Remote PTO Gearbox Control via Segmented Inputs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current power take-off shaft gearboxes in agricultural vehicles require operators to leave their station to select gear ratios or neutral positions, which is inconvenient and inefficient, especially when operating implements with a power take-off shaft.
Innovation Solution
An actuator-controlled shift assembly with a first input assembly at the operator's station and a second input assembly located at a distance, such as the rear of the vehicle, allows the operator to select gear ratios or neutral positions without leaving the station, using a control assembly connected via cables or wirelessly, and can integrate with existing lifting gear actuation systems to manage the power take-off shaft gearbox.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the shift lever is located directly at the power take-off shaft gearbox housing, then the operator can shift the gearbox, but the operator must leave the operator's station and move to the rear of the tractor
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is segmented into multiple input assemblies located at different positions on the vehicle. A first input assembly is positioned at the operator's station while a second input assembly is positioned at the rear near the gearbox, allowing control functions to be distributed across the vehicle rather than centralized at one location.
Solution Approach 2:
A control assembly acts as an intermediary between the input assemblies and the gearbox actuator. This control assembly receives signals from either input assembly and processes them to control the actuator, enabling remote operation from the operator's station while maintaining the ability to operate locally at the gearbox.
2Ease of operation
If mechanical linkages or cable controls connect the shift lever to the gearbox, then the operator can control the gearbox from the operator's station, but the system becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical linkages and cable controls with an electro-hydraulic or electronic control system. The input assemblies generate electrical or hydraulic signals that are transmitted through the control assembly to actuate the gearbox, eliminating the need for complex mechanical transmission elements while enabling remote operation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If only a single input assembly is provided at the operator's station, then the control system is simple, but the operator cannot easily select gear ratios when standing outside the vehicle operating implements
Solution Approach 1:
The control assembly is designed with universal functionality to accept and process signals from multiple different input assemblies located at various positions on the vehicle. This allows the same control system to handle inputs from both the operator's station and the rear of the vehicle, providing multi-location control capability without requiring separate control systems for each location.
Data Source
AI summary
An assembly for the selection of the gear ratio of a power take-off shaft gearbox for the drive of a power take-off shaft output of an agricultural vehicle including an actuator for selecting between one of a plurality of gear ratios and a neutral condition. A first input assembly is positioned within an operator's station and is connected to a control assembly for controlling the actuator to allow an operator to select one of the plurality of gear ratios for the power take-off shaft gearbox. A second input assembly is also connected to the control assembly and allows an operator to select one of the plurality of gear ratios for the power take-off shaft gearbox. The second input assembly is positioned at a location remote from the operator's station.