Continuous Shaft Drive for Work Implement Modules
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ground surface working implements with multiple mowing modules have complex and costly drive systems due to numerous components, which complicate operation and increase production costs.
Innovation Solution
A simplified drive system where the output shaft of one work device is directly coupled to the input shaft of another, forming a continuous shaft line, allowing simultaneous operation without separate drive lines, and incorporating universal joints and axially adjustable cardan shafts for flexibility and reduced component wear.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If each work device is driven separately via separate drive lines, then each work device can be independently controlled, but the drive system becomes complicated with a large number of components, increasing space occupation and production costs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges separate drive lines into a single continuous shaft line that passes through multiple work devices. The output shaft of one work device is coupled to the input shaft of the next, eliminating the need for separate drive lines for each work device. This reduces the number of components while maintaining the ability to drive all work devices simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The continuous shaft line serves multiple functions: it transmits power to multiple work devices, provides a common reference axis for positioning, and enables both simultaneous operation and independent positioning through pivotal couplings. This multi-functional design replaces multiple separate drive systems.
2Reliability
If separate drive lines are used for each work device, then drive reliability can be maintained, but production costs and weight increase due to more components
Solution Approach 1:
By combining multiple drive lines into one continuous shaft system, the patent reduces the total number of components that could potentially fail. The simplified system with fewer joints and connections reduces maintenance requirements and production costs while maintaining reliable power transmission to all work devices.
3Manufacturing precision
If work devices are rigidly connected to maintain precise positioning, then positioning accuracy is improved, but the ability to compensate for ground unevenness is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs pivotal couplings between work devices that allow dynamic adjustment of positions. The universal joints enable each work device to pivot independently relative to the continuous shaft line, allowing adaptation to ground unevenness while maintaining connection to the common drive system.
Solution Approach 2:
The continuous shaft line is segmented into sections that can pivot relative to each other at universal joint locations. This segmentation allows each work device to be positioned independently while remaining part of the unified drive system, balancing positioning accuracy with adaptability.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate drive lines are used, then each work device can be optimized independently, but the overall system weight and space occupation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple drive lines into a single continuous shaft system, significantly reducing the total weight of the drive system. By eliminating redundant components and sharing the common shaft structure across multiple work devices, the overall weight is reduced while each work device can still be independently optimized for its specific function.
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 solution simplifies the driving mechanism, reduces component count and weight, ensures direct transmission, and allows for independent positioning of work devices to compensate for ground unevenness, enhancing operational efficiency and durability.
Implementation Method 1
a universal joint is provided between the output shaft and the input drive shaft of a subsequent work device
Implementation Method 2
between the output shaft and input drive shaft of a subsequent work device a cardan shaft is provided which is coupled on either side by means of a universal joint
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
An implement (1) comprises a number of work devices (2A,2B,2C) for performing work therewith in an operative position. The work devices comprise an input drive shaft (4) which sets the work devices into operation. At least one work device (2B) of the work devices comprises an output shaft (3B) coupled to the input drive shaft (4A) of the work device and the input drive shaft (4C) of a subsequent work device (2C). The mutual coupling of the input and output shafts of the work devices together forms an efficient single drive line with which the work devices can be driven simultaneously without a separate drive branch being required per work device.