Tractor-Implement PTO Coupling With Synchronized Pin and Connector Motion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current connection systems for agricultural equipment and tractors are laborious, unsafe, and difficult to use, lacking ease of multipurpose functionality and requiring external operator assistance.
Innovation Solution
A connection system comprising a first and second component with rotatable shafts, pins, and connectors that allow for hydraulic or electric power transfer and torque transmission, enabling easy and safe connection from the tractor's driving position without external aid, featuring a movement system for simultaneous pin, connector, and shaft positioning between disconnection and connection states.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional connection systems are used, then mechanical connection can be achieved, but the connection operation becomes laborious and requires external operator assistance
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system enables the tractor to connect to agricultural equipment autonomously without external operator assistance. The movement means automatically positions the shaft, pins, and connectors during the connection operation, allowing the driver to perform the maneuver from the driving position while the system self-completes the coupling process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical manipulation with an automated movement mechanism. The movement means mechanically positions the connection components (shaft, pins, connectors) automatically during the coupling maneuver, substituting the need for external operators to manually handle and align these components.
2Reliability
If traditional connection systems are used, then connection can be established, but safety levels are inadequate
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system incorporates safety measures that are prepared in advance before the connection operation. The movement means is pre-configured to control the positioning of pins and connectors, preventing unsafe conditions before they can occur during the connection maneuver.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates control mechanisms that monitor and regulate the connection process. The movement means responds to control signals to precisely position connection components, providing feedback control that ensures safe operation while maintaining ease of use from the driver's position.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple connection components are involved, then power and fluid transfer can be achieved, but connector jamming or damage may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple connection functions into a single integrated movement mechanism. The movement means simultaneously positions the shaft, pins, and connectors in a coordinated manner, merging what would otherwise be separate manual operations into one automated sequence that prevents misalignment and damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The movement means acts as an intermediary mechanism that mediates between the tractor's power system and the agricultural equipment. It controls the interaction between multiple connection components (shaft, pins, connectors), ensuring they engage properly without jamming or damage while enabling multipurpose functionality.
4Productivity
If manual connection operations are used, then connection can be made, but time consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connection components (shaft, pins, connectors) are pre-positioned on the tractor before the connection maneuver. The movement means is pre-configured to execute the positioning sequence automatically, eliminating the time required for manual alignment and assembly during the actual connection operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The automated movement means enables continuous, uninterrupted connection action. Once the maneuver begins, the system continuously positions all connection components in sequence without pauses for manual intervention, significantly reducing the total time required compared to manual operations.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention regards a connection system (1) for connecting an agricultural machine or equipment provided with a power take-off to a tractor provided with a power take-off. Such a connection system (1) comprises a first component (2) comprising: a first plate (3) wherein a first side (3a) and a second side (3b) are defined and wherein at least a first opening (12), a second opening (21) and at least one through hole (13a, 13b) are formed; at least one pin (20a, 20b); at least one connector (15) to allow transferring electric power or hydraulic power or at least one fluid from the tractor to the agricultural machine or equipment; a first shaft (22) rotatable and provided with a first connection portion (23) and a second connection portion (25) which are configured to transmit a driving torque; and movement means (17) for simultaneously moving, with respect to the first plate (3), the at least one pin (20a, 20b), the at least one connector (15) and the first shaft (22) between a respective withdrawn disconnection position and an advanced connection position; a second component (30) comprising: a second plate (31) wherein a first side (31a) and a second side (31b) are defined and wherein at least one hole (39a, 39b) is formed configured to receive said at least a pin (20a, 20b); at least one connector (37) to allow transferring electric power or hydraulic power or at least one fluid from the tractor to the agricultural machine or equipment, said at least one connector (37) being configured to couple, removably, to the at least one connector (15) of the first component (2); and a second shaft (41) mounted on the second plate (31) in a rotatable way and provided with a first connection portion (42) for the transmission of a driving torque and a second connection portion (44) configured to connect, removably, to the second connection portion (25) of the first shaft (22), to transmit a driving torque.