Tractor PTO Shaft Control via Attachment Lift Limits

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for operating power take-off shafts in agricultural tractors do not adequately address the improvement of service life for drive components, particularly during attachment lifting operations, leading to potential imbalance and increased wear.

Innovation Solution

A method that uses sensor means to provide operating information for controlling the power take-off shaft and attachment lifting mechanism, limiting the operating position to prevent excessive lifting and subsequent drive component imbalance, by setting a lower maximum value when the PTO shaft is in operation, and intervening in the power take-off shaft control to prevent undesired operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the attachment lifting mechanism is raised to a high position for transport purposes, then the transport capability is improved, but the drive components of the PTO shaft are subjected to excessive loads and wear

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransport capabilityVSAvoidservice life of drive components
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The control unit proactively limits the attachment lifting mechanism's position to a first maximum value when the PTO shaft is not in operation, preventing excessive lifting before it can cause damage. This preliminary preventive action ensures that even during transport, the drive components are protected from excessive loads and wear.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts the maximum permissible lifting position based on the operational state of the PTO shaft. When the PTO shaft is in operation, a lower second maximum value is enforced, while a higher first maximum value is permitted during non-operation. This dynamic adaptation allows optimal transport capability while protecting drive components during critical operational phases.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Productivity

If the attachment lifting mechanism is raised above a certain position during PTO operation, then the transport function is improved, but imbalance and increased drive loads occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransport functionVSAvoiddrive loads and wear
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The control unit continuously monitors the operating state of the PTO shaft and the position of the attachment lifting mechanism. Based on this feedback, it dynamically enforces appropriate position limits - a lower second maximum value during PTO operation and a higher first maximum value during non-operation. This feedback mechanism ensures transport function is enabled while preventing harmful drive loads and wear.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the positional parameter limits based on the operational context. When the PTO shaft is in operation, the maximum lifting position parameter is set to a lower second maximum value. When not in operation, the parameter is relaxed to a higher first maximum value, enabling transport function while preventing harmful conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP3653033B1Method for operating a live power take-off of an agricultural tractor with an attachment lifting system
Publication Date: 2023.04.19 DEERE & CO
  • EP3653033B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3653033B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

A method for operating a power take-off (PTO) shaft of an agricultural tractor with an implement linkage, a PTO shaft spatially assigned to the implement linkage, and first and second sensor means for providing operating information that characterizes an operating state of the PTO shaft and an operating position of the implement linkage, provides that a control unit, based on the provided operating information, limits the upper operating position of the implement linkage to a maximum permissible first maximum value h1,max when the PTO shaft is out of operation, and limits it to a second maximum value h2,max that is lower than the first maximum value h1,max when the PTO shaft is in operation.