Diff-Lock Operation Shaft with Nested Coil Spring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing work vehicle systems face challenges in compactly configuring an operation system for the diff-lock section, which requires a large space for the tension spring and can be out of phase with the meshed portion, making it difficult to operate the differential between operational and locked states.
Innovation Solution
A diff-lock device with a rotatable diff-lock operation shaft and a first coil spring wound around its outer surface, linked to a manual operation tool, allows for compact operation by storing spring force when out of phase and rotating to lock the differential when in phase, eliminating the need for a large space and improving operability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a coil tension spring is used to connect the manual operation tool to the diff-lock section, then the diff-lock section can be operated to the diff-lock position, but the tension spring requires a large space and makes the operation system bulky
Solution Approach 1:
The first coil spring is wound around the outer surface of the diff-lock operation shaft, nesting the spring within the operational mechanism's footprint. This eliminates the need for separate spring housing space and compactly integrates the elastic element into the existing operational structure, resolving the space requirement issue while maintaining operational functionality
2Adaptability or versatility
If the diff-lock section is connected via a long coil tension spring, then the diff-lock section can be operated when out of phase, but the long spring requires large space and complicates the device configuration
Solution Approach 1:
The first coil spring is integrated directly onto the diff-lock operation shaft rather than being a separate long connecting element. This merging of the spring with the operational shaft reduces the number of discrete components and simplifies the overall device configuration while maintaining the adaptability to operate the diff-lock section when out of phase
3Reliability
If a manual operation tool is connected to the diff-lock section via a coil tension spring, then the diff-lock section can be operated to lock the differential, but the system requires relatively long spring and large disposal space
Solution Approach 1:
The first coil spring is nested around the diff-lock operation shaft, utilizing the shaft's cylindrical surface as the spring's mounting structure. This nesting approach maintains the reliability of differential locking through the spring's elastic force while minimizing the disposal area to essentially the circumference of the operation shaft, eliminating the need for large separate spring housing spaces
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
The solution enables a compact and efficient operation system for the diff-lock section, allowing for smooth transition between operational and locked states without resistance, enhancing the usability and space efficiency of the work vehicle's differential locking mechanism.
Implementation Method 1
a first coil spring wound around an outer surface of the diff-lock operation shaft concentrically with the diff-lock operation shaft, and linked at one end portion to the diff-lock operation shaft and at another end portion to the linking member. Due to the manual operation tool being operated, the first coil spring is twisted around the axis via the linking member, and the diff-lock operation shaft is rotated via the first coil spring.
Data Source
AI summary
A diff-lock operation shaft 50 is supported by a case 11 in such a manner as to be rotatable around an axis P1 of the diff-lock operation shaft 50 and operates a diff-lock section 48 to a lock position A2 by being rotated, and a first coil spring 51 is wound around the outer surface of the diff-lock operation shaft 50 concentrically with the diff-lock operation shaft 50, and is linked at one end portion 51b to the diff-lock operation shaft 50 and at another end portion 51a to linking members 55 and 56. The first coil spring 51 is twisted around the axis P1 via the linking members 55 and 56 by the manual operation tool 58 being operated, and the diff-lock operation shaft 50 is rotated via the first coil spring 51.