Adjustable Baler Brake for Precise Weight Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing agricultural square balers face challenges in achieving precise weight measurements due to uncontrolled bale movement on the weighing table, influenced by terrain, weather, and crop conditions, leading to random errors in weight measurement signals.
Innovation Solution
A square baler with a bale chute featuring a pivotally mounted rear portion and an adjustable braking system, controlled by a microprocessor or inclination sensors to adjust the braking force based on parameters like weighing timespan, inclination, and terrain conditions, ensuring precise bale movement and weight measurement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a mechanical brake activated manually by the operator is used, then the brake can slow down bales on the weighing table, but the braking action cannot be adapted to specific conditions in terms of terrain and the crop, leading to random errors in weight measurement
Solution Approach 1:
The brake system is transformed from a static, manually activated mechanical brake to a dynamic, automatically controlled brake whose braking force can be continuously adjusted based on real-time parameters such as bale weight, terrain slope, and crop type. The control means modifies the braking force during operation to adapt to varying conditions, resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where the control means receives information about weighing results, terrain conditions, and crop characteristics, then automatically adjusts the braking force for subsequent bales. This closed-loop control enables the system to learn from past measurements and optimize braking performance, simultaneously improving weight measurement precision and adaptability to different operating conditions.
2Ease of operation
If the rear portion of the bale chute is pivotable with the pivot axis below the bale support surface, then the bales can be lowered gently to the ground, but the bales tend to move under influence of friction and gravity once the centre of gravity moves past the pivot axis, leading to uncontrolled movement and random errors in weight measurement
Solution Approach 1:
The brake is positioned and configured to act on the bale before it reaches the pivot point and before uncontrolled movement occurs. By applying braking force in advance during the weighing phase, the system prevents the bale from accelerating under gravity after passing the pivot axis, thereby maintaining measurement precision while preserving the gentle lowering function.
Solution Approach 2:
The brake acts as an intermediary force between gravity and the bale movement. It provides a controlled counteracting force that balances the gravitational pull on the bale during the critical weighing period, preventing uncontrolled movement while allowing the bale to be gently lowered afterward. This intermediary braking force resolves the conflict between gentle operation and measurement precision.
3Device complexity
If no brake is used on the weighing table, then the system structure remains simple, but the bales move uncontrolled influenced by local conditions of crop, weather and terrain, leading to random errors in weight measurement
Solution Approach 1:
The brake system is designed to be self-regulating through automatic control based on measured parameters. Once the control means is programmed with the appropriate algorithm, the system automatically determines and applies the correct braking force without requiring complex mechanical adjustment mechanisms or manual intervention. This self-service capability achieves precise weight measurement without proportionally increasing structural 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
The adjustable braking system improves the accuracy of weight measurements by controlling bale movement, reducing errors and enhancing the precision of the weighing process, making it compatible with existing baler systems.
Implementation Method 1
the brake is configured to exert an adjustable braking force
Implementation Method 2
means for weighing a bale during a weighing timespan
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a square baler (10) comprising means for weighing a bale during a weighing timespan when the rear portion (26) pivots into the bale discharging position. The rear portion (26) further comprises a brake (103) for changing the speed of a bale moving along the rear portion (26). According to the invention the brake (103) is configured to exert an adjustable braking force. This results in a weighing system with an improved accuracy.