Vehicle-Mounted Net Wrap Removal Apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Removing net wrap from bales is a strenuous and potentially dangerous task for livestock producers, as it requires dismounting from machinery to cut and collect the wrap, which can clutter processing equipment and pose risks if not handled properly.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus with a frame that mounts to a vehicle, featuring movable arms and a cutting mechanism with a cutting element to cut the net wrap, and grabbing mechanisms to retain it, allowing for removal without the operator needing to dismount, by supporting the bale on arms that pivot to increase spacing and allow the wrap to fall between them.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If net wrap is used to wrap bales, then transport ease and spoilage reduction are improved, but machinery clutter and livestock safety are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The cutting mechanism extracts and removes the net wrap material from the bale by cutting it into segments that can be easily separated and discarded, eliminating the harmful plastic material from the processing area and preventing livestock ingestion risks
2Ease of manufacture
If operator manually removes net wrap, then net wrap removal is achieved, but operator safety and time efficiency are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus performs net wrap removal automatically through its cutting mechanism and grabbing mechanisms, enabling the system to service itself without requiring operator intervention for the dangerous task of cutting and collecting net wrap, thereby improving operator safety
Solution Approach 2:
The cutting mechanism is positioned and activated before the bale is fully processed, performing the net wrap cutting action in advance while the bale is still supported by the arms, allowing safe and efficient removal before the bale moves to subsequent processing stages
3Productivity
If arms are extended to allow bale to fall, then processing efficiency is improved, but net wrap retention is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The grabbing mechanisms engage and secure the net wrap before the arms extend and the bale is released, ensuring that the cut net wrap is already captured and retained prior to the efficiency-enhancing arm extension and bale drop
Solution Approach 2:
The grabbing mechanisms are designed to be movable and adaptable, allowing them to dynamically adjust their position and gripping force to securely retain the net wrap regardless of bale size or wrap tension, ensuring reliable retention during the dynamic arm extension process
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus and methods for removing net wrap from a bale are described herein. The apparatus includes a frame configured to releasably mount to a vehicle and first and second opposed arms movably coupled to the frame. At least one of the first and second opposed arms moves between a retracted position where the arms support the bale and an extended position where the bale passes between the arms and falls downwardly. The apparatus also includes a cutting mechanism including a cutting element configured to cut the net wrap. The apparatus further includes at least one grabbing mechanism coupled to at least one of the first arm and the second arm to retain the net wrap after the net wrap has been cut by the cutting mechanism and the bale falls downwardly between the arms.