Detachable Hitch-Mounted Sensor Support for Work Vehicles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing work vehicles lack a simple and efficient method to attach obstacle sensors to their body frames, which complicates their integration with hitch attachment sections used for towing and work device attachment.
Innovation Solution
A sensor support system that allows obstacle sensors to be easily attached and removed from hitch attachment sections, enabling their use on the body frame while maintaining the functionality of the hitch for towing and work device attachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If obstacle sensors are attached directly to the body frame, then the sensors can be securely positioned for obstacle detection, but the structure becomes more complex and the hitch attachment section cannot be used for towing or work device attachment
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor support is designed to attach to the hitch attachment section, enabling it to serve dual purposes: supporting obstacle sensors for detection and maintaining the hitch's functionality for towing and work device attachment. This multi-functional design resolves the contradiction by allowing the same attachment point to fulfill multiple roles without increasing overall structural complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment system is segmented into separate components: the hitch attachment section and the sensor support. This segmentation allows the sensor support to be attached to or removed from the hitch attachment section as needed, providing flexibility while maintaining a simple overall structure that can adapt to different operational requirements
2Device complexity
If the hitch attachment section is used for both hitch and sensor support, then the structure is simplified, but it becomes difficult to switch between hitch attachment and sensor attachment
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor support is designed with dynamic attachability to the hitch attachment section. It can be easily attached when sensor functionality is needed and removed when hitch functionality is required. This dynamic design allows for simple switching between modes without complex mechanisms, resolving the contradiction between structural simplicity and operational ease
3Reliability
If a dedicated sensor mounting structure is added to the body frame, then the sensor attachment is secure and permanent, but the versatility of the hitch attachment section is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor support attaches to the existing hitch attachment section, making the hitch itself a universal mounting point that can accommodate both hitches and sensor supports. This approach maintains the versatility of the hitch attachment section while providing secure sensor attachment, as the same robust hitch structure serves multiple purposes
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor support is designed as a separate, detachable component that interfaces with the hitch attachment section. This segmentation allows the sensor support to be securely attached when needed while preserving the hitch attachment section's original versatility for other applications, resolving the contradiction between secure attachment and 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
This configuration simplifies the attachment of obstacle sensors to the body frame, allowing for effective detection of obstacles in various environments and enhancing the sensor support's functionality as a bumper, while maintaining the versatility of the hitch attachment section.
Implementation Method 1
an obstacle sensor that detects an obstacle with use of infrared rays or ultrasonic waves
Implementation Method 2
an obstacle sensor that detects an obstacle with use of infrared rays or ultrasonic waves
Data Source
AI summary
A work vehicle according to the present invention includes a body frame provided with at least one travel device 1, 2; and a hitch attachment section 46, 47 configured to enable attachment and removal of a hitch for attaching a work device and a hitch for towing, the hitch attachment section 46, 47 being in a front portion or a rear portion of the body frame. The work vehicle includes a sensor support 48 supporting at least one obstacle sensor 51, 52 for detecting an obstacle, and configured to be attached to the hitch attachment section 46, 47 and removed from the hitch attachment section 46, 47.