Rotatable Hitch Ball Attachment for Fast Fork Towing Changes
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional hitch ball attachments for skid steers and forklifts require manual effort and time to change between different hitch connections, leading to decreased productivity and increased operational costs due to frequent equipment changes.
Innovation Solution
A hitch ball attachment with multiple hitch ball sizes that can be easily transitioned between configurations using a locking pin, quick release pin, and connecting member, allowing seamless integration with skid steer or forklift forks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional fixed hitch ball attachments are used, then the structure is simple and reliable, but it takes considerable time and manual effort to change the hitch connection, resulting in decreased productivity
Solution Approach 1:
The hitch ball attachment is designed to be rotatable relative to the fork, allowing the hitch ball to be dynamically repositioned between different towing configurations. This dynamic capability eliminates the need for manual removal and reinstallation of fixed hitch balls, thereby reducing time loss and improving productivity during hitch changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment system is segmented into distinct components: the fork, the hitch ball attachment, and the hitch ball itself. This segmentation allows the hitch ball attachment to be independently rotated to present different hitch ball sizes, enabling quick configuration changes without replacing entire assemblies, thus reducing time loss while maintaining productivity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple hitch ball sizes are provided in traditional attachments, then versatility is improved, but the device complexity increases due to multiple fixed balls requiring manual changes
Solution Approach 1:
The hitch ball attachment is designed as a universal component that can serve multiple towing configurations through rotation. A single attachment unit accommodates multiple hitch ball sizes (e.g., 2-inch and 2-5/8-inch balls) by rotating to present the appropriate ball, eliminating the need for separate fixed attachments for each configuration. This multi-functionality achieves versatility without proportionally increasing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotatable design transforms a static, complex multi-ball attachment into a dynamic, simplified system. By enabling rotation, the system achieves multiple towing configurations through a single moving component rather than multiple fixed components, thereby maintaining versatility while reducing overall device complexity and manual intervention requirements.
3Adaptability or versatility
If frequent equipment changes are made to accommodate different towing needs, then adaptability is achieved, but operational costs increase and downtime occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The rotatable hitch ball attachment enables dynamic adjustment between different towing configurations without requiring equipment changes or downtime. The operator can simply rotate the attachment to present the appropriate hitch ball size, maintaining operational continuity and efficiency while achieving the necessary adaptability for various towing needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The design ensures continuous operational capability by allowing quick rotation between hitch ball configurations without interrupting the work flow. This eliminates downtime associated with removing and reinstalling different hitch balls, thereby maintaining productivity and operational efficiency while providing adaptability for different towing requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
A hitch assembly having a hitch ball attachment for a skid steer or a forklift fork is disclosed. The hitch assembly includes a fork having a hitch receiving area that receives a hitch ball attachment. The fork includes a first frame and a second frame. The first frame includes frame holes aligning with the hitch receiving area. The hitch ball attachment has hitch holes configured to align with the frame holes. Further, the hitch ball attachment has hitch balls of different sizes. Further, the hitch assembly includes a locking pin and a quick release pin. The locking pin inserts through the frame holes and the hitch holes for connecting the hitch ball attachment to the fork while positioning the hitch balls vertically and allow transition between different towing configurations. Furthermore, the hitch assembly includes a connecting member for connecting the hitch ball attachment to the fork.