Baler Netwrap Loading Device with Movable Carriage

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Solution Overview

Problem

The manual loading of heavy netwrap rolls into balers is challenging due to their weight and obstruction by other equipment, making the baling process inefficient.

Innovation Solution

A baler with a netwrap roll loading device featuring a frame on wheels, a housing with a movable netwrap cover, and a loading device that includes a carriage and frames adjustable between stowed and deployed positions, allowing for easy access and support of netwrap rolls, even when obstructions are present.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If netwrap rolls are manually loaded into the elevated position, then the rolls can be positioned for use, but the process is difficult and time-consuming due to the heavy weight of the rolls and obstructions from other equipment

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of loading netwrap rollsVSAvoidtime required for loading process
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

A loading device with a carriage acts as an intermediary mechanism between the ground level and the elevated netwrap chamber. The carriage travels along a track system, picking up rolls at ground level and transporting them to the elevated position, thereby mediating the transfer process and eliminating the need for direct manual lifting.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The loading device transitions from a static manual lifting process to a dynamic automated system. The carriage moves along the track, and the netwrap cover moves between open and closed positions, creating a dynamic loading process that reduces manual effort and time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If other equipment such as bale accumulators are positioned to prevent obstructions, then accessibility to the loading site is blocked, but removing them would create safety hazards or functional issues

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccessibility to loading siteVSAvoidsafety and functionality of baling process
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The loading device utilizes a vertical dimension by employing an elevated netwrap chamber and a carriage that travels along a track. This vertical arrangement allows the loading process to occur above the bale accumulators, changing the spatial dimension of the loading operation and avoiding interference with ground-level equipment.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The netwrap loading system is segmented into separate functional components: the elevated netwrap chamber, the track system, and the carriage. This segmentation allows the loading function to be separated from the baling and accumulation functions, enabling independent operation without mutual interference.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Adaptability or versatility

If a fixed loading position is used, then the structure is simple, but it cannot accommodate obstructions or varying operational conditions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to obstructionsVSAvoidcomplexity of loading device
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The loading device incorporates dynamic elements including a movable carriage that travels along the track and a netwrap cover that moves between open and closed positions. These dynamic components enable the system to adapt to different loading conditions and obstructions while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The loading device with its movable carriage and track system serves multiple functions: it can load rolls at different positions along the track, accommodate varying roll sizes and weights, and operate independently of ground-level obstructions. This multi-functionality provides adaptability without requiring multiple separate loading mechanisms.

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

Data Source

PatentEP3593626B1Baler with netwrap roll loading device
Publication Date: 2023.11.29 DEERE & CO
  • EP3593626B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3593626B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3593626B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

A baler for use with a netwrap roll (46, 46a, 46b), where the baler includes a frame (30) supported on one or more wheels (34), a housing (38, 38') coupled to the frame (30) and at least partially defining a baling chamber therein, a netwrap assembly having a netwrap frame (86) coupled to the housing (38, 38') and at least partially defining a netwrap chamber (94), and a loading device at least partially positioned within the netwrap chamber (94). Where the loading device includes a first frame (126, 126') fixed relative to the netwrap frame (86), a second frame (130, 130') movable relative to the first frame (126, 126') between a frame stowed position and a frame deployed position, and a carriage (134) movable relative to the second frame (130, 130') between a carriage stowed position and a carriage deployed position, and wherein the carriage (134) is configured to support the netwrap roll (46, 46a, 46b).