Baler Compression Panels Using Wedges for Dense Parallelepiped Bales

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing baler implements struggle to efficiently form bales with a parallelepiped shape, as they often require multiple actuators to increase the density of the bale, which increases costs and complexity.

Innovation Solution

A baler implement with a compression system that uses a panel support structure and wedging systems to move compression panels in vertical and horizontal directions, minimizing the need for multiple actuators by converting vertical movement into horizontal compression using wedges and links, thereby enhancing bale density.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If multiple actuators are used to compress crop material into a parallelepiped bale, then the bale density increases, but the device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebale densityVSAvoidnumber of actuators
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a panel support structure with vertical movement capability, adding a vertical dimension to the compression system. The wedging systems convert this vertical movement into horizontal compression force, effectively using dimensional transformation to reduce the number of horizontal actuators needed while maintaining compression effectiveness and bale density.

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

2Manufacturing precision

If multiple actuators are used to compress crop material into a parallelepiped bale, then the bale density increases, but the cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebale densityVSAvoidcost
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The panel support structure enables vertical movement of compression panels, and the wedging systems transform this vertical motion into horizontal compression. This dimensional conversion reduces the number of expensive horizontal actuators required, thereby lowering manufacturing costs while achieving the desired parallelepiped bale density.

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

3Manufacturing precision

If compression panels are pressed inward to increase bale density, then the resistance against the plunger increases, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebale densityVSAvoidcompression system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The wedging systems act as intermediary mechanisms between the vertically moving panel support structure and the horizontally moving compression panels. These wedges convert vertical motion into horizontal compression force, providing a mechanical intermediary that simplifies the overall compression system architecture while maintaining effective panel pressing and high bale density.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 system effectively compresses crop material into a parallelepiped bale with a minimum number of actuators, reducing costs and maintaining robustness while achieving high bale density.

Implementation Method 1

a wedge that is operable to convert movement of the first side portion of the panel support structure in the first vertical direction along the first compression axis into movement of the first side compression panel in a first horizontal direction along a second compression axis

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectWedge: Wedge

Data Source

PatentEP4466978B1Panel compression system for baler implement
Publication Date: 2025.11.12 DEERE & CO
  • EP4466978B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4466978B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4466978B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A baler implement includes an upper compression panel and a first side compression panel. A compression frame is disposed around the upper compression panel and the first side compression panel. A panel support structure includes a top portion positioned proximate the upper compression panel, and a first side portion attached to the top portion and positioned proximate the left side compression panel. An actuator interconnects the compression frame and the panel support structure. The actuator is operable to extend to move the panel support structure and the upper compression panel in a first vertical direction along a first compression axis. A first wedging system includes a wedge for converting movement of the first side portion in the first vertical direction along the first compression axis into movement of the first side compression panel in a first horizontal direction along a second compression axis.