Modular Baler Segmentation for Elevator Transport

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Industrial balers face challenges such as difficulty in fitting into smaller spaces, limited volume capacity, requirement for trained professionals, lengthy baling cycles, insufficient storage for compressed materials, and exposure to hazardous materials during operation.

Innovation Solution

A modular baler design featuring a baling chamber with a pusher block and hydraulic system, allowing for compact size, efficient compression, easy operation, and integrated storage, while minimizing personnel exposure to hazardous materials.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of stationary object

If balers are made larger to increase compression volume, then compression capacity is improved, but transportability into elevators and smaller interior spaces deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompression volumeVSAvoidtransportability
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of stationary objectVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The baler is divided into separate modular components including a baling chamber module, hydraulic system module, and control system module that can be detached and transported separately, then assembled on-site to achieve both high compression volume and ease of transport

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Volume of stationary object

If balers are designed with larger volume capacity, then compression ability is improved, but baling cycle time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevolume capacityVSAvoidbaling cycle time
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of stationary objectVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The baler operates continuously without requiring unloading during the baling cycle, maintaining compression action throughout the entire cycle to maximize productivity while utilizing large volume capacity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

Material is pre-sorted and pre-positioned before entering the baling chamber to eliminate interruptions during compression, allowing the large volume capacity to be fully utilized without cycle time penalties

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Productivity

If balers are designed with complex automated systems, then compression efficiency is improved, but operational complexity and personnel requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompression efficiencyVSAvoidoperational complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The baler incorporates self-diagnostic systems and automatic safety shutdowns that monitor system status and perform basic maintenance functions without requiring trained professionals, maintaining high compression efficiency while reducing operational complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

4Volume of stationary object

If balers are designed with integrated storage, then transport volume is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestorage volumeVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The storage container is merged with the baling chamber to form an integrated unit where compressed material is directly deposited into storage space, eliminating the need for separate unloading operations while maintaining manageable device complexity through unified design

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 efficient compression and storage of waste materials within smaller spaces with reduced operational complexity and time, enhancing safety and productivity.

Implementation Method 1

a hydraulic cylinder attached to the cylinder frame comprising a cylinder rod that is hydraulically displaceable into and out of a cylinder casing

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHydraulic press: Hydraulic Press

Implementation Method 2

a hydraulic oil pump electrically connected to the electrical motor and in fluid communication with the source of hydraulic oil and the hydraulic cylinder through the plurality of hydraulic oil ports

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHydraulic fluid transmission: Hydraulic Press

Data Source

PatentUS10669052B2Modular baler
Publication Date: 2020.06.02 GOODHIND MICHAEL A
  • US10669052B2 patent drawing
  • US10669052B2 patent drawing
  • US10669052B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A modular baler comprises a baling chamber; a displaceable pusher block in the baling chamber interior; a hydraulic cylinder comprising a cylinder rod displaceable into and out of a cylinder casing; a shear module; and wherein the baling chamber is attachable to the cylinder frame, with the cylinder rod attached to the pusher block. The baler fits in elevators unlike prior art. The shear module cuts material that is placed into the baling chamber. When the baling chamber is full, the baling chamber top is closed. Pressurized hydraulic oil flows into the cylinder rod, causing its longitudinal displacement, causing the longitudinal displacement of the pusher block which is attached to the cylinder rod, thereby compressing material in the baling chamber. The material is removed from the baling chamber, providing volume reduction of scrap waste metal over prior art.