Baler Axle Deflection Measurement with Overload Stop
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bale weighing systems lack accuracy and fail to adequately protect the baler's components, leading to potential mechanical fatigue and inaccurate weight measurements.
Innovation Solution
A baler system with a frame, axle, sensor, and overload stop that measures axle deflection to calculate bale weight, featuring sensors to detect deflection changes and an overload stop to limit axle deflection within a predetermined range, ensuring accurate weight measurement and protecting the baler's components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the axle deflection is allowed to increase for larger bale weights, then the measurement range is improved, but the mechanical fatigue and potential damage to baler components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies beforehand cushioning by implementing an overload stop mechanism that limits axle deflection before excessive mechanical stress can occur. The overload stop is positioned to prevent the axle from deflecting beyond a safe threshold, thereby protecting the baler frame and axle from mechanical fatigue while still allowing sufficient deflection range for accurate weight measurement across various bale weights.
2Reliability
If the axle deflection is limited to protect components, then the mechanical fatigue resistance is improved, but the measurement accuracy for heavy bales deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by carefully selecting the overload stop position to optimize the balance between protection and measurement accuracy. The overload stop is positioned at a specific distance from the axle-housing connection that allows sufficient axle deflection for accurate measurement of heavy bales while preventing deflection beyond the point where mechanical fatigue would occur. This parameter optimization ensures both component protection and measurement precision.
3Measurement precision
If load sensors are positioned at wheel axles for weight measurement, then the weight measurement capability is improved, but the mechanical stress on the axle and frame increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the intermediary principle by introducing the overload stop as a protective element between the load-bearing axle and the baler frame. The overload stop acts as a mechanical intermediary that limits the force transmission to the frame and axle, preventing excessive mechanical stress while allowing the load sensors to continue measuring weight accurately within the safe deflection range.
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 system provides accurate bale weight measurement while preventing mechanical fatigue of the baler's components, enhancing the reliability and longevity of the weighing process.
Implementation Method 1
The sensor is positioned to measure the deflection of the axle. The deflection of the axle changes based upon a weight of a bale.
Data Source
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Figure 3A
AI summary
A baler (10) for forming a bale (B) includes a frame (12), an axle (22), a sensor (40, 42, 44, 46), and at least one overload stop (28). The bale (B) supports a bale chamber (123). The axle (22) is connected to the frame (12) at a first location and spaced apart from the frame (12) at a second location (L2). The sensor (40, 42, 44, 46) is positioned to measure the deflection of the axle (22). The deflection of the axle (22) changes based upon a weight of the bale (B). The at least one overload stop (28) is positioned on one of the axle (22) and the frame (12) to limit the deflection of the axle (22) relative to the frame (12).