Baler Brake Unit Dynamics for Binder Tension Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing round balers face issues with inconsistent binder tension, leading to reduced bale stability and increased material requirements due to reliance on brake-based tension control, which can result in bale deformation and tangling.

Innovation Solution

A baler with a brake unit featuring at least two parallel brake strips and a guide gap, allowing for controlled tensioning and clamping of the binder through translational and rotary displacement, enabling stepless regulation of tension and secure separation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Force

If a brake-based tension control system is used for the binder, then the binder can be tensioned during wrapping, but the tension becomes inconsistent leading to bale deformation and instability

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebinder tensionVSAvoidbale stability
Core Design Contradiction:
ForceVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The brake unit is made dynamically adjustable through translational and rotary displacement, allowing the braking force to be continuously adapted during the wrapping process. This enables consistent binder tension by adjusting the position of brake strips relative to the binder roll, resolving the inconsistency caused by fixed brake-based tension control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the parameters of the brake unit (position, orientation, braking force) to optimize binder tension control. By translating and rotating the brake unit, the contact pressure between brake strips and binder can be precisely controlled, maintaining consistent tension throughout the wrapping process and preventing bale deformation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Device complexity

If a single brake strip design is used, then the structure is simple, but the control precision and tension consistency are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebrake unit structureVSAvoidtension control precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The brake unit is segmented into multiple brake strips arranged in parallel, each capable of independent or coordinated action on the binder. This segmentation allows for more precise distribution and control of braking force across the binder width, improving tension consistency without excessive complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The brake strips are arranged in a parallel configuration, adding a spatial dimension to the braking mechanism. This parallel arrangement allows for broader contact with the binder and more uniform force distribution, enhancing control precision while maintaining structural simplicity through the repetitive modular pattern.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Stability of the object's composition

If the brake unit is fixed in position, then the structure is stable, but the ability to adjust binder tension and adapt to different wrapping stages is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebrake unit stabilityVSAvoidtension regulation flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The brake unit incorporates translational and rotary displacement capabilities, transforming from a fixed structure to a dynamically adjustable one. This allows the brake strips to be repositioned during operation to accommodate different wrapping stages and tension requirements, while the guided movement paths maintain structural stability during adjustment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The movable brake unit design serves multiple functions: it provides stable braking when positioned, enables tension adjustment during wrapping, and can be reconfigured for different operating conditions. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction between stability and adaptability by integrating both characteristics in a single system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 design improves bale wrapping quality and stability by allowing precise control of binder tension, reducing the risk of deformation and tangling, and ensuring consistent material application.

Implementation Method 1

the brake unit and / or the brake bars, in particular while the binder is being wrapped around the bale, the binder arranged in the guide gap can be pressed against the brake bars, thereby achieving a controllable braking effect on the binder

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentEP3300586B1Baling press
Publication Date: 2020.04.01 USINES CLAAS FRANCE SAS
  • EP3300586B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3300586B1 patent drawingFigure 3a~4b

AI summary

A baler (10) comprises a pressing chamber (12) arranged in a housing (14) for pressing round bales (16) from a harvested crop, a binding device (28) for providing a binding agent (26) for wrapping a round bale (16) in the pressing chamber (12), wherein at least one feed gap (32) is formed on the circumferential side of the pressing chamber (12) through which the binding agent (26) can be fed into the pressing chamber (16), wherein the binding device (28) comprises a braking unit (30) for tensioning and/or clamping the binding agent (26) and a separating unit (34) for separating the binding agent (26). According to the invention, the brake unit (30) has at least two brake strips (36) arranged parallel to each other, wherein a guide gap (38) for receiving the binding agent (26) is formed between the brake strips (36), wherein the brake unit (30) and/or the brake strips (36) are designed to be displaceable translationally and/or rotationally.