PTO Coupling Hub and Lifting Frame for Safe Tractor Implement Connection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tractor implement coupling systems are time-consuming, difficult to operate, and pose a significant safety risk due to PTO entanglement, necessitating an automatic and quick connection and disconnection mechanism.
Innovation Solution
A coupling device comprising a lifting frame, hydraulic piggy-back solution cylinders, a PTO spring-loaded coupling hub, and an inseparable three-stage drive shaft, allowing for quick attachment and detachment of implements from the tractor while ensuring safety and ease of use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual coupling of PTO shaft and hydraulic connections is used, then connection is achievable, but operator safety is compromised due to PTO entanglement risks and operation is time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling device prepares connection elements in advance - the PTO shaft is pre-positioned with coupling hubs, and hydraulic connections are pre-routed through the lifting frame. When coupling is needed, these pre-positioned elements are simply engaged rather than assembled from scratch, eliminating the time-consuming manual assembly while keeping the operator outside the danger zone of rotating PTO shafts
Solution Approach 2:
The dangerous PTO shaft rotation and coupling operation is extracted from the manual operator task. The system uses spring-loaded coupling hubs that automatically engage with the PTO shaft without requiring the operator to be near the rotating shaft, thereby removing the operator from the hazard zone while maintaining coupling functionality
2Productivity
If manual connection and disconnection procedures are used, then coupling can be achieved, but operational efficiency is reduced due to difficulty and time consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling device performs self-service through automated functions - the lifting frame automatically positions itself, the PTO shaft couples via spring-loaded hubs that engage automatically, and hydraulic connections are made through pre-positioned fittings. This self-service capability eliminates the need for complex manual procedures, making operation simple and improving productivity
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple coupling functions are merged into a single integrated system - the lifting frame combines lifting, positioning, and hydraulic connection functions; the PTO coupling hub combines mechanical coupling and safety features. This merging reduces the number of separate manual operations needed, simplifying the process and improving operational efficiency
3Power
If traditional PTO shaft coupling is used, then power transfer is achieved, but safety hazards increase due to entanglement risks
Solution Approach 1:
The hazardous aspect of PTO coupling - the manual insertion and engagement near the rotating shaft - is extracted and replaced with spring-loaded coupling hubs that engage automatically. The operator never needs to be near the rotating PTO shaft during coupling, removing the entanglement hazard while maintaining full power transfer capability through the same mechanical interface
Solution Approach 2:
The PTO shaft and coupling hubs are pre-positioned and pre-aligned before the actual coupling operation. The spring-loaded hubs are prepared in an engaged state, ready to connect immediately when the lifting frame positions the implement. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for manual manipulation near the rotating shaft, removing the safety hazard while ensuring reliable power transfer
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
Enables safe and efficient connection and disconnection of implements from the tractor without leaving the cab, reducing the risk of PTO entanglement and minimizing operational time.
Implementation Method 1
a PTO spring loaded coupling hub
Implementation Method 2
two hydraulic piggy-back solution cylinder units
Data Source
AI summary
The coupling device is provided for connecting an implements PTO and hydraulic/electronic connections to the tractors supply source which includes a base frame substructure, with parallel mounting plates, a four-point linkage lifting frame, four linkage arms, a hydraulic/electronic connector bank, with mounting plate, two hydraulic piggy-back solution cylinder units, two piggyback hydraulic cylinder mounting plates, coupling unit, with a telescopic box section, with transfer shaft, a jaw coupler, and holding stand plate, PTO spring loaded coupling hub, a securing sleeve, compression spring, and a jaw coupler, foldable resting stand unit, with resting stand plate, two clamping plates, two tyre bumper guards, two jack leg side plate, and ground plate, an inseparable three stage PTO drive shaft, two universal joints, two profiled tubes, one profiled shaft. Thus, the base frame substructure is secured to the tractors back-end centre housing without altering any existing features, the coupling unit is a free floating device that transfers from tractor to implement by the four point lifting frame, this coupling unit device connects the implements hydraulic/electronic connections to the tractors supply, a three stage inseparable drive shaft is connected from the coupling unit to the implements rotary appliance that provides maximum length in the area where space is constrained, when the coupling unit is not is operation it is rested upon the foldable resting stand unit which is universally mounted to an implements drawbar, attached is a retractable hydraulic jack leg that elevates the implements drawbar to a set ground height, this device thereby saves the operator time and energy along with eliminating PTO hazards and accommodating paralysed operators with no requirement to dismount from the tractors seat. Also avoiding hinderance of tractors preexisting 3-point linkage, meaning the operator can simultaneously use a 3-point linkage implement while the coupling units lifting frame is still attached to the tractors back-end centre housing.