Pick-up Hitch Assembly With Swing And Slide Frames
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing coupling mechanisms for implements attached to tractors or utility vehicles are not optimized for convenient and efficient connection and disconnection, particularly in handling three-dimensional positioning and load distribution, which affects the versatility and operational capacity of these vehicles.
Innovation Solution
A pick-up hitch assembly with a swing frame and slide frame mechanism, actuated by a cylinder and linear actuator, allowing for independent movement and locking of the slide frame and swing frame to facilitate precise positioning and load distribution, enabling easy attachment and detachment of implements while managing both horizontal and vertical loads effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a simple coupling mechanism is used for implement attachment, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ease of operation for convenient connection and disconnection deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The hitch assembly is divided into separate functional components: a swing frame that pivots independently, a slide frame that moves horizontally independently, and a tow bar. This segmentation allows each component to handle specific movements (vertical swinging, horizontal sliding) independently, enabling convenient implement attachment while maintaining manageable overall complexity through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling mechanism incorporates dynamic elements including a swing frame that can pivot vertically to accommodate implement weight and positioning, and a slide frame that can move horizontally to adjust tow bar position. These dynamic capabilities enable easy implement connection and disconnection while the mechanisms self-adjust during operation
2Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed-position coupling mechanism is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability for three-dimensional positioning deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The hitch assembly adds dimensional flexibility by incorporating a swing frame that provides vertical articulation in addition to the horizontal movement of the slide frame. This creates three-dimensional positioning capability (horizontal + vertical + rotational) that allows the tow bar to reach various positions, enhancing adaptability while the independent movement of each component keeps the mechanism relatively simple
3Strength
If a single-frame hitch structure is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the load handling capacity for horizontal and vertical loads deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The hitch assembly separates load-bearing functions into distinct components: the swing frame primarily handles vertical loads and articulation, while the slide frame and tow bar handle horizontal positioning and towing loads. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific load type, improving overall load handling capacity while maintaining reasonable structural complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The swing frame and slide frame are combined in a coordinated manner where the swing frame provides vertical support and the slide frame provides horizontal movement. This merging of functions into an integrated two-frame system enables simultaneous handling of both vertical and horizontal loads more effectively than a single-frame design, while the modular nature keeps complexity manageable
Data Source
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AI summary
Provided is a pick-up hitch assembly for connection to a vehicle. The pick-up hitch assembly includes a swing frame having a first end configured to be coupled to the vehicle and a second end, a slide frame movable relative to the swing frame between a retracted position and an extended position, and an electrically powered actuator assembly configured to be coupled to the vehicle and being coupled to the swing frame at the second end of the swing frame. The actuator assembly is configured to move the swing frame between a raised position and a lowered position independent of movement of the slide frame and of a three-point hitch.