Bale Processor Transport Apparatus With Lift Conveyor
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bale processors can only transport and process a limited number of large bales, especially over long distances, and lack the capability to efficiently handle scattered bales, limiting their operational efficiency in livestock feeding operations.
Innovation Solution
A bale processor and transport apparatus that combines a bale processor with a hitch assembly and a bale trailer, featuring a lift conveyor and trailer conveyor system, allowing for the transportation and processing of an increased number of bales by pivoting and lifting bales into the processor, and can be converted back to conventional use when needed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If a bale processor carries more bales over long distances, then transportation capacity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines a bale processor with a bale trailer into a single integrated transport apparatus. The processor chamber is positioned at the front to receive bales, while the trailer body extends rearward to provide additional carrying capacity for multiple bales. This merging allows the system to transport more bales (up to 6-9 bales depending on configuration) without requiring separate processing and transportation equipment, thereby improving transportation capacity while managing device complexity through functional integration.
2Quantity of substance
If an extended frame is added to carry more bales, then transportation capacity is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a tilting or adjustable extended frame that can be dynamically repositioned. The frame is capable of tilting downward to facilitate bale loading from the ground, and can be adjusted to different angles or positions during operation. This dynamic capability allows multiple bales to be carried on the extended frame while maintaining ease of operation, as the frame can be positioned optimally for loading and then adjusted during transport and processing operations.
3Productivity
If bales are fed directly into the processor from the extended frame, then processing efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a conveyor system as an intermediary mechanism between the extended frame and the processor chamber. The conveyor acts as a mediator that automatically transfers bales from the extended frame into the processing chamber. This intermediary conveyor simplifies the overall feeding mechanism compared to direct manual loading, improves processing efficiency by enabling continuous automated bale feed, and manages device complexity by using a standardized conveyor component rather than a complex custom-designed feeding mechanism.
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
Enables the efficient transportation and processing of up to nine bales to a feeding location, addressing the limitations of prior art by increasing capacity and handling scattered bales, while maintaining versatility for conventional use.
Implementation Method 1
a lift conveyor positioned above the hitch assembly and operative to receive a transported bale from the trailer conveyor and move the transported bale forward to a lift position and pivot the transported bale upward and forward into the chamber of the bale processor
Implementation Method 2
a bale trailer connected to the hitch assembly, the bale trailer comprising a trailer conveyor operative to move bales forward on the bale trailer
Data Source
AI summary
A bale processor and transport apparatus includes a bale processor, and a hitch assembly attached to a rear end of the bale processor. A bale trailer is attached to the hitch assembly, and the bale trailer comprises a trailer conveyor operative to move bales forward on the bale trailer. A lift frame is provided on the bale processor above the hitch, and the lift frame is operative to receive a transported bale from the trailer conveyor and pivot the transported bale upward and forward into a chamber of the bale processor.