Bale Wrapper Support System for Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bale wrappers struggle to provide stability and prevent kneading during the wrapping of smaller, less dense, or mis-shaped agricultural bales, leading to disruptions in the wrapping process.
Innovation Solution
A mobile agricultural bale wrapper with a bale support system featuring first and second support elements, including receiving and unloading support rollers positioned in tandem, to enhance stability and prevent kneading during the wrapping of bales.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the distance between bale support elements is decreased to accommodate smaller bales, then smaller bales can be supported, but stability of smaller and less dense bales is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The bale support is divided into multiple discrete support elements (first and second support elements with rollers) that can independently position themselves. This segmentation allows the system to adapt to different bale sizes while maintaining stability through distributed support points that prevent kneading and lateral displacement.
Solution Approach 2:
The support elements are designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing them to dynamically adjust their positions and orientations based on bale characteristics. This dynamic capability enables the system to stabilize smaller, less dense bales by adapting the support configuration to match the bale's dimensions and density.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the distance between bale support elements is decreased, then smaller bales can be supported, but the likelihood of bale being pulled off increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple support elements are distributed along the bale support structure, creating multiple attachment points that collectively resist lateral forces. This segmented approach provides both the necessary adaptability for small bales and sufficient structural integrity to prevent bale displacement under wrapping tensions.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the bale support have optimized characteristics for local functions. The support elements are positioned and configured to provide enhanced support at critical locations where lateral forces are most likely to occur, while maintaining overall adaptability for various bale sizes.
3Adaptability or versatility
If bale support surface is reduced to accommodate smaller bales, then smaller bales can be handled, but kneading of low density bales occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The support surface is segmented into multiple discrete support points rather than a continuous surface. This segmentation allows the support elements to contact the bale at specific locations without creating concentrated pressure that would cause kneading, while still providing adequate support for smaller bale dimensions.
Solution Approach 2:
The support elements are designed with specific local characteristics that distribute contact forces appropriately. The rollers and support surfaces are configured to provide point contacts that prevent kneading of low density bales while maintaining the necessary support for smaller bale sizes.
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 improves the stability and guidance of bales during loading, transfer, and wrapping, reducing the likelihood of bales being pulled off or kneaded, thus ensuring proper wrapping and minimizing disruptions.
Implementation Method 1
The pre-stretched or elongated film subsequently tightens itself onto the outer surface of the bale under the action of the elastic energy stored in the pre-stretched film
Implementation Method 2
The pre-stretched or elongated film subsequently tightens itself onto the outer surface of the bale under the action of the elastic energy stored in the pre-stretched film
Data Source
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AI summary
There is provided a bale wrapper (1) that applies a stretch film (123) wrapping to an agricultural bale (3). The present invention also relates to an agricultural bale (3) wrapping method. There is further provided a combination baler/bale wrapper and combination baling/bale wrapping method. In one example, there is provided a mobile agricultural bale wrapper (1) comprising: a bale support (10), comprising first and second support elements (101, 102), for supporting a bale (3) and rotating the bale (3) about a first axis (X); and a film dispenser holder (11) for holding and rotating a film dispenser (12), the film dispenser (12) comprising a film holder (121) for holding a roll (122) of stretch film (123), to dispense the film (123) when the film dispenser (12) is rotated, the film dispenser holder (11) being configured to provide relative rotation between the bale support (10) and the film dispenser (12) about a second axis that extends substantially perpendicular to the first axis so that the stretch film (123) applied to the bale (3) forms a bale (3) wrapping that substantially completely covers the bale (3); wherein the first support element (101) is a receiving support element, located on a receiving side of the bale support (10), and comprises first and second receiving support rollers (101A, 101B) positioned in tandem to receive and guide the bale (3) into a position for wrapping, and the second support element (102) is an unloading support element, located on an unloading side of the bale support (10), and comprises at least one first unloading support roller (102A).