Hitch Module Pivoting Carrier and Guide for Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hitch modules for work machines and towed assemblies are difficult to align properly due to their fixed mounting, which complicates coupling with towed devices under varying load conditions.
Innovation Solution
A hitch module with a carrier assembly, guide assembly, and hitch assembly that allows pivotal movement about a pivot axis and longitudinal displacement, enabling alignment within a trapezoidal-shaped area for secure coupling, featuring through-holes and a pin system for locking mechanisms to accommodate different orientations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the hitch module is fixedly mounted to the frame, then the hitch module can support heavy load conditions, but it becomes difficult to align properly with towed devices
Solution Approach 1:
The hitch module transitions from a fixed mounting to a dynamically adjustable mounting system. The carrier assembly can pivot about a pivot axis relative to the frame, and the guide assembly can pivot about a second pivot axis relative to the carrier assembly. This dynamic capability allows the hitch module to adapt its position and orientation to align with towed devices while maintaining structural integrity for heavy loads.
Solution Approach 2:
The hitch module is divided into multiple independently movable segments: the carrier assembly and the guide assembly. Each segment can pivot independently about its own axis, providing multi-degree-of-freedom adjustment capability. This segmentation allows complex alignment adjustments to be achieved through coordinated movement of separate components rather than requiring the entire assembly to move as one unit.
2Strength
If the hitch module is fixedly mounted, then structural strength is maintained, but adaptability to different orientations is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The hitch module incorporates dynamic pivoting capabilities at two independent axes. The carrier assembly pivots about a first pivot axis, and the guide assembly pivots about a second pivot axis. This dynamic configuration allows the hitch module to adapt to various orientations and angles while maintaining structural strength through controlled mechanical joints rather than rigid fixed mounting.
Solution Approach 2:
The hitch module is designed with multi-functional adjustment capabilities through its dual-axis pivoting system. It can accommodate different towed device orientations, coupling angles, and position requirements, making it universally adaptable to various coupling scenarios while maintaining the structural strength needed for heavy load conditions.
3Ease of operation
If the hitch module allows movement, then alignment ease is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The complexity of alignment is reduced by segmenting the adjustment mechanism into two independent pivot axes. The carrier assembly handles primary positioning adjustments about the first pivot axis, while the guide assembly handles secondary orientation adjustments about the second pivot axis. This segmentation breaks down the complex alignment task into simpler, more manageable rotational movements.
Solution Approach 2:
The hitch module uses dynamic pivoting mechanisms that provide smooth, controlled movement through defined rotational axes. This dynamic approach allows operators to easily adjust the hitch module position and orientation through natural rotational motions rather than complex multi-directional adjustments, simplifying the operation despite the added mechanical components.
Data Source
AI summary
A hitch module adapted to be coupled to a frame of a work machine or towed assembly. The hitch module includes a carrier assembly having a first plate and a second plate coupled to one another. The first and second plates are spaced from one another by a first distance, where both plates define a pivot axis. A guide assembly defines a longitudinal axis and is pivotally coupled to the carrier assembly about the pivot axis. The guide assembly has a first guide plate and a second guide plate coupled to and spaced by a second distance from one another. A hitch assembly is disposed at least partially between the first and second plate of the carrier assembly and the first and the second guide plate. The hitch link assembly is pivotal about the pivot axis and movable along the longitudinal axis.