PTO Coupler With Retractable Splines for Quick Shaft Engagement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional couplers require complex rotational alignment of splines for coupling an externally splined power take off (PTO) shaft with an internally splined driveline, making the process difficult and time-consuming.
Innovation Solution
A coupler device with a spline-forming member and locking member that can retract and lock radially to align with the PTO shaft's splines, minimizing the need for rotational alignment, allowing for easy insertion and secure engagement without precise spline alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional couplers use fixed internal splines, then reliable power transmission is achieved, but complex rotational alignment is required for coupling
Solution Approach 1:
The coupler employs movable spline-forming members that can shift radially between engaged and disengaged positions. During coupling, the splines are retracted radially outward to allow free insertion of the PTO shaft without alignment. Once inserted, the splines move radially inward to engage with the PTO shaft splines, establishing reliable power transmission. This dynamic repositioning resolves the contradiction between ease of operation and reliable power transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupler's spline structure is divided into multiple independent spline-forming members (typically three) that can move individually or collectively. Each spline-forming member is supported on a cam surface that enables controlled radial movement. This segmentation allows the splines to be retracted independently, facilitating easy coupling while maintaining reliable engagement when activated.
2Reliability
If rotational alignment is required for spline coupling, then proper engagement is achieved, but coupling time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The spline-forming members are preliminarily positioned in a retracted state before coupling occurs. This preliminary retraction eliminates the need for rotational alignment during the coupling process, allowing the PTO shaft to be inserted quickly and easily. After insertion, the splines are then moved into their engaged position to establish proper connection. This preliminary action significantly reduces coupling time while ensuring reliable engagement.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupler transitions from a static spline configuration to a dynamic one where splines can move radially. During the coupling process, the splines dynamically adjust their position - starting retracted for easy insertion, then moving into engagement for power transmission. This dynamic behavior eliminates time-consuming alignment procedures while maintaining secure coupling.
3Ease of operation
If smooth bore is used in coupler, then easy insertion is achieved, but spline engagement requires additional mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The coupler's bore is segmented into a smooth central passage and peripheral spline-forming members. The smooth bore provides easy insertion, while the segmented spline-forming members (typically three independent components) are positioned around the periphery. Each spline-forming member is supported on a cam surface that enables controlled radial movement. This segmentation allows the coupler to maintain a simple smooth bore for easy insertion while incorporating the necessary spline engagement mechanism through distributed, movable components.
Solution Approach 2:
The cam surfaces act as intermediaries between the spline-forming members and the coupling control mechanism. These cam surfaces guide the radial movement of the spline-forming members, transforming rotational or linear control input into the required radial engagement motion. This intermediary mechanism simplifies the overall device complexity by providing a straightforward path for spline movement while maintaining the smooth bore for easy insertion.
Data Source
AI summary
A coupler for operatively interconnecting an externally splined power take off (PTO) shaft of a prime mover and a driveline of an implement that is configured to be driven by the prime mover so as to operate the implement comprises a smooth bore arranged to receive the splined PTO shaft and at least one spline-forming member which is movable in a radial direction relative to the bore between a working position for mating with a respective spline of the PTO shaft and a retracted position in which the spline-forming member is free of mating engagement with the splined shaft. There is also provided at least one locking member which is radially movable in a similar fashion to the spline-forming member between matingly-engaging and non-matingly engaging positions relative to a circumferential groove in the PTO shaft. The locking member is coincident with the spline-forming member circumferentially of the bore.