Electric Motor Inside Roller for Round Baler Drive

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional round balers face complexity, maintenance needs, and fixed rotation speed issues due to mechanical drives, while electric motors powering auxiliary components do not drive the baling means effectively, especially in round balers.

Innovation Solution

Integration of electric motors directly connected to rollers within the baling chamber, eliminating intermediate transmission and allowing for variable speed and direction control via an electronic control unit, enabling efficient and flexible operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If mechanical drive trains are used to drive the baling means, then the system can be powered by the tractor's PTO, but the device complexity and maintenance needs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower sourceVSAvoiddrive train complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical drive train (PTO, universal joint shaft, transmission) with an electric motor system. The electric motor is mounted directly on the roller, eliminating the need for complex mechanical transmission components while providing the necessary power to drive the baling means.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention extracts the drive mechanism from the tractor's mechanical power transmission system and relocates it to an independent electric motor mounted on each roller. This separation removes the mechanical drive train complexity while maintaining the power source function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Power

If mechanical drive trains are used, then power can be transmitted from the tractor, but regular service and maintenance are required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower transmissionVSAvoidmaintenance needs
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The mechanical drive train requiring greasing and regular service is replaced with an electric motor system that eliminates mechanical wear components. The electric motor has no moving parts that require lubrication, significantly reducing maintenance needs while maintaining power transmission capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Power

If mechanical drives are used, then the baling means can be powered, but the rotation speed and direction are fixed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedrive powerVSAvoidspeed and direction control
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The invention replaces fixed-speed mechanical drives with electric motors that can dynamically adjust their rotation speed and direction. The electric motor control system allows variable speed operation to adapt to different crop conditions and baling requirements, while also enabling reversible rotation direction for different operational phases.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

4Device complexity

If electric motors are mounted inside the roller, then the drive arrangement becomes compact and complex transmission is eliminated, but the motor must be directly connected to the roller

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedrive arrangement complexityVSAvoidmotor integration
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the electric motor and roller into a single integrated assembly. The motor is mounted directly on the roller housing, combining two separate components into one unified unit. This integration eliminates the need for separate transmission mechanisms while requiring direct mechanical connection between the motor output and roller.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 solution simplifies the drive system, reduces maintenance, and allows for adaptive speed and direction control based on crop conditions, enhancing operational efficiency and safety by eliminating the need for mechanical connections and enabling smooth bale handling.

Implementation Method 1

The driven rollers are driven by an electric motor that is disposed inside the respective driven roller

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic conversion: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP2382858B2Round baler with electrically driven roller
Publication Date: 2020.09.02 DEERE & CO
  • EP2382858B2 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2382858B2 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP2382858B2 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

A round baler (12) comprises a frame (24) and a baling chamber (26) radially surrounded by baling means with one or more driven rollers (28, 30). An electric motor (52) for driving the roller (28, 30) is disposed in the interior of the roller (28, 30).