Fixed Chamber Baler Pressure Cycling for Denser Bales
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fixed chamber balers face a challenge in increasing bale density without causing excessive wear-and-tear on the baler, as higher hydraulic pressures to enhance density lead to increased mechanical stress and reduced lifespan.
Innovation Solution
A method and baler design that cyclically varies the pressure applied to the bale between a first and second pressure during circumferential wrapping, with the second pressure being higher, and a pressing means to implement this cycle, reducing wear by applying the higher pressure only intermittently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If higher hydraulic pressure is applied to increase bale density, then bale density is improved, but wear-and-tear on the baler increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by cycling the hydraulic pressure between a first pressure and a second higher pressure during the circumferential wrapping process. The pressure is increased to the second pressure at specific intervals (e.g., every 180 degrees of bale rotation) rather than maintaining constant high pressure, thereby achieving high density while reducing cumulative mechanical stress and wear on the baler components.
2Manufacturing precision
If higher hydraulic pressure is applied continuously, then bale density is improved, but mechanical stress on the baler increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hydraulic pressure is applied periodically rather than continuously. The system cycles between a first pressure level and a second higher pressure level at predetermined intervals during the wrapping operation. This periodic application achieves the necessary compaction force for high density bales while significantly reducing the cumulative mechanical stress on hydraulic components and structural elements compared to continuous high pressure application.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by making the hydraulic pressure variable and adaptive throughout the wrapping process. The pressure transitions from a first pressure to a second higher pressure at specific stages of bale rotation and wrapping progression. This dynamic pressure adjustment optimizes compaction effectiveness at different phases while avoiding unnecessary sustained high stress on the system.
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 approach significantly increases bale density while minimizing wear-and-tear on the baler, enhancing fermentation and handling properties of the bales and reducing their diameter for easier transportation without increasing mechanical stress.
Implementation Method 1
cycling the pressure applied to the bale in the bale chamber between a first bale pressure and a second bale pressure during circumferential wrapping of the bale in the bale chamber
Implementation Method 2
The density to which the bale is formed is dependent on the pressure applied to the bale in the bale chamber as it is approaching its fully formed state. The greater the pressure applied to the bale in the bale chamber, the greater will be the density to which the bale will be formed.
Data Source
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AI summary
A three segment fixed chamber baler (3) comprises a fixed segment (14), a tipping segment (15) and a closure segment (17) carrying respective pluralities of bale rotating rollers (25) defining a bale chamber (19) within which crop material is rotated and formed into a cylindrical bale. A pair of double-acting hydraulic rams (40) acting between a chassis (7) of the baler (3) and the closure segment (17) pivots the closure segment (17) between an open state for discharging a bale from the bale chamber (19) and a closed state defining the bale chamber (19). Hydraulic fluid at a selectable hydraulic density pressure is applied to the rams (40) for operating the closure segment (17) between the open and closed state and for urging the closure segment (17) into the closed state during the formation of the bale, so that the bale is formed in the bale chamber (19)to a desired bale density. On the bale being formed to the desired bale density, the bale is circumferentially wrapped in the bale chamber (19). In order to increase the bale density during circumferential wrapping of the bale in the bale chamber (19), the pressure of the hydraulic fluid applied to the rams (40) is cycled between the hydraulic density pressure, and a higher pressure, which is either the baler hydraulic system pressure or the hydraulic system pressure of a tractor at which hydraulic fluid is supplied to the baler (3) during towing thereof by the tractor.