Three-Axis Agricultural Hitch for Heavy Equipment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing hitches for towing heavy agricultural equipment, such as manure tanks and spreaders, fail to accommodate uneven terrain effectively, leading to snapping under heavy loads due to inadequate flexibility and stability.

Innovation Solution

A dual-axis hitch with an optional third axis of rotation, comprising a first assembly pivotally attached to a second assembly, allowing 180-degree rotation about both horizontal and vertical axes, and an additional axis of rotation for the tow rod, providing enhanced stability and maneuverability over rough terrain.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a traditional hitch is used to tow heavy equipment, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the hitch snaps under heavy loads on uneven terrain due to insufficient flexibility

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehitch durabilityVSAvoidhitch structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The hitch is divided into multiple assemblies (first assembly combinable to heavy equipment, second assembly pivotally attached to first assembly, and third assembly pivotally attached to second assembly), each with independent rotation capabilities about different axes, allowing the hitch to flex and adapt to terrain variations without snapping

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The hitch incorporates multiple pivot points and rotation axes that allow dynamic movement and adjustment during operation, enabling the hitch to accommodate jostling and uneven terrain while maintaining structural integrity under heavy loads

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If a dual-axis hitch is used to provide flexibility, then the hitch can accommodate terrain variations, but the hitch lacks sufficient rotation capability for heavy equipment maneuvering

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehitch flexibilityVSAvoidequipment maneuverability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The hitch adds a third axis of rotation (coaxial with the tow rod) to the existing two axes, creating a three-dimensional rotation capability that enables comprehensive maneuverability for heavy equipment while maintaining flexibility for terrain adaptation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Ease of manufacture

If the steering rod attachment is fixed, then the steering assembly is simple to manufacture, but the steering sensitivity cannot be adjusted for different operating conditions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesteering assembly simplicityVSAvoidsteering sensitivity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The steering rod attachment point is made adjustable along the slot in the top bracket, allowing the operator to change the steering sensitivity by repositioning the attachment point, thus adapting to different operating conditions while maintaining a relatively simple assembly structure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS11685204B2Hitch for an agricultural vehicle

Publication Date: 2023.06.27 SWIVEL KING LLC

AI summary

A first assembly combinable to the heavy equipment and a second assembly pivotally attached to the first assembly for rotation about a first axis and configured for pivotal attachment to the vehicle for rotation about a second axis. A tow rod extending from the first assembly with a third axis extending therethrough and combinable to the heavy equipment and configured for rotation with respect to the heavy equipment about the third axis.