Hydraulic Circuit for Baler Tailgate Speed Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing agricultural baler tailgate mechanisms experience rapid movement issues, leading to potential damage and inefficiency, with prior solutions relying on operator skill and additional costly sensors or components to control speed, increasing costs and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A hydraulic circuit with an electronically controlled orifice that transitions between different flow states to control the tailgate's opening and closing speed, reducing stress on the baler and improving efficiency by regulating fluid flow through a solenoid-activated restrictive orifice.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the tailgate opens and closes rapidly to increase efficiency, then productivity is improved, but the baler may suffer damage due to excessive stress
Solution Approach 1:
The hydraulic circuit dynamically transitions between two flow states (first and second states) to control tailgate motion. The system automatically adjusts fluid flow characteristics based on operational phase, enabling rapid opening/closing during normal operation while providing controlled deceleration near extreme positions to prevent damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes hydraulic parameters (fluid flow rate, pressure) by switching between two circuit states. This allows the tailgate to operate at high speed during most of the cycle while automatically reducing speed near the open and closed positions, resolving the contradiction between productivity and structural safety.
2Reliability
If hydraulic valves are feathered to slow tailgate movement near the end of the cycle, then damage is prevented, but operator skill and attention are required
Solution Approach 1:
The hydraulic circuit with two flow states operates automatically based on system conditions rather than continuous operator input. The circuit self-regulates tailgate speed near extreme positions through the transition between flow states, eliminating the need for operator skill in feathering valves while maintaining safety and reliability.
3Reliability
If continuous flow restriction is used to cushion tailgate closing, then damage is prevented, but the open and close cycle time is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The hydraulic circuit applies flow restriction periodically rather than continuously. The system switches to the restrictive second flow state only when needed (near the end of opening or closing cycles), allowing rapid movement during most of the cycle while providing cushioning protection only during critical phases, thus minimizing time loss while preventing damage.
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
The solution enables faster and smoother tailgate operation, reducing stress on the baler and improving operational efficiency without the need for additional sensors or complex control systems, enhancing the overall baling process.
Implementation Method 1
solenoid-activated restrictive orifice
Implementation Method 2
regulating fluid flow through a solenoid-activated restrictive orifice
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The present invention relates to a hydraulic circuit mechanically linked to a panel (50) and agricultural harvesters comprising the same. The hydraulic circuit of the present invention can be used to facilitate the transition of hydraulic states from a quick speed to a slow speed, when opening and closing the panel (50). The hydraulic circuit comprises a fluid stop valve (A) comprising a restrictive orifice which, when narrowed, reduces the rate of pressurized fluid flow into a hydraulic actuator (110,200,300) during the actuator's extension. The reduced flow of pressurized fluid into the hydraulic actuator substantially reduces the speed at which the panel opens or closes.