Magnetic PTO Transmission for Dynamic Torque Adjustment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional power take-off (PTO) transmissions in agricultural vehicles lack flexibility in shifting operations, particularly under load, and are restricted by fixed gear ratios, leading to inefficient fuel consumption and operational limitations when handling varying power requirements across different agricultural implements.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a magnetic power take-off transmission system that dynamically adjusts speed and torque by combining the driving force of an internal combustion engine with an electric machine, utilizing at least two magnetically coupled gear elements to enable flexible operation and reduce dependence on the engine's speed and torque.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional fixed gear ratio PTO transmissions are used, then the transmission structure is simple, but the operational flexibility and adaptability to varying power requirements are limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to varying power requirementsVSAvoidtransmission structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by replacing fixed gear ratios with a continuously variable magnetic transmission system. The magnetic coupling between gear elements allows dynamic adjustment of speed and torque ratios during operation, enabling the PTO to adapt to varying power requirements of different agricultural implements without mechanical shifting operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent substitutes traditional mechanical gear shifting mechanisms with a magnetic transmission system. The magnetic coupling between transmission elements eliminates the need for mechanical clutches and gear shifts, providing continuous variability in transmission ratios while reducing mechanical complexity and improving operational flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Use of energy by moving object

If fixed gear ratios are used in PTO transmissions, then the device complexity is reduced, but fuel consumption efficiency deteriorates due to inability to optimize for varying loads

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefuel consumption efficiencyVSAvoidtransmission system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The magnetic transmission system enables dynamic optimization of transmission ratios based on actual load conditions. By continuously adjusting the speed and torque between the engine and PTO shaft, the system maintains optimal engine operating points across varying loads, thereby improving fuel consumption efficiency without requiring complex mechanical shifting mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the transmission ratio parameter dynamically through magnetic coupling rather than using fixed mechanical gears. This allows continuous adjustment of speed and torque parameters to match varying power requirements, optimizing energy efficiency while avoiding the complexity of multiple fixed gear sets and shifting mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of operation

If conventional PTO transmissions without dynamic adjustment are used, then the manufacturing cost is lower, but operational restrictions and safety are increased

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational flexibilityVSAvoidtransmission system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex mechanical shifting operations with a magnetic transmission system that allows smooth, continuous adjustment of transmission ratios. This eliminates the need for manual gear changes and clutch operations, significantly improving ease of operation and safety by removing the need for operational interruptions during transmission changes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 flexible operation of the PTO at varying speeds and torques, optimizing driveline performance, reducing fuel consumption, and enhancing safety and reliability while minimizing manufacturing costs and operational restrictions.

Implementation Method 1

at least two gear elements that are magnetically coupled

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic coupling: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentUS10959366B2Power take-off transmission
Publication Date: 2021.03.30 DEERE & CO
  • US10959366B2 patent drawing
  • US10959366B2 patent drawing
  • US10959366B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An agricultural working machine, method, and power take-off transmission are provided. The agricultural working machine includes an internal combustion engine, at least one power take-off, and an arrangement for dynamically adjusting at least one of a speed and a torque of the PTO. The arrangement includes an electric machine and a transmission summing the driving force of the internal combustion engine and the electric machine. The transmission includes at least two gear elements that are magnetically coupled.