Hydraulic Stack Auxiliary Drive Assembly Power Takeoff
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Solution Overview
Problem
In large-scale work vehicles, arranging drive assemblies for various electrically and hydraulically driven components to efficiently tie into a power source while delivering adequate power to associated components is challenging, particularly due to space constraints and the need for proper power coupling and component orientation.
Innovation Solution
A compact power takeoff device is interposed between hydraulic pumps in a drive assembly, receiving rotational power from one pump and transmitting it to another, with a mounting structure and couplers ensuring efficient power transfer and alignment along a drive axis that extends at an angle to the rotation axis of the drive shaft.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If multiple hydraulic drive components are arranged to tie into the power source, then power delivery to various components is improved, but space constraints and arrangement complexity worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple hydraulic drive components (first hydraulic drive component and second hydraulic drive component) into a single integrated assembly along a common drive axis. This merging allows multiple components to share space and mounting structures, reducing overall arrangement complexity while maintaining the ability to deliver power to multiple auxiliary components simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The drive assembly is designed as a multi-functional unit that can power multiple different auxiliary components (such as cooling fans, generators, or other vehicle systems) through a single standardized arrangement. The universal mounting structure and common drive axis allow the same assembly configuration to serve multiple functions, simplifying the overall system design.
2Volume of moving object
If hydraulic drive components are arranged along an angled drive axis, then space utilization is improved, but alignment and mounting precision worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs an asymmetric drive axis configuration where the drive axis extends at a specific angle (not perpendicular or parallel to the rotation axis) to optimize space utilization. This asymmetric arrangement allows the hydraulic components to be positioned in available space while the mounting structure incorporates corresponding angled mounting surfaces and coupling mechanisms that maintain precise alignment despite the non-standard orientation.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting structure acts as an intermediary element that bridges the angled drive axis configuration with the hydraulic components. It includes angled mounting surfaces, adapters, or coupling mechanisms that translate the angled axis orientation into proper alignment for the hydraulic components, thereby maintaining manufacturing precision while achieving space-efficient arrangement.
3Power
If a power takeoff device is added between hydraulic components, then rotational power transfer is improved, but component quantity and complexity worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The power takeoff device is merged with the existing hydraulic drive components to form an integrated power transfer assembly. Rather than being a separate add-on, it is incorporated into the structure of the hydraulic components themselves, allowing rotational power to be transferred between components without requiring additional standalone elements. This combining approach maintains efficient power transfer while minimizing the increase in component quantity.
Solution Approach 2:
The power takeoff device is designed as a multi-functional element that serves both as part of the hydraulic drive component structure and as the power transfer mechanism. It performs dual functions: maintaining the structural integrity of the drive assembly and enabling efficient rotational power transfer, thereby adding minimal complexity while achieving the power transfer objective.
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 allows for efficient power distribution to auxiliary components without adding significant components, simplifying packaging and maintaining operational advantages like improved cooling and serviceability, while avoiding the need for downstream gear reduction components.
Implementation Method 1
a power takeoff device receives power from the engine through mechanical coupling to one or more hydraulic pumps coupled to the engine
Data Source
AI summary
An auxiliary drive assembly includes a mounting structure configured to mount a first hydraulic drive component in a fixed position with respect to a second hydraulic drive component along a drive axis. A first shaft coupled to the first hydraulic drive component is configured to rotate with respect to the drive axis. A second shaft coupled to the second hydraulic drive component is configured to rotate with respect to the drive axis. A power takeoff device is arranged along the drive axis between the first and second hydraulic drive components and coupled to the first and second shafts for co-rotation with respect to the drive axis. The power takeoff device is configured to transfer rotational power from the power source as received from the first hydraulic drive component to an auxiliary component of the work vehicle.