Pivoting Baler Wrap Roll Holder for Waist-Level Loading
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing storage arrangements for wrapping material rolls on balers require frequent and labor-intensive loading, as rolls are heavy and need to be lifted to a height of three to four feet, posing a challenge for continuous operation without manual intervention.
Innovation Solution
A wrap material supply roll holder that stores rolls vertically above the baling chamber, pivotally coupled to allow easy loading and transfer without excessive lifting, featuring a cradle mechanism for loading rolls at waist height and a powered actuator for convenient positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If wrap material rolls are stored in high positions to provide sufficient supply for continuous operation, then productivity and continuous operation are improved, but the difficulty of loading and operator strain increase due to heavy rolls (80-100 lbs) needing to be lifted to heights of three to four feet
Solution Approach 1:
The storage holder is designed to be movable between a raised storage position and a lowered loading position. The holder can be lowered to ground level for easy roll loading, then raised to the elevated storage position above the baling chamber, providing both continuous operation capability and ease of loading without permanent high-position storage
Solution Approach 2:
A ground-level loading platform with a cradle mechanism serves as an intermediary between the ground and the elevated storage holder. The cradle receives rolls at ground level and transfers them to the holder, eliminating the need to directly lift heavy rolls to heights of three to four feet
2Duration of action of moving object
If larger rolls or multiple rolls are stored on the baler to extend operation duration, then continuous operation is improved, but the loading complexity and time required for replenishment increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple wrap material rolls are pre-loaded into the storage holder during the lowering phase before operation begins. This preliminary loading action ensures sufficient supply for extended operation without requiring frequent replenishment stops, as the holder can accommodate multiple rolls at once during ground-level loading
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 continuous operation of the baler for a day without manual replenishment, reducing operator strain by allowing easy loading and transfer of rolls without lifting them above waist height, improving productivity and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a powered actuator for conveniently positioning the holder in the raised storage position or in the lowered loading position
Data Source
AI summary
A baler for forming large cylindrical bales of crop material is equipped with a wrapping mechanism at the rear side of the baling chamber for introducing wrapping material into the baling chamber for wrapping the cylindrical bales. A storage bin for storing extra rolls of wrapping material extends vertically above the wrapping mechanism and contains a plurality of extra rolls of wrapping material. The storage bin is mounted for pivoting about a connection at a lower end region of the bin so that the bin may be lowered to a loading position in which roll compartments of the bin are at a height commensurate with that of the waist of an average adult person standing on the ground so that supply rolls may be easily moved from these compartments to an operating position within the wrapping mechanism and new rolls may be used to replenish the rolls used from these compartments without an operator having to lift the rolls above his or her waist.