Self-Locking Hitch Assembly for Road-Field Link Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hitch assemblies for agricultural equipment often have a fixed orientation, which is not suitable for both road and field transportation modes, leading to inefficiencies and potential misalignment issues during sudden braking or acceleration.
Innovation Solution
A self-locking actuator mechanism with a floating plate and linear actuator that transitions between locking states to adjust the relative orientation of links, allowing for adaptable configurations between road and field transportation modes by using a shaft that moves between extended and retracted positions to alter the locking state of the hitch assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed orientation of the link is used in the hitch assembly, then the structure is simple and stable, but it cannot adapt to different transportation modes (road vs. field) and causes misalignment during sudden braking or acceleration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by transforming the fixed, static link orientation into a dynamic system that can assume multiple orientations. The hitch assembly incorporates a link that can pivot between different positions, allowing it to adapt to both road transportation (aligned orientation) and field transportation (angled orientation) modes. This dynamic capability is achieved through a locking mechanism that permits controlled movement and secures the link in different stable positions, thereby resolving the contradiction between adaptability and structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the hitch assembly into distinct functional components: a movable link, a locking mechanism, and a control system. The link is segmented from the main frame, allowing independent movement, while the locking mechanism is separated as a distinct component that can engage at different positions. This segmentation enables the system to achieve adaptability through coordinated action of separate parts without requiring complete redesign of the entire assembly, thus managing complexity while improving versatility.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the link orientation is changed to suit field transportation, then adaptability improves, but the structure becomes more complex and may reduce stability
Solution Approach 1:
The dynamics principle resolves this contradiction by creating a system that is dynamically stable in both orientations. The link can move between positions during mode transitions but maintains stable, locked positions during operation. The locking mechanism ensures that once the link is positioned for either road or field transportation, it remains firmly fixed, providing stability comparable to a fixed orientation system while enabling reconfiguration when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The self-service principle is applied through the self-locking mechanism that automatically secures the link in its positioned orientation. The mechanism uses the force applied during positioning to engage the locking feature, requiring no additional energy or external intervention to maintain stability. This self-locking capability ensures stable link orientation in both road and field transportation modes without adding complex active control systems, thereby maintaining stability while achieving adaptability.
Data Source
AI summary
An exemplary self-locking actuator mechanism includes a floating plate and a linear actuator. The floating plate defines a first slot that includes a first central portion, a first jog extending laterally from a first end of the first central portion, and a second jog extending laterally from a second end of the first central portion. The linear actuator includes a shaft pivotably connected to the floating plate, and is operable to drive the shaft between a first shaft position and a second shaft position to thereby move the self-locking actuator mechanism between a first locking state and a second locking state.