Gripper Tine and Cutting Device for Bale Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bale handling implements face challenges in efficiently picking up and transporting bales without cutting the wrapping material, often requiring additional tools and time-consuming steps, and may unintentionally cut the bale when using a bale cutter.
Innovation Solution
A gripper with tines and a cutting device that engages the wrapping material only when necessary, allowing for stable bale transport and easy removal of wrapping materials by pivoting from a gripping to a cutting position, equipped with a swivel motor for controlled operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a bale cutter is used to transport bales, then the wrapping material can be cut, but the bale may unintentionally split and the operation requires considerable dexterity
Solution Approach 1:
The cutting device is designed to be movable relative to the gripper, allowing it to be positioned in a retracted state during transport to prevent accidental cutting, and extended when cutting is required. This dynamic positioning resolves the contradiction by making the cutting function controllable and reliable.
Solution Approach 2:
The device is divided into distinct functional components: a gripper for holding the bale and a separate cutting device that can be independently positioned. This segmentation allows the cutting function to be activated only when needed, preventing unintentional bale splitting while maintaining handling efficiency.
2Ease of operation
If additional tools are used to remove wrapping material, then the wrapping can be freed, but the process becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The cutting device is integrated into the gripper assembly, combining the functions of bale holding and wrapping cutting into a single tool. This eliminates the need for separate cutting tools, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining the ability to remove wrapping material efficiently.
Solution Approach 2:
The gripper assembly serves multiple functions: it can hold and transport bales using the tines, and it can cut wrapping material using the cutting device. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for additional specialized tools, simplifying the overall system while improving ease of operation.
3Productivity
If the cutting device extends across the width of the gripper, then the bale or wrapping material can be cut across its entire width, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cutting device is designed with movable components that allow it to extend across the gripper width only when needed for cutting. During transport, the cutting device can be retracted or positioned to minimize complexity, while still providing full-width cutting capability when required.
Data Source
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AI summary
A gripper (40) for a work device (32) for handling bales (41) is proposed, wherein the gripper (40) has at least one tine (54, 54a, 54b) and a cutting device (58), wherein the tine (54) extends beyond the cutting device (41) at least in part. Furthermore, a working device (34) for handling bales (41) with at least one receiver (38) and a gripper which is provided to be movable with respect to the receiver (38), as well as a method for handling a bale (41) in particular of a round cylindrical shape by means of a working device (34) is proposed, in which the gripper (40) for handling the bale (41) can assume a first position in which the at least one tine (54, 54a, 54b) engages in or engages the bale (41) and can assume at least a second position in which the cutting device (58) cuts through a covering material (41a) enclosing the bale (41) at least partially.