Automatic Locking Ball Coupler for Tractor PTO

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Coupling a tractor power take off (PTO) to the shaft of a rear-mounted implement is time-consuming, difficult, and requires the operator to leave the tractor seat, posing safety risks and alignment challenges due to the need for manual manipulation and potential misalignment of splines.

Innovation Solution

An automatic locking ball coupler system that includes a hollow cylindrical ball keeper and collar with locking balls, allowing for radial movement between uncoupled and coupled positions, enabling secure coupling without the operator needing to leave the seat, using a control lever and springs to manage the locking mechanism.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If manual coupling method is used with splines and keepers, then secure connection is achieved, but operator must leave tractor seat and alignment is difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection securityVSAvoidoperator convenience

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling mechanism performs alignment and locking automatically without operator intervention. The ball coupler self-aligns with the spline hub through radial movement, and the locking balls automatically engage with the splines when the collar is rotated, eliminating the need for operator manipulation of alignment features.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The ball coupler acts as an intermediary between the PTO shaft and implement shaft. It features a universal joint that accommodates misalignment and provides automatic centering, mediating the connection between components and eliminating the need for precise manual alignment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If manual coupling method is used, then connection is secured, but coupling process is time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection securityVSAvoidcoupling time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The locking balls are pre-positioned within the ball coupler housing, ready to engage with the splines. The universal joint is pre-configured to automatically center itself during approach, eliminating the time required for manual alignment and positioning operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs automatic alignment and locking through the self-centering universal joint and automatically engaging locking balls, eliminating manual manipulation steps and significantly reducing coupling time while maintaining secure connection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Force

If traditional spline coupling is used, then torque transmission is achieved, but alignment between PTO and implement shaft is difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetorque transmissionVSAvoidshaft alignment

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The universal joint incorporates spherical elements that allow angular movement and automatic centering. The spherical geometry enables the joint to self-align with the shafts during coupling, accommodating misalignment while maintaining effective torque transmission through the curved surface contact.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

Solution Approach 2:

The coupling mechanism transitions from a static alignment requirement to a dynamic self-aligning system. The universal joint allows angular movement during the coupling process, dynamically adapting to shaft misalignment and automatically centering itself to maintain optimal torque transmission.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

4Reliability

If operator manually manipulates locking feature, then driveline is secured, but operation is difficult and dirty

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedriveline securityVSAvoidoperation difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The locking balls automatically engage with the splines when the collar is rotated, without requiring operator manipulation of the locking feature. The system self-secures the driveline through automatic ball engagement, eliminating manual manipulation and the associated difficulties and contamination.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The manual manipulation of locking features is replaced by a rotational collar mechanism that automatically actuates the locking balls. This mechanical substitution transforms a difficult manual operation into a simple rotational motion that automatically secures the driveline.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS7641415B2Automatic locking ball coupler for power take off

Publication Date: 2010.01.05 DEERE & CO

AI summary

An automatic locking ball coupler for a power take off includes a ball keeper connected to the power take off and having a longitudinal axis and openings in a cylindrical surface thereof. Locking balls are received in the openings and can move radially with respect to the axis of the cylindrical ball keeper. A ball collar is positioned around the cylindrical ball keeper and has a plurality of internal circumferential rings and recesses between each ring. The ball collar can slide axially with respect to the longitudinal axis of the ball keeper between a coupled position in which the locking balls are on the rings and an uncoupled position in which the locking balls are in the recesses.