Work equipment equipped with modularized electrical equipment

Abstract

Some embodiments may include a work machine including a transport system and one or more implements for performing one or more tasks. The work machine includes at least one selectively positionable electrical component and a frame assembly having two or more power points, the at least one selectively positionable electrical component including at least a portion of the transport system or at least a portion of a powered implement of the one or more implements, the at least one selectively positionable electrical component forming a first mechanical frame connection, the two or more power points being at two or more different locations on the frame assembly, each of the power points forming a second mechanical frame connection that mates with the first mechanical frame connection, and the at least one selectively positionable electrical component being operable at any of the two or more power points. Other embodiments may also be disclosed and / or claimed.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to off-highway work vehicles and other work machines. Some embodiments relate to work machines with modularized electrical components. [Background technology]

[0002] Off-highway work vehicles or other implements that may operate on steep or rough terrain include utility vehicles such as tractors, lawn mowers, construction vehicles, agricultural vehicles, mining vehicles, etc. These implements may have a transport system, such as wheels, treads, walking devices, crawlers, etc., for transporting the implement from one location to another. Powered transport systems may be powered by any source, such as a combustion engine, an electric motor, etc., or a combination thereof.

[0003] In addition to the transport system, these machines may be equipped with tools to perform work tasks (operations) for residential, commercial, industrial, etc. Examples of operations include mowing, spraying, harvesting, planting, digging, mining, grading, etc. These tools, also known as implements, include the following: Passive implements, such as tractor-drawn plows and trailers with non-motorized transport systems; and Power-driven implements such as power-driven hitches for positioning plows, mowers, excavators, lawn edgers, etc.

[0004] Various components of these work machines (e.g., the transport system and / or the powered devices of the powered implements) may be configured to operate autonomously (e.g., fully autonomous, semi-autonomous). A robotic lawn mower is an example of a work machine that operates fully autonomously. A tractor with an automatic steering system coupled to a steering wheel (or steering wheel column) is an example of a semi-autonomous work vehicle (because an operator can manually steer the vehicle using the steering wheel). [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0005] [Figure 1A] FIG. 1A is a schematic diagram of a work machine with a power point and modularized electrical components connected thereto, according to various embodiments. [Figure 1B] FIG. 1B is a schematic diagram of one of the power points of FIG. 1A. [Figure 1C] FIG. 1C is a schematic diagram of the power take-off (PTO) electrical components of the modularized work machine of FIG. 1A. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of another power point according to various embodiments. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of modular electrical components that can be used in the power point of FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a work vehicle including a tractor and a towed implement, according to various embodiments, which may include multiple power points. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of various components of the work vehicle of FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of a chassis and transport device for a modular drivetrain, according to various embodiments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0006] As used in this application and claims, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" are used unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In some cases, the plural form may be intended. Furthermore, the term "comprises" means "includes." Furthermore, the terms "connected," "coupled," and "coupled" do not exclude the presence of intermediate elements between the connected, coupled, or coupled items. The systems, apparatus, and methods described herein are not to be construed as limiting in any sense, and the present disclosure covers all novel and non-obvious features and aspects of the various disclosed embodiments, alone and in various combinations and subcombinations with each other. The term "or" means "and / or" (unless expressly stated otherwise) and not "exclusive or."

[0007] The disclosed systems, methods, and devices are not limited to any particular aspect or feature, or combination thereof, nor do they require that one or more particular advantages exist or problems be solved. While any theory of operation is provided for ease of description, the disclosed systems, methods, and devices are not limited to such theory of operation. While some operations of the disclosed methods are described in a particular sequential order for convenience, it should be understood that aspects of this description encompass permutations unless a particular order is required by specific language described below. For example, operations described sequentially may, in some cases, be permuted or performed simultaneously. Furthermore, for simplicity, the accompanying figures may not show the various ways in which the disclosed systems, methods, and devices can be used in combination with other systems, methods, and devices.

[0008] Additionally, terms such as "produce" and "provide" may be used herein to describe the disclosed methods. These terms are highly abstract of the actions that are actually performed. The actual actions that correspond to these terms will vary depending on the particular implementation and will be readily discernible by those skilled in the art. In some instances, values, procedures, or equipment will be referred to as "minimum," "best," "minimum," etc. It should be understood that such descriptions are intended to indicate that a selection can be made from among many functional options used, and that such a selection is not necessarily better, lesser, or otherwise preferred than other options.

[0009] The embodiments will be described with reference to directions such as "upper," "lower," "top," "bottom," etc. These terms are used for convenience and do not imply any particular spatial orientation.

[0010] A work machine may include a wide variety of work-accomplishing mechanisms and actuation systems in addition to ground drive propulsion systems (e.g., transport systems) used to move the vehicle from one location to another. These mechanized systems may be part of one or more implements of the work machine and may accomplish tasks such as lifting, digging, grading, cutting, grinding, clamping, loading, etc. The mechanized systems may accomplish these work tasks using linear actuators (e.g., hydraulic cylinders), power take-offs (PTOs) (e.g., gear drives to transmit power to rotating shafts), etc., or combinations thereof.

[0011] In machines powered solely by an internal combustion engine (ICE), transmitting power through a rotating shaft begins with power distribution, which can then be transformed into other forms using additional mechanical transmissions, hydraulics, and / or electrical components.

[0012] For implements with fully electric transport systems and / or powertrains (e.g., pure electric vehicles (EVs) or other pure electric implements), there may be fewer mechanical constraints on power distribution options compared to ICE implements. The design of electric implements may depend on the machine configuration and specific This may be suitable for increased flexibility in optimizing work tasks. Because electrified implement components, such as electric motors and actuators, are more expensive than the specific mechanical systems used in ICEs, it is desirable to utilize an electric implement platform that offers flexibility for modular drivetrain components for on-demand configuration.

[0013] Figure 1A is a schematic diagram of a work implement 100 including a power point (power point arrangement) 19 and modularized electrical components 31, 32 connected thereto, according to various embodiments. Figure 1B is a schematic diagram of the power point 19 of Figure 1A. Figure 1C is a schematic diagram of the power take-off (PTO) electrical components 31 of the modularized work implement 100 of Figure 1A.

[0014] 1A , power points 19 are located at various locations on the work machine 100, and in this particular example include a front power point, a middle power point, and a rear power point. In other examples, more or fewer power points may be included, and they may be provided at various locations on the work vehicle or other work machine. The work machine 100 has modularized electrical components 31, 32 connected (e.g., plugged into) the power points 19. The work machine platform 11 may include a chassis or other frame (e.g., a vehicle chassis in some embodiments) to which other components (e.g., power points 19, power system 15, etc.) are mounted, and may be referred to herein as a frame assembly.

[0015] The electrical equipment 31, 32 is modular in the sense that it can be removed (e.g., unplugged) from a power point 19 and then connected to a similar power point on another implement (not shown) or to a different power point 19 on the same implement 100 (wherein the location / implement combination is determined to be valid by an intelligent control system (e.g., a monitoring module) of the implement 100 which, in some embodiments, can control the operation of the equipment 31, 32).

[0016] In the illustrated example, the modular electrical equipment 31, 32 includes a linear, rotary, or hydraulic power transmission system (e.g., a selective control valve (SCV) unit), a rotary power transmission system (such as a power take-off unit (PTO)), and a power-operated hitch (e.g., a hydraulic hitch). However, these are examples of electrical equipment that may be used with the power point 19 and are not meant to be limiting. In various embodiments, the power point 19 may be adapted to operate with one of a wide variety of modular electrical equipment plugged in, including, but not limited to, electrical components that may operate as part of one or more powered implements and / or transport systems of the work machine 100. In various embodiments, the modular electrical equipment may include a standalone PTO, a standalone hydraulic SCV system (for hydraulic actuation control off-board the work vehicle, such as for towed implements), a standalone hydraulic power-beyond system (for hydraulic valves already on-board the work machine, such as a three-point hitch), or the like, or a combination thereof.

[0017] The modularity of the power points 19 may address the need for increased flexibility and reduced costs for the implement platform. For example, the implement platform (e.g., the frame assembly described herein) may be designed to allow various powertrain options to be easily added to the platform (e.g., the frame assembly) after the factory. The implement platform may be designed with mechanical and electrical ports (e.g., power points 19) for adding powered implements and / or transport devices. The implement's electric powertrain devices may be designed to accommodate a wide range of functional use cases, with potentially significant variations in speed and load (depending on which devices are plugged into the power points 19). Software and embedded computing hardware Combining this with machine controller intelligence will enable greater flexibility in use cases for electric powertrain components.

[0018] In various embodiments, implement 100 may be a purely electric vehicle, while in other embodiments it may not be a purely electric vehicle. In some embodiments, a "hybrid" implement may be provided, in which case the hybrid implement's transport system may be powered by an electric motor and a mechanical engine. In other embodiments, the implement may have a mechanical engine for the transport system and electric motors for one or more attached powered implements. In any of these cases, power point 19 may be connected to a power source (e.g., a battery) of power system 15 or other shared components of power system 15.

[0019] 1B , power point (structure) 19 may include a mechanical chassis connection (mechanical chassis connection means) 51. Mechanical chassis connection 51 may include any now known or later developed load bearing and fastening components. Mechanical chassis connection 51 may stabilize the attachment of equipment 31, 32 to the frame assembly and ensure operation of communication connection (communication connection means) 52 and power connections (power connection means) 53, 54 during operation of work machine 100.

[0020] The work implement platform 11 may include a hardware and software system (shown in FIG. 1B as circuitry 20) for controlling the operation of at least one selectively deployable electrical component, as well as the transport system and / or any attached powered implements of the work implement 100. This hardware and software system may communicate via a communication connection 52 at the power point 19. The communication connection 52 may include a wired and / or wireless connection between the modular electrical components 31, 32 and the circuitry 20. In various embodiments, the modular electrical component 31 may include circuitry 70 for communication and control of electrical and / or mechanical devices mounted on the electrical component 31, which may operate under the control of signals originating from the circuitry 20 of the work implement 100. In various embodiments, any circuitry described herein may include a special-purpose processor for performing any of the operations described herein and / or a general-purpose processor for executing instructions stored on a memory for performing any of the operations described herein.

[0021] The power point 19 may also include connections or means for supplying power to the equipment's control circuits (e.g., low voltage power connection (means) 53). The power point 19 may also include connections for supplying power to work equipment (e.g., high voltage power connection 54 for supplying power to attached work equipment such as actuators, transport system components, powered implement components, or combinations thereof).

[0022] 1C, any fixture that connects to power point 19 may include one or more of the illustrated example components. The fixture 31 may incorporate electronics 70 (e.g., a motor microcontroller 71 or other control circuitry that operates under control of control signals originating from the hardware and software systems of the implement 100 and that may also control electrical and / or mechanical devices integral to the fixture 31).

[0023] Communication connection 72 and power connections 73, 74 may be similar in all respects to communication connection 52 (FIG. 1B) and power connections 53, 54 (FIG. 1B), respectively. Mechanical chassis connection 61 may mate with mechanical chassis connection 51 (FIG. 1B). In the illustrated embodiment, where equipment 31 is PTO equipment, equipment 31 may include electric motor 62, gear reduction device 63, and PTO shaft 64 (which may be similar to any now known or later developed PTO shaft).

[0024] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of another power point 219 according to various embodiments. Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of a modularized electrical component 332 that can be used with the power point of Figure 2. This power point 219 may be similar in any respect to power point 19 (Figure 1A) or other power points described herein, and this modularized electrical component 332 may be similar in any respect to component 32 (Figure 1A) or other components described herein.

[0025] In this embodiment, shaft 251, which fits into opening 351, provides a load support for accessory 332 coupled to the work machine. Bolt 205 is part of a fastening system for securing the rotational position of accessory 332 on the load support. Bolt 205 or a similar fastening system can be used to removably attach accessory 332 to power point 219, where accessory 332 can be installed / removed without permanently deforming power point 219 and / or components of the accessory 332 assembly. In a detachable embodiment, a now-known or later-developed quick-release system may be used to perform one or both of the load-bearing and fastening functions. Removable attachment is not required (although in other examples, accessory 332 may be fixedly attached to power point 219, e.g., by welding, riveting, etc., or a combination thereof, which may require the fastening system to be replaced / repaired after installation or removal).

[0026] In this embodiment, an output 275 (e.g., a high voltage power output) for powering the work device of the fixture 332 is located at the end of the shaft 251, although in other embodiments the output 275 may be separate from the load bearing component. One or more connectors 252 provide an output for powering the fixture's circuitry (e.g., a low voltage power output) and may provide communication connections similar to those described herein (e.g., one or more lines for bidirectional exchange of digital signals).

[0027] 3, fitment 332 may include a mechanical interface 361 that includes opening 351 (or other load-bearing component for mating with a load-bearing component of power point 219). Mechanical interface 361 may also include a female or male mounting interface 305 for mating with a male or female mounting interface of the power point (e.g., a nut or some other fastener for mating with bolt / fastener 205).

[0028] One or more connectors 372 may mate with one or more connectors 252 and provide microcontroller power 375 (e.g., power to a microcontroller or other processing device in the circuitry of the fitment 332). The microcontroller or other processing device may communicate with the work machine software or hardware via connector 372, or other connectors, in various embodiments.

[0029] Electric motor 362 receives power from output 275 (FIG. 2) and can drive an actuator (e.g., SCV actuation portion 381) of the assembly. Output interface 382 for attaching a task-specific attachment (e.g., a working portion of a powered implement) can include a linear, rotary, or fluid power transmission system (a hydraulic SCV is shown in this embodiment) capable of driving the motion of the attached task-specific attachment. Gear train 363 can be similar to any now known or later developed gear train.

[0030] In some embodiments, powered equipment similar in all respects to the equipment described herein includes a motor, mechanical interface, electrical interface, and communication system. Such features may be mounted on a configurable chassis as independent working units or in combination to form more complex drivetrain systems. Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment in which the powered features are actuators.

[0031] 4, work vehicle 400 may include a tractor 8 and / or towed implement 9, and may include multiple power points similar to any of the power points described herein. A power point may output power from a single power source or from a set of power sources (which may be distributed as desired on work vehicle 400).

[0032] Work vehicle 400 may include an electric motor 99 ( FIG. 5 ), which, in various embodiments, may be part of the work vehicle's 400 transport system or part of other powered systems of work vehicle 400. Each power point on the work vehicle may include a modular chassis interface 451. (Modular chassis interface 451 may be similar in all respects to the modular chassis connections described herein, such as modular chassis connection 51 of FIG. 1B .)

[0033] 4, in various embodiments, a set of actuators (shown as actuators 1-4) on tractor 8 and towed implement 9 may utilize the same component of work vehicle 400, for example, a motor drive on electric motor 99 (FIG. 5) on work vehicle 400. In this embodiment, the frame assembly of work vehicle 400 may include electric motor 99 (FIG. 5) that includes the motor drive. Actuators in equipment coupled (e.g., plugged into) a power point on work vehicle 400 may receive electrical power and / or mechanical power via the power point.

[0034] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of various components of the work implement 400 of Figure 4. A motor mechanical interface 562 may mechanically couple an actuator 432 (e.g., an actuator motor) to an electric motor 99 (e.g., a motor drive) of the work vehicle 400. An HV power section 574 and an LV power and communications section 573 may be similar to any high voltage power section, low voltage power section, and communications connection section described herein.

[0035] Actuator output 561 (e.g., a load-bearing rod or torque shaft) may have a task-specific attachment (not shown) coupled to it. Mechanical coupling 505 may include a mechanical and / or electrical coupling to power point modular chassis interface 451 (which may be similar in any respect to mechanical chassis connection 51 of FIG. 1B). Mechanical coupling 505 may couple the actuator output to gear train 563 (which may be any now known or later developed gear train).

[0036] Tractors using power points A known off-highway vehicle may be designed and manufactured with a specific feature set that cannot be changed after the vehicle is introduced into the supply chain (e.g., after delivery to a dealer or customer). A known vehicle may be delivered ready to work, including connection points for hydraulic actuators and PTOs, allowing customers to add various job-specific attachments. However, the machine's powertrain and its connections may be fixed.

[0037] Some known compact tractors include a rear PTO, a rear hydraulic lift hitch (e.g., three-point or two-point), and one to three hydraulic power connections (e.g., SCV). Common factory options for such vehicles include a front PTO, a mid-chassis PTO, a front hydraulic lift hitch (three-point or two-point hitch), a front bucket with lift and bucket actuators, and a These could include bucket loaders, boom, stick, and rear excavators with bucket actuators. Many of these factory options are difficult and expensive, if not impossible, to add to a machine after it leaves the factory, so dealers / customers must carefully plan how they will use the vehicle before ordering. As machines transition to EV platforms, it may become cost-prohibitive to reserve dedicated electric drivetrain components for all of the vehicle options listed above.

[0038] A compact tractor or other implement employing any of the features described herein may have variously positioned power points similar to those described herein, potentially enabling front, rear, and mid-chassis PTO utilization using a single modular electric PTO that can be moved to the location on the EV platform where the work is needed, since most applications do not require multiple PTO components for a particular task.

[0039] Similarly, the electric motor, the primary power component required for the linear actuator, can be designed modularly to allow movement between front loader, hitch, and excavator applications. While multiple linear actuators are often required for a given task, modular design can reduce the overall number of specific vehicle and attachment combinations. Figure 3 illustrates one embodiment of a fitment 332, which includes an electric motor 362 and an output interface 382 to which any of a set of attachments can be attached. As discussed with reference to Figure 1A, this fitment 332 can be used in various locations (e.g., various power points) on the work machine.

[0040] [Modular drivetrain] While some other embodiments described herein may include a modular front axle that includes an electric motor, other embodiments may include a fully modular electric transport system (e.g., a ground drive system) that allows the implement to be configured with different heights and widths of transport (e.g., wheels / tires) depending on the application, work site conditions (e.g., crop conditions), or user preference.

[0041] In addition to multiple transport wheel / tire configurations, transport systems can also be configured with tracked vehicle configurations (two or four tracks). Some known drivetrains cannot accommodate the change from a four-wheel system to a two-track system because the principles of motion control and steering are significantly different. However, by using electric motors to transmit power, the principles of motion control can potentially be implemented in software.

[0042] In various embodiments of the modular drivetrain, the system may include: Chassis: A machine frame having horizontally spaced, configurable mounting locations along both sides that may allow for the attachment of transport equipment (e.g., ground drive components such as electric drive axles). Vertical Axle Mounts: Mountable on either side of the chassis and spaced horizontally to achieve the desired wheelbase, the vertical axle mounts provide installation locations for electric drive axles or wheel motors at multiple vertical positions, allowing for vehicle height configurations and accommodating various transport devices (e.g., ground drive components such as wheels or tracks). Frame Assembly Components: Various components that, together with the chassis, provide a frame assembly similar in all respects to the frame assembly described herein. These components may be mounted on the chassis and may include the power and control systems of the implement, such as a battery pack, inverter, control ECU, wiring, etc. The frame assembly electrical system (the electrical system of the frame assembly coupled to the chassis) may be connected to the wheel base. Transport devices (e.g., ground drive components) may be able to plug into standardized connectors at various locations so that vehicle speed and vehicle height options are not limited. Extending the wire harness may be considered to include edge-case configurations of excessively long or excessively wide transport device spaces (leading to failures). The wiring architecture of the frame assembly may support high voltage, low voltage, and communication lines to connect each transport device (e.g., ground drive component). Drive Axle: The drive axle with electric motor is attached to the axle mount at the desired location, which is then attached to the frame assembly. The drive axle can be as simple as an electric motor with a mechanical housing for implements that only require differential steering (such as CTLs, dozers, and other track-driven implements). In other embodiments, the drive axle can be a more complex assembly that includes a separate steering motor and suspension system. Some drive axles are complete undercarriages, such as twin-track implements that require two drive motors, platform wheels, and tension systems.

[0043] In various embodiments, the work implement transport system may include a drivetrain including a modular power axle assembly or power spindle. At least a portion of the drivetrain may be coupled to a mechanical load bearing power point. In embodiments with a drivetrain including a modular power axle assembly, the transport system may include two power-driven transport devices (e.g., wheels) coupled together, which may be driven by a single power source (motor) or each may have its own dedicated power source. In other embodiments with power spindles, a single transport device assembly (e.g., a single power-driven wheel assembly) may be used at each corner of a four-device transport system (e.g., a four-wheeled work implement).

[0044] 6 is a schematic diagram of a chassis 611 and transport device 614 for a modular drivetrain, according to various embodiments. The chassis 611 may be similar to any of the chassis described herein. Configurable mounting locations 625 are spaced horizontally along a horizontal member of the chassis 611.

[0045] Transport device 614 includes a vertical axle mount, which may be similar to any of the vertical axle mounts described herein, with configurable mounting locations 675 on the vertical axle mount that are variably positionable (alignable) with configurable mounting locations 625 to accommodate vehicle height configurations and various transport devices.

[0046] The frame assembly including the chassis may define multiple power points, and the transporter motor 651 may be coupled to a selected one of the power points at its selected horizontal / vertical position.

[0047] [Front wheel assist and / or power-driven implement-assisted implement] Some off-highway vehicles may be designed with either a rear-wheel drive configuration or an optional four-wheel drive with a power-driven front axle mechanically coupled to the driveline. Front-wheel drive may add mechanical complexity to the drivetrain system. Various embodiments of the implement may include a modular front axle that can include an electric drive actuation section and an electric drive for steering, allowing the tractor chassis to be easily configured at the point of sale rather than at the factory.

[0048] Implements are often used to tow work implements. The size of a tractor or other towing implement is sometimes dictated by the size of the implement being towed (e.g., the required drawbar load to support the towed implement). (Some implements require minimal power or weight to support the power transmission.) Some implements are towed by a transport device (e.g., wheels) to support support for transport and, in some cases, manage height or depth requirements for the implement. Any of the features described herein can be used to augment power transmission to the ground by incorporating an electric drive, using these implement transport devices. This allows for the use of narrower tractors in width-constrained areas or for reducing the size of the tractor for operations that require only a small portion of the tow implement's life cycle. [Example]

[0049] Various embodiments employing any of the features described herein may include an implement platform with an EV powertrain and modular auxiliary power points (e.g., work ports) for PTO and actuator connections (mechanical and electrical ports).

[0050] Various embodiments employing any of the features described herein may include modular EV powertrain components for accomplishing PTO-related tasks and attachment connections.

[0051] Various embodiments employing any of the features described herein may include modular EV powertrain components for implementing linear actuator related tasks and attachment connections.

[0052] Various embodiments employing any of the features described herein may include an intelligent machine control system for managing modular EV powertrain components across a wide range of applications and use cases.

[0053] Various embodiments employing any of the features described herein may include modular EV powertrain components that allow point-of-sale customization of the transportation system through the addition of front wheel power.

[0054] Various embodiments employing any of the features described herein may include modular EV powertrain components to enable drive to be implemented to the wheels of a towing work implement.

[0055] In any of the embodiments described herein, one or more components of the electric motor may be shared by multiple pieces of equipment using any of the power points described herein. Shared components may include electric motor components such as the motor (or motor components such as windings, magnets, stators, bearings, etc.), inverter, controller, battery pack, etc.

[0056] It should be understood that the principles of the disclosed technology may be applied to many embodiments, and therefore the described embodiments are merely preferred examples and should not be taken as limiting the scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A work machine including a transport system and one or more implements for performing one or more operations, The working machine is at least one selectively deployable electrical component; a frame assembly having two or more power points; the at least one selectively deployable electrical component includes at least a portion of the transport system or at least a portion of a powered implement of the one or more implements; the at least one selectively positionable electrical component forms a first mechanical frame connection; the two or more power points are respectively located at two or more different locations on the frame assembly; each of the power supply points forms a second mechanical frame connection that mates with the first mechanical frame connection, and the at least one selectively positionable electrical component is operable at any of the two or more power supply points.

2. 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein at least one of the two or more different positions on the frame assembly corresponds to a front portion of the work machine, a rear portion of the work machine, or a portion between the front portion and the rear portion.

3. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the at least one selectively deployable electrical component comprises a power take-off (PTO) system or other rotary power transmission system of the work machine.

4. 10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least one selectively deployable electrical component comprises a selective control valve (SCV) system or other linear, rotary, or fluid power transmission system of the work machine.

5. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the at least one selectively deployable electrical component comprises a power-operated hitch.

6. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the at least one selectively deployable electrical component comprises a portion of a drive train of the transport system.

7. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the transport system further comprises a drive train, at least a portion of the drive train connected to the work machine via first and second mechanical load bearings.

8. The apparatus of claim 7 , wherein the at least a portion of the drivetrain includes a modular power axle assembly or power spindle.

9. 10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the work machine comprises a tractor and a towed implement, the tractor comprising the power point, and the towed implement comprising one or more additional power points.

10. 10. The apparatus of claim 9, further comprising a powered implement assist, said implement assist connected to one of said one or more additional power points.

11. the at least one selectively configurable electrical component includes circuitry for communication and control of electrical and / or mechanical devices of the at least one selectively configurable electrical component; The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the work machine further comprises hardware and software systems that control operation of the transport system, the powered implement, or the selectively deployable at least one electrical component.

12. each of the power points further comprising a communication connection; 12. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the hardware and software system communicates with the circuitry to control the operation via the communication connection.

13. 12. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the at least one selectively positionable electrical component includes two or more selectively positionable electrical components, and the two or more selectively positionable electrical components are connected to the same resource of the frame assembly's electrical system via the power point.

14. The device of claim 13 , wherein the resource includes a power source.

15. The apparatus of claim 13 , wherein the resource includes at least one motor drive and the two or more selectively configurable electrical components include two or more actuators.

16. at least one selectively deployable electrical component operating as part of a transport system of the work machine or as at least a portion of a powered implement of one or more implements of the work machine; the at least one selectively positionable electrical component forms a first mechanical frame connection, the first mechanical frame connection being adapted to plug into one of two or more mechanical frame connections of two or more power points of the work machine; The at least one selectively configurable electrical component is operable at any of the two or more power points.

17. 17. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the at least one selectively deployable electrical component comprises a power take-off (PTO) system or other rotary power transmission system.

18. 17. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the at least one selectively deployable electrical component comprises a selective control valve (SCV) system or other linear, rotary, or fluid power transmission system.

19. 17. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the at least one selectively deployable electrical component comprises a power-operated hitch.

20. 17. The device of claim 16, wherein the at least one selectively positionable electrical component is configured to operate by consuming electrical or mechanical power output from a resource of the electrical system of the work machine via one of the two or more power supply points when plugged into the power supply point.

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