Towing Hitch Assembly Dynamic Configuration for AGV Stability
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
In industrial manufacturing, auto-guided vehicles used for towing require reduced human interaction for connection and disconnection, and existing solutions limit maneuverability due to wobbling and loss of control during turns, especially when towing a carrier vehicle.
Innovation Solution
A towing hitch assembly with a first and second part joined by a vertical axis, capable of two configurations, where the first configuration creates a recess for engagement and transitions to a second configuration by a retraction device, such as a helical or gas spring, to securely connect with a towing vehicle, and a towing system with swivelling wheels and a low-profile design for stable and efficient operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a mechanism on the towing vehicle disengages a connecting recess on a carrier vehicle to reduce human interaction, then automation is improved, but maneuverability deteriorates due to wobbling and loss of control
Solution Approach 1:
The towing hitch assembly is designed to dynamically change configuration based on operational state. It transitions between a first configuration (when not engaged) that allows free maneuvering and a second configuration (when engaged by the towing vehicle) that provides stable connection. This dynamic adaptability resolves the contradiction by allowing automation while maintaining maneuverability when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The hitch assembly changes its geometric parameters between two configurations. In the first configuration, the parts create an open recess for easy engagement. In the second configuration, the parts rotate around a vertical axis to narrow the recess and secure the towing vehicle. This parameter change enables both automated engagement and stable towing.
2Reliability
If the towing hitch assembly remains in engagement configuration, then connection stability is improved, but maneuverability deteriorates due to mechanical shocks during turns
Solution Approach 1:
The hitch assembly dynamically switches between configurations based on whether the towing vehicle is engaged. When engaged, it locks in the second configuration for stable connection. When disengaged, it returns to the first configuration that allows free maneuvering without transmitting mechanical shocks. This dynamic behavior resolves the contradiction between connection stability and maneuverability.
3Ease of operation
If the recess is kept open for easy engagement, then ease of operation is improved, but connection security deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The hitch assembly uses a dynamic configuration system where the first configuration provides an open recess for easy engagement, and the second configuration narrows the recess to secure the connection. The ability to transition between these states resolves the contradiction between ease of engagement and connection security.
Solution Approach 2:
The geometric parameters of the recess change between configurations. In the first configuration, the recess is open and accessible. In the second configuration, the parts rotate to narrow the recess, creating a secure fit. This parameter change enables both easy engagement and secure connection.
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 solution prevents wobbling and loss of control, ensuring stable engagement and operation, reducing mechanical shocks, and allowing for efficient and reliable towing within manufacturing facilities with minimal human intervention.
Implementation Method 1
the retraction device comprises at least one helical spring
Implementation Method 2
the retraction device comprises at least one gas spring
Implementation Method 3
A gas spring has a damped movement when it exerts its force after tension is applied to it
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
A towing hitch assembly (1) wherein, the towing hitch assembly (1) comprises a first part (2) and a second part (10), wherein the first part (2) and the second part (10) are joined through a first essentially vertical axis (3), wherein the two parts (2, 10) create a connecting section (9), to which a towing vehicle (20) can connect, wherein the towing hitch assembly (1) is arranged to be able to attain a first and a second configuration (A, B), wherein in the first configuration (A) the towing hitch assembly (1) is in connectable configuration characterised in that, wherein by cooperation of the first part (2) and the second part (10) a recess (7) is created, wherein when in the second configuration (B) the towing hitch assembly (1) engages a protrusion (21) of a towing vehicle (20) by reducing the size of the recess (7), and in that the transition from the first configuration (A) to the second configuration (B) is actuated by a towing vehicle (20). Further is disclosed A towing system comprising a towing vehicle (20), a carrier vehicle (15), and a towing hitch assembly according to any of the claims above, wherein the towing hitch assembly (1) is attached to the carrier vehicle (15).