Hydraulic Hitch Positioning With Chain-Sprocket Stroke Multiplication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional hitch assemblies provide limited adjustment, restricting the position of a pulled device to be directly behind the pulling vehicle and are difficult to operate when retraction is needed for narrow openings, lacking precision and control.
Innovation Solution
A hydraulic hitch positioning system with first and second frames, sliders, a chain and sprocket assembly, and hydraulic cylinders that allow the hitch to be positioned at infinite points relative to the pulling vehicle and retract to a narrower width, enabling precise control and maneuverability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional hitch assemblies are used, then the structure is simple, but the position adjustment range is limited and precision is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a hydraulic cylinder to provide controlled linear motion for hitch positioning. The hydraulic system enables precise adjustment of the hitch position along the longitudinal axis of the pulled device, resolving the contradiction by introducing fluid power technology to achieve high positioning precision while maintaining manageable system complexity through standardized hydraulic components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional manual mechanical adjustment mechanisms with an automated hydraulic actuation system. This substitution eliminates the need for complex manual linkages and provides more precise, easier-to-control positioning, thereby improving measurement precision while the modular hydraulic system keeps overall complexity manageable.
2Ease of operation
If traditional hitch assemblies are used, then the system is easy to manufacture, but the maneuverability in tight spaces is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a dynamically adjustable hitch positioning system that can change its configuration based on operational needs. The hydraulic actuator enables real-time adjustment of the hitch position, allowing the system to adapt to tight spaces by retracting the hitch inward or extending it outward as needed, thereby improving maneuverability while the modular design keeps manufacturing complexity manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
The hitch positioning system is divided into separate functional modules: the hydraulic cylinder, the slider mechanism, and the hitch connecting section. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured independently using standard processes, then assembled into a cohesive system that provides superior maneuverability compared to traditional integrated hitch designs.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the hitch is positioned at extreme limits, then the positioning range is maximized, but the system width increases making retraction difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a nested configuration where the first slider and second slider can be positioned within the frame structure when not in use. The hitch connecting section can be retracted inward toward the centerline of the pulled device, nesting the extended components within the overall vehicle footprint. This allows the system to achieve maximum positioning range when needed while minimizing width for storage or passage through narrow openings.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes longitudinal adjustment along the length of the pulled device to achieve positioning versatility, rather than increasing width. By moving the hitch forward or backward along the longitudinal axis through the slider mechanism, the system provides adaptability for various towing configurations without permanently increasing the system's width, enabling easy retraction when needed.
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 to be positioned anywhere between extreme limits, facilitating easy maneuvering in tight spaces and providing precise control over the towing configuration.
Implementation Method 1
The pressure on the hydraulic cylinder causes the second slider to move in a first direction
Data Source
AI summary
A hydraulic hitch positioning system for positioning a hitch of a pulled device relative to a pulling vehicle. The hydraulic hitch positioning system includes first frames and second frames connected to anchors. The first frames include a first slider. The second frames include a second slider. The second slider encompasses a hydraulic cylinder and hitch connecting section. The hydraulic hitch positioning system includes a chain and sprocket assembly connecting the first slider and second slider. The movement of the second slider is transmitted to the first slider through the chain and sprocket assembly, causing the first slider to move in the opposite direction to the second slider at twice the distance. The arrangement results in total movement of the hitch connecting section three times the stroke of the hydraulic cylinder. The hitch connecting section can be positioned at any point between the extreme limits of the hydraulic hitch positioning system.