Bale Wrapper Transport Integration via Tractor Hydraulic Power

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing transporter apparatuses for large round bales of forage material require separate power sources for the wrapping mechanism, necessitating additional equipment and manual hydraulic connections, which are cumbersome and inefficient.

Innovation Solution

A transporter system with longitudinally extending rails and an endless chain mechanism that integrates the bale wrapper with the transporter, allowing the wrapper to be powered by the transporter's drive mechanism, eliminating the need for a separate power plant and enabling the wrapper to be transported on the transporter bed between job sites.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a separate power source is used for the wrapping mechanism, then the wrapping function can be operated independently, but the device complexity and manual connection requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveindependent operation capabilityVSAvoidnumber of power sources and connection requirements

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the wrapping mechanism with the transporter by integrating the hydraulic power system. The wrapping mechanism shares the tractor's hydraulic system with the transporter, eliminating the need for a separate power source on the wrapping mechanism while maintaining operational capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The tractor's hydraulic system serves multiple functions: it powers both the transporter and the wrapping mechanism. This multi-functionality allows a single power source to operate both components, reducing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If manual hydraulic connections are required, then the wrapping mechanism can be flexibly positioned, but the ease of operation decreases due to dismounting requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepositioning flexibilityVSAvoidoperator convenience

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an automatic coupling device as an intermediary between the tractor's hydraulic system and the wrapping mechanism. This device automatically establishes hydraulic connections when the wrapping mechanism is positioned on the transporter, eliminating the need for manual hose connections while maintaining positioning flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the wrapping mechanism has its own engine, then it can operate independently of the transporter, but the weight and device complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveindependent power supplyVSAvoidweight of wrapping mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the power source requirement from the wrapping mechanism itself and relocates it to the shared tractor hydraulic system. This removes the need for a separate engine on the wrapping mechanism, significantly reducing its weight while maintaining operational independence through hydraulic power transmission.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Data Source

PatentUS8696290B2Implement for transporting and wrapping large bales

Publication Date: 2014.04.15 CNH INDUSTRIAL AMERICA LLC

AI summary

An implement for transporting and wrapping large round bales of forage material includes an elongated transporter having longitudinally extending rails and an endless chain associated with each rail to move large bales of forage material rearwardly along the rails toward the bale wrapper connected to the rearward end of the transporter. The bale wrapper can be devoid of wheels and is carried between job sites on top of the transporter bed, being loaded and unloaded through use of the endless chains associated with each rail. The bale wrapper receives operative power from the transporter drive mechanism. A bale loader elevates round bales from the ground onto the rails. Once fully loaded, a push gate pushes the round bales rearwardly toward the bale wrapper.