Modular Twine Knotter with Detachable Intermediate Shaft
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current twine knotters in baling presses require complex assembly and disassembly, and the limited tear resistance of plastic twine strands hinders increased bale density without compromising machine dimensions or functionality.
Innovation Solution
A twine knotter designed as an independent structural unit with a detachable connection to the knotter drive shaft via an intermediate shaft, allowing individual twine knotters to be replaced without disassembling others, and utilizing a double knotter mechanism with intersecting knotter hook axes for efficient knot formation and reduced machine dimensions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple twine knotters are arranged side by side on a knotter drive shaft, then the number of strappings and bale density can be increased, but the assembly and disassembly process becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The knotter drive shaft is divided into multiple independent modular units, each comprising a knotter hook shaft with its drive connection. This segmentation allows individual knotters to be assembled or disassembled independently without affecting others, resolving the complexity issue while maintaining high productivity through parallel operation of multiple knotters
Solution Approach 2:
Each modular unit on the knotter drive shaft is designed with universal mounting interfaces and standardized drive connections. This universality enables easy replacement and reconfiguration of individual knotters while maintaining compatibility with the overall system, simplifying maintenance and assembly operations
2Strength
If the thickness of baler twine is increased to enhance tensile strength for higher bale density, then pack cohesion is improved, but the dimensions of the yarn knotters increase unfavorably
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the knotter hook and associated components to accommodate thicker twine with increased tensile strength. By optimizing the hook dimensions, curvature radius, and gripping surface area, the system can handle stronger twine without proportionally increasing the overall knotters volume, thus maintaining compact dimensions while supporting higher bale density requirements
3Volume of moving object
If the knotter hook shaft is positioned to intersect or cross the longitudinal axis of the intermediate shaft, then the machine dimensions are reduced, but the drive connection becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediate shaft as a mediator between the knotter drive shaft and the knotter hook shaft. This intermediate shaft with its journal bearing and drive connection elements serves as a coupling mechanism that accommodates the intersecting or crossing axis arrangement, enabling compact positioning while managing the complexity of the drive transmission through a dedicated intermediary component
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to twine knotter comprising a knotter frame (2), an intermediate shaft (3), which is mounted on the knotter frame (2) so as to rotate about a longitudinal axis (L) and which has a shaft input (4) to connect the intermediate shaft (3) to an output element (61) of a knotter drive shaft (54), and at least one knotter hook shaft (9, 10) mounted on the knotter frame (2) so as to rotate about a knotter hook axis (K1, K2). The knotter hook shaft (9, 10) is drivingly connected to the intermediate shaft (3) and carries a knotter hook (11, 12) for forming a knot, wherein the twine knotter (1) is designed as an independent unit, and wherein the twine knotter (1) can be drivingly connected in a detachable manner to the knotter drive shaft (54) via the shaft input (4) of the intermediate shaft (3).