Bale Marking Device Window and Shutter Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Channel balers produce bales with varying dimensions and weights, making it difficult to calculate logistics and transport loads accurately, and existing marking technologies lack precision and safety for applying identifying information.

Innovation Solution

A marking device with a window in the belt guide ensures precise positioning of a labeling carrier, using a locking element to maintain smooth tape guidance and incorporating a shutter element and aperture to prevent laser radiation escape, allowing for precise and safe application of labels with a high-power laser.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a window is opened in the belt guide for labeling, then labeling precision is improved, but the risk of laser radiation escape increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelabeling precisionVSAvoidlaser radiation escape
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

An aperture is introduced as an intermediary element between the laser source and the environment. The aperture allows the laser beam to pass through while being controlled by a shutter mechanism, preventing direct radiation escape while maintaining labeling functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The mechanical shutter element is used to control the aperture opening. By replacing continuous mechanical control with a controlled opening/closing mechanism, the system maintains laser safety while enabling precise labeling when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If the window is closed to prevent laser radiation escape, then safety is improved, but labeling precision deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelaser radiation containmentVSAvoidlabeling precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The window is designed to be dynamic rather than static - it can be opened during labeling operations to enable precise marking, and closed during transport to prevent laser radiation escape. This dynamic control resolves the contradiction between safety and precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The window operates in periodic cycles - opened for labeling, closed for transport. This periodic action allows the system to alternate between requiring precision (labeling phase) and requiring safety (transport phase), resolving the contradiction through time-based separation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

3Object-affected harmful factors

If a locking element is added to close the window, then laser radiation containment is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelaser radiation containmentVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The locking element is merged with the existing belt guide structure and carrier assembly. By integrating the locking mechanism into the existing components rather than adding separate independent systems, the patent minimizes the increase in device complexity while achieving radiation containment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The locking element serves multiple functions: it closes the window to contain laser radiation, maintains the structural integrity of the belt guide, and ensures proper positioning of the labeling carrier. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components.

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

4Measurement precision

If the window is opened for labeling, then labeling precision is improved, but tape guidance smoothness deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelabeling precisionVSAvoidtape guidance smoothness
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The window opening is localized to a specific area in the belt guide, and the locking element is positioned to close only this local area. This localized approach minimizes the impact on overall tape guidance smoothness while enabling precise labeling in the window region when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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

Ensures precise and legible labeling with visually or machine-readable information on bales, enhancing logistics management by providing consistent bale dimensions and weights, while ensuring safety during the labeling process.

Implementation Method 1

a marking device (1) for marking a bale (2) with visually or machine-readable information on properties of the bale

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLaser: Laser

Data Source

PatentEP4400436B1Marking device and use of such a device for marking a bale
Publication Date: 2026.03.11 UNOTECH GMBH
  • EP4400436B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4400436B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP4400436B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

The invention relates to a labeling device for bales (2) produced in a baling press, comprising a belt guide and a labeling carrier that can be guided in the belt guide, as well as a labeling unit, wherein the belt guide has a window (22) for labeling the labeling carrier located in the belt guide.