Dual-Output Tractor Powertrain for Compact Multi-Load Drive

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing agricultural tractors lack a powertrain that efficiently integrates dual drive with dual independent output from multiple machines, leading to packaging constraints and inefficient power distribution.

Innovation Solution

A powertrain for agricultural tractors that utilizes a single energy source to connect multiple loads through solid and hollow shafts, with electric machines operating independently and at different speeds, and includes a controller for managing power distribution to various loads.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If a single energy source is used to power multiple loads, then the overall system efficiency is improved, but the packaging constraints and power distribution efficiency worsen

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem efficiencyVSAvoidpackaging constraints
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The powertrain is segmented into multiple independent electrical machines (first electrical machine and second electrical machine), each capable of independently driving different loads. This segmentation allows flexible power distribution while maintaining a single energy source, resolving the conflict between system efficiency and packaging constraints.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a dual-output configuration where the first electrical machine has two independent output shafts (first output shaft and second output shaft), adding a dimensional aspect to power distribution. This allows multiple loads to be driven independently from a single machine, reducing packaging complexity while maintaining efficient energy utilization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple electrical machines are used to drive different loads independently, then the adaptability is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveadaptabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The first electrical machine is designed with multi-functionality, serving as both a motor for driving loads and a generator for energy recovery. The same machine can drive different loads through its two output shafts, reducing the total number of electrical machines needed while maintaining high adaptability across various operating conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The control system dynamically adjusts the operating mode of each electrical machine based on real-time load requirements and vehicle conditions. Electrical machines can switch between motor and generator modes, and the connection between shafts can be dynamically engaged or disengaged, providing adaptability without requiring fixed complex mechanical structures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Productivity

If dual drive with dual independent output is implemented, then the productivity is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveproductivityVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The first output shaft is nested within or integrated with the second output shaft, creating a compact dual-output structure. This nesting approach allows both output shafts to be manufactured as part of a single integrated component or closely coupled assembly, reducing manufacturing complexity while enabling independent power delivery to multiple loads.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Data Source

PatentUS12441191B1Powertrain for an agricultural tractor with dual drive and dual independent output electrical machine
Publication Date: 2025.10.14 TAFE TRACTORS
  • US12441191B1 patent drawing
  • US12441191B1 patent drawing
  • US12441191B1 patent drawing

AI summary

The present invention discloses a powertrain for an agricultural tractor, with dual drive and dual independent electrical output. It comprises two or more output drive shafts (105, 107) coupled to two or more loads a single power source (113) connected to multiple loads (101,103,104), by the first solid shaft (105) connecting machine 1 to a load 1 (101) on one end through a coupling device (106) and optionally to a prime mover (109) on the front end through a coupling unit (110).