Baler Twine Holder Geometry for Reliable Loop Knot Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing baler technologies face limitations in increasing bale compression without causing twine loops to break, particularly due to the complexity and unreliability of forming loop knots in conventional knotting systems.
Innovation Solution
A binding system for balers that utilizes a twine holder with two rotary disks, each with alternating clamping notches, and a clamping plate to form both the first and second knots as loop knots, ensuring the twines are released at the right moment to prevent breakage, using a simple mechanical solution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If conventional knotting methods are used to bind bales, then the binding process is simple, but the bale compression is limited due to twine loop breaking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the knotting parameters by introducing a loop knot configuration where the twine forms a loop instead of a conventional knot. This parameter change allows the twine to withstand higher compression forces without breaking, as the loop configuration distributes stress more effectively along the twine strand.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-forming the twine into a loop configuration before the compression process. The loop knot is prepared in advance with the understanding that it will be subjected to high compression forces, allowing the system to achieve higher bale compression without twine failure.
2Strength
If loop knots are formed with different twine strengths and brands, then bale compression can be increased, but the knotter design becomes complex and difficult to retrofit
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by designing a knotter mechanism that automatically adapts to different twine properties without requiring complex adjustment systems. The loop knot formation process is designed to work universally across different twine brands and strengths, with the mechanism self-regulating through its inherent geometric constraints and the natural behavior of the twine during the knotting process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the knotter operation into distinct phases: first knot formation, second knot formation, and twine release. This segmentation allows each phase to be optimized independently, with the loop knot being formed in the second phase after the initial twine positioning is established, simplifying the overall control logic.
3Loss of substance
If the second knot is tied as a loop knot to avoid loose twine ends, then twine waste is reduced, but the knotting process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of the first and second knots into a unified loop knot configuration. Instead of forming two separate knots with potentially different configurations, the system forms a single loop knot that serves both the binding function and the waste reduction function, simplifying the overall knotting process while eliminating loose twine ends.
Data Source
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AI summary
A baler including a binding system, the binding system including a twine holder comprising a first rotary disk including at least one first clamping notch for use when forming a first knot and at least one second clamping notch for use when forming a second knot, wherein the depth of the second notch is greater than the depth of the first notch, a retainer adjacent a periphery of the first rotary disk, a clamping plate arranged to cooperate with the retainer to hold the twines and a drive system for rotating the first rotary disk to clamp twine located in at least one of the clamping notches against the retainer, wherein the retainer is arranged to apply a greater clamping force on the twines when the twines are located in the first notch than the clamping force applied on the twines when the twines are located in the second notch, wherein when the twines are located in the second notch, the first rotary disk can be arranged to rotate the twines beyond an end of the clamping plate, thereby releasing the twines from the grip of the clamping plate and the retainer.