Self-Locking Hitch Assembly for Dual Transport Orientations
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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 transportation 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 two locking states, allowing the hitch assembly to adjust its orientation to accommodate different operational modes by moving the links between parallel and oblique configurations, thereby reducing force transmission to the actuator and maintaining stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the hitch assembly uses a fixed orientation for the link, then the structure is simple and stable, but it cannot adapt to different operational modes (road transportation vs. field transportation)
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 link is made movable relative to the drawbar through a controlled mechanism, allowing it to transition between a first orientation (suitable for road transportation) and a second orientation (suitable for field transportation). This enables the hitch assembly to adapt to different operational modes while maintaining structural stability in each mode through controlled positioning.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the hitch assembly allows orientation adjustment between modes, then adaptability improves, but the mechanism complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the self-service principle through the self-locking actuator mechanism. The mechanism is designed to automatically maintain its position in either the first or second orientation without requiring continuous active control or power input. The self-locking feature allows the link to remain securely in the selected orientation, bearing forces entirely on the floating plate and keeping the actuator idle when not needed for transitions. This reduces the operational complexity of the control system while maintaining the adaptability for orientation adjustment.
3Force
If the link orientation is fixed, then the actuator mechanism is simpler, but force transmission to the actuator increases during mode transitions
Solution Approach 1:
The self-locking actuator mechanism is designed to bear forces entirely on the floating plate when in locked positions, keeping the actuator itself idle and free from force transmission during stable operation in either orientation. The mechanism only requires actuation during transitions between orientations, at which point the force transmission is minimized and temporary. This approach reduces the overall force transmission requirements compared to a system that would require continuous active control.
Data Source
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AI summary
A hitch assembly (100) is disclosed. The hitch assembly (100) comprising: a main frame (110) comprising a projection (118); a first link (120) pivotably coupled to the main frame (110); a second link (130) pivotably coupled to the first link (120) by a pivot pin (102); and a self-locking actuator mechanism (200), comprising: a floating plate (210) defining a first slot (230), the first slot (230) comprising a first central portion (232), a first jog (235) extending laterally from a first end of the first central portion (232), and a second jog (238) extending laterally from a second end of the first central portion (232), wherein the projection (118) extends into the first slot (230), and wherein the floating plate (210) is pivotably coupled to the first link (120) and the second link (130); and a linear actuator (220) mounted to the main frame (110), the linear actuator (220) comprising a shaft (224) pivotably connected to the floating plate (210); wherein the hitch assembly (100) has a first state in which the shaft (224) is in a first shaft position, the floating plate (210) is in a first plate position, and the projection (118) is received in the first jog (235) to thereby lock the first link (120) and the second link (130) at a first relative orientation; wherein the hitch assembly (100) has a second state in which the shaft (224) is in a second shaft position, the floating plate (210) is in a second plate position, and the projection (118) is received in the second jog (238) to thereby lock the first link (120) and the second link (130) at a second relative orientation different from the first relative orientation; and wherein the linear actuator (220) is operable to drive the shaft (224) between the first shaft position and the second shaft position to thereby move the hitch assembly (100) between the first state and the second state. Furthermore, a method of operating such hitch assembly (100) is disclosed.