Automated Baler Ejector Teeth Selection via Sensor Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
The manual ejection process of bales in large square balers requires operators to exit their tractors, leading to inefficiency, increased training time, and risk of damage due to incorrect sequence execution.
Innovation Solution
A substantially automated baling system that uses sensors and remote operator input to control the ejection procedure, including determining bale length and selecting the correct ejector teeth, allowing bale ejection without operator physical intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual ejection process is used, then operator can control ejection, but operator must exit tractor which reduces efficiency and increases training time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical ejection control system with an automated electronic control system. Sensors detect bale position and dimensions, while a control unit automatically activates hydraulic cylinders to position ejector teeth and control carriage movement, eliminating the need for operator intervention and physical exit from the tractor.
Solution Approach 2:
The ejection system performs self-service by automatically detecting bale characteristics through sensors and autonomously executing the ejection sequence without operator input. The system monitors its own operation through feedback from position sensors and automatically adjusts ejector tooth positioning and carriage movement to complete ejection.
2Adaptability or versatility
If manual ejection process is used, then operator can adjust ejector teeth, but incorrect sequence execution can cause damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates sensors that continuously monitor bale position, dimensions, and carriage location. This feedback information is processed by a control unit that automatically adjusts ejector tooth positioning and activation timing, ensuring the correct number of teeth engage the bale based on its actual characteristics rather than operator estimation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary detection and measurement of the bale's position and dimensions before initiating ejection. Sensors scan the forming chamber to identify bale characteristics in advance, allowing the control system to pre-position ejector teeth and plan the ejection sequence to prevent damage before the actual ejection occurs.
3Force
If more ejector teeth are used, then ejection force increases, but risk of damaging unfinished bale increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements selective positioning of ejector teeth based on local bale characteristics. Sensors identify the precise location and extent of the finished bale, and the control system activates only the specific ejector teeth that correspond to the engaged portion of the bale, applying force locally where needed while leaving other teeth retracted to avoid contacting the unfinished bale.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for ejecting a bale from a baler, wherein the ejection process is controlled by a control unit with input from various sensors and from a remote operator located on a tractor. The control unit automatically positions a chute, controls a power take-off from the tractor, depressurizes and opens a chamber door, ties the bale, selects and causes ejector teeth to project into a forming chamber to engage the bale, causes the ejector teeth to move toward a discharge outlet such that the engaged bale moves with them toward and through the discharge outlet, and determines when the bale has fully ejected from the baler. The remote operator may choose to eject only the bale or to eject the entire contents of the forming chamber, and if the former, the control unit determines the bale's length and selects a subset of the ejector teeth that corresponds to that length.