Integrated Bale Clamp and Cutting Device Assembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current bale clamp and cutting device assemblies are labor-intensive and inefficient, as they require separate devices for transport and wire removal, leading to bales falling apart during handling and cumbersome operation.

Innovation Solution

An integrated assembly of a bale clamp and cutting device with independently movable clamping and cutting elements, driven by hydraulic or electrical means, allowing for separate control of clamping and cutting, and featuring cutting knives with tempered edges for efficient wire cutting.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the cutting device is connected to the bale clamp and cutting is done during clamping, then labor intensity is reduced and cutting time is eliminated, but the bale is no longer held together by wires when clamping elements move apart, causing the bale to fall apart

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelabor efficiencyVSAvoidbale integrity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system is divided into independent clamping elements and cutting elements that can operate separately. The cutting device is segmented into multiple cutting elements (at least two cutting knives) that can be independently controlled from the clamping elements, allowing selective activation of cutting function without affecting bale holding capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The cutting elements are made movable relative to the base section, allowing them to be positioned as needed. The cutting knives can move towards and from each other according to a cutting direction, enabling dynamic control of the cutting action independent of the clamping cycle.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If the cutting device is integrated with the bale clamp, then wire cutting capability is added, but the device complexity increases and operation becomes more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefunctional capabilityVSAvoidstructural complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The base section serves multiple functions: it provides a fixed connection point to the bale clamp, supports the movable cutting elements, and enables both clamping and cutting operations. This multi-functional design adds versatility without proportionally increasing complexity.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The base section acts as an intermediary component between the bale clamp and the cutting elements. It provides a stable mounting structure that simplifies the integration of cutting functionality while maintaining independence of the cutting mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Productivity

If the cutting elements are connected to the clamping elements, then simultaneous clamping and cutting is achieved, but the bale must be clamped in a specific manner requiring operator skills

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational efficiencyVSAvoidoperator skill requirement
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

By separating the control of clamping elements and cutting elements, the operator can independently manage each function. This segmentation allows standard clamping procedures to be used without requiring specialized skills for coordinated cutting operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The cutting elements are positioned above the clamping elements in a plane perpendicular to the clamping direction, allowing the cutting mechanism to automatically engage with wires regardless of the specific clamping configuration, reducing the need for operator skill in positioning.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

4Reliability

If separate devices are used for bale transport and wire removal, then each device can be optimized for its specific function, but the process becomes labor-intensive and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefunctional optimizationVSAvoidoperational efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The cutting device is merged with the bale clamp to form an integrated assembly. The cutting device comprises a base section connected to the base frame in a fixed position, with cutting elements that can move independently. This merging allows both functions in one device while maintaining optimal performance of each function through independent control mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP3763195B1Assembly of a bale clamp and a cutting device
Publication Date: 2021.11.24 TVH PARTS HLDG NV
  • EP3763195B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3763195B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3763195B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

Assembly of a bale clamp and a cutting device (1) for cutting through a wire (2) that holds a bale (3) together, wherein the bale clamp comprises two clamping elements (5) and driving means for moving the clamping elements (5) towards and from each other, wherein the cutting device (1) comprises one or more cutting elements (6) for cutting through a wire (2), wherein at least one cutting element (6) is movable for cutting wires (2) and wherein the said cutting device (1) comprises driving means for moving said at least one cutting element (6) and method for moving a bale (3) to the desired position and cutting through a wire (2) that holds said bale (3) together, with the aid of the said assembly.