Integrated PTO Shaft Support Assembly for Attachment and Clearance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Trailered implements, such as agricultural implements, face challenges in supporting the PTO shaft when not connected to a tow vehicle, as it needs to be kept off the ground for easy attachment, while also requiring efficient support and clearance during operation.
Innovation Solution
A support assembly with a four-link system comprising an implement support link and a shaft support link, which can move between different positions to support the trailered implement and PTO shaft at varying heights, ensuring easy connection and clearance during operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single support link is used to support the trailered implement, then the structure is simple, but the PTO shaft cannot be properly positioned at different heights for attachment and operation
Solution Approach 1:
The support assembly is divided into two separate support links: a first support link for supporting the trailered implement and a second support link for supporting the PTO shaft. This segmentation allows each link to be independently positioned and adjusted, enabling the system to provide different height positions for the implement and PTO shaft simultaneously, thereby resolving the contradiction between adaptability and structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The second support link (for PTO shaft) is coupled to the first support link (for implement), creating a nested arrangement where the PTO shaft support is integrated with but independent from the implement support. This nested structure allows the PTO shaft to be positioned at a different height than the implement while maintaining a relatively compact overall structure, balancing adaptability with structural complexity.
2Ease of operation
If the PTO shaft is kept off the ground surface when not attached to a tow vehicle, then attachment convenience is improved, but the support structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The first support link is configured to automatically position the trailered implement at a convenient attachment height when not connected to a tow vehicle. This preliminary positioning action ensures that the implement and PTO shaft are already at the correct heights for easy attachment, eliminating the need for manual adjustment and simplifying the overall support structure while improving ease of operation.
3Ease of operation
If the PTO shaft is supported at a higher position for easy attachment, then attachment convenience is improved, but clearance during operation may be insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the implement support and PTO shaft support into independent links, the system can position the PTO shaft at an optimally low height during operation to ensure adequate clearance from the ground, while the implement itself is positioned at a convenient attachment height. This segmentation resolves the contradiction between attachment convenience and operational clearance.
Data Source
AI summary
A support assembly for a trailered implement includes an implement support link that is moveable between an implement support position and a stowed position, and a shaft support link that is coupled to the implement support link via an intermediate link. The shaft support link is moveable between a first support position and a second support position. When the implement support link is disposed in the implement support position, the shaft support link may be disposed in the first support position to support and position the rotatable shaft at a first height relative to a ground surface. When the implement support link is disposed in the stowed position, the shaft support link may be disposed in the second support position to support and position the rotatable shaft at a second, lower height relative to the ground surface.