Jack Connecting Pin With PTO Shaft Support for Draft Tongues

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Solution Overview

Problem

Towed implements without a PTO drive shaft assembly holder risk damage or contamination when parked, and using the draft tongue or jack handle as a support complicates hitch pin alignment and height adjustment.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a PTO drive shaft assembly holder into the connecting pin that secures the jack, allowing it to support the PTO drive shaft assembly in both operating and stored positions, thus providing a cost-effective solution.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a separate PTO drive shaft assembly holder is provided, then the PTO drive shaft assembly is protected from damage and contamination, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovePTO drive shaft assembly protectionVSAvoidholder structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the PTO drive shaft assembly holder function with the existing jack connecting pin. The connecting pin is modified to include a holder section that can support the PTO drive shaft assembly when the jack is in the stowed position, eliminating the need for a separate holder structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The connecting pin is designed to perform multiple functions: securing the jack to the draft tongue in both raised and lowered positions, and simultaneously serving as a holder for the PTO drive shaft assembly when the jack is stowed. This multi-functionality reduces the overall number of components needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If the forward end of the PTO drive shaft assembly is placed on the jack handle for support, then the assembly is protected from damage, but the jack handle obstructs height adjustment operations

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovePTO drive shaft assembly protectionVSAvoidjack height adjustment

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent resolves the spatial conflict by positioning the PTO drive shaft assembly holder on the connecting pin in a location and orientation that allows the PTO assembly to be supported without interfering with the jack handle's movement path during height adjustment operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Reliability

If the forward end of the PTO drive shaft assembly rests on the draft tongue, then the assembly is supported, but the hitch pin hole visibility is obscured

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovePTO drive shaft assembly supportVSAvoidhitch pin hole visibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the PTO drive shaft assembly support function from the draft tongue area and relocates it to the connecting pin. This separation allows the hitch pin hole to remain visible and accessible while still providing support for the PTO assembly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Data Source

PatentUS20090057516A1Pin Constructed For Connecting A Jack To An Implement Draft Tongue And For Supporting A PTO Drive Shaft Assembly

Publication Date: 2009.03.05 DEERE & CO

AI summary

A towed, PTO-driven implement is equipped with a jack that can be selectively coupled to the draft tongue either in a working position at a forward region of the tongue, or in a stored position at a rearward region of the tongue. A PTO drive shaft assembly extends over the draft tongue and a pin for releasably connecting the jack to the tongue incorporates a PTO drive shaft assembly support which is positioned so as to support the PTO drive shaft assembly when the jack is in either of its working or stored positions.