Pivotable Wrapping Material Magazine for Baler Roll Exchange

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wrapping material magazines on harvesting devices have a long path from the magazine to the wrapping arms, making it difficult and tiring for operators to exchange wrapping material rolls, as they need to transport heavy rolls from a side location to the rear area of the device.

Innovation Solution

A pivotable wrapping material magazine with a carrier that can be moved from a vertical transport position to a horizontal removal position adjacent to the bale wrapping device, reducing the distance the wrapping material needs to be transported and allowing easier access, with a non-vertical axis of rotation and a swivel joint to facilitate pivoting around other components, such as the wheel housing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If the wrapping material magazine is positioned in an elevated side area of the harvesting device, then the wrapping material is protected from environmental influences and does not interfere with device operation, but the path from the magazine to the wrapping arms becomes long, making it difficult and tiring for operators to exchange rolls

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprotection from environmental influencesVSAvoidease of wrapping material exchange
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The wrapping material magazine is designed with a pivotable carrier that can dynamically change position between a transport position (elevated side area for protection) and a removal position (adjacent to wrapping arms for easy access). This dynamic repositioning resolves the contradiction by allowing the system to optimize for protection during operation and for ease of exchange during maintenance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The carrier pivots about a non-vertical axis of rotation, moving the magazine from a vertical orientation in the transport position to a horizontal orientation in the removal position. This dimensional change in orientation allows the magazine to access different spatial zones, simultaneously achieving protection during transport and accessibility during exchange operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Ease of operation

If the wrapping material magazine is positioned adjacent to the bale wrapping device, then it is easy to access and replace rolls, but the wrapping material may interfere with the harvesting device's operation and be exposed to environmental influences

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of wrapping material exchangeVSAvoidexposure to environmental influences
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The pivotable carrier allows the magazine to dynamically transition between positions. During harvesting operation, it assumes the elevated transport position for protection. During roll exchange, it pivots to the removal position for easy access. This dynamic behavior resolves the contradiction by providing context-dependent optimization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system separates the operational state (harvesting) from the maintenance state (roll exchange) in space and time. The magazine is segmented into two functional positions: protected transport position during operation and accessible removal position during maintenance. This segmentation allows each state to optimize for its specific requirements without compromising the other.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Device complexity

If a vertical pivot axis is used for the carrier, then the structure is simple, but the carrier cannot pivot around components like the wheel housing

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesimplicity of pivot structureVSAvoidability to pivot around components
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses an asymmetric, non-vertical axis of rotation instead of a symmetric vertical axis. This asymmetric orientation allows the carrier to describe an arc that navigates around the wheel housing and other components, providing the versatility needed while maintaining relative structural simplicity through the use of a single swivel joint.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

Solution Approach 2:

The carrier pivots along a curved arc path defined by the non-vertical axis of rotation, allowing it to navigate around cylindrical components like the wheel housing. This curved motion path provides adaptability to the device's three-dimensional layout while using a simple rotational mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

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

This design simplifies the removal of wrapping material supplies by shortening the transport distance, making it easier for operators to access and replace rolls, while keeping the material protected and not interfering with the harvesting device's operation.

Implementation Method 1

the carrier (50) being designed to pivot about a non-vertical axis of rotation

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRotation:

Implementation Method 2

which at least essentially has a non-vertical axis of rotation, for attachment to the press

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSwiveling:

Data Source

PatentEP3132673B1Cladding material magazine and harvest collection device
Publication Date: 2018.11.14 DEERE & CO
  • EP3132673B1 patent drawingFigure 1a
  • EP3132673B1 patent drawingFigure 1b
  • EP3132673B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

A wrapping material magazine (48) for carrying a supply of wrapping material (44) on a harvesting device (10), preferably an agricultural or industrial baler for producing round bales, is proposed. The magazine includes a bale wrapping device (12) that can be connected to the harvesting device (10) in a rear area for wrapping a bale (34) with wrapping material (38), and a carrier (50) that can be pivotably attached to the harvesting device (10) and has at least one wrapping material receiving device (54) for receiving at least one supply of wrapping material (44), preferably in the form of a roll. The carrier (50) is designed such that the wrapping material receiving device (54) can be moved from a transport position (T) that is at least substantially vertically oriented and preferably remote from the bale wrapping device (12) to a removal position (E) adjacent to the bale wrapping device (12).Furthermore, a harvesting device (10), preferably an agricultural or industrial press for producing round bales, is proposed, with a bale wrapping device (12) that can be connected to the harvesting device (10) in a rear area for wrapping a bale (34) with wrapping material (38), with at least one wrapping material magazine (48).