Bale Loading Accessory for Perpendicular Big Bale Stacking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current bale loading systems for transport vehicles are inefficient and labor-intensive, particularly when handling big bales, as they often require complex mechanisms and are not easily adaptable between small and big bale operations.
Innovation Solution
A bale loading accessory that uses an inclined conveyor to raise and rotate big bales onto a transport vehicle, with a carriage and push arm to position them perpendicularly on the receiving table, utilizing hydraulic actuators and a motor controlled by a sensing system for efficient and simple operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a clamping device is used to clamp and lift big bales through a lifting mechanism, then the bale can be deposited on the receiving table, but the mechanism becomes complex and time-consuming due to multiple operations (lifting, flipping, rotating)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the bale from the ground and directly conveys it to the receiving table using an inclined conveyor, eliminating the need for complex clamping, lifting, flipping, and rotating mechanisms. The conveyor belt system simply transports the bale in its original orientation, removing unnecessary operational steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The inclined conveyor acts as an intermediary mechanism that bridges the ground level and the receiving table. Instead of using direct mechanical manipulation (clamping and lifting), the conveyor belt mediates the transfer process, allowing the bale to be moved smoothly without complex operations.
2Productivity
If a sliding mechanism is used to slide the bale to the opposite side of the receiving table, then the bale can be positioned, but the longitudinal axis of the bale becomes parallel to the vehicle axis, reducing stacking efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of sliding the bale to the opposite side (parallel positioning), the patent uses a carriage and push arm to rotate and slide the bale to the front of the receiving table, achieving perpendicular positioning. This inverted approach optimizes stacking efficiency by allowing bales to be stacked in a more space-effective configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the positioning dimension by rotating the bale 90 degrees using the carriage and push arm mechanism. This dimensional change transforms the bale orientation from parallel to perpendicular relative to the vehicle axis, improving stacking efficiency without complicating the operation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple hydraulic actuators and motors are added to achieve rotating and sliding motion, then bale positioning is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The hydraulic system is designed with multi-functionality, where the same hydraulic actuators and motors perform both rotating and sliding operations. This universal design achieves versatile bale positioning without requiring separate mechanisms for each function, thereby reducing overall complexity and manufacturing cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the rotating and sliding functions into a single integrated mechanism using the carriage and push arm system, both actuated by hydraulic components. This combination reduces the number of separate parts and simplifies manufacturing while maintaining adaptability for various positioning needs.
4Ease of operation
If existing functions on the bale transport vehicle are used to control the hydraulic actuators, then the system is easier to operate, but the control precision and automation level are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms that allow the existing vehicle functions to control the hydraulic actuators with improved precision. Sensors and control systems monitor the bale position and adjust hydraulic actuation accordingly, enabling semi-automated operation that maintains ease of use while enhancing automation levels.
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
This solution significantly reduces time and labor required for loading big bales by employing a simpler and faster mechanism that aligns bales perpendicularly to the vehicle axis, enhancing stacking efficiency and adaptability between small and big bale operations.
Implementation Method 1
employing an inclined conveyor to raise the big bale from the ground to the receiving table
Implementation Method 2
A carriage and a push arm rotate and slide the bale to a stacking position on the front of the receiving table
Implementation Method 3
two hydraulic actuators and one hydraulic motor, which, when installed on bale transport vehicles
Data Source
AI summary
A bale loading apparatus for use in the agricultural applications that enables conversion from a small bale pickup and transport vehicle to a big bale pickup and transport vehicle. A conveyor lifts big bales from the ground in the field onto the receiving table of a bale transport vehicle. A rotating and sliding motion enables the positioning of the big bale lengthwise across the receiving table of the bale transport vehicle. A control system for managing the big bale loading process is also provided.