Remote Hydraulic Pressure Control for Roller Baler Density
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing balers require manual adjustment of hydraulic pressure control valves to change bale density, which is inconvenient and time-consuming for tractor drivers during a baling session.
Innovation Solution
A baler with a pressure reducing circuit and a primary valve that allows remote control of hydraulic pressure from the tractor cab, using a signal processor to manage hydraulic fluid flow and pressure, eliminating the need for manual valve adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a manually operated hydraulic pressure control valve is used to select bale density, then the bale density can be adjusted, but the tractor driver must dismount the tractor to reset the valve, which is time-consuming and inconvenient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical valve adjustment system with an automated electronic control system. The tractor driver can now adjust bale density using electronic controls in the tractor cab, eliminating the need to physically access and manually adjust the hydraulic pressure control valve on the baler. This substitution of mechanical manual adjustment with electronic automation directly resolves the contradiction by improving ease of operation while reducing time loss.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the hydraulic pressure control valve is made accessible for manual adjustment, then density can be changed, but the system remains complex and requires manual intervention
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service control system where the baler automatically adjusts hydraulic pressure based on electronic signals from the tractor's control system. The automated system eliminates the need for manual valve adjustment by integrating electronic controls that automatically regulate hydraulic pressure to achieve the desired bale density. This self-service approach maintains adaptability while reducing device complexity by removing manual adjustment mechanisms.
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
Enables convenient and efficient remote control of bale density from the tractor cab, reducing operational inconvenience and costs by simplifying the hydraulic pressure control system.
Implementation Method 1
a first hydraulic circuit adapted for connecting to a pressurised hydraulic fluid source for applying hydraulic fluid from a high pressure side of the pressurised hydraulic fluid source to the at least one hydraulic ram at a supply pressure
Implementation Method 2
the pressure in the first hydraulic circuit being at the supply pressure or exceeding the selected hydraulic pressure, and the first hydraulic circuit being isolated from the pressurised hydraulic fluid source, for reducing the hydraulic pressure in the first hydraulic circuit to the selected hydraulic pressure
Data Source
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AI summary
A roller baler (4) comprises a fixed part (10) and a rear door (12) both carrying a plurality of bale rotating rollers (17) which define a bale chamber (18). The rear door (12) is pivotally coupled to the fixed part (10) about an upper pivot axis (8). Double-acting hydraulic rams (25) operate the rear door (12) between a closed state defining the bale chamber (18) and an open state for discharge of a bale therefrom. Pressurised hydraulic fluid from a pressurised hydraulic fluid source (40) of a tractor (2) is supplied through a main three-state spool valve (42) of the tractor (2) to the rams (25) through first and second hydraulic circuits (50, 55). Hydraulic fluid is applied to the rams (25) through the first hydraulic circuit (50) for urging the rear door (12) from the open state to the closed state. When the main valve (42) is in a third state isolating the first and second hydraulic circuits (50, 55) from the pressurised hydraulic fluid source (40), hydraulic fluid is accommodated from the first hydraulic circuit (50) to a primary accumulator (69) of a pressure reducing circuit (68) through the primary valve (70) until the pressure in the first hydraulic circuit (50) is at a selected one of a plurality of selectable hydraulic pressures, so that the rams (25) urge the rear door (12) into the closed state at the selected hydraulic pressure to produce the bales to a corresponding selected bale density. The primary valve (70) is operated under the control of a microcontroller (64), and the selected hydraulic pressure is transmitted to the microcontroller (64) from a control console (65) located in the cab (3) of the tractor (2).