Tractor PTO Coupling Sleeve for Fast Shaft Alignment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional PTO attachment systems face difficulties in quickly and conveniently securing tractor implements to a tractor, requiring precise alignment and multiple attempts due to complex engagement mechanisms.

Innovation Solution

The proposed attachment device includes a connection device body with a cylindrical housing, an annular engagement member, a splined shaft, an annular adapter with projections and teeth, a moveable sleeve, a spring, a retaining ring, ball bearings, and a locking clip, allowing for easy alignment and secure engagement of the PTO shaft with the implement's drive shaft.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional PTO attachment systems are used, then the connection mechanism provides secure engagement, but the alignment process becomes complex and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecure engagementVSAvoidalignment process

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an alignment member with alignment teeth that acts as an intermediary between the PTO shaft and the implement shaft. This alignment member guides the connection process by providing tapered surfaces that automatically align the shafts during engagement, eliminating the need for complex manual alignment procedures while ensuring secure tooth-to-tooth engagement

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If conventional PTO attachment systems are used, then the connection mechanism provides secure engagement, but the attachment time increases due to multiple alignment attempts

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecure engagementVSAvoidattachment time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The alignment member with tapered alignment surfaces performs preliminary alignment action before the final engagement. The tapered surfaces guide the shafts into proper alignment automatically during the approach phase, so that when the connection is completed, the teeth are already positioned for immediate secure engagement, eliminating multiple adjustment attempts

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The alignment member serves as a mediator that facilitates quick alignment through its tapered geometry and alignment teeth, enabling the operator to connect the implement to the PTO shaft in a single smooth motion without repeated trial and error adjustments

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS11746831B1Attachment devices for a tractor PTO attachment site and methods of use

Publication Date: 2023.09.05 WILLIAMS CEDRIC

AI summary

Devices for connecting a power take off shaft to a drive shaft of an implement. The devices may include a connection device body having a cylindrical housing including a plurality of connection teeth. The devices may include a second body having a cylindrical body member with an annular plate including a slot. The devices may include an annular adapter having a projection adapted for slidable engagement with the slot in the annular plate of the second body, and a plurality of adapter teeth adapted for releasable engagement with the connection teeth on the annular engagement member. The devices may include a cylindrical sleeve disposed around the cylindrical housing of the connection device body and moveable between an engaged position and a disengaged position. The devices may include a spring disposed around the cylindrical housing of the connection device body to urge the sleeve into its engaged position.