Integrated Wrap System for Square Bales
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional baler implements require additional time and have practical limits on processing large square bales due to the need for separate wrapping steps and equipment limitations, especially when dealing with bales exceeding a certain size.
Innovation Solution
A crop baler implement with an integrated wrap system that includes a baling chamber, a carriage with a rotatable tray, and both longitudinal and transverse wrapping assemblies, allowing for complete wrapping of bales in a single operation by rotating the bale to align with different wrapping paths, ensuring all faces are covered efficiently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a separate wrapping implement is used to wrap large square bales after they are formed and deposited on the ground, then the wrapping process can be completed, but additional time is added to complete the bale and the process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the baling function and wrapping function into a single integrated implement. The baling chamber forms the bale, and the integrated wrapping assemblies (longitudinal and transverse) wrap the bale in place without requiring separate equipment or operations. This merging eliminates the need for separate wrapping implements and reduces overall process complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The wrapping assemblies are positioned and configured in advance within the baler implement structure. The longitudinal wrapping assembly is positioned between the baling chamber and the discharge point, and the transverse wrapping assembly is positioned at the discharge end. This preliminary positioning allows wrapping to occur immediately after bale formation without additional setup or equipment deployment.
2Manufacturing precision
If traditional wrapping implements rotate or tumble the bale in three dimensions to ensure complete coverage, then all portions of the bale faces are covered, but this approach has practical limits on the maximum length of bales that can be processed reliably
Solution Approach 1:
The wrapping function is divided into two separate wrapping assemblies: a longitudinal wrapping assembly that wraps the longitudinal faces of the bale, and a transverse wrapping assembly that wraps the transverse faces. Each assembly is optimized for its specific wrapping direction and can independently handle bales of various lengths without requiring three-dimensional rotation or tumbling of the entire bale.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of rotating the bale in three dimensions to achieve complete coverage, the patent uses two wrapping assemblies operating in different dimensional planes. The longitudinal assembly wraps along the length of the bale, while the transverse assembly wraps around the circumference. This dimensional approach allows complete coverage without requiring the bale to be rotated or tumbled, thereby accommodating bales of any length.
3Productivity
If large square bales are formed and then require separate wrapping operations, then the baling process can be completed, but the overall time to complete the bale increases
Solution Approach 1:
The baling and wrapping operations are merged into a single continuous process within one implement. The bale is formed in the baling chamber and immediately wrapped by the integrated longitudinal and transverse wrapping assemblies before discharge. This eliminates the time required for separate wrapping operations and increases overall bale production rate.
Solution Approach 2:
The wrapping assemblies are positioned to engage the bale immediately after it leaves the baling chamber, creating a continuous flow from bale formation to bale wrapping. The longitudinal wrapping assembly engages first, followed by the transverse wrapping assembly, with no interruption or downtime between operations. This continuous action maximizes productivity and minimizes total completion time.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a crop baler implement (20) including a baling chamber (28) sized to form crop material into a parallelepiped shape bale (30) having longitudinal faces and transverse faces. The implement includes a carriage (76) disposed rearward of the baling chamber (28). The carriage (76) includes a tray (78) for receiving the bale (30) in a first orientation, in which the longitudinal faces of the bale (30) are parallel with a longitudinal frame axis (24). A longitudinal wrapping assembly (56) wraps the longitudinal faces of the bale (30) in the first orientation. The tray (78) is rotatable relative to the carriage (76) about a vertical tray axis (80) to move the bale (30) from the first to the second orientation, transverse to the first orientation. A transverse wrapping assembly (58) wraps the transverse faces of the bale (30) when the bale (30) is in the second orientation.