Rotatable Bale Fork for Efficient Square Baler Loading
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Solution Overview
Problem
Loading large square bales into bale processors is challenging due to the small target size when approaching from the end, leading to difficulties in aligning the bale with the feed rollers and disintegrator rotor, resulting in inefficient processing.
Innovation Solution
A bale loading apparatus with a lift arm frame and bale turning assembly that allows for pivoting and rotating the bale fork tines to align the bale axis parallel to the operating travel direction, combined with a shear bar to break twine, facilitating easier loading and processing of both rectangular and cylindrical bales.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the bale fork tines are positioned to load bales from the end, then the loading target is small and alignment is difficult, but the bale can be loaded directly into the processing chamber
Solution Approach 1:
The bale fork tines are made rotatable relative to the chamber frame, allowing the operator to dynamically adjust the orientation of the fork from perpendicular to parallel with the feed rollers. This dynamic adjustment enables the operator to first approach the bale from the end (perpendicular orientation) and then rotate the fork to align parallel to the feed rollers, solving the contradiction between ease of approach and accurate alignment.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces rotational movement in a third dimension by allowing the bale fork tines to rotate from a perpendicular orientation to a parallel orientation relative to the feed rollers. This dimensional change enables the operator to transition from an end-on approach (perpendicular) to a side-on approach (parallel), effectively increasing the loading target size while maintaining accurate alignment capability.
2Area of stationary object
If the bale fork tines are positioned perpendicular to the operating travel direction, then the loading target is larger, but the bale axis becomes perpendicular to the feed rollers causing processing difficulties
Solution Approach 1:
The rotatable bale fork tines allow the operator to first position the fork perpendicular to the operating travel direction to maximize the loading target size, then rotate the fork to align parallel to the feed rollers before loading the bale. This dynamic repositioning ensures both easy bale pickup and optimal processing orientation.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention enables transition from a perpendicular orientation (perpendicular to operating travel direction) to a parallel orientation (parallel to feed rollers) by introducing rotational movement. This dimensional change allows the bale to be loaded with its axis parallel to the feed rollers, optimizing processing efficiency while maintaining a large loading target size during the approach phase.
3Ease of operation
If square bales are loaded with the long dimension perpendicular to the feed rollers, then the bale rests on the feed rollers, but the flail elements cannot reach the bale material
Solution Approach 1:
The rotatable bale fork tines enable the operator to rotate the bale from a perpendicular orientation to a parallel orientation relative to the feed rollers during the loading process. This ensures that when the bale is finally loaded into the chamber, its long dimension is parallel to the feed rollers, allowing the flail elements to effectively reach and disintegrate the bale material.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces rotational movement that changes the orientation of the bale from perpendicular to parallel with respect to the feed rollers. This dimensional change in orientation ensures that the bale is positioned optimally for processing, allowing the flail elements to access and disintegrate the crop material effectively.
4Device complexity
If the bale fork is fixed in orientation, then the structure is simpler, but the operator cannot align the bale axis parallel to the feed rollers
Solution Approach 1:
The bale fork tines are made rotatable relative to the chamber frame, adding dynamic capability to an otherwise static structure. This rotational capability allows the operator to align the bale axis parallel to the feed rollers with precision, while the overall structure remains relatively simple by using a single rotational mechanism rather than multiple adjustable components.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of loading bales into a bale processing chamber of a bale processor. The bale processing chamber is mounted on a chamber frame mounted on wheels for travel on a ground surface in a forward operating travel direction. A bale fork is pivotally mounted on the chamber frame such that in a lowered position the bale fork is oriented substantially horizontally and rests on the ground surface. The chamber frame is moved rearward such that the bale fork slides under a bale resting on the ground surface with a bale axis oriented substantially horizontally in a first direction substantially perpendicular to the operating travel direction. The bale fork and the bale supported thereon are raised above the ground surface. The bale fork is turned such that the bale axis turns to a second direction substantially parallel to the operating travel direction while maintaining the bale rearward of the bale processing chamber. The bale fork is raised to a raised position where the bale falls into the bale processing chamber with the bale axis oriented in the second direction.