Vertical Load Hitch Actuator for Axle Torque Balancing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current implement attachment systems for agricultural and construction vehicles fail to effectively distribute vertical loads, leading to decreased tractive efficiency and increased load on the rear axle, without the ability to transfer loads from the rear to the front based on site conditions.
Innovation Solution
An implement hitch system with a sensor assembly and vertical load actuator that adjusts the load distribution between the vehicle's axles in real-time, using data from sensors monitoring vertical load, traction slippage, draft load, and actuator positions to balance torque between the front and rear axles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If typical implement attachment systems are used, then the implement can be attached to the vehicle, but the vertical load on the rear axle increases and tractive efficiency of the front axle decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The hitch system incorporates a vertically movable hitch assembly with actuators that can dynamically adjust the vertical position of the implement connection point. This dynamic adjustment capability allows the system to shift vertical loads between front and rear axles in real-time, optimizing tractive efficiency while maintaining reliable implement attachment. The movable hitch assembly transforms a static attachment system into a dynamic one that can adapt to varying operational conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the vertical load distribution parameter by using actuators to adjust the hitch assembly position. By varying the vertical position of the hitch assembly, the system alters how vertical forces are distributed to the front and rear axles. This parameter change enables optimization of tractive efficiency without compromising implement attachment reliability, directly addressing the technical contradiction.
2Reliability
If typical implement attachment systems are used, then the implement can be attached to the vehicle, but the ability to transfer vertical load from rear to front axle based on site conditions is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The hitch assembly is designed with vertical movement capability driven by actuators, transforming a static attachment system into a dynamic one. This dynamic structure enables the system to adaptively transfer vertical loads between axles based on real-time site conditions such as ground traction availability, directly enhancing adaptability while maintaining reliable implement attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates sensors that monitor site conditions including ground traction, vehicle motion, and hitch assembly position. This feedback information is used by the control system to automatically adjust the hitch assembly vertical position, enabling adaptive load transfer. The feedback mechanism allows the system to respond to changing site conditions in real-time, directly addressing the need for adaptability.
3Productivity
If a vertical load actuator and sensor assembly are added to monitor and adjust load distribution, then load distribution can be dynamically adjusted, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hitch assembly serves multiple functions: it attaches the implement to the vehicle, positions the implement vertically, and acts as a load transfer mechanism between axles. By making the hitch assembly multi-functional, the system achieves improved operational efficiency through integrated design rather than adding separate complex subsystems, thereby mitigating the increase in device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates sensors that automatically monitor load distribution and site conditions, with actuators that self-adjust the hitch assembly position based on this data. This self-service capability reduces the need for manual intervention and complex control systems, achieving improved operational efficiency while keeping the overall device complexity manageable through automated self-regulation.
Data Source
AI summary
One or more techniques and/or systems are disclosed for proving operation of a vehicle towing an implement. A hitch assembly can be used to adjust or distribute a vertical downward force that an attached implement applies to the frame of a vehicle towing the implement. A sensor assembly can identify the torque that is being applied to the front and rear axles. The torque data can be used to generate adjustments to the vertical load actuator, which can to adjust an amount of load applied to the front and/or rear axles. In this way, vertical load may be efficiently distributed between the front and rear axles automatically.