Round Baler Belt-Tensioning Cylinder Arrangement for Bale Ejection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing large round balers require separate ejecting actuators for bale ejection, which complicates the tensioning and ejecting arrangement and increases mechanical complexity.
Innovation Solution
The hydraulic tensioning actuators are mounted between front and rear tensioning arm assemblies to establish an over-center relationship, allowing them to function as both belt-tensioning and bale-ejection actuators, eliminating the need for a separate ejecting actuator by changing their line of action relative to the rear arm assembly's pivot axis during bale formation and ejection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate ejecting actuators are used for bale ejection, then reliable bale ejection is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the belt tensioning actuator and the bale ejection actuator into a single integrated actuator system. The actuator performs dual functions: during bale formation, it tensions the belts by applying force through the tensioning arms; after bale formation, it ejects the bale by sweeping the rear tensioning arm assembly into the baling chamber. This merging eliminates the need for separate ejecting actuators while maintaining reliable performance of both functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The single actuator is designed to perform multiple functions at different stages of the baling cycle. It serves as a belt tensioning actuator during bale formation and as a bale ejection actuator after bale formation. The actuator's ability to switch between these functions is enabled by the over-center mechanism that changes the mechanical advantage and direction of force application based on the operational phase.
2Device complexity
If a single actuator performs both tensioning and ejection functions, then device complexity is reduced, but the actuator must establish an over-center relationship requiring complex mounting arrangements
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator mounting system incorporates an over-center mechanism that dynamically changes the line of action of the actuator force relative to the pivot axis of the rear tensioning arm assembly. During bale formation, the actuator is positioned to create a mechanical advantage for tensioning; after bale formation, the mechanism transitions to an over-center position that directs force for effective bale ejection. This dynamic adjustment is achieved through elongate openings and linkages that allow the actuator's point of application to shift relative to the arm assembly.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the actuator line of action moves over center during operation, then dual functionality is achieved, but precision in actuator positioning and mounting is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces intermediary elements such as elongate openings in the rear tensioning arm assembly and linkages that mediate between the actuator and the arm assembly. These intermediaries provide mechanical guidance and constraint, ensuring that the actuator's line of action transitions smoothly and precisely through the over-center position. The elongate openings act as guides that control the relative movement and positioning, reducing the need for extremely tight manufacturing tolerances while still achieving the required precision for dual-function operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A large round baler is equipped with a combined belt-tensioning and bale ejecting arrangement including front and rear tensioning arm assemblies mounted at an upper front location adjacent a baling chamber. Extensible and retractable belt-tensioning actuators are coupled between the arm assemblies and serve to yieldably restrain movement of the arms, which support and or guide runs of bale-forming belts, in response to the growth of a bale being formed in the baling chamber. One end of each of the tensioning actuators is coupled to the rear arm assembly in such a way that the actuator may be cycled to move over center relative to the pivot axis of the rear arm assembly once the bale is completely formed so that the actuators may be used to aid in ejecting the bale once the discharge gate is opened.