A novel design procedure for tractor clutch fingers by using optimization and response surface methods

Abstract

This paper presents a methodology for re-designing a failed tractor transmission component subjected to cyclic loading. Unlike other vehicles, tractors cope with tough working conditions. Thus, it is necessary to re-design components by using modern optimization techniques. To extend their service life, we present a design methodology for a failed tractor clutch power take-off finger. The finger was completely re-designed using topology and shape optimization approach. Stress-life based fatigue analyses were performed. Shape optimization and response surface methodology were conducted to obtain optimum dimensions of the finger. Two design parameters were selected for the design of experiment method and 15 cases were analyzed. By using design of the experiment method, three responses were obtained: Maximum stresses, mass, and displacement depending on the selected the design parameters. After solving the optimization problem, we achieved a maximum stress and mass reduction of 14% and 6%, respectively. The stiffness was improved up to 31.6% compared to the initial design.

Development of Control System for Automated Manual Transmission of 45-kW Agricultural Tractor

“…The clutch is the main part of a tractor's powertrain, located between the engine and the transmission, which serves to transfer or disconnect the engine's power to the transmission [39].…”

Eklemeli İmalat Yöntemi ile Optimum Düz Dişli Çark Tasarımı ve Üretimi

“…Topoloji optimizasyonu birçok yapısal problemin boyutsal iyileştirmenin yapıldığı bir yöntem olarak karşımıza çıkmaktadır. Literatürde çok farklı elemanların topoloji optimizasyonu ile boyutsal olarak iyileştirildiği görülmektedir [7][8]. Ancak bu yöntemde elde edilen malzeme dağılımları bazı durumlarda geleneksel yöntemlerle üretilemeyecek kadar karmaşık yapıda olduğu görülmektedir.…”

Optimum Design of Brake Pedal for Trucks Using Structural Optimization and Design of Experiment Techniques

“…The cost of the power transmission components of a tractor is approximately 25-30% of its total cost [1]. A cost reduction to be realized return to companies as profitability in mass production.…”

“…The study revealed a method to find optimum PTO finger design in order to maximize fatigue life while minimizing the von -Mises stress, deformation, and the mass. As a result, a stiffer and lightweight design of the PTO finger was obtained by comparing a PTO finger used in the market [1]. Karpat et al overdesigned a chain link to optimize stress and mass values.…”