PTO Shaft Guard Over-Centre Spring Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing PTO shaft guards face issues with storage when moved to a retracted position and tend to rattle, lacking a secure mechanism to maintain positions effectively.
Innovation Solution
A PTO shaft guard arrangement featuring an inverted U-shaped guard member pivotally mounted on vertically extending plates with an over-center spring mechanism, assisted by bow springs, to securely hold the guard in both retracted and extended positions, preventing rattling and facilitating easy movement between positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the PTO guard is moved to a retracted position for storage, then storage space is saved, but the guard lacks secure positioning and rattles
Solution Approach 1:
The spring mechanism changes the force parameter dynamically - when the guard is in either retracted or extended position, the spring provides over-centre positioning force that secures the guard against rattling, while still allowing movement between positions
2Reliability
If the PTO guard is made securely positioned in both retracted and extended positions, then reliability is improved, but the mechanism becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The spring mechanism is self-actuating - it automatically provides over-centre positioning force when the guard is in either retracted or extended position without requiring additional actuators, sensors, or control systems. The spring's mechanical properties inherently provide the securing force needed in both positions
3Reliability
If the guard member is held securely in both positions, then reliability is improved, but the ease of operation between positions decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The spring mechanism provides periodic assistance during the pivoting motion - initially opposing the movement, then assisting in the second part of the movement after the guard passes the spring's neutral position. This periodic action maintains secure positioning while still allowing easy transition between positions
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
The solution effectively prevents rattling and ensures easy pivoting between positions, providing secure protection and efficient storage by utilizing the spring mechanism to maintain the guard's position, enhancing usability and safety.
Implementation Method 1
the guard member having an over-centre spring means for holding the guard member in both the retracted and extended positions
Implementation Method 2
the spring means which, in the second part of such movement, is subsequently assisted by the spring means
Data Source
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AI summary
A PTO shaft guard arrangement in which a guard member (14) is pivotally mounted on a support structure (12) and is pivotable between a non-operative retracted position and an operative extended position. The guard member having an over-centre spring means (21) for holding the guard member in both the retracted and extended positions. The support structure comprises a pair of generally vertically extending plates (12) located on opposite sides of the associated PTO shaft (11). The guard member is of inverted general U-shaped form with each side of the inverted U-shape guard pivotally mounted on a respective generally vertically extending plate via a support arm (15) one end portion of which is pivoted (16) on the plate, the other end portion of the arm being connected (15a) with the respective side of the guard.