Pivoting Binding-Roll Loader for Ergonomic Agricultural Baler Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Loading rolls of binding material onto an agricultural baler is burdensome due to their weight and size, necessitating an efficient and ergonomic solution for handling and transferring these rolls between storage and the baling chamber.
Innovation Solution
A loading apparatus with pivotally connected elements and a transfer mechanism that allows for easy maneuvering and alignment of binding material rolls, featuring inclined axes of rotation and a V-shaped end stop for secure positioning, enabling seamless transition between storage and transfer positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If rolls of binding material are made larger and heavier to extend operational duration, then the frequency of loading operations decreases, but the difficulty and burden of loading increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The loading apparatus enables the baler to load binding material rolls automatically without external assistance. The roll is transferred from the storage position to the transfer position through the pivotal movement of the loading apparatus, and the feed apparatus automatically feeds the binding material into the baling chamber, eliminating the need for operators to manually handle heavy rolls
Solution Approach 2:
The loading apparatus acts as an intermediary mechanism between the storage position and the transfer position. It includes a roll support with pivotal connecting elements that facilitate the transfer of the binding material roll without direct operator intervention, reducing the physical burden on operators while handling large and heavy rolls
2Productivity
If binding material rolls are made heavier to reduce loading frequency, then productivity increases, but the weight and cumbersomeness of the rolls make them more difficult to manoeuvre
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-service by automatically transferring and feeding binding material rolls. The loading apparatus pivots to transfer the roll, and the feed apparatus automatically feeds it into the baling chamber, allowing the system to handle very heavy rolls (30-45 kg or more) without requiring operators to manually manoeuvre them
Solution Approach 2:
The loading and transfer functions are extracted from the manual operating process and embodied in dedicated mechanical apparatus. The loading apparatus with its pivotal connecting elements and the feed apparatus separate the heavy roll handling task from operator duties, enabling the use of larger, heavier rolls that improve productivity
3Device complexity
If a simple storage position is used, then device complexity is reduced, but the ability to transfer rolls efficiently to the baling chamber is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The loading apparatus employs dynamic pivotal movement to transfer rolls efficiently. The connecting elements can pivot between storing and transfer positions, allowing the apparatus to adapt its configuration based on operational needs. This dynamic capability enables efficient roll transfer without requiring complex fixed mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The loading apparatus is segmented into distinct functional components: the roll support, the first and second connecting elements with pivotal connections, and the feed apparatus. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently while keeping the overall structure relatively simple and maintainable
4Ease of operation
If operators manually load rolls repeatedly, then ease of operation is maintained, but loss of time and reduced productivity occur
Solution Approach 1:
The loading apparatus and feed apparatus work together to perform self-service loading operations. Once a roll is placed in the storage position, the apparatus automatically transfers it to the transfer position and feeds it into the baling chamber without requiring repeated operator intervention, significantly reducing loading time while maintaining operational simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The roll is preliminarily positioned in the storage position on the roll support, where it is held ready for transfer. The loading apparatus is pre-configured with pivotal connecting elements that enable quick transfer to the transfer position, eliminating the need for operators to repeatedly handle and reposition rolls during baling operations
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
Facilitates effortless handling and alignment of heavy binding material rolls, reducing operator effort and improving the efficiency of loading operations by simplifying the process of moving rolls from storage to the unwind station.
Implementation Method 1
a first longer connecting element pivotally connected at a first end to the first mounting point for rotation about a first pivot axis
Implementation Method 2
a second shorter connecting element pivotally connected at a first end to the second mounting point for rotation about a second pivot axis
Implementation Method 3
The stop provided at the second end of the roll support is V-shaped
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~5
AI summary
A loading apparatus for a round baler for loading a roll of binding material on the round baler is disclosed comprising a binding material support displaceable about a first end between a storage position and a transfer position, in which when in the storage position a first end of the binding material support is raised relative to a second end of the binding material support and when in the transfer position the first end of the binding material support is lowered relative to the second end of the binding material support.