is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges two adjustment mechanisms (index ring and stop key) into a single integrated system. The index ring provides coarse adjustment capability while the stop key provides fine adjustment capability, and both operate on the same hitch frame. This merging allows the system to achieve both simplicity and versatility simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The hitch adjustment mechanism is designed with multi-functionality: the index ring handles coarse positioning while the stop key handles fine positioning. This universal design allows a single mechanism to perform multiple adjustment functions that would otherwise require separate systems, maintaining simplicity while expanding adaptability.
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 hitch height to be adjusted in small incremental steps, improving the horizontal orientation of the baler and enhancing crop material pickup efficiency under varying conditions.
Implementation Method 1
The stop key has a cam shaped profile and a tooth which locks into a selected notch to thereby adjust the hitch height of the implement
Data Source
AI summary
A towed implement for use with a work machine includes a main frame having a pivot hole and at least one hitch mounting hole. A hitch frame is coupled with the main frame and includes a towed end. The hitch frame is pivotable relative to the main frame about a pivot axis at the pivot hole. The hitch frame includes a chamber having an interior periphery with a plurality of notches. A height adjustment arrangement is associated with the main frame and the hitch frame for adjusting a height of the hitch frame. The height adjustment arrangement includes a stop key positioned within the chamber of the hitch frame. The stop key has a hole arranged for receiving a fastener associated with the at least one hitch mounting hole, a cam surface, and at least one tooth extending from the cam surface. Each tooth is received in a corresponding notch.