Baling Press Clamping Mechanism for Reduced Cycle Time

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing baling presses for agricultural crops face challenges in achieving high performance and reliability due to limitations in the precise length determination of wrapping tape and the need for complex clamping mechanisms, leading to increased cycle times and component wear.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a baling press with a front clamping device equipped with a cutting device and a rear clamping device, along with a material bond generator, allows for efficient binding material management, minimizing movements and reducing cycle time through the use of a pivotable hold-down device and a friction welding system with air cooling, enhancing the binding process.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a single clamping device is used to hold binding material ends, then the structure is simpler, but the cycle time increases due to required movements and component wear increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveclamping device structureVSAvoidbaling press cycle time
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The clamping function is divided into two separate devices: a front clamping device (94) and a rear clamping device (110). The front clamping device holds the first end of the binding material during pressing, while the rear clamping device holds the second end during binding. This segmentation eliminates the need for a single device to move and reposition, reducing cycle time and wear while maintaining structural simplicity through functional specialization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If the front clamping device remains closed during binding, then binding material is securely held, but the second end of binding material cannot be guided to the binding agent

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebinding material holding securityVSAvoidbinding material flow to binding agent
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The clamping function is divided into two separate devices: a front clamping device (94) and a rear clamping device (110). The front clamping device holds the first end of the binding material during pressing, while the rear clamping device holds the second end during binding. This segmentation eliminates the need for a single device to move and reposition, reducing cycle time and wear while maintaining structural simplicity through functional specialization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Manufacturing precision

If complex clamping mechanisms are used to achieve precise length determination, then binding accuracy improves, but device complexity and component wear increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebinding material length determinationVSAvoidclamping mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The clamping function is divided into two separate devices: a front clamping device (94) and a rear clamping device (110). The front clamping device holds the first end of the binding material during pressing, while the rear clamping device holds the second end during binding. This segmentation eliminates the need for a single device to move and reposition, reducing cycle time and wear while maintaining structural simplicity through functional specialization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The binding material is pre-cut to the required length before the binding operation. The front clamping device secures the material at the correct position, and the rear clamping device takes over holding the second end. This preliminary preparation of the binding material length eliminates the need for complex measurement and adjustment mechanisms during the binding process itself.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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

This configuration reduces cycle time, increases throughput, and enhances the reliability and durability of the baling press by ensuring precise material alignment and rapid binding cycles, leading to higher compression densities and improved bale quality.

Implementation Method 1

a friction welding system with air cooling

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction welding: Friction Welding

Implementation Method 2

a friction welding system with air cooling

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAir cooling: Convection

Data Source

PatentEP3391732B1Baling press
Publication Date: 2021.10.13 MASCHINENFABRIK BERNARD KRONE GMBH & CO KG
  • EP3391732B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3391732B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3391732B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a baler 2 for agricultural crops, comprising a pressing channel 4 and at least one binding device for a band-shaped binding material 40, preferably made of a weldable or bondable plastic material, for wrapping the bale to be pressed, wherein the binding device includes a bonding element 42 that connects the binding material 40 in a material-bonded manner. The baler 2 has a press piston 34 that is movable in the pressing channel 4 along the longitudinal central axis 60 of the pressing channel 4. The binding device has a front clamping device 94 arranged between the bonding element 42 and the press piston 34 and a rear clamping device (110) arranged on the side of the bonding element 42 facing away from the press piston 34.