Bale Splitter Attachment Pulling Actuation Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Handling and splitting heavy bales of agricultural materials, such as hay or straw, is challenging due to their weight and the difficulty in separating the wrapping material, which can cause instability and entanglement issues during handling and distribution.

Innovation Solution

A bale splitter attachment for vehicles, featuring a frame with a rotatable cutting arm and powered actuation, allows for efficient splitting of bales by applying cutting force in a pulling arrangement, reducing stress on the equipment and enabling secure handling and distribution of the agricultural materials while maintaining the wrapping for later disposal.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If a traditional bale splitter design is used, then the cutting force is applied in a pushing arrangement, but this increases stress on the equipment and reduces stability during handling

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestress on equipmentVSAvoidstability during handling

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the traditional pushing arrangement by implementing a pulling arrangement where the powered actuation device pulls the cutting arm toward the bale instead of pushing it away. This inversion reduces stress on the equipment structure and improves stability during the splitting operation, as the pulling force creates a more favorable load path through the frame and actuation mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Ease of operation

If heavy duty equipment is used to handle bales, then the handling capability is improved, but this increases the weight and cost of the equipment

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehandling capabilityVSAvoidequipment weight

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces heavy mechanical handling systems with a more efficient powered actuation system that uses controlled force application. The actuation device, which can be hydraulic or electric, substitutes for traditional heavy mechanical linkages and levers, reducing overall equipment weight while maintaining or improving handling capability through precise force control and optimized mechanical advantage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the operational parameters of the bale splitter by implementing a pulling arrangement that optimizes force application. This parameter change allows the use of lighter equipment components that can still handle heavy bales effectively, as the pulling mechanism creates more efficient stress distribution and reduces peak loads on structural elements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If the wrapping material is removed during handling, then the distribution of agricultural materials is improved, but this causes entanglement issues and increases handling difficulty

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedistribution efficiencyVSAvoidentanglement

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by using the powered actuation device to carefully control the separation of the wrapping material from the bale during the splitting process. The actuation system gradually pulls the cutting arm through the bale, systematically breaking the seal and releasing the wrapping material in a controlled manner that prevents entanglement, allowing the agricultural materials to be distributed efficiently as the bale splits.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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

The solution provides a stable and efficient method for handling and splitting bales, reducing the risk of tipping and entanglement, and allows for precise control over the splitting process, enhancing maneuverability and reducing the weight and cost of the equipment compared to prior designs.

Implementation Method 1

a powered actuation device including a first end connected to the frame base and a second end connected to the rotatable cutting arm at a connection point, the powered actuation device arranged to apply cutting force in a pulling arrangement

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical Force: Mechanical Force

Implementation Method 2

a cutting arm rotatably connected to the frame base at a pivot, the rotatable cutting arm including an elongate blade

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRotation:

Data Source

PatentUS10863677B2Bale splitting attachment

Publication Date: 2020.12.15 HILLCO TECHNOLOGIES INC

AI summary

A bale splitter attachment for use with a bale including a frame including a frame base and a cutting arm rotatably connected to the frame base at a pivot, the rotatable cutting arm including an elongate blade, the frame base and the rotatable cutting arm together defining a bay to receive the bale; a powered actuation device including a first end connected to the frame base and a second end connected to the rotatable cutting arm at a connection point, the powered actuation device arranged to apply cutting force in a pulling arrangement; and a hook apparatus connected to the frame, the hook apparatus including a plurality of hooks.