Dual-pivoted bale ejector arms for round baler stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional agricultural balers require a long downtime for bale ejection, reducing efficiency and stability, especially on slopes, due to heavy tailgates and slow operation mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A bale ejection system with two pairs of parallel arms pivoting at distinct points, facilitated by hydraulic tensioning actuators, allows for rapid elevation and ejection of bales, reducing downtime and improving stability by distributing weight and allowing for a wider outlet.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a simple door or panel mechanism is used for bale ejection, then the structure is simple, but the operation time is long (10-15 seconds) and the door is heavy causing stability problems on slopes
Solution Approach 1:
The tailgate mechanism is segmented into multiple arms (first arm and second arm) that can operate independently. Each arm has its own pivot point and can be actuated separately, allowing the system to achieve faster operation by not relying on a single heavy door moving entirely. The segmentation enables parallel operation of multiple components during the ejection process.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a static, heavy door mechanism to a dynamic system with multiple arms that can move at different speeds and positions. The first arm can be positioned higher than the second arm, creating a differentiated dynamic response. This allows the mechanism to adapt its motion characteristics during operation, reducing the time required for bale ejection while maintaining structural integrity.
2Device complexity
If a heavy door or panel is used for bale ejection, then the mechanism is simple, but the weight affects center of gravity and causes instability on slopes
Solution Approach 1:
The heavy door is divided into multiple lighter arm components. By segmenting the mass distribution, the system reduces the concentrated weight that would otherwise create instability on slopes. Each arm can be optimized for its specific function and weight requirements, allowing better balance and stability during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces vertical dimensionality to the arm positioning, with the first arm positioned at a higher location than the second arm. This vertical arrangement redistributes the weight distribution in three-dimensional space, improving the center of gravity management and enhancing stability on slopes while maintaining the necessary ejection function.
3Device complexity
If a single pivot point mechanism is used, then the structure is simple, but the outlet is narrow and bale clearance is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The single pivot point is segmented into multiple pivot points (first pivot point for the first arm, second pivot point for the second arm). This segmentation allows the outlet to be formed by multiple arms positioned at different locations and angles, creating a wider and more accessible opening for bale clearance while distributing the mechanical complexity across multiple manageable components.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention utilizes vertical positioning differences between the first arm (higher position) and second arm (lower position) to create a three-dimensional outlet configuration. This multi-dimensional arrangement expands the effective outlet area and improves bale clearance by providing multiple pathways and angles for the bale to exit, rather than relying on a single planar opening.
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
The system enables quick and efficient bale ejection within 5 seconds, enhancing operational efficiency and safety while maintaining stability on slopes, and facilitating clearance of bales without large swinging tailgates.
Implementation Method 1
The bale carrier can be raised by extension of the tension actuators mechanically attached to the first and/or second pair of arms
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
The present invention relates to a baler ejection system (60, 100, 200) that may be used with an agricultural harvester, such as a round baler (10), waste baler, combine or cotton harvester. More particularly, the bale ejection system uses the motion of two pairs of parallel arms (61, 62; 112, 114; 218, 219) that extend transversely from the sidewalls (14a, 14b) of a bale chamber (20) at two sets of distinct pivot points (61a, 62a; 218a, 219a). When activated by the operator of the bale ejection system, the two pairs of parallel arms raise simultaneously to expose an outlet (75) through which the bale (B) may be ejected. The bale ejection system is designed to allow a larger outlet (75) for the bale evacuation as compared to existing bale ejection systems that employ circular motion to expose the bale outlet. A formed bale (B) may become ejected by one or more conveyer belts that exert a rearward force on the bale within the bale chamber. The bale becomes ejected through the outlet onto a field upon which the bale ejection system is operating or into a second bale chamber.