Articulated Tractor Motor Layout for Independent PTO and Hydraulic Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional power machines, particularly those with articulating frames, face challenges in efficiently organizing and operating multiple power systems due to reliance on hydraulic power, leading to complexity in packaging and operational control.
Innovation Solution
A frame arrangement for compact tractors with separate electric motors supported on front and rear frame portions, including drive motors for tractive elements, an auxiliary motor for hydraulic operations, and a PTO motor, allowing independent speed variation and improved control of these systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If hydraulic power systems are used in conventional power machines, then power delivery is achieved, but system complexity and packaging difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The power system is segmented into multiple independent electric motors (first drive motor for front tractive elements, second drive motor for rear tractive elements, third motor for PTO assembly, fourth motor for hydraulic pump) rather than using a single hydraulic power source. This segmentation allows each motor to be independently controlled and packaged separately, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining power delivery capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the conventional hydraulic power transmission system with electric motors that directly drive the tractive elements and auxiliary systems. This substitution eliminates the need for hydraulic fluid, pumps, valves, and associated mechanical linkages, thereby reducing system complexity and packaging requirements while maintaining effective power delivery.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple power systems are integrated in conventional power machines, then functional versatility is achieved, but operational control difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each power system function (traction, PTO, hydraulic operations) is assigned to a separate electric motor that can be independently controlled. This segmentation enables precise operational control of each function without the complexity of managing an integrated hydraulic system, as each motor responds directly to control signals without requiring hydraulic valve management.
Solution Approach 2:
The electric motor system provides universal power delivery capability that can be independently directed to different functions (traction motors to wheels, PTO motor to implement, hydraulic motor to pump) based on operational needs. This multi-functionality is achieved through independent motor control rather than through a single hydraulic power source that must serve multiple functions simultaneously.
3Ease of operation
If separate electric motors are used for different power systems, then independent speed variation is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The power system is divided into separate electric motors positioned at different locations on the vehicle (first and second drive motors at the rear, third motor at the front for PTO, fourth motor for hydraulic pump). This spatial segmentation allows independent speed control of each motor without requiring complex mechanical linkages, as each motor can be controlled independently through electronic control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent distributes motors across different spatial dimensions and locations on the vehicle rather than concentrating them in a single power train. The first and second drive motors are positioned at the rear for traction, the third motor is positioned at the front for PTO operations, and the fourth motor is positioned for hydraulic operations. This dimensional distribution reduces the complexity of any single motor arrangement while enabling independent speed variation of each system.
Data Source
AI summary
A tractor can include a frame that can include a front frame portion, and a rear frame portion that articulates relative to the front frame portion and an electric power source that can be supported by the frame. Tractive elements can be supported by the frame and configured to operate to move the tractor over terrain, including front tractive elements supported by the front frame portion and rear tractive elements supported by the rear frame portion. A plurality of electric motors can be supported by the frame. A first drive motor can be arranged to power one or more of the front tractive elements, and a second drive motor can be arranged to power one or more of the rear tractive elements.