Spring-Loaded Lawn Tractor Hitch for Standing Attachment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional riding lawn mowers and tractors lack a hitching mechanism for securely attaching towable implements, requiring users to purchase and install separate hitch pins, which can be difficult to install and are easily misplaced, leading to user discomfort and potential injuries due to bending or kneeling.
Innovation Solution
An improved lawn tractor hitch featuring a spring-loaded mechanism with an upper and lower support member, hitch pin, and washer/snap ring, allowing for easy attachment and detachment of towable implements without the need for additional hardware, reducing user strain and eliminating the need for storage when not in use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a separate hitch pin mechanism is used to connect towable implements, then the connection can be achieved, but the device complexity increases and the ease of operation deteriorates due to installation difficulty and risk of misplacement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the hitch pin mechanism with the tractor's existing tow tab structure. The hitch pin is integrated into the tow tab assembly, eliminating the need for separate hitch pin components that users must purchase and install independently. This merging of functions reduces device complexity while maintaining ease of operation, as the hitch mechanism becomes a permanent, built-in feature of the tractor rather than an auxiliary attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The improved tow tab assembly serves multiple functions: it acts as both the structural mounting point for towing implements and as the housing for the hitch pin mechanism. The spring-loaded pin system is universally integrated into the tow tab design, allowing the same structure to provide both structural support and secure connection functionality, thereby reducing the need for additional specialized components.
2Productivity
If a conventional hitch pin is used, then connection is possible, but loss of time occurs due to installation and storage requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The hitch pin mechanism is pre-installed and permanently mounted on the tractor's tow tab during manufacturing or initial setup. The spring-loaded pin is positioned in its holding structure in advance, ready for immediate use. This preliminary action eliminates the need for users to install the hitch pin at the time of towing, reducing connection time significantly. The mechanism is prepared beforehand, requiring only simple operation by the user rather than full installation procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-loaded hitch pin automatically returns to its engaged position after being depressed for connection or disconnection. The spring mechanism self-regulates the pin's position, eliminating the need for users to manually reinstall or store the pin after each use. The system serves itself by automatically resetting to its functional state, thereby eliminating storage time and repeated installation procedures.
3Ease of operation
If the tow tab is located at the lowest point of the rear, then structural simplicity is maintained, but ease of operation deteriorates due to user discomfort from bending or kneeling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent elevates the hitch pin mechanism vertically from the traditional low-positioned tow tab location. By positioning the spring-loaded pin mechanism higher on the rear structure of the tractor, the connection point moves to a more ergonomically favorable height. This dimensional change in vertical positioning allows users to operate the hitch mechanism from a standing position, eliminating the need to bend or kneel, while the horizontal and depth positions remain optimized for structural integrity.
4Reliability
If separate hitch pins are used, then connection functionality is achieved, but reliability decreases due to easy misplacement when not in use
Solution Approach 1:
The hitch pin is merged with the permanent tow tab assembly, creating an integrated connection system. The pin is housed within or mounted to the tractor's structure rather than being a separate, portable component. This merging ensures the hitch mechanism remains reliably attached to the tractor at all times, eliminating the risk of misplacement. The unified design maintains simple operation while guaranteeing the connection components are always available and properly positioned.
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 improved hitch enables quick and easy connection/disconnection of towable implements from a standing position, reducing the risk of back and knee pain, while being permanently attached to the tractor, thus eliminating the need for separate storage and minimizing installation time.
Implementation Method 1
A compression spring is provided for holding the hitch pin in a first or closed position and allows for further compression of the pin when the user desires to slide the hitch pin into a second or released position
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is an improved aftermarket lawn tractor hitch. The improved aftermarket hitch includes an upper support plate or member for attaching the plate to the tractor, a hitch pin for connecting to the towable implement, a compression spring surrounding the pin for holding the hitch pin in a closed position, and a lower support member. The user can open the hitch pin by lifting the handle on one end of the pin thereby releasing the tongue of the towable implement, which is held between the lower support member and the conventional tow tab.