Baler Lifting Fork With Independent Drive Shafts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current square baler designs with single fork systems require complex locking and release mechanisms for switching between packing and filling operations, which are prone to wear and require frequent maintenance due to exposure in harsh environments.
Innovation Solution
A baler design featuring a lifting fork with independent first and second driven output shafts, each rotatable about a distinct axis, and controlled via linkage assemblies and a controller to operate in different modes, allowing the fork to move along distinct paths for packing and filling, reducing the need for complex mechanisms and enhancing durability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single fork system is used to both pack and fill the compression chamber, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability deteriorates due to complex locking and release mechanisms that are exposed to wear
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single fork system into two independent driven output shafts (first and second shafts), each capable of independent rotation about distinct axes. This segmentation eliminates the need for complex locking and release mechanisms by allowing each shaft to independently perform packing and filling operations, thereby reducing device complexity while improving reliability through reduced mechanical wear points
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic operation by allowing the first and second driven output shafts to rotate independently about different axes. The controller dynamically selects which shaft operates based on the operational phase (packing or filling), eliminating static locking mechanisms and improving reliability through continuous, smooth transitions between operations without mechanical wear from locking/release components
2Adaptability or versatility
If complex locking and release mechanisms are employed to allow the loading fork to change paths, then the adaptability is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to frequent maintenance requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates universal components by designing two driven output shafts that can each independently perform both packing and filling functions. Each shaft is equipped with its own linkage assembly, making the system more adaptable to different operational requirements while reducing maintenance needs, as each shaft-linkage combination is a self-contained universal unit without complex locking mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The independent shaft and linkage assemblies are designed to be self-contained units that do not require external locking or release mechanisms. Each shaft-linkage assembly serves itself by independently controlling the lifting fork's path through its own rotational motion, eliminating the need for frequent maintenance of complex interlocking components while maintaining full operational adaptability
3Device complexity
If a single driven output shaft is used to control the lifting fork, then the device complexity is reduced, but the productivity deteriorates due to the need for complex mechanisms to switch between packing and filling operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the single shaft control system into two independent driven output shafts, each with its own linkage assembly. This segmentation increases productivity by allowing parallel or sequential operation of packing and filling functions without the need for complex switching mechanisms, as each shaft can independently and simultaneously control the lifting fork for its designated operation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-configuring two independent driven output shafts, each specifically designated for either packing or filling operations. The controller is pre-programmed to select the appropriate shaft based on the operational phase, allowing immediate transition between operations without mechanical switching delays, thereby improving productivity while maintaining simple shaft system architecture
Data Source
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AI summary
A baler (10) is disclosed. The baler (10) comprising: a frame (14); a compression system (26) coupled to the frame (14), the compression system (26) at least partially defining a compression chamber (206); a feed pan (90) at least partially defining a pre-compression chamber (94), wherein the pre-compression chamber (94) is in operable communication with the compression chamber (206); a first driven output shaft (162) rotatable about a first axis of rotation (166); a second driven output shaft (170) rotatable about a second axis of rotation (174); a lifting fork (98) movable with respect to the pre-compression chamber (94) and at least partially positionable therein, wherein rotation of the first driven output shaft (162), the second driven output shaft (170), or any combination thereof causes the lifting fork (98) to move with respect to the pre-compression chamber (94), and wherein the first driven output shaft (162) is operable independently of the second driven output shaft (170) .