Dual-station baler connecting duct via movable panel

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing baler devices with dual-station configurations face challenges such as operator access limitations, material loss, and complex constructions in forming the connecting duct between pre-pressing and main pressing stations, which restrict manual wrapping and tying capabilities.

Innovation Solution

A baler device with a hingeable pressing door and a panel-shaped element forms an impermeable connecting duct during displacement, allowing operator access for wrapping and tying, using a hydraulic drive system and connecting rod for efficient material transfer, and optional automatic tying and wrapping features.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If a fixedly arranged lower panel is used to form the connecting duct, then the structure is simple, but operator access to the main pressing station is blocked and manual wrapping is impossible

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural simplicityVSAvoidoperator access
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The lower panel is made movable instead of fixed, allowing it to be positioned in different locations (blocking operator access when in the first position, allowing access when in the second position) depending on the operational phase of the baler

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If a movable panel connected to the movable ram is used to form the lower wall of the connecting duct, then operator access is enabled, but the construction becomes complex due to guide and mechanical coupling requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperator accessVSAvoidconstruction complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The movable panel serves multiple functions: it forms the lower wall of the connecting duct during material displacement, acts as a barrier during pressing operations, and can be repositioned to allow operator access. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate guide and coupling mechanisms

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

3Ease of operation

If grid-like structures with prongs are used to form the connecting duct, then operator access is possible, but material loss occurs due to material falling through the prongs and pressing is not carried out against a complete wall

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperator accessVSAvoidmaterial loss
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The connecting duct is formed using solid panel structures (upper panel and lower panel) that provide continuous, homogeneous surfaces for pressing and material containment, eliminating the gaps and holes present in grid-like prong structures that cause material loss

Inventive Principle:
Principle #33Homogeneity

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 enables simple design, reduced mechanical complexity, and effective material handling with minimal material loss, allowing for both manual and automatic bale tying and wrapping, while maintaining operational efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

a hydraulic drive system and connecting rod for efficient material transfer

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHydraulic pressure: Hydraulic Press

Data Source

PatentEP2853385B1Dual-station baler device
Publication Date: 2020.07.01 VALVAN BALING SYST NV
  • EP2853385B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2853385B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2853385B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention relates to a baler device (1) provided for successively forming bales (3) one after the other, comprising: a pre-pressing station (4) having a hingeable pressing door (5), a main pressing station (6) and a connecting duct (7) between the pre-pressing station and main pressing station which is formed by an upper wall and a lower wall, wherein the pressing door (5) forms, together with a panel-shaped element (8) which is rotatable about a horizontal axis, the upper and the lower wall of the connecting duct (7) during the displacement of the pre-pressed material (2) from the pre-pressing station (4) to the main pressing station (6). A baler device of this type allows practically all materials to be pressed into hard, compact bales in an efficient and simple manner.