Quick Hitch Attachment for Gooseneck Trailers

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing adapters for category 2 and 3 quick hitches are often too large, heavy, and interfere with tractor turning clearance, limiting their use with other agricultural implements.

Innovation Solution

A receiver-style hitch attachment that is simple, light, and adaptable to all category 2 and 3 quick hitches with a 4″ square cross member, featuring a mounting member with a receiving tube and ball hitch assembly for pulling gooseneck and bumper pull trailers, and a hitch holster for convenient storage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If existing adapters are used to attach to category 2 and 3 quick hitches, then the ability to pull gooseneck trailers and bumper pull trailers is improved, but the adapter size becomes too large and interferes with tractor turning clearance

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to pull gooseneck and bumper pull trailersVSAvoidadapter size and turning clearance

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The adapter is divided into two separate components: a mounting member that attaches to the quick hitch and remains stationary on the tractor, and a ball hitch assembly that can be detached and stored when not in use. This segmentation allows the mounting member to be small and non-obtrusive, while the ball hitch assembly provides the necessary functionality when attached.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system transitions from a static, permanently attached adapter to a dynamic configuration where the ball hitch assembly can be attached when needed and removed when not needed. The mounting member remains stationary on the tractor, but the overall system adapts its configuration based on operational requirements, allowing small turning radius when the ball hitch is removed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If existing adapters are used to attach to category 2 and 3 quick hitches, then the ability to pull gooseneck trailers and bumper pull trailers is improved, but the adapter becomes too heavy and must be removed when other implements need to be used

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to pull gooseneck and bumper pull trailersVSAvoidadapter weight

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The adapter is divided into two separate components: a lightweight mounting member that remains attached to the quick hitch, and a separate ball hitch assembly that can be removed and stored when not in use. This segmentation eliminates the need to remove the entire heavy adapter, as only the ball hitch portion needs to be detached for other implement operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The ball hitch assembly is extracted as a separate removable component from the mounting member. This allows the mounting member to remain permanently attached in a lightweight configuration, while the ball hitch assembly is only present when needed for trailer towing, eliminating unnecessary weight during other agricultural operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Adaptability or versatility

If a receiver-style hitch is permanently affixed to the quick hitch, then compatibility with various agricultural implements is improved, but interference with implement attachment may occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompatibility with various agricultural implementsVSAvoidimplement attachment clearance

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The hitch system is segmented into a permanent mounting member with receiving tube that remains attached to the quick hitch, and a removable ball hitch assembly. The mounting member is designed to be compact and non-obtrusive, providing attachment capability without interfering with the attachment of agricultural implements to the quick hitch.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The mounting member with receiving tube acts as an intermediary between the quick hitch and the ball hitch assembly. It provides a standardized interface that accommodates various agricultural implements while maintaining clearance for implement attachment, as the mounting member itself is designed to be compact and non-obtrusive.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS11731472B2Quick hitch attachment for gooseneck trailers and other implements

Publication Date: 2023.08.22 HIGH BALL HITCH LLC

AI summary

A quick hitch attachment device for coupling the attachment element of a truck bed type system to a quick hitch. The attachment device includes a mounting member tube, a ball hitch assembly and two or more coupling members adapted to mount a mounting member to the quick hitch. The ball hitch assembly includes a stem configured to be slidably received in the tube.