Quick-Attach Assembly for Off-Road Vehicle Implements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing push tube assemblies for attaching implements like plow blades to off-road vehicles do not allow for quick and easy removal or attachment, limiting versatility and convenience.
Innovation Solution
A quick-attach assembly featuring a rear female quick-attach assembly secured to the push tube assembly and a front male quick-attach assembly on the implement, with optional transition hitch members for various attachment configurations, enabling quick and easy connection and detachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If a traditional push tube assembly is used to attach implements to off-road vehicles, then the implement can be securely mounted, but the attachment and detachment processes are time-consuming and not quick
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment system is divided into separate components: a push tube assembly with a female quick-attach mechanism and an implement with a male quick-attach mechanism. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and enables rapid connection by simply engaging the male and female parts, eliminating the need for complex assembly procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The quick-attach mechanism serves as an intermediary between the push tube assembly and the implement. It provides a standardized interface that enables fast connection and detachment without requiring tools or complex adjustments, directly addressing the time loss issue while maintaining secure attachment.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the push tube assembly uses a fixed attachment structure, then the manufacturing process is simple, but the system lacks versatility for different implement types and configurations
Solution Approach 1:
The quick-attach mechanism is designed as a universal interface that can accommodate various implement types (plow blades, rakes, brushes, sweepers) and configurations. The standardized male and female quick-attach components provide a multi-functional attachment system that maintains simplicity while enabling broad adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment mechanism incorporates dynamic elements including a pivot tube that can rotate to different angles and a quick-attach system that allows rapid engagement and disengagement. This dynamic design enables the same attachment mechanism to handle different implement orientations and types without increasing overall system complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the push tube assembly is designed with fixed positioning, then the structure is simple, but it cannot accommodate implements with different attachment positions (upper or lower rearward ends)
Solution Approach 1:
The pivot tube is designed to rotate freely to various angles, allowing the attachment mechanism to adapt to different implement positions. The quick-attach mechanism can engage at multiple positions along the push tube assembly, providing flexibility for upper or lower rearward end attachments without requiring complex positioning mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment system is segmented into modular components that can be positioned independently. The male quick-attach assembly can be positioned at different locations on the implement, and the female quick-attach assembly can be positioned at different locations on the push tube, enabling flexible matching of attachment positions while maintaining structural simplicity.
Data Source
AI summary
A quick-attach mechanism for attaching an implement to the forward end of a push type assembly which is secured to an off-road vehicle. The quick-attach mechanism includes a front female quick-attach structure on the forward end of the push tube assembly and a rear male quick-attach structure attached to the implement. The front and rear quick-attach assemblies may be quickly selectively coupled together.