Movable Friction Blocks for Rectangular Baler Density
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rectangular balers face challenges in producing bales with acceptable density due to inefficiencies in energy usage, particularly requiring large hydraulic cylinders for wall repositioning, which is not energy efficient.
Innovation Solution
A rectangular baler design incorporating moveable friction blocks with biasing means, such as a biasing shaft and pawl elements, that protrude from the bale chamber walls to adjust pressure and density, allowing for improved energy efficiency and bale stability without the need for adjustable chamber walls or conventional hay dogs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If large hydraulic cylinders are used to reposition wall portions with friction elements, then higher compression force and higher bale density are achieved, but energy efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The wall is divided into a fixed portion and a movable portion. The movable portion containing friction elements can be independently repositioned relative to the fixed portion, allowing localized adjustment without moving the entire wall structure. This segmentation enables more precise control of compression force application.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable portion of the wall is made dynamically adjustable during the baling process. By allowing the wall portion with friction elements to move in the discharge direction and be repositioned, the system can adapt compression force dynamically, improving both density control and energy efficiency compared to static wall structures.
2Manufacturing precision
If movable wall portions with friction elements are used to increase compression force, then bale density improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The wall structure is segmented into fixed and movable portions, with the movable portion containing the friction elements. This allows the complexity to be localized to only the necessary components rather than requiring the entire wall system to be complex and adjustable.
Solution Approach 2:
Friction elements are applied locally to the movable portion of the wall rather than uniformly across the entire wall structure. This localized application of friction properties allows for targeted compression force enhancement at critical areas while keeping the rest of the system simple.
3Reliability
If conventional hay dogs and adjustable chamber walls are used, then bale formation is achieved, but energy efficiency and system simplicity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The friction elements are extracted from the conventional hay dog mechanism and integrated directly into the movable wall portion. This extraction eliminates the need for separate hay dogs and complex adjustable chamber wall mechanisms, simplifying the overall system while maintaining reliable bale formation through the friction-based compression.
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 the production of bales with acceptable density while enhancing energy efficiency and system stability, allowing for bale formation even in difficult conditions, and eliminates the need for adjustable bale chamber walls or density belts.
Implementation Method 1
biasing means adapted for biasing said at least one friction block in a position wherein the at least one friction block protrudes at least partly out of the wall
Implementation Method 2
at least one friction block mounted moveably in a wall of the bale chamber
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
Rectangular baler comprising a bale chamber (201) adapted to contain one or more bales; a compacting plunger (203) for advancing crop material in a direction (F) towards a discharge opening of the bale chamber; wherein the rectangular baler further comprises at least one friction block (208) mounted moveably in a wall (202) of the bale chamber such that at least a part of each friction block is moveable out of the wall; and biasing means (209) adapted for biasing said at least one friction block in a position wherein said at least one friction block protrudes out of the wall.