Power Take-Off Shaft System With Integrated Control Valve

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional power take-off shaft systems in agricultural vehicles are structurally complex, cost-intensive, and prone to wear, requiring excessive constructional space and relying on sensors for correct operation, which increases the risk of damage and maintenance issues.

Innovation Solution

A power take-off shaft system with an integrated control valve and adjustable pistons that allow for gear shifting without additional coupling elements, featuring a socket for the power take-off shaft stub and a shifting element that engages gearwheels for two or more speeds, eliminating the need for sensors and simplifying the design.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If sensors and complex control systems are added to identify power take-off shaft stubs and prevent incorrect operation, then reliability improves, but device complexity increases and constructional space requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprevention of incorrect gear engagementVSAvoidstructural complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses self-service through automatic mechanical recognition. The power take-off shaft stub's geometry (number of teeth, diameter) automatically identifies the correct gearwheel engagement without sensors. The shifting element mechanically selects the appropriate gear ratio based on the stub's physical characteristics, making the system self-identifying and self-regulating.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The shifting element acts as an intermediary between the power take-off shaft stub and the gearwheels. It mechanically translates the stub's geometric properties into the selection of the appropriate gear ratio, serving as a passive mediator that prevents incorrect engagement through mechanical compatibility rather than active sensing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If multiple sensors and control systems are implemented to identify power take-off shaft stubs, then operational safety improves, but susceptibility to repair increases and wear increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational safetyVSAvoidsusceptibility to repair

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The solution extracts and eliminates sensors and electronic control systems from the power take-off shaft system. Instead of using active sensing components that require repair and calibration, the system relies on passive mechanical geometry of the power take-off shaft stub and gearwheels that are inherently more durable and easier to repair.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The mechanical components (power take-off shaft stub, gearwheels, shifting element) are designed as simple, robust parts that can be easily replaced if worn. Their simple geometric design makes them cheaper and easier to manufacture and replace compared to sensitive electronic sensors and control systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Reliability

If conventional power take-off shaft systems with sensors and complex control mechanisms are used, then correct operation can be ensured, but constructional space increases and cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecorrect operationVSAvoidconstructional space

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The control valve is integrated directly into the output shaft, merging two previously separate components into one. This consolidation eliminates the need for additional mounting space and reduces the overall constructional footprint while maintaining the system's reliability through the geometric recognition mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Adaptability or versatility

If power take-off shaft systems are designed with multiple gears and different toothing geometries for different speeds, then adaptability improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedifferent operating speedsVSAvoidstructural complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The power take-off shaft system achieves multi-functionality through the shifting element that can engage different gearwheels (first gearwheel for 540 r/min, second gearwheel for 1000 r/min) based on the power take-off shaft stub's geometry. This single shifting mechanism provides universal adaptability to different operating conditions without requiring separate systems for each speed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS11524575B2Power take-off shaft system and agricultural vehicle

Publication Date: 2022.12.13 DEERE & CO

AI summary

A power take-off shaft system for an agricultural vehicle includes an output shaft with a socket for a power take-off shaft stub located at one end of the output shaft, wherein the power take-off shaft stub is arranged in the socket. A control valve is arranged in the output shaft and includes a valve bore extending axially from the socket into the output shaft. A first piston is adjustably arranged inside the valve bore in the output shaft, and a shifting element is adjustably controlled by the first piston. A first gearwheel and a second gearwheel are disposed in engagement with the output shaft via the shifting element such that the first piston is adjustable between a first position and a second position. The control valve includes a second piston arranged on the first piston, where the first piston is adjustable into a neutral position by the second piston.