Self-Aligning Driveshaft Coupler for Tractor PTO
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Solution Overview
Problem
Coupling a tractor power take-off (PTO) to the driveline of a rear-mounted implement is cumbersome, requiring manual alignment and securing, which is time-consuming and can be difficult, especially due to the need for precise alignment of splines and the challenge of manipulating locking features while maintaining safety.
Innovation Solution
A self-aligning driveshaft coupler with a retaining groove and pivotable locking pin, along with drive pins that engage the receiving clutch, allows for easy alignment and secure coupling without external energy sources, enabling safe and efficient connection of standard PTO driveshafts to various implement shafts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual alignment and securing methods are used to couple PTO to implement driveline, then coupling can be achieved, but the process is time-consuming and difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The locking pin automatically aligns and engages with the retaining groove without requiring manual intervention for alignment. The self-aligning feature allows the coupling to find its own correct position, eliminating the need for operators to manually turn the driveline to achieve proper spline alignment.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking pin is pre-positioned and spring-loaded to engage with the retaining groove before the operator completes the coupling process. This preliminary positioning action ensures that alignment is achieved automatically as the coupling approaches, reducing the time and effort required for proper alignment.
2Reliability
If traditional locking features are used, then secure coupling is achieved, but manipulation difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking pin automatically engages with the retaining groove through spring pressure, securing the coupling without requiring the operator to manually manipulate locking features. The system performs the locking action itself, improving both ease of operation and reliability of the coupling.
3Productivity
If operator must get off seat to couple PTO, then coupling can be performed, but operator safety decreases and time is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The self-aligning and self-locking features of the coupling allow the operator to perform the coupling action from the seat without needing to dismount. The automatic alignment and locking mechanisms eliminate the need for manual manipulation that would require the operator to be near or on the ground, thereby improving safety and reducing coupling time.
Data Source
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AI summary
A self-aligning driveshaft coupler includes a receiving clutch mounted to a driveshaft and a locking clutch assembly mounted to an implement. The locking clutch assembly includes a collar and a yoke that rotate together, and a spring between the collar and the yoke. A locking pin may be pivotably attached to the yoke to move a projection on the locking pin in and out of the retaining groove. A plurality of drive pins extend axially from the collar. The spring biases the drive pins into engagement with the receiving clutch when the locking pin projection is in the retaining groove and the output shaft and receiving clutch are rotated less than 180 degrees.