Baler Wrapping Device Loading Arm for Automated Roll Handling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing baling press systems experience extended downtimes and increased operator workload due to cumbersome manual handling of heavy wrapping material rolls, requiring frequent manual intervention and space-consuming designs that are not suitable for rotating winding arms or remote control.

Innovation Solution

A baling press with a wrapping device featuring a loading device equipped with a rotatable and translational loading arm that allows for simplified roll changes during operation, enabling automatic or remote-controlled roll changes and reducing downtime, while maintaining a space-efficient design.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual handling of wrapping material rolls is used, then the structure remains simple, but operator workload increases and roll changing becomes time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperator workloadVSAvoidloading device structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The loading arm is designed to automatically grasp, lift, and position wrapping material rolls onto the wrapping arm without manual intervention. The system serves itself by mechanically handling the heavy rolls through automated actuators, eliminating the need for operator physical handling while maintaining structural efficiency

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

Manual mechanical handling by operators is replaced with an automated loading device comprising a loading arm with graspers and positioning mechanisms. This substitution reduces operator workload while the modular design keeps the overall system complexity manageable

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Productivity

If rolls are stored under a cover of the baler, then space is utilized, but longer downtimes occur when changing wrapping material rolls

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebaler downtimeVSAvoidroll accessibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The loading arm is pre-positioned and ready to immediately grasp and transfer rolls. The automated loading device is prepared in advance to handle roll changes without requiring cover opening/closing sequences, enabling quick roll replacement that minimizes baler downtime while maintaining easy accessibility

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Ease of operation

If a holder for several rolls is designed vertically, then roll storage is enabled, but more space is required and manual intervention is still needed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanual intervention requirementVSAvoidholder space
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The loading device automatically performs roll handling tasks including grasping, lifting, transporting, and positioning rolls onto the wrapping arm. This self-service capability eliminates the need for manual intervention in roll changes while the compact horizontal design reduces space requirements compared to vertical holders

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP3275305B1Baler with wrapping device
Publication Date: 2020.08.12 USINES CLAAS FRANCE SAS
  • EP3275305B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3275305B1 patent drawingFigure 2~4
  • EP3275305B1 patent drawingFigure 5a~5d

AI summary

A baler (10), in particular a round baler, comprising a pressing device (12) for pressing bales from harvested crops, and a wrapping device (16) downstream of the pressing device (12) for wrapping a pressed bale with a wrapping material which is held on rolls (22), wherein the wrapping device (16) has a wrapping arm (18) rotatably mounted on a support frame (20) with at least one roll holder (24), wherein at least one roll (22) of the wrapping material can be stored on the roll holder (24) in an operating position (30) for unwinding the wrapping material, and a loading device (28) for moving at least one roll (22) of the wrapping material between the roll holder-side operating position (30) and/or a press chamber-side removal position (32).According to the invention, the loading device (28) has at least one loading arm (36), wherein the loading arm (36) is arranged on the support frame (20), in particular a vertical section (38) of the support frame (20).