Utility Vehicle Tool Hitching Cradle With Quick Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for coupling tools, such as mower decks, to utility vehicle frames are complex and time-consuming, requiring significant effort.
Innovation Solution
A mounting mechanism comprising front hooks, a locking mechanism, and a lifting cradle assembly, which includes a frame attachment mechanism, allows for detachable and quick hitching of tools to the vehicle frame using pivotal motion and spring-actuated locking plates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional mechanical linkages are used to couple tools to vehicle frames, then the coupling is secure and reliable, but the process becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting mechanism is divided into separate functional components: front hooks for initial engagement, a lifting cradle assembly for raising the tool, and a locking mechanism for securing the tool in place. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, simplifying the overall mounting process while maintaining reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The front hooks are positioned to engage with the tool beforehand, creating an initial secure connection. This preliminary engagement allows the lifting cradle to raise the tool smoothly without risk of detachment, and enables the locking mechanism to secure the tool in its final position once lifted
2Reliability
If conventional mechanical linkages are used to couple tools to vehicle frames, then the coupling is secure, but the mounting process requires significant effort and time
Solution Approach 1:
The front hooks are pre-positioned to engage with the tool before lifting begins. This preliminary engagement eliminates the need for complex alignment procedures during mounting, allowing the tool to be quickly attached and lifted into position without manual adjustment
Solution Approach 2:
The lifting cradle assembly automatically raises the tool once the front hooks are engaged. The mechanism uses the vehicle's own lifting capability to perform the work, eliminating the need for operators to manually position or lift the heavy tool, thereby reducing both time and physical effort
3Ease of operation
If a simple coupling mechanism is used, then the mounting process is quick and easy, but the coupling reliability and security are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling process is segmented into three distinct phases: initial engagement via front hooks, lifting via the cradle assembly, and final securing via the locking mechanism. Each phase provides a different type of security, ensuring that the tool remains reliably coupled throughout the entire mounting process while keeping each individual step simple and easy to perform
Solution Approach 2:
The front hooks provide preliminary secure engagement before the tool is lifted. This preliminary securing action ensures that the tool cannot detach during the lifting process, maintaining reliability while keeping the operation simple - the operator only needs to lower the tool onto the hooks without complex alignment or fastening procedures
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
Facilitates easy, quick, and effortless mounting of tools to utility vehicle frames, reducing the time and effort required compared to conventional methods.
Implementation Method 1
spring-actuated locking plates
Implementation Method 2
lifting the tool under force generated by the vehicle
Implementation Method 3
lifting cradle assembly
Data Source
AI summary
A mounting mechanism (100), to enable hitching a tool (101) with the frame of a utility vehicle, comprises front hooks (102), a locking mechanism (104), a lifting cradle assembly (106), and a frame attachment mechanism (108). The front hooks (102) and the locking mechanism is configured to detachably engage the front and the rear portion of the tool (101) respectively. The cradle assembly (106) is configured to be operatively engaged with the front hooks (102) and the locking mechanism (104). The frame attachment mechanism (108) is configured to be pivotally coupled to the lifting cradle assembly (106). The locking mechanism (104) is configured to be operated by lifting the cradle assembly (106) via pivotal motion between the cradle and the frame attachment mechanism (108) under force generated by the vehicle (1000) to hitch and lock the tool (101) with the frame of the vehicle (1000).