Hydrostatic Pump Electric Drive Motor Utility Tractor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing battery-operated utility tractors lack versatility and durability, being designed primarily for single applications rather than handling a variety of tasks such as lawn mowing, snow blowing, and rototilling, and do not efficiently integrate electric and hydraulic power sources.
Innovation Solution
A battery-operated utility tractor with a hydrostatic pump and electric drive motor that provides pressurized hydraulic fluid for motive force and coupling with electrically driven work accessories, eliminating the need for conventional power transmission elements and allowing for multiple attachments like mower decks, snow blowers, and rototillers, using rechargeable battery packs and controllers for efficient energy distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If battery-operated utility tractors are designed for electrical vehicle efficiency, then energy consumption is reduced, but power and versatility for completing a variety of applications deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The tractor is designed with a universal power transmission system that can accommodate multiple work accessories (mower deck, snow blower, rototiller, road sweeper) through a single hydrostatic pump and electric drive motor configuration, allowing one vehicle to perform many different tasks without requiring separate specialized vehicles for each application
2Power
If conventional power transmission elements are used, then mechanical power can be transmitted, but device complexity and maintenance requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical power transmission elements (belts, chains, gears) with a hydrostatic pump system that uses pressurized hydraulic fluid to transmit power to the work accessory. This hydraulic system reduces mechanical complexity and maintenance requirements while maintaining effective power transmission capability
Solution Approach 2:
The invention employs a hydrostatic pump to generate pressurized hydraulic fluid that drives the work accessory through hydraulic motors or cylinders, substituting mechanical direct-drive systems with a hydraulic power transmission system that offers smoother operation, better control, and reduced mechanical wear
3Device complexity
If single-application designs are used, then vehicle simplicity is maintained, but adaptability for multiple tasks deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The tractor features a universal mounting system and power interface that allows the same vehicle chassis to accommodate multiple different work accessories (mower deck, snow blower, rototiller, road sweeper) through standardized attachment points and hydraulic connections, maintaining vehicle simplicity while achieving multi-functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The vehicle incorporates a dynamically configurable power distribution system where the hydrostatic pump can selectively direct pressurized hydraulic fluid to different work accessories based on which attachment is installed, allowing the system to adapt its function without requiring complex mechanical reconfiguration
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 versatile and durable utility tractor capable of performing multiple tasks with zero emissions, offering improved efficiency and reduced maintenance through direct drive systems and variable speed control, utilizing rechargeable batteries for extended operation and onboard charging.
Implementation Method 1
A hydrostatic pump is configured to produce the source of pressurized hydraulic fluid
Implementation Method 2
An electric drive motor has an output axially aligned with an input shaft of the hydrostatic pump. The electric drive motor being operative for developing the source of pressurized hydraulic fluid by the hydrostatic pump
Implementation Method 3
A plurality of battery compartments is disposed about the tractor frame. Each of the plurality of battery compartments are configured to receive a rechargeable battery pack to provide an electric source for the electric drive motor
Data Source
AI summary
A battery-operated electric hydrostatic utility tractor is disclosed. The utility tractor is a zero-emissions and more capable of powering work attachments to many chores. The tractor frame is supported by ground wheels and is configured to operative couple work accessories. The work accessory has a power connection to couple with an electric source or a pressurized hydraulic fluid carried by the utility tractor. A hydrostatic pump is configured to produce the source of pressurized hydraulic fluid and includes an integrally contained transaxle for selectively providing a hydraulic motive force to a driveshaft for each of an opposed pair of drive wheels. An electric motor has an output axially aligned with an input shaft of the hydrostatic pump, for developing the source of pressurized hydraulic fluid by the hydrostatic pump. A plurality of battery compartments are compartments configured to receive a rechargeable battery to provide the electric source.