Self-Propelled Electric Baler Eliminates Mechanical Power Loss
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional agricultural balers require a tractor for operation, leading to inefficiencies in power usage and limiting the tractor's versatility, as they rely on mechanical coupling for power transmission, resulting in significant power loss and necessitating the tractor's exclusive use for baling.
Innovation Solution
An electrically powered agricultural baler with self-propulsion capabilities, equipped with electric wheel motors, an electric drive motor, and a battery system, allowing independent operation without a towing vehicle, and featuring remote start functionality and automatic charging when batteries are low.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If a conventional baler is used with mechanical coupling to a tractor, then the baler can be powered and operated, but significant power loss occurs and the tractor cannot be used for other tasks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical power transmission system (PTO shaft, belts, gears) with an electrical power system. The baler is equipped with electric motors that receive power directly from a battery pack mounted on the baler, eliminating the need for mechanical coupling to the tractor. This substitution eliminates power transmission losses and frees the tractor for other tasks while the baler operates independently.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a baler is towed by a tractor, then the baler can be moved to different locations, but the tractor is dedicated to baling operations and cannot perform other functions
Solution Approach 1:
The baler is equipped with self-propulsion capabilities through electric wheel motors and carries its own battery pack, allowing it to move to different locations independently without requiring a tractor. The system also includes automatic recharging capability where the baler can drive to a charging station when the battery is low, further enhancing self-service operation.
3Power
If mechanical power transmission is used from tractor to baler, then power can be transmitted to drive the baler, but significant power loss occurs in the mechanical coupling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical power transmission system with an electrical power system. Electric motors mounted on the baler receive power directly from a battery pack, eliminating PTO shafts, belts, and gears that cause power transmission losses. This electrical system delivers power directly to the drive mechanisms with minimal loss.
4Reliability
If a conventional baler requires a tractor operator to be present, then the baler can be operated safely, but user proximity is required and limits remote operation capability
Solution Approach 1:
The baler includes automated functions such as self-propulsion to charging stations when battery charge is low and remote start capability. The system can monitor its own battery status and autonomously navigate to recharge, reducing the need for continuous user presence and enabling remote operation while maintaining safety through automated monitoring and control systems.
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 electric baler operates efficiently with reduced power loss, freeing up tractors for other tasks and enabling continuous operation without user intervention, as it can autonomously recharge and start remotely, enhancing energy efficiency and operational flexibility.
Implementation Method 1
at least one electric wheel motor coupled to at least one of the plurality of wheels and configured to drive the at least one coupled wheel
Implementation Method 2
an electric drive motor coupled to the starter roll and configured to drive the starter roll
Implementation Method 3
an electrical power system carried by the chassis and having at least one battery electrically coupled to the at least one electric wheel motor and the electric drive motor
Data Source
AI summary
An agricultural baler includes: a chassis; a plurality of wheels carried by the chassis; at least one electric wheel motor coupled to at least one of the plurality of wheels and configured to drive the at least one coupled wheel; an apron assembly including a plurality of chains driven by a plurality of rolls and configured to form a bale, the plurality of rolls including a starter roll; an electric drive motor coupled to the starter roll and configured to drive the starter roll; and an electrical power system carried by the chassis and having at least one battery electrically coupled to the at least one electric wheel motor and the electric drive motor.