Hydraulic Interconnection for Combine-Powered Baler
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing harvesting systems require substantial modifications and additional fuel consumption when attempting to simultaneously collect crop grain and bale residue using balers towed behind combine harvesters, due to the need for auxiliary power sources.
Innovation Solution
A hydraulic system that hydraulically interconnects the combine harvester with the baler, allowing the combine harvester's engine to power both machines, eliminating the need for auxiliary engines by using multiple interconnections for primary and secondary functions of the baler.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If auxiliary power sources (engines) are installed on the baler to enable simultaneous grain collection and residue baling, then the baler can be powered independently, but the device complexity increases and additional fuel consumption and maintenance requirements occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the baler hydraulic system with the combine harvester hydraulic system through multiple interconnections. The combine harvester's existing hydraulic pump and reservoir serve dual purposes: powering the combine's operations and providing hydraulic power to the baler through interconnected circuits. This eliminates the need for separate auxiliary engines while maintaining baler operational independence.
Solution Approach 2:
The combine harvester's hydraulic system is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously. The same hydraulic pump and fluid reservoir that power the combine's steering, suspension, and other operations also power the baler's conveyor, packer, and other components through shared hydraulic circuits. This multi-functional approach eliminates dedicated power sources for the baler.
2Adaptability or versatility
If auxiliary engines are installed on the baler, then the baler can operate independently, but additional fuel consumption and maintenance requirements increase operating expenses
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the power sources by using the combine harvester's engine-driven hydraulic pump to serve both systems. The hydraulic fluid circulation system is configured so that the combine's engine powers both the combine's hydraulic systems and the baler's hydraulic systems through interconnected circuits, eliminating duplicate power sources and reducing total fuel consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The baler's hydraulic system is designed to be self-powered through the interconnection with the combine's hydraulic system. The baler utilizes the hydraulic pressure and fluid flow generated by the combine's engine, allowing the baler to operate independently in terms of having its own power source while actually relying on the combine's engine for ultimate power generation.
3Productivity
If auxiliary engines are installed on the baler, then simultaneous grain collection and residue baling is enabled, but maintenance requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the hydraulic systems of the combine harvester and baler into a single integrated system. By using the same hydraulic pump, fluid reservoir, and interconnected circuits for both machines, the system reduces the number of separate mechanical components that require maintenance. The combine's existing maintenance routine now covers both the combine and baler hydraulic systems.
4Power
If multiple hydraulic interconnections are used to power the baler, then the baler can be fully powered by the combine's engine, but the hydraulic system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the hydraulic power delivery into distinct circuits while maintaining overall integration. There are separate hydraulic circuits for different baler functions (conveyor drive, packer drive, auxiliary systems) that are independently controlled but all powered by the combine's hydraulic system. This segmentation allows for manageable complexity while ensuring complete power supply to all baler components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses hydraulic fluid as an intermediary energy transfer medium between the combine's engine and the baler's components. The hydraulic pump converts mechanical energy from the combine's engine into hydraulic energy, which is then transmitted through interconnected circuits to power various baler functions. This intermediary approach allows for flexible power distribution without direct mechanical connections.
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 the collection of crop grain and residue in a single pass without additional fuel consumption or maintenance, reducing operating expenses by minimizing equipment operating time and eliminating the need for auxiliary power sources.
Implementation Method 1
a hydraulic system having a combine hydraulic system providing hydraulic power to the combine and a baler hydraulic system providing hydraulic power to the baler
Data Source
AI summary
A harvesting system for collecting crop grain crop residue in a single pass with a baler towed by a combine harvester is provided. The system includes a hydraulic system that hydraulically interconnects the combine harvester with the baler, allowing the engine of the combine harvester to hydraulically power systems and components of both the combine harvester and the baler. The hydraulic system may include a combine hydraulic system and a baler hydraulic system which may be hydraulically connected through multiple interconnections for hydraulically powering different functions of the baler using hydraulic pressure that is generated at the combine harvester. A first combine-to-baler hydraulic interconnection may transfer hydraulic power from a combine primary baler drive hydraulic circuit to a baler drive hydraulic circuit. A second combine-to-baler hydraulic interconnection may transfer hydraulic power from a combine spreader hydraulic circuit to a baler conveyor and/or auxiliary hydraulic.