Agricultural Tractor Transmission Assembly for Flexible PTO Power Split

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing transmission arrangements for agricultural machines lack variability and efficiency in power output for drive and power take-off, with a need for a structurally simple design that allows for adjustable drive power distribution.

Innovation Solution

A transmission arrangement with an input shaft, first and second output shafts, and power generators connected via junction and branching stages, allowing selective power distribution to output shafts through couplings and clutches, enabling variable drive power delivery and seamless gear changes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a traditional transmission arrangement is used, then the structural design is simple, but the power output variability and efficiency are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower output variabilityVSAvoidtransmission structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The transmission arrangement is divided into multiple independent power generators (first power generator, second power generator, third power generator) that can operate independently or in combination. Each power generator can be selectively connected to different output shafts through clutches, enabling flexible power distribution without requiring a complex single-system design

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The first power generator is coupled to both the second power generator and the third power generator, allowing it to serve multiple functions: driving the second power generator, driving the third power generator, or operating independently. The clutches enable the same power generator to supply power to different output shafts based on operational requirements

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If power is distributed to both drive system and power take-off simultaneously, then power delivery flexibility increases, but transmission complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower distribution flexibilityVSAvoidtransmission shift stage complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The clutches in the transmission shift stage are designed to be dynamically controllable, allowing real-time switching of power flow paths. The first clutch connects the first power generator to the second power generator, while the second clutch connects the first power generator to the third power generator. These clutches can be engaged or disengaged based on operational requirements, enabling dynamic power distribution without mechanical complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple gear ratios are implemented, then drive speed and torque variability improves, but the number of components and structural complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegear ratio variabilityVSAvoidgearbox assembly complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of using multiple mechanical gear stages to achieve different gear ratios, the invention uses electrically controlled clutches to switch between different power generator combinations. The gear ratios are varied by selecting which power generators are active and how they are connected, replacing complex mechanical gear shifting with simpler electromagnetic clutch control

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentEP4678941A1Transmission assembly and agricultural tractor
Publication Date: 2026.01.14 DEERE & CO
  • EP4678941A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4678941A1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP4678941A1 patent drawingFigure 4A

AI summary

The invention relates to a transmission arrangement (30) for a drive train (20) of an agricultural tractor (10), comprising an input shaft (50), a first output shaft (40) for a drive (24, 32, 34), a second output shaft (42) for a power take-off (PTO) drive (44), and a first power machine (EM1) which is connected or can be connected to the input shaft (50) via a branching stage (48), wherein power from the first power machine (EM1) can be transmitted to at least one coupled power machine (EM2, EM3). At least one coupled power machine (EM2, EM3) can be selectively connected to the first output shaft (40) and/or to the second output shaft (42) via couplings (K1, K2, K3, K4) of a transmission shift stage (46). The invention further relates to an agricultural tractor (10) comprising such a transmission arrangement (30).