Rear-Mounted Swinging Tow Hitch for Windrower
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Solution Overview
Problem
Self-propelled windrowers face challenges in securely towing implements like swath rollers in agricultural fields while also needing to transport other equipment across different locations, as the high hitch location for field use precludes stable towing on public roads and requires additional, cumbersome hitches for non-field operations.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable hitch system with a pivotally mounted hitch receiver that can be rotated and locked into either a downward vertical or horizontal position, allowing the same hitch to be used for towing and transporting implements, either in the field or across locations, with manual or powered operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the hitch is located high to avoid crop damage, then field operation capability is improved, but stability for transporting implements on public roads deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The hitch receiver is made dynamically adjustable between two fixed positions: a high position for field operations and a low position for stable transport on public roads. This dynamic repositioning allows the system to optimize for either field capability or transport stability depending on the operational context.
Solution Approach 2:
A single hitch assembly is designed to perform multiple functions by accommodating different positions and configurations. The universal hitch can serve both as a high-mounted field hitch for crop operations and as a low-mounted transport hitch for stable road travel, eliminating the need for separate hitches.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a separate hitch is installed for non-field operations, then transport capability is improved, but device complexity and storage requirements worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The hitch assembly is designed as a universal system that can accommodate both field operations and transport operations with a single device. The receiver can be repositioned to serve different functions, eliminating the need for multiple separate hitches and reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the functionality of multiple hitches (field hitch and transport hitch) into a single repositionable hitch assembly. By combining these functions into one device that can be reconfigured, the system reduces the number of components needed and simplifies storage requirements.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a separate hitch is installed for non-field operations, then transport capability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to cumbersome installation and storage
Solution Approach 1:
The hitch receiver is designed with dynamic repositioning capability, allowing it to be easily moved between high and low positions. This dynamic design eliminates the need for complex installation and removal procedures associated with separate hitches, as the single hitch can be quickly reconfigured for different operations.
Data Source
AI summary
A hitch assembly for use by an agricultural machine, in particular a self-propelled windrower, allowing the adjustable position of a hitch for use in both the towing of implements during field operations and the transportation of implements from one location to another. The adjustable hitch advantageously provides stability during the transportation position and is up and out of the way of crop flow during field use.