Baler Net Wrap Assembly Pivoting Support Arm

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing net roll installation process in balers is labor-intensive and inefficient, requiring operators to manually lift and position heavy net rolls, which increases operator effort and exposes the rolls to damage during storage and handling.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of multiple net support tubes with pivoting elements and a support arm system that allows for horizontal and vertical pivoting of net rolls, along with a braking mechanism to manage net tension, facilitates easier installation and storage of net rolls by reducing manual labor and minimizing exposure to damage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual handling of net rolls is used, then installation process is simple, but operator effort and time consumption increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperator effortVSAvoidinstallation system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The net roll support tube and support arm system enables self-service installation where the mechanism automatically positions and supports the net roll during installation, eliminating the need for manual lifting and positioning by the operator

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The support arm acts as an intermediary between the net roll and the support tube, providing mechanical assistance to bridge the gap between manual handling and automated installation by temporarily supporting the net roll's weight during the installation process

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If net rolls are stored at the rear of the baler, then storage is convenient, but transport distance and operator effort increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenet roll accessibilityVSAvoidnet roll replacement time
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system adds a vertical dimension to net roll storage and installation by using a support arm that can position net rolls at elevated heights, allowing multiple net rolls to be stored and accessed in a compact vertical space near the net wrapper assembly

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

Spare net rolls are pre-positioned on the support tube in a ready-to-install configuration, allowing immediate replacement when the current net roll is depleted, eliminating the need for transport from the rear of the baler

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Ease of operation

If net rolls are manually lifted to the support tube, then installation is possible, but operator strain and safety risks increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation easeVSAvoidoperator strain
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The support arm provides counterbalancing support to offset the weight of the net roll during installation, reducing the gravitational load that the operator must manually overcome and thereby minimizing operator strain and safety risks

Inventive Principle:
Principle #8Anti-weight (Counterweight)

4Quantity of substance

If single net roll storage is used, then storage structure is simple, but storage capacity is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenet roll storage capacityVSAvoidstorage structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The support tube and support arm structure serves multiple functions: it acts as both a storage platform for multiple net rolls and an installation mechanism that positions net rolls into the net wrapper assembly, eliminating the need for separate storage and installation systems

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

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

This solution significantly reduces manual effort required for net roll installation and storage, enhances safety by minimizing operator strain and damage to net rolls, and improves the overall efficiency of the net wrapping process in balers.

Implementation Method 1

a brake system configured to apply and release tension to the net roll. The brake system may include a brake drum, a brake pad, and a movable brake arm

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentEP2596697B1Multiple rolls net wrap assembly
Publication Date: 2016.05.18 CNH IND BELGIUM NV
  • EP2596697B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2596697B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2596697B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A baler (10) which includes a net wrapper assembly (500) and method of using the improved baler to install net rolls (504, 510) into a net wrapping assembly (500) in the baler (10). The net wrapping assembly (500) includes first and second net support tubes (502) for holding respective first (504) and second (510) net rolls. The first and second net support tubes (502) include pivoting elements (806, 808) for pivoting the net support tubes away from wrapping active positions. The net wrapping assembly (500) also includes a support arm (512) for supporting the weight of the net rolls during installation. The net wrapping assembly also includes brake systems (630, 640), which are connected to a net feeding system (1060), for applying and releasing tension to the net roll.