Work Vehicle Hitch Attachment for Removable Obstacle Sensors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing work vehicles lack a simple and efficient method to attach obstacle sensors to their body frames, which complicates their integration with hitch attachment sections used for towing and work device attachment.
Innovation Solution
A sensor support system that allows obstacle sensors to be easily attached and removed from hitch attachment sections in the front or rear of the vehicle, utilizing a design with a first section extending along the left-right direction and a second section that inserts into the hitch attachment section, enabling the sensors to be used in conjunction with hitch functions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If obstacle sensors are attached directly to the body frame, then the attachment structure becomes complex, but the sensor can be securely mounted
Solution Approach 1:
The hitch attachment section is designed to serve multiple functions: it can attach hitches for work devices and towing, and it can also attach sensor supports for obstacle detection. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate dedicated mounting structures for sensors, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining secure mounting capability.
Solution Approach 2:
A sensor support is introduced as an intermediary component that connects the obstacle sensor to the hitch attachment section. This intermediary structure provides a simple and secure mounting solution by utilizing the existing hitch attachment interface, avoiding direct complex integration between the sensor and body frame.
2Device complexity
If the hitch attachment section is used for both hitch and sensor attachment, then the structure is simplified, but the hitch cannot be attached when needed
Solution Approach 1:
The system is designed to be dynamically reconfigurable. The sensor support can be attached to or removed from the hitch attachment section as needed. When a hitch is required, the sensor support is removed and the hitch is attached instead. This dynamic adaptability ensures both structural simplicity and functional versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment system is segmented into modular components: the hitch attachment section on the body frame, the sensor support, and the obstacle sensor. This segmentation allows the sensor support to be independently attached or removed without affecting the hitch attachment capability, enabling flexible configuration based on operational needs.
3Measurement precision
If multiple obstacle sensors are installed, then obstacle detection capability improves, but the sensor support structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor support structure is designed to universally accommodate multiple types of obstacle sensors (infrared/ultrasonic sensors and contact-type sensors) in a single integrated assembly. The first section provides a common mounting platform for multiple sensors without requiring separate complex support structures for each sensor type, thereby improving detection capability while maintaining structural simplicity.
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
This configuration simplifies the attachment of obstacle sensors to the vehicle body frame, allowing for effective detection of obstacles both near and far, and can function as a bumper, enhancing safety and versatility in various work environments.
Implementation Method 1
a first obstacle sensor configured to detect an obstacle with use of infrared rays or ultrasonic waves
Implementation Method 2
a first obstacle sensor configured to detect an obstacle with use of infrared rays or ultrasonic waves
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 3
AI summary
A work vehicle according to the present invention includes: a body frame provided with at least one travel device (1, 2); and a hitch attachment section (46, 47) configured to enable attachment and removal of a hitch for attaching a work device and a hitch for towing, the hitch attachment section (46, 47) being in a front portion or a rear portion of the body frame. The work vehicle includes a sensor support (48) supporting at least one obstacle sensor (51,r 52) for detecting an obstacle, and configured to be attached to the hitch attachment section (46, 47) and removed from the hitch attachment section (46, 47).