Bale Wrapper Rocker Mechanism for Gravity-Assisted Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bale wrapping machines face delays due to slow motion speeds of wrapping tables, which are prone to malfunctions and high manufacturing costs, especially in wet and muddy conditions, and require complex transfer mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A bale wrapper with a wrapping table suspended in an articulated manner using rockers, allowing it to move along a curved path between receiving and wrapping stations, utilizing gravity for transfer and a hydraulic actuator for efficient movement, eliminating the need for separate locking mechanisms and enabling fast bale transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If a chain-driven mechanism or hydraulic cylinders are used to move the wrapping table, then the wrapping table can be moved between stations, but the motion speed is slow causing operational delays
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional chain-driven mechanism or multiple hydraulic cylinders with a simplified rocker-based mechanical system. The rocker acts as a lever that uses gravitational force on the bale to drive the wrapping table movement, eliminating complex mechanical transmission components and achieving faster, more reliable motion.
Solution Approach 2:
The wrapping table movement system utilizes the weight of the bale itself as the driving force. When the bale is positioned on the wrapping table, gravity automatically drives the rocker mechanism to move the table between stations, eliminating the need for external motors or complex actuation systems.
2Reliability
If guide tracks and chain-driven mechanisms are used in wet and muddy environments, then the wrapping table can be moved, but the mechanisms are susceptible to malfunctions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the vulnerable chain-driven mechanism and guide tracks from the system. By eliminating these components that are prone to malfunction in wet and muddy conditions, the design achieves reliable operation in harsh agricultural environments without complex protection systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The rocker mechanism uses simple, robust components that can withstand harsh conditions. Rather than using expensive, complex mechanisms that require maintenance and protection, the design employs durable, simple parts that can operate reliably in wet and muddy environments without special protection.
3Ease of operation
If complex transfer mechanisms with multiple hydraulic cylinders are used, then the wrapping table can be moved, but the structural complexity and manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into a single rocker component. The rocker simultaneously serves as the movement mechanism, the positioning element, and the force transmission component, eliminating the need for separate guide tracks, chains, and multiple hydraulic cylinders that would be required in traditional designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The rocker mechanism serves multiple functions: it acts as a lever for movement, a guide for the wrapping table path, and a force amplifier using gravitational energy. This multi-functional design replaces several separate components with a single versatile mechanism, reducing complexity and manufacturing costs.
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 simplifies the structure, reduces manufacturing and maintenance costs, and allows for faster bale movement, enabling quicker closure of the baling chamber and continuous operation without delays, while accommodating bales of different sizes.
Implementation Method 1
the wrapping table is arranged to move from the receiving station to the intermediate station by the impact of gravity of the wrapping table and the bale arranged on it
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2a~2b
Figure 2c~2d
AI summary
The bale wrapper has a frame (10), a receiving station (12) for receiving a bale and a wrapping device (50) for wrapping a protective film around the received bale. The wrapping device has a wrapping station (22), a wrapping table (24) and an actuator for moving the wrapping table between the receiving station and the wrapping station. The wrapping table is suspended to the frame by at least one first rocker and at least one second rocker. The rockers can be brought to a first position so that the wrapping table is in the receiving station and to a second position so that the wrapping table is in the wrapping station. The rockers can also preferably be brought to a third position so that the wrapping table is in an intermediate station between the receiving station and wrapping station. The wrapping table can be arranged to move from the receiving station to the intermediate station by the impact of gravity of the wrapping table and the bale arranged on it.