Quick Attach Mechanism for Utility Vehicle PTO and Hydraulic Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional systems for coupling removable attachments or implements to utility vehicles require manual operation, exposing operators to environmental elements and safety hazards, as they need to exit the vehicle to manually attach and detach PTO and hydraulic systems.
Innovation Solution
A utility vehicle system that enables hands-free coupling and powering of removable attachments and implements, allowing operators to couple hydraulically powered components and PTO-powered components without exiting the vehicle, using an integrated PTO system and hydraulic system with a power take-off driving member and receiving member that aligns automatically.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual attachment of PTO and hydraulic systems is used, then the operator can control the coupling process, but the operator must exit the vehicle and is exposed to environmental elements and safety hazards
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service coupling where the attachment and decoupling operations are performed automatically by the vehicle system itself without requiring manual intervention. The quick-attach mechanism automatically aligns and engages the PTO driving member with the receiving member, and the hydraulic system automatically connects hydraulic lines, allowing the operator to remain safely inside the vehicle while the system serves itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a quick-attach mechanism as an intermediary device between the operator and the PTO/hydraulic systems. This mechanism includes a driving member with engagement features and a receiving member with corresponding features, which mediate the coupling process. The intermediary mechanism handles the dangerous aspects of coupling (alignment, engagement, hydraulic connection) while the operator simply activates the process from within the vehicle.
2Reliability
If manual coupling of attachments is used, then the operator can ensure proper connection, but the process takes time and requires the operator to exit the vehicle
Solution Approach 1:
The quick-attach mechanism incorporates preliminary alignment features such as guide surfaces, alignment pins, and pre-positioned engagement features on both the driving member and receiving member. These preliminary actions automatically align the components before engagement occurs, ensuring proper connection without requiring manual adjustment. The hydraulic lines are also pre-routed and pre-positioned to automatically connect when the attachment is engaged.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical coupling system with an automated mechanism. Instead of the operator manually aligning and engaging components, the system uses automated alignment features, spring-loaded engagement mechanisms, and hydraulic actuators to perform the coupling. This substitution maintains connection reliability while dramatically reducing attachment time and eliminating the need for the operator to exit the vehicle.
3Power
If conventional PTO coupling is used, then the system can power attachments, but the operator is exposed to heavy equipment and moving parts
Solution Approach 1:
The PTO coupling process is designed as a self-service operation where the vehicle's PTO system automatically engages with the attachment's PTO receiving member through the quick-attach mechanism. The driving member with its engagement features automatically aligns and connects with the receiving member, transferring power without requiring the operator to physically handle the heavy PTO components or be near moving parts during engagement.
Solution Approach 2:
The quick-attach mechanism serves as an intermediary that mediates between the operator and the dangerous PTO components. The mechanism includes protective features and automated engagement that keep the operator at a safe distance from heavy equipment and moving parts while still enabling reliable power transfer to the attachment.
Data Source
AI summary
A utility vehicle is disclosed. The utility vehicle is configured to support a removable implement. The removable implement may include one or more components configured to be powered by a power take off system of the utility vehicle. The removable implement may also include one or more components configured to be powered by a hydraulic system of the utility vehicle. An operator of the utility vehicle, without exiting a cab of the utility vehicle, can couple the implement to the utility vehicle such that the hydraulic components are hydraulically coupled to the vehicle's hydraulic system and such that the components of the implement configured to be powered by a power take off system of the utility vehicle are operably coupled to the power take off system of the utility vehicle.