Adjustable Plow Hitch with Alignment Lugs for One-Person Height Setup
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing snow plow attachment mechanisms are difficult to maneuver, require assistance for connection and disconnection, and lack durability and low maintenance features, making them inconvenient and costly.
Innovation Solution
A height-adjustable plow hitch mechanism with a pair of spaced adjustment lugs and a lift bar assembly, allowing for easy alignment and secure coupling to a vehicle without tools, featuring a durable and low-maintenance design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a plow is bolted to supports welded to the chassis, then the connection is strong and durable, but the positioning and attachment process becomes difficult and requires assistance
Solution Approach 1:
The hitch mechanism is divided into separate components: a hitch frame nose assembly that couples to the chassis, and a lift bar assembly that couples to the plow. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently - the hitch frame provides strong chassis connection while the lift bar with adjustment lugs enables easy plow attachment and height adjustment by a single operator
Solution Approach 2:
The lift bar assembly incorporates adjustment lugs with multiple orifices that allow dynamic height adjustment of the plow relative to the vehicle. This dynamic capability enables a single operator to easily position and attach the plow at the correct height without requiring assistance, while maintaining a strong bolted connection when attached
2Strength
If the plow weight is hundreds of pounds, then the plow is durable and functional, but maneuvering the plow becomes difficult especially in cold and snowy conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The hitch mechanism design incorporates the vehicle itself as a counterweight system. The heavy plow is attached to the vehicle chassis through the hitch mechanism, allowing the vehicle's weight and power to counterbalance the plow's weight. This enables a single operator to easily maneuver and position the heavy plow by simply guiding it onto the lift bar assembly, rather than having to physically move the entire plow assembly
Solution Approach 2:
The lift bar assembly acts as an intermediary mechanism between the operator and the heavy plow. Instead of directly maneuvering the hundreds-of-pounds plow, the operator manipulates the lighter lift bar assembly with its adjustment lugs, which then positions and secures the heavy plow to the vehicle. This intermediary reduces the physical effort required, especially in cold and snowy conditions
Data Source
AI summary
A method and an adjustable plow hitch frame. The plow hitch frame is configured to pivotally couple with a plow blade at one end and coupled with a vehicle at another end. The adjustable plow hitch frame includes a pair of elongated side members maintained in a spaced apart relationship by a traverse member. Each side member defines a front portion and a rear portion. A pivot assembly is coupled to the front portion of each side member and configured to couple to the plow blade. An adjustment lug is coupled to the rear portion of each side member, with each adjustment lug defining a plurality of orifaces aligned vertically. The height of the adjustable plow hitch frame relative to the vehicle is fixed with corresponding orifaces in the adjustment lugs coupled to the vehicle.