Biomass Bale Binding Removal Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Manual methods for removing bindings from bales are labor-intensive and inefficient, hindering the processing of biomass materials for ethanol production and other applications.

Innovation Solution

A bale processing apparatus with a cutting device to automatically cut bindings, a binding remover to move the bindings from the bale, and an arranging member to position them, along with a conveyor and holding device for efficient processing, utilizing a sensor for quality control and automation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If manual methods are used to cut and remove bindings from bales, then the process can be performed with simple equipment, but the labor intensity is high and processing efficiency is low

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocessing efficiencyVSAvoidlabor intensity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The binding remover is designed to automatically perform the binding removal function without requiring manual intervention. The head member with dragging elements self-propels along the bale surface, automatically engaging and removing bindings as the bale passes through, thereby eliminating the need for manual labor while maintaining simple mechanical operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The cutting device performs preliminary action by cutting the bindings before the binding remover operates. This preliminary cutting reduces the bindings to manageable segments that can be easily grasped and removed by the binding remover, thereby increasing overall processing efficiency without requiring complex simultaneous operations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Loss of time

If manual binding removal is used, then the equipment complexity is low, but the processing time is excessive

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocessing timeVSAvoidequipment complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The binding removal function is segmented into distinct operational components: a cutting device for severing bindings and a binding remover for extracting them. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function, reducing overall processing time while keeping individual component complexities manageable

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The cutting device and binding remover are merged into a single integrated apparatus that processes bindings in sequence. This combination eliminates the need for separate manual operations, significantly reducing processing time while maintaining reasonable equipment complexity through functional integration

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Extent of automation

If automatic binding removal is implemented, then labor requirements are reduced, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveautomation levelVSAvoidapparatus complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The binding remover achieves automatic operation through self-service design elements. The head member with dragging elements automatically engages bindings as they pass through, using the motion of the bale itself to drive the removal process, thereby achieving high automation with minimal control mechanisms

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The head member acts as an intermediary between the bale and the binding removal system. It translates the forward motion of the bale into the dragging action that removes bindings, providing automatic operation without requiring complex actuators or control systems

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS8769801B2Biomass bale processing system with automatic binding remover
Publication Date: 2014.07.08 WEST SALEM MACHINERY CO
  • US8769801B2 patent drawing
  • US8769801B2 patent drawing
  • US8769801B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A bale processing apparatus for processing a bale of biomass that is bound by a binding includes a cutting device that is operable to automatically cut the binding. The bale processing apparatus also includes a binding remover that is operable to automatically move the binding from the bale after the binding has been cut by the cutting device. Furthermore, the bale processing apparatus includes an arranging member that cooperates with the binding remover to automatically arrange the binding generally into a predetermined position.