Baler Needle Clamping Mechanism for Multi-Directional Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing needle assemblies in balers for forming parallelepiped bales lack the ability to make both side-to-side and fore-and-aft adjustments, relying on physical bending of needles for side-to-side positioning due to solid clamp-to-tube contact in the current clamp arrangement.
Innovation Solution
A novel needle clamping arrangement is developed, featuring clamping surfaces with specific configurations and components like flanges, mounting holes, nuts, and bolts, as well as tapered shims, allowing for both side-to-side and fore-and-aft adjustments by enabling the clamp segments to be tilted or adjusted about a crown or cylindrical surface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional clamp arrangement with solid clamp-to-tube contact is used, then the needle is securely held in place, but side-to-side needle adjustments cannot be made
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp is divided into two separate clamp segments that can be independently positioned and adjusted. Each segment can be tilted relative to the other about a crown, enabling side-to-side needle adjustments while maintaining secure clamping through the segmented structure
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp arrangement is made adjustable and dynamic by allowing the clamp segments to be tilted relative to each other. This dynamic configuration enables side-to-side needle adjustments during operation, transforming a static clamp into an adjustable mechanism
2Adaptability or versatility
If the clamp segments are fixed in position, then the structure is simple and robust, but both side-to-side and fore-and-aft needle adjustments cannot be made
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the clamp into two adjustable segments rather than a single fixed piece, the design achieves multi-directional adjustment capability. The segmentation allows independent positioning of each segment to accommodate both side-to-side and fore-and-aft needle adjustments
Solution Approach 2:
The crown acts as an intermediary element between the two clamp segments, providing a pivot point that enables controlled tilting and adjustment. This intermediary structure facilitates the complex adjustment movements while maintaining a manageable manufacturing complexity
3Ease of operation
If physical bending is used to adjust needle position, then side-to-side positioning can be achieved, but the needle structure is subjected to mechanical stress and deformation
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustment function is extracted from the needle itself and transferred to the clamp arrangement. Instead of bending the needle to achieve positioning, the clamp segments are tilted to reposition the needle, keeping the needle structure intact and free from deformation stress
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp segments serve as intermediary elements that mediate the positioning of the needle. By tilting the clamp segments rather than bending the needle, the system achieves positioning adjustments while preserving needle structural integrity
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
A clamp arrangement for securing a needle (11) to a needle support member (12) includes an interface arrangement between a first clamp segment (16, 16', 16"), defining an inner end of a baler needle (11), and a surface of a needle support member (12), on which a second clamp segment (20) is located on a side of the support member (12) opposite to that engaged by the first clamp segment (16, 16', 16"). The interface arrangement is such as to permit the needle (11) to be rocked sideways so as to adjust an outer twine delivery end of the needle (11) from side-to-side as necessary to bring the twine delivery end in correct alignment with a knotter mechanism.