Asymmetric Yoke Needle Frame for Baler Binding

Solution Overview

Problem

Large square balers face inefficiencies in binding systems due to high power requirements and slow operation, necessitating a lightweight and faster binding mechanism to enhance productivity.

Innovation Solution

A binding mechanism with a delivery device featuring a needle frame with an asymmetrical or D-shaped yoke configuration, made from extruded aluminum, which reduces weight and increases stiffness, allowing for rapid movement and efficient binding material delivery around the crop package.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If traditional binding system is used in large square baler, then structural integrity is maintained, but power consumption is high and operation speed is slow

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperation speedVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The yoke's cross-sectional geometry is changed from traditional symmetric I-beam to asymmetric configuration with larger flange width at the forward end and smaller flange width at the rear end. This parameter change optimizes the distribution of material to provide maximum stiffness where needed (forward end during insertion) while reducing weight overall, enabling faster operation with lower power consumption

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The yoke employs asymmetric cross-sectional design where the forward end has a larger flange width than the rear end. This asymmetric configuration matches the functional requirements of the binding system, providing enhanced structural integrity and stiffness at the forward end during needle insertion while minimizing weight to improve operational speed and reduce power requirements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

2Use of energy by moving object

If lightweight materials are used to reduce power consumption, then operation speed increases, but structural integrity may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidstructural integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The yoke's cross-sectional properties vary along its length, with the forward end having larger flange width and greater moment of inertia to provide maximum strength and stiffness where the needle experiences highest stresses during insertion. The rear end has reduced dimensions, optimizing the weight-strength ratio. This local quality variation ensures structural integrity is maintained at critical locations while minimizing overall weight to reduce power consumption

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Productivity

If traditional symmetric yoke design is used, then manufacturing is simplified, but binding efficiency and speed are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebinding efficiencyVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The yoke employs asymmetric cross-sectional design where the forward end has a larger flange width than the rear end. This asymmetric configuration matches the functional requirements of the binding system, providing enhanced structural integrity and stiffness at the forward end during needle insertion while minimizing weight to improve operational speed and reduce power requirements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

Solution Approach 2:

The yoke's cross-sectional geometry is changed from traditional symmetric I-beam to asymmetric configuration with larger flange width at the forward end and smaller flange width at the rear end. This parameter change optimizes the distribution of material to provide maximum stiffness where needed (forward end during insertion) while reducing weight overall, enabling faster operation with lower power consumption

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS11419273B2Needle frame assembly and needle coupling for agricultural machine

Publication Date: 2022.08.23 DEERE & CO

AI summary

An agricultural harvesting machine includes a binding mechanism to secure binding material around a crop package and a delivery device to wrap binding material around a portion of the crop package and provide binding material to the binding mechanism. The delivery device includes a needle connected to a needle frame. The needle frame includes a yoke extending between a first arm and a second arm.