Bale Wrapper Arm Positioning for Film Centring

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing bale wrappers are optimized for a specific bale diameter, leading to inefficiencies in film usage and potential film slippage when the film roll is not centered, as they lack adjustable mechanisms to accommodate varying bale diameters.

Innovation Solution

Incorporation of sensors to determine bale diameter and adjustable wrapping arm positions, ensuring optimal film wrapping by centering the film roll on the bale's horizontal axis, with telescoping capabilities for precise adjustments, and automatic control for efficient film usage across different bale sizes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the film roll is not centred on the horizontal rotary axis of the bale, then the wrapping process can proceed, but excessive pretension of the film occurs which leads to film slipping off the bale

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefilm wrapping reliabilityVSAvoidfilm centring operation
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically centres the film roll on the bale's horizontal rotary axis through sensor detection and automated adjustment mechanisms, eliminating the need for manual centring operations while preventing film slippage caused by excessive pretension

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

Manual mechanical centring operations are replaced with automated sensor-based positioning systems that detect bale dimensions and automatically adjust the film roll position to maintain optimal wrapping tension without slippage

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

2Loss of substance

If the film roll position and wrapping speed are optimised for a particular bale diameter, then film-saving wrapping is achieved for that diameter, but the wrapping process becomes inefficient for bales of different diameters

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefilm consumptionVSAvoidbale diameter adaptability
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of substanceVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The wrapping system dynamically adjusts film roll position and wrapping speed parameters based on detected bale diameter, allowing optimal film-saving wrapping for each specific bale size while maintaining efficiency across varying diameters

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes wrapping parameters (film roll position, wrapping speed, tension) according to the detected bale diameter, enabling film-optimized wrapping for each bale size while maintaining versatility across different diameters

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Device complexity

If the wrapping arm position is fixed, then the machine structure remains simple, but the wrapping process cannot be optimised for various bale diameters

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewrapping arm structureVSAvoidwrapping optimization precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The wrapping arm position is made dynamically adjustable through telescoping mechanisms and automated positioning systems, allowing precise optimization of wrapping parameters for various bale diameters while maintaining reasonable structural complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

Sensor-based feedback systems detect bale dimensions and automatically adjust wrapping arm position to optimize the wrapping process for each bale size, achieving manufacturing precision without requiring overly complex manual adjustment mechanisms

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP2050330B1Bale wrapper for wrapping round bales
Publication Date: 2011.03.09 USINES CLAAS FRANCE SAS
  • EP2050330B1 patent drawingFigure 1

AI summary

A bale wrapper (14) for wrapping pressed bales (5, 5') that are made of hay, straw, silage or similar stalk-type products, comprising a wrapping table (20) on which a bale (5, 5') is rotatable on a horizontal rotary axis (D1, D2), and comprising an extension arm (15) that carries at least one wrapping arm (18) which by means of a drive motor (16) is rotatable on a vertical rotary axis (23), with the ends of said wrapping arm (18) comprising at least one film dispensing device (19) for accommodating at least one film roll (24), wherein setting of the vertical and/or horizontal position of the wrapping arm (18), of which there is at least one, takes place depending on the bale diameter of the bale (5, 5') that is present on the wrapping table (20) for the purpose of being wrapped.