Quick Hitch Removable Plate and Visual Locking Indicator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing quick hitches for machines suffer from limited lifecycle due to wear and damage, lack of robustness in attachment connections, and unclear locking status for operators.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating removable plates for engagement with machine implements, an enclosure to prevent debris, and an over-centre mechanism with resilient links for enhanced locking robustness and visual signaling of attachment status.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of stationary object
If traditional quick hitch mounting surfaces are used, then the connection speed is fast, but the lifecycle is limited due to wear and damage
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting surface is segmented into a removable plate that can be separated from the main quick hitch body. This allows the plate to be replaced when worn, extending the overall lifecycle of the quick hitch while maintaining connection robustness through the permanent main body structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The removable plate is designed to be discarded when worn and replaced with a new plate, while the main quick hitch body is recovered and reused. This extends the lifecycle by separating the consumable mounting surface from the durable mounting mechanism.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If removable plates are added to extend lifecycle, then wear resistance improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting surface is segmented into a removable plate that can be separated from the main quick hitch body. This allows the plate to be replaced when worn, extending the overall lifecycle of the quick hitch while maintaining connection robustness through the permanent main body structure.
3Productivity
If securing mechanism is simplified for quick attachment, then operation speed improves, but locking reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The securing mechanism uses spring-loaded pins that automatically engage with the implement's mounting holes when the quick hitch is brought into position. The operator simply needs to guide the implement into place, and the locking action occurs automatically without manual intervention, achieving both speed and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual locking mechanism is replaced with an automatic spring-loaded pin system that uses elastic potential energy stored in the springs to drive the pins into the mounting holes. This mechanical substitution eliminates the need for manual locking operations while ensuring positive engagement through the spring force.
4Loss of information
If visual indication system is added to show locking status, then operator awareness improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The handle is positioned such that its color or visual appearance changes depending on whether it is in the locked or unlocked position. When locked, the handle assumes a specific orientation that provides a clear visual signal to the operator, eliminating the need for additional indicators while maintaining simplicity.
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 solution extends the lifecycle of quick hitches, improves attachment robustness, and provides clear visual cues for operators on attachment status, reducing wear and damage while ensuring secure and reliable implement mounting.
Implementation Method 1
a resilient link (40a, 40b) allowing movement of the securing means (8, 208) from the first position to the second position
Implementation Method 2
an over-centre mechanism (36a, 36b, 236a, 236b) including a first link (40a, 40b) and a first pivotable member (42a, 42b)
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
A quick hitch (2) for mounting an implement (180) on a machine. The quick hitch includes an enclosure accommodating a securing means (8) for securing to an implement. The securing means has a first position in which the quick hitch is secured to an implement and a second position in which the quick hitch is not secured to an implement. The securing means includes a signal means having a first position for signalling that the quick hitch is secured when the securing means is in the first position and a second position for signalling that the quick hitch is not secured when the securing means is in the second position. The enclosure includes an upper surface having an opening through which a portion of the signal means may extend. The opening includes a cover for preventing the ingress of dirt or debris and through which the portion of the signal means may extend.