Vehicle Hitch Locking Arms for Quick Lower Link Exchange

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current three-point hitch systems for agricultural tractors require frequent and time-consuming changes of lower links for different operations, which can lead to damage and operational difficulties due to mismatched lengths, especially when used for municipal tasks, and often necessitate special tools and extra ballast.

Innovation Solution

A hitch system with pivotable support arms and a releasable locking device allows for quick and tool-free exchange of implement attachment links of varying lengths or shapes, featuring a form-fit connection and a locking pin mechanism with a chain to prevent loss, enabling easy operation and reduced effort.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If lower links are changed for different operations, then the hitch can be optimized for specific tasks, but the changing procedure is time consuming and requires special tools

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoptimization for specific tasksVSAvoidtime for changing lower links

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The locking device is designed to be operated by hand without requiring external tools. The operator can directly manipulate the locking mechanism to release or secure the implement attachment link, eliminating the need for specialized changing tools.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The locking mechanism is extracted as a separate, easily accessible component that can be quickly actuated. The design removes complex tool-actuated locking systems and replaces them with a simple, tool-free release mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Ease of operation

If same length lower links are used for all operations, then tool-free exchange is unnecessary, but it creates lateral stresses and steering difficulties

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of link exchangeVSAvoidlateral stresses on lower links

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Different lengths of implement attachment links are provided for different operational requirements. Shorter links are used for municipal operations to reduce lateral stresses and improve steering, while longer links are used for agricultural operations. Each link is optimized for its specific application.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Device complexity

If longer lower links are used for municipal operations, then the hitch structure remains simple, but it makes steering difficult and requires extra ballast

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesimplicity of hitch structureVSAvoidease of steering

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The lower link is segmented into a fixed support arm and a removable implement attachment link. This allows the implement attachment link to be shortened for municipal operations, improving steering ease while keeping the main hitch structure simple and unchanged.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS20240107929A1Hitch for a vehicle

Publication Date: 2024.04.04 DEERE & CO

AI summary

A hitch for a vehicle including a main frame which is mountable to a vehicle chassis, a pair of left and right lower support arms pivotably mounted to the main frame at a first end, each of the pair of left and right lower support arms include a holder at a second end for holding an implement attachment link, and a releasable locking device for fixing the implement attachment link to the holder.