Tractor PTO Coupling Hub for In-Cab Implement Connection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tractor implements face challenges with time-consuming and hazardous manual coupling and decoupling processes involving PTO drive shafts and hydraulic/electronic connections, posing risks of entanglement and injury.
Innovation Solution
A coupling device with a lifting frame, hydraulic cylinders, and a spring-loaded coupling hub that allows for quick and safe attachment and detachment of implements to a tractor's PTO shaft and hydraulic/electronic sources from within the cab, using a universal coupling unit and inseparable three-stage PTO drive shaft.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual coupling and decoupling of PTO drive shafts and hydraulic/electronic connections is used, then connection can be made between tractor and implement, but the process is time-consuming and hazardous requiring operator to leave the cab
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling device enables self-service operation through automatic coupling mechanisms. The hydraulic cylinders automatically extend to push the coupling hub forward to engage with the PTO shaft, and automatically retract to disengage. The system serves itself without requiring manual intervention, allowing operation from within the protected cab environment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical coupling operations with an automated hydraulic system. Instead of manual manipulation of PTO shafts and hydraulic connections, the system uses hydraulic cylinders to automatically position and engage the coupling hub with the PTO shaft, substituting human mechanical action with automated hydraulic actuation.
2Reliability
If traditional PTO coupling methods are used, then power transfer is achieved, but PTO entanglement causes serious injury and death to operators
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling hub acts as an intermediary component between the tractor's PTO shaft and the implement's drive shaft. This intermediate element provides a controlled, enclosed engagement mechanism that eliminates direct exposure to rotating PTO components. The hydraulic cylinder pushes the coupling hub forward to engage teeth with the PTO shaft in a protected manner, preventing operator entanglement while maintaining reliable power transfer.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the hazardous element (direct operator contact with rotating PTO shafts) from the coupling process. By using an automated hydraulic coupling mechanism, the dangerous manual handling of rotating shafts is completely removed, eliminating the entanglement hazard while preserving the essential power transfer function.
3Productivity
If quick coupling is implemented to reduce time, then connection speed increases, but device complexity increases with multiple hydraulic components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple coupling functions into a single integrated coupling hub assembly. The coupling hub combines the PTO shaft engagement mechanism, hydraulic connection interface, and drive shaft coupling in one unified component. This consolidation achieves quick coupling capability while reducing the number of separate hydraulic components and circuits needed, thereby managing system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling hub is designed as a universal multi-functional component that simultaneously handles PTO shaft engagement, hydraulic connection, and drive shaft coupling. This multi-functionality allows a single hydraulic actuation system to perform multiple coupling tasks, achieving rapid connection without proportionally increasing system complexity.
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
Enables safe, efficient, and rapid connection and disconnection of implements, reducing operator risk and time, while maintaining compatibility with existing tractor and implement designs.
Implementation Method 1
a spring-loaded coupling hub
Implementation Method 2
two hydraulic piggy-back solution cylinder units
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~5
Figure 6~10
AI summary
The coupling device is provided for connecting an implements PTO and hydraulic/electronic connections to the tractors supply source which includes a base frame substructure (figure 8), with parallel mounting plates (1, 2), a four-point linkage lifting frame (16, 17), four linkage arms (12, 13), a hydraulic/electronic connector bank (figure 7), with mounting plate (8), two hydraulic piggy-back solution cylinder units (40, 42), two piggyback hydraulic cylinder mounting plates (25), coupling unit (figure 17), with a telescopic box section (68), with transfer shaft (72), a jaw coupler (73), and holding stand plate (55), PTO spring loaded coupling hub (figure 32), a securing sleeve (124), compression spring (126), and a jaw coupler (122), foldable resting stand unit (figure 28), with resting stand plate (87), two clamping plates (76), two tyre bumper guards (86, 98), two jack leg side plate (99), and ground plate (105), an inseparable three stage PTO drive shaft (figure 38), two universal joints (112, 113, 133, 131, 132, 138), two profiled tubes (134, 135), one profiled shaft (136). Thus, the base frame substructure is secured to the tractors back-end centre housing without altering any existing features, the coupling unt is a free floating device that transfers from tractor to implement by the four point lifting frame, this coupling unit device connects the implements hydraulic/electronic connections to the tractors supply, a three stage inseparable drive shaft is connected from the coupling unit to the implements rotary appliance that provides maximum length in the area where space is constrained, when the coupling unit is not is operation it is rested upon the foldable resting stand unit which is universally mounted to an implements drawbar, attached is a retractable hydraulic jack leg that elevates the implements drawbar to a set ground height, this device thereby saves the operator time and energy along with eliminating PTO hazards and accommodating paralysed operators with no requirement to dismount from the tractors seat. Also avoiding hinderance of tractors preexisting 3-point linkage, meaning the operator can simultaneously use a 3-point linkage implement while the coupling units lifting frame is still attached to the tractors back-end centre housing.