Bale Discharge Tipping Structure for Controlled Side Unloading

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing unloading tipping devices for round bales are complex, requiring multiple actuators and are prone to damage during maneuvering, especially on uneven terrain.

Innovation Solution

A tipping unloading device comprising a first and second support element, a cross member, a longitudinal member, and a diagonal member, which allows the bale to be deflected sideways, with additional spacers to prevent damage during maneuvering.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If unloading tipping devices include ramps that can be tilted and pivoted to tip the bale, then the bale can be unloaded in a controlled direction and position, but the device complexity increases due to requiring at least one additional actuator for pivoting movement

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrolled unloading directionVSAvoidactuator quantity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The unloading tipping device is divided into functionally independent components: the ramp assembly for controlled unloading and the support elements for stability. This segmentation allows the ramp to perform its tipping function without requiring additional actuators for pivoting, as the support elements provide passive stability on uneven terrain.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The support elements are designed to automatically adapt to uneven ground conditions without requiring active control or additional actuators. The device uses its own structural components to level itself passively, eliminating the need for complex actuation systems while maintaining controlled unloading capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Adaptability or versatility

If unloading tipping devices are coupled to allow free pivoting around the transverse axis to follow ground contours, then the device can adapt to uneven terrain, but the risk of damage during turning or road travel increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveground contour adaptationVSAvoiddamage risk during maneuvering
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The support elements are positioned and designed to prevent the ramp assembly from pivoting excessively or incorrectly during maneuvering. By providing predetermined support points that contact the ground first, the device preemptively prevents damage-causing movements before they can occur during turning or road travel.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

Solution Approach 2:

The support elements act as protective cushions that absorb and distribute forces during maneuvering. By being in place beforehand, they prevent direct impact forces from reaching the ramp assembly and baler connection points, reducing damage risk while maintaining adaptability to ground contours.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Reliability

If a lifting device is provided to protect the unloading tipping device from damage when turning or during road travel, then damage risk is reduced, but the device complexity and actuator quantity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedamage protectionVSAvoidactuator quantity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The support elements provide passive protection during maneuvering without requiring lifting actuators. The device uses its own structural support elements to elevate and protect the ramp assembly naturally, eliminating the need for additional lifting devices while maintaining damage protection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The protective function is extracted from the lifting device concept and implemented through the support elements' geometric arrangement and ground contact characteristics. The support elements inherently provide the protection function that would otherwise require an active lifting mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Data Source

PatentEP4491009B1Discharge tipping device and baler or winder
Publication Date: 2026.03.04 DEERE & CO
  • EP4491009B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4491009B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4491009B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a discharge tipping device (42) for a baler (16) or a wrapper (10), wherein the discharge tipping device (42) comprises a first support element (45) with which the discharge tipping device (42) can be supported on the ground, a cross brace (64), a longitudinal brace (44), a diagonal brace (46), and a support plate (54). The first support element (45) is connected to the support plate (54), and the longitudinal brace (44) and the diagonal brace (46) are each connected at one end to the cross brace (64) and at the other end to the support plate (54). The discharge tipping device (42) comprises a second support element (48) and/or a spacer (55). The invention further relates to a baler (16) or a wrapper (10) with a discharge tipping device (42).