Hay Stacking Apparatus with Pivot Tines and Push Bar
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mechanical means for stacking hay bales are inefficient and unstable, relying on manual labor and previous solutions like the Krizenawski device, which face issues with friction reliability and limited tine movement, leading to potential stack instability.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus comprising a base frame securable to a motorized vehicle with pivotally connected tines and a push bar, utilizing a chain drive mechanism for efficient stacking and unstacking of hay bales, allowing free rotation and adjustable spacing for improved stability and ease of use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If friction is used to remove bales from the Krizenawski device, then the bales can be released from the tines, but the friction is unreliable and may topple the stack when at stacking height
Solution Approach 1:
A push bar is introduced as an intermediary component between the tines and the bales. The push bar is movable along the tines and actively pushes bales off at the desired stacking height, replacing the unreliable friction-based release mechanism with a controlled mechanical pushing action that does not compromise stack stability
Solution Approach 2:
The tines are designed to automatically return to a horizontal position after lifting the bale, using gravity and the pivotal connection to self-reset without requiring additional energy input or complex mechanisms
2Reliability
If springs are added to the Krizenawski device to resist tine rotation, then the tines can maintain position, but the springs limit the amount of movement and require substantial width between bales
Solution Approach 1:
The tines are designed with pivotal connections that allow free rotation between vertical and horizontal positions without springs. The system dynamically adapts its configuration based on operational needs: vertical position for lifting and horizontal position for depositing, achieving both position control and full range of motion
Solution Approach 2:
The tine structure is segmented into movable portions that can independently rotate about pivotal connections, allowing each tine to adapt its angle independently for optimal bale engagement and release without mechanical constraints
3Stability of the object's composition
If manual stacking of hay bales is performed, then the bales can be stacked in alternating directions for improved cohesion, but the process is time consuming and labor intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus is designed to perform multiple functions: it can lift bles, transport them to desired locations, deposit them in alternating directions for cohesion, and automatically reset for the next bale. This multi-functionality replaces manual stacking operations while maintaining the beneficial alternating direction stacking pattern
Solution Approach 2:
The apparatus automatically performs the stacking operation without requiring operator intervention for each individual bale placement. The motorized vehicle transports the apparatus, the tines automatically lift and deposit bales, and the system self-resets, converting manual labor into an automated process while preserving proper stacking technique
4Productivity
If bale wagons are used to stack hay bales, then the bales can be transported to storage, but the bales are all aligned with each other making the storage unstable
Solution Approach 1:
The push bar and tines are designed to dynamically position bales in alternating directions rather than uniform alignment. The system can adjust the deposition angle and position to create interlocking stacking patterns that enhance storage stability while maintaining transport efficiency
Data Source
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AI summary
An apparatus for stacking hay bales comprises a base frame securable to a motorized vehicle, a plurality of tines pivotally connected to the base frame extending to free distal ends, the tines defining locations therebetween spaced to correspond to a bale of hay and a push bar extending parallel to the base frame and movable between a retracted position proximate to the base frame to an extended position along the plurality of tines to push the hay bales from therebetween. In operation, the apparatus is used by passing at least two of a plurality of tines to each side of a hay bale, lifting the hay bale by a platform extending from a base of the plurality of tines and pushing the hay bales off the tines with the push bar.