Hydraulic Bale Trailer Pendulum Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bale trailers often rely on manual effort or rigid hydraulic systems that fail to efficiently dump large round bales, as the hydraulics directly act on the frame, limiting dumping speed and reliability.
Innovation Solution
A hydraulic bale trailer design featuring a pendulum assembly and hydraulic mount that allows the frame to tilt using the momentum of the bales, with a hydraulic assembly that releases the lock assembly, enabling the frame to pivot freely and allowing the bales to dump without relying solely on hydraulic force, and reverses to relock the frame.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If hydraulics directly act on the frame to dump bales, then the frame can be forced to tilt, but the dumping speed is limited and the system is unreliable
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the weight and momentum of the bales themselves to drive the dumping action. When the lock assembly is released, the bales' own gravity and momentum cause the frame to tilt and dump automatically, without requiring continuous hydraulic force. This self-service mechanism improves both reliability and speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a dynamic locking mechanism that transitions from locked to unlocked state, allowing the frame to dynamically change from a stable upright position to a tilted dumping position. The lock assembly with spring-loaded latches provides controlled dynamic behavior, enabling fast transition while maintaining stability when needed.
2Productivity
If manual effort is used to dump bales, then the system is simple, but the productivity is low
Solution Approach 1:
The lock assembly acts as an intermediary mechanism between the hydraulic system and the frame. Instead of hydraulics directly moving the heavy frame, the system uses the lock assembly to control a small pivot point. This intermediary approach allows hydraulic force to be amplified through the mechanical advantage of the locking mechanism, significantly improving productivity with minimal added complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The dumping function is segmented into two independent subsystems: the lock assembly (with latches and springs) and the hydraulic assembly. This segmentation allows each subsystem to be optimized independently - the lock assembly handles the mechanical locking/unlocking while the hydraulics provide controlled force, resulting in high productivity without excessive overall system complexity.
3Productivity
If hydraulics are used to force dump bales, then dumping can be achieved, but the hydraulics must be rigidly mounted and move only as fast as the hydraulics allow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the dumping function from the hydraulic system itself and transfers it to the lock assembly. The hydraulics only need to provide force to release the locks, not to directly move the frame. This extraction simplifies the hydraulic system while enabling faster offloading through the mechanical advantage of the lock mechanism.
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
Enables faster and more reliable bale dumping by utilizing the momentum of the bales to initiate tipping, reducing the need for full hydraulic extension and allowing for quicker offloading without direct hydraulic frame actuation, while ensuring secure locking and upright positioning.
Implementation Method 1
a hydraulic assembly with a first end and a second end, where the first end is connected to the frame and the second end is connected to the axle caddy and where the hydraulic assembly is capable of releasing the lock assembly from the engaged position to a disengaged position
Implementation Method 2
a pendulum pivotally mounted within the pendulum box such that the pendulum is capable of pivoting freely within the pendulum box along a plane lying perpendicular to the long axis of the frame
Implementation Method 3
allowing the frame to tilt. The hydraulic bale trailer may further comprise a pendulum assembly, where the first end of the hydraulic assembly is connected to the frame via the pendulum assembly
Data Source
AI summary
A hydraulic bale trailer comprising: a frame, where the frame is elongate and has a long axis; an axle caddy, where the frame is connected to the axle caddy such that the frame is capable of tilting on its long axis; a lock assembly connected to the axle caddy such that the lock assembly is capable of preventing the frame from tilting when the lock assembly is in an engaged position; and a hydraulic assembly with a first end and a second end, where the first end is connected to the frame and the second end is connected to the axle caddy and where the hydraulic assembly is capable of releasing the lock assembly from the engaged position to a disengaged position, allowing the frame to tilt.