Integrated Baler and Wrapper with Adjustable Main Frame

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing methods for baling and wrapping hay require multiple machines and tractors, leading to high fuel consumption, traffic congestion, and increased labor, as well as limited maneuverability and space usage.

Innovation Solution

A combined baler and wrapping machine with an adjustable main frame, allowing the baler and wrapper to be positioned for compact transport and easy maneuverability, utilizing a single tractor and trailer configuration with steerable wheels and a bale conveyor for efficient hay handling.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If separate baling and wrapping machines are used, then each machine can be optimized for its specific function, but the number of machines and tractors increases, leading to higher fuel consumption and road space usage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefunctional optimizationVSAvoidfuel consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines a baler and a wrapper into a single integrated machine with a common chassis. The baler and wrapper are mounted on the same vehicle platform, sharing engines, hydraulic systems, and structural components. This merging eliminates the need for two separate machines and two tractors, directly reducing fuel consumption while maintaining the functional capabilities of both baling and wrapping operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated machine serves multiple functions: it can bale hay independently, wrap bales independently, or perform both operations in sequence. The common chassis and power train support both the baler and wrapper operations, making the single vehicle universal for tasks that previously required two specialized machines, thereby reducing overall energy consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If separate baling and wrapping machines are used, then each machine can operate independently, but road space usage and traffic congestion increase due to multiple vehicles

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveindependent operationVSAvoidroad space usage
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

By mounting both the baler and wrapper on a single vehicle chassis, the patent reduces the number of vehicles required from two to one. This significantly decreases road space usage and minimizes traffic congestion during transport to and from work sites, while the machine retains the adaptability to perform baling, wrapping, or both operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The baler and wrapper are arranged in a side-by-side configuration on the chassis rather than stacking them vertically or requiring separate vehicles. This spatial arrangement allows both functional units to coexist on a single platform without compromising their independent operational capabilities, effectively using the horizontal dimension of the vehicle to accommodate multiple functions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Stability of the object's composition

If fixed position baler and wrapper are used, then structural stability is maintained, but maneuverability and adaptability to different working conditions are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidposition adjustability
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates adjustable positioning mechanisms that allow the baler and wrapper to be moved relative to each other along the chassis. These dynamic adjustment capabilities enable the machine to adapt to different working conditions, such as varying bale sizes or wrapping configurations, while the chassis structure provides the necessary stability during operation and transport.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3949717B1A machine comprising a combination of a baler and a wrapping machine
Publication Date: 2024.01.10 DE VRIES GERARD CORNELIS
  • EP3949717B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3949717B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3949717B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a machine for baling an organic material, for example hay, straw, halms and thatch, with a main frame comprising a first frame part carrying a baler (3), and is characterized in that the main frame furthermore comprises a second frame part carrying a wrapper (4).