Tractor Shaft Guard with Integrated Rotating Cap
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional protective devices for rotating mechanical connections, such as those between a tractor's take-off shaft and universal-joint driveshaft, face issues like accidental human contact exposure, complex tool requirements for installation and removal, high costs due to numerous parts, and reliability concerns, especially during assembly and disassembly.
Innovation Solution
A protective device featuring a plastic attaching cap with apertures and a covering guard, where the guard is secured using longitudinally and radially positioned securing means, allowing for tool-free assembly and removal with a single bar, ensuring secure attachment and easy access for maintenance without total removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional protective devices use clips or bolts for securing, then the protective function is provided, but the device complexity and cost increase due to multiple separate parts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the protective guard and attaching cap into a single integrated device. The guard forms the main body while the cap is positioned at its end, eliminating the need for separate clips or bolts. This merging reduces the number of parts while maintaining the protective function through the integrated structure that can be secured with a single tightening operation.
2Ease of operation
If clips are used for fastening the protective guard, then assembly is simplified, but the retaining capacity reduces rapidly with work on the field
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic fastening system where the cap can be rotated and tightened progressively. The cap features a peripheral edge that engages with the guard, allowing the operator to apply gradual tightening force. This dynamic adjustment capability ensures that the retaining capacity is maintained throughout field work, unlike static clips that lose effectiveness over time.
3Strength
If bolts and nuts are used to secure the protective casing, then strong connection is achieved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to tool requirements and risk of loss
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the nuts from the traditional bolt-nut assembly, retaining only the bolts integrated into the cap structure. The bolts protrude from the cap and engage directly with threaded holes in the guard, eliminating the need for separate nuts. This reduction simplifies the assembly process while maintaining strong connection, and reduces the risk of parts being lost during field operations.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate parts are used in the protective device, then functionality is enhanced, but the cost increases due to manufacturing and assembly requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the protective guard and attaching cap into a single integrated component that performs multiple functions. The guard provides protection while the integrated cap provides both attachment and sealing functions. This consolidation reduces manufacturing costs by eliminating the need to manufacture, inventory, and assemble multiple separate parts, while maintaining full functional capability through the integrated design.
Data Source
Figure 1~4
AI summary
A first element in the form of an attaching cap (1) is adapted to be attached round the take-off shaft of a traction vehicle and to receive in engagement connetion a second element in the form of covering guard (2) long enough to protect the whole of the accessible mechanical connection; the attaching cap (1) is provided with first and second receiving means (7, 13a, 9) for receiving first and second securing means (11, 12, 13) made in the covering guard (2) - (Fig. 2).