Baler Tandem Axle Layout That Clears the Needle Yoke
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional axle arrangements in agricultural balers, such as the inverted Y or bogie design, may not be feasible when a needle arrangement is positioned at the bottom, as they can interfere with the front and rear axles, limiting the design options for supporting the baler's weight and bales.
Innovation Solution
An axle arrangement featuring a first and second axle connected via leaf springs and elongate members, with the first axle mounted rearward of the feeding channel to lower the effective axle height and position the axles below the needle yoke's travel path, allowing for lateral stabilization and accommodating both vertical and horizontal loads without interfering with the needle arrangement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If an inverted Y or bogie design tandem axle arrangement is used, then the axles can move together over uneven ground, but the axles interfere with the needle yoke positioned at the bottom of the baler
Solution Approach 1:
The patent repositions the axles from a conventional higher position to a lower position beneath the needle yoke travel path. This spatial reconfiguration in the vertical dimension eliminates the interference problem while preserving the tandem axle arrangement's ability to handle uneven ground.
Solution Approach 2:
The axle arrangement is divided into separate first and second axles with independent mounting to the chassis. This segmentation allows each axle to be positioned and configured independently, enabling the axles to be located below the needle yoke while maintaining individual movement capability over uneven terrain.
2Shape
If the first axle is mounted rearward of the feeding channel, then the effective axle height is lowered to avoid needle yoke interference, but the axle positioning becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The axles are mounted with flexibility to accommodate uneven ground conditions while maintaining their lowered position. The mounting system allows for dynamic adjustment and movement, enabling the axles to adapt to terrain variations despite their constrained position below the needle yoke.
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
This configuration enables stable operation over uneven ground while avoiding interference with the needle yoke, providing effective support for the baler's weight and bales, and allowing for flexible axle positioning to accommodate different load types.
Implementation Method 1
The first axle is connected to the chassis, and the second axle is connected to the first axle... providing effective support for the baler's weight and bales
Implementation Method 2
A pair of elongate members interconnect the second axle with the first axle... accommodating both vertical and horizontal loads
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
An axle arrangement (60) for a baler (10) includes a first axle (62), a second axle (64) and a pair of elongate members (90). The first axle (62) has first and second ends (68A, 68B). First and second suspension cylinder (72A, 72B) are positioned at the first and second ends (68A, 68B). The first axle (62) is coupled with the chassis (11). The second axle (64) has a first and second ends (78A, 78B). First and second suspension cylinders (82A, 82B) are positioned at the first and second ends (78A, 78B) to accommodate generally vertical loads. A first elongate member (90A) interconnects the first end (78A) of the second axle (64) with the first end (68A) of the first axle (62). A second elongate member (90B) interconnects the second end (78B) of the second axle (64) with the second end (68B) of the first axle (62).