Rotative Packer Stuffer with Sensor Feedback for Baling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing baling machines face challenges in accurately determining when the pre-baling chamber is sufficiently filled, leading to issues like under-filling, over-filling, and plugging, which affect bale density and machine efficiency, especially when switching between different types of plant matter.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of vector or pseudovector quantity sensors and processors that estimate the amount of plant matter in the pre-baling chamber, triggering the extension of stuffer tines when a threshold is reached, and providing directional and speed guidance for the tractor to optimize filling, ensuring even loading and preventing plugging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional filling methods are used, then the baling machine can operate continuously, but the pre-baling chamber filling accuracy deteriorates leading to under-filling or over-filling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback control system where sensors continuously monitor the amount of plant matter in the pre-baling chamber and provide signals to the control unit. The control unit adjusts the stuffer tine activation and tractor speed based on this feedback to maintain optimal filling levels, preventing both under-filling and over-filling while ensuring consistent operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical filling control methods with an electronic sensing and control system. Vector or pseudovector quantity sensors detect physical quantities related to plant matter accumulation, and the control unit processes this information to automatically adjust filling operations, substituting mechanical estimation with precise electronic measurement.
2Manufacturing precision
If the pre-baling chamber is filled more completely, then bale density improves, but plugging occurs reducing machine efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic control of the stuffer tine activation and tractor speed based on real-time sensing of plant matter accumulation. The system continuously adapts the filling rate to match the chamber's capacity, maintaining optimal density without exceeding the threshold that would cause plugging, thus preserving both bale quality and machine productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operating parameters (stuffer tine activation timing, tractor speed) based on sensed conditions. When the sensor detects approaching optimal filling levels, the system adjusts parameters to slow the filling rate or activate stuffing, preventing plugging while maintaining high bale density through controlled parameter variation.
3Device complexity
If manual monitoring of pre-baling chamber filling is used, then the system remains simple, but filling consistency deteriorates when switching between plant matter types
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-adjusting system where the sensors and control unit automatically monitor and adjust filling parameters based on the specific plant matter being processed. The system serves itself by detecting changes in plant matter characteristics and autonomously adjusting stuffer activation and tractor speed, eliminating the need for manual intervention while maintaining adaptability across different crop types.
Data Source
AI summary
A baling machine includes a pre-baling chamber and a rotative packer/stuffer including at least one retractable and extendable tine including at least one stuffer tine supported on at least a first reciprocable support. The at least one stuffer tine sequentially penetrates, moves in, and retracts from the pre-baling chamber when activated by at least one stuffer activator. The packer-stuffer includes at last one sensor that senses a vector or pseudovector quantity acting on at least one rotative component. The baling machine also includes at least one processor for estimating from the sensed quantity the amount of plant matter in the pre-baling chamber or a related variable, comparing this to a threshold corresponding to desired filling of the pre-baling chamber, and causing the stuffer activator to initiate stuffing when the estimated plant matter or related variable attains or exceeds the threshold.