Pivoting Combine Hitch-Step Assembly for Rear Service Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Agricultural machines, such as combine harvesters, face challenges in accessing service points due to their tall ground clearance and complex, bulky access step assemblies that are expensive to produce and require significant space, making maintenance difficult.
Innovation Solution
An integrated hitch and step assembly that mounts to the rear of the combine, using fewer parts and less space, with a pivotally coupled hitch and step that transitions between storage and operating positions, allowing for easier access without sacrificing ground clearance or function.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If separate hitch and step assemblies are used, then ground clearance and function are maintained, but device complexity and production cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the hitch assembly and step assembly into a single integrated unit. The step assembly is mounted to the hitch assembly, allowing both components to be attached to the vehicle as one unit. This reduces the total number of parts, simplifies manufacturing, and lowers production costs while maintaining all necessary functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated assembly serves multiple functions simultaneously. The hitch assembly provides towing/coupling functionality while also supporting the step assembly for operator access. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated step structures, reducing overall complexity.
2Ease of operation
If traditional step assemblies are used, then access to service points is enabled, but space requirements and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
By mounting the step assembly to the hitch assembly, the patent eliminates the need for separate step structures that would require additional mounting space. The integrated design utilizes the hitch assembly's mounting points and structure, reducing the total space required beneath the vehicle.
Solution Approach 2:
The step assembly is designed to be movable relative to the hitch assembly, transitioning between stored and deployed positions. This dynamic configuration allows the steps to be compact when not in use, minimizing the space they occupy beneath the vehicle.
3Ease of operation
If step storage position is optimized for ground clearance, then hitch operation is improved, but debris accumulation may increase
Solution Approach 1:
The step assembly's movable design allows it to be positioned in different configurations. When the hitch assembly is in the stowed position, the step assembly can be configured to clear the ground and avoid debris accumulation in problematic areas, while still enabling hitch operation.
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
The integrated hitch and step assembly provides improved access to service points while minimizing debris accumulation and maintaining ground clearance, using fewer components and requiring less tooling for production, thus enhancing maintenance efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The hitch assembly is coupled pivotally with the support member, wherein the hitch assembly moves between the hitch storage position and the hitch operating position when the hitch assembly is rotated relative to the support member, the hitch assembly being configured for pivoting about an axis between the hitch storage position and the hitch operating position.
Data Source
AI summary
An integrated hitch and step assembly for being coupled with a base member of an agricultural machine. The hitch and step assembly includes: a support member configured for being coupled with the base member; a hitch assembly configured for moving between a hitch storage position and a hitch operating position; and at least one step coupled with the hitch assembly. The step is in a step operating position when the hitch assembly is in the hitch storage position.