Integrated Hitch Device for Simultaneous Mechanical and Hydraulic Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Manual coupling and uncoupling between agricultural implements and tractors is cumbersome and time-consuming, requiring the driver to leave their position multiple times during the day.
Innovation Solution
A hitch device with a central journal and laterally projecting bearing parts that interact with complementary parts to establish both mechanical draw and hydraulic/electric connections simultaneously, allowing coupling without the driver needing to leave their seat, and incorporating a pawl mechanism for enhanced safety and efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual coupling and uncoupling is performed between agricultural implement and tractor, then the driver can establish mechanical connection, but the driver must leave the driver position multiple times which is time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines mechanical coupling and hydraulic/electric coupling into a single integrated coupling part that performs both functions simultaneously. The coupling part includes a lower part for mechanical draw connection and an upper part for hydraulic/electric connections, allowing both types of connections to be established in one operation without the driver leaving the tractor.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling part is designed as a multi-functional component that simultaneously provides mechanical connection (through lower bearing parts) and hydraulic/electric connection (through upper bearing parts). This universal coupling device eliminates the need for separate coupling operations and allows the driver to remain at the driver position throughout the coupling process.
2Ease of manufacture
If hydraulic and electric connections are established before mechanical draw connection in prior art hitch device, then connections can be made systematically, but the process requires several turns and is time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the sequential process of establishing hydraulic/electric connections and mechanical draw connection into a single simultaneous operation. Both the lower part (mechanical) and upper part (hydraulic/electric) of the coupling part are connected in one action, eliminating the multi-step process required in prior art devices.
3Loss of time
If mechanical draw coupling and hydraulic/electric coupling are established simultaneously, then coupling time is reduced, but the complexity of the coupling part increases
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling part is segmented into distinct functional sections: a lower part with bearing parts for mechanical connection and an upper part with bearing parts for hydraulic/electric connection. This segmentation allows each section to be optimized for its specific function while working together in a single integrated component, managing complexity through functional division.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent resolves complexity by arranging different coupling functions in different spatial dimensions - mechanical connection elements are positioned in the lower horizontal plane while hydraulic/electric connection elements are positioned in the upper horizontal plane. This vertical dimensioning allows simultaneous connection of both types without excessive structural complexity.
4Reliability
If a pawl mechanism with locking pawl is added to prevent accidental uncoupling, then safety is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking pawl mechanism is designed to automatically engage and lock the coupling part in its connected position, providing self-service safety protection. The mechanism uses spring-loaded or gravity-assisted locking that activates automatically upon coupling, eliminating the need for additional manual locking operations or complex control systems.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
A hitch device between the implement/carriage (2) and towing vehicle, e.g. a tractor (4), including a first coupling part (6) adapted to be mounted in a lift system on the towing vehicle, e.g. a three-point suspension (8) of the tractor, and a second coupling part (10) adapted to be mounted on an implement/carriage (2), and which in additionis adapted to be connected with the first coupling part (6) with the purpose of coupling the implement/carriage (12) and the tractor (4) together, wherein the first coupling part (6) includes a projecting central journal (16) at a lower part (14) and laterally projecting bearing parts (18) at either side of the former, the journal (16) and bearing parts (18) adapted to interact with complementarily designed bearing parts (20, 22) of the second coupling part (10), and at an upper part (24) including rearwardly directed guide parts (26) that inwardly have bearings (28) for receiving complementarily shaped bearing parts (30) of the second coupling part (10), as the lower part (14) of the first coupling part (6) together with the complementary bearing parts (20, 22) of the second coupling part (10) constitute a mechanical draw coupling between the implement/carriage (2) and the tractor (4), whereas the upper part (24) of the first coupling part (6) together with the complementary bearing parts (30) of the second coupling part (10) constitute a hydraulic and/or electric connecting coupling between the implement/carriage (2) and the tractor.