Tandem Baler Axle Structure for Needle Yoke Clearance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing axle arrangements in agricultural balers interfere with the needle arrangement positioned at the bottom, making it difficult to implement an inverted Y or bogie design, which is necessary for supporting the weight and handling of crop material effectively.
Innovation Solution
An axle arrangement with a first axle connected to the chassis and a second axle connected to the first axle, utilizing suspension cylinders and an elongate member to position the axles below the needle yoke, allowing for horizontal loading to be taken up and providing a triangular reinforcement structure, while also incorporating a ball joint and lateral stabilization member for stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If an inverted Y or bogie design tandem axle arrangement is used, then the axles can move together as the baler traverses over uneven ground, but the axle arrangement interferes with the needle yoke positioned at the bottom of the baler
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a conventional inverted Y or bogie design to a horizontal tandem axle arrangement where the second axle is positioned behind and connected to the first axle via an elongate member. This dimensional reconfiguration places the axle connection point in a different spatial location (horizontally aligned rather than vertically converging), eliminating interference with the needle yoke while preserving the ability of axles to move together over uneven ground through the flexible connection provided by the elongate member and suspension cylinders.
2Strength
If the second axle is connected directly to the chassis, then the axle arrangement can support the baler weight, but it interferes with the needle arrangement positioned at the bottom
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an elongate member as an intermediary component that connects the first axle to the second axle, rather than connecting the second axle directly to the chassis. This intermediary element transmits the load-bearing function from the second axle through the first axle to the chassis, maintaining weight support capability while repositioning the connection geometry to avoid interference with the needle arrangement at the bottom of the baler.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a horizontal loading member is added to interconnect the axles, then the needle arrangement can be positioned below the axles, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The elongate member serving as the horizontal loading member is designed to perform multiple functions: it connects the first axle to the second axle, transmits horizontal loads between them, and simultaneously provides structural support that positions the second axle below the needle arrangement travel path. By consolidating these functions into a single component rather than adding separate elements, the patent minimizes the increase in device complexity while achieving the required clearance for the needle arrangement.
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
Enables the axle arrangement to be positioned below the needle yoke without interfering with it, effectively supporting the baler's weight and handling crop material without the need for an inverted Y or bogie design, enhancing the baler's operational stability and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a first pair of suspension cylinders, with each suspension cylinder of the first pair of suspension cylinders being positioned at a corresponding end of the first axle to accommodate generally vertical loads
Data Source
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AI summary
An axle arrangement (60) for a baler (10) includes a first axle (62) having opposite ends (68A, 68B) and a pair of suspension cylinders (72A, 72B), with each suspension cylinder (72A, 72B) positioned at a corresponding end (68A, 68B) of the first axle (62) to accommodate generally vertical loads. The first axle (62) is coupled with the chassis (11) to accommodate generally horizontal loads. A second axle (64) has opposite ends (78A, 78B) and a pair of suspension cylinders (82A, 82B), with each suspension cylinder (82A, 82B) positioned at a corresponding end (78A, 78B) of the second axle (64) to accommodate generally vertical loads. The second axle (64) is coupled with the first axle (62) to accommodate generally horizontal loads.