Agricultural Baler Tagger Assembly Tensioning Mechanism
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing agricultural baler systems face challenges in efficiently attaching labels to bales due to slack in lineal objects and interference from debris, which affects the mechanical operation of labeling devices.
Innovation Solution
A tagger assembly with retaining elements that tension the lineal object, located before and after the tagger, ensures a taut lineal object, and a method involving a lifting member to move the lineal object between positions while applying a braking force, combined with air flow to remove debris, facilitates reliable label attachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a mechanical labeling device is used on a moving lineal object, then continuous labeling is achieved, but slack in the lineal object interferes with mechanical operation
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining element is positioned to tension the lineal object before it enters the labeling zone, preliminarily eliminating slack conditions that would interfere with subsequent mechanical labeling operations. This preliminary tensioning ensures the lineal object is properly positioned and taut when it reaches the affixation elements.
2Extent of automation
If a mechanical labeling device operates in the baler environment, then labeling is automated, but loose debris interferes with mechanical operation
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining element is designed to be selectively engaged with the lineal object while allowing debris to pass through or be excluded. By positioning the retaining element to contact only the lineal object at specific points, harmful debris in the baler environment is excluded from interfering with the tensioning and labeling mechanism.
3Ease of operation
If the lineal object is moved between affixation elements, then label attachment is enabled, but debris accumulation obstructs transfer
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining element acts as an intermediary between the lineal object and the affixation elements, maintaining tension and guiding the lineal object through the labeling zone. This intermediary function ensures smooth transfer of the lineal object between affixation elements while preventing debris accumulation from obstructing the process.
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
The solution maintains a taut lineal object, reducing mechanical resistance from debris and enhancing labeling efficiency, ensuring reliable and efficient attachment of labels to bales.
Implementation Method 1
at least one of the at least one retaining element may comprise a spring. In particular embodiments, at least one of the at least one retaining element may comprise a spring consisting of a strip bent in an arc
Implementation Method 2
combined with air flow to remove debris
Data Source
AI summary
A tagger assembly has a tagger for affixing labels onto a lineal object binding a bale of agricultural crop material. The tagger having an input port for receiving the lineal object and an output port for evacuating the lineal object, and at least one retaining element for tensioning the lineal object, more particularly for tensioning the lineal object when it is raised from an initial position close to the bale to a raised position further away from the bale, for affixing a label.