Round Baler Auxiliary Power Source for Continuous Bale Formation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing round balers require the vehicle to slow down during the high pressure sequence of bale formation, leading to reduced operational efficiency due to peak power consumption and potential plugging issues, which compromises baler performance.
Innovation Solution
An auxiliary power source, such as a hydraulic or electric motor, is integrated with the baler to provide additional power during high pressure sequences, controlled by sensors and directional valves to manage power transmission based on bale formation cycle parameters, allowing continuous vehicle speed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If the vehicle slows down during high pressure sequence, then sufficient power is provided to the PTO for effective pressing, but operational time is reduced and performance is adversely impacted
Solution Approach 1:
The hydraulic accumulator stores hydraulic fluid under pressure in advance during low-pressure phases of the bale formation cycle. This pre-stored energy is then released during high-pressure sequences to provide additional power to the press rolls, eliminating the need to slow down the vehicle and maintaining continuous operational speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system operates in periodic cycles, alternating between charging the hydraulic accumulator during low-pressure sequences and discharging it during high-pressure sequences. This periodic charging and discharging provides power on demand, matching the varying power requirements of the bale formation cycle while maintaining constant vehicle speed.
2Productivity
If the vehicle maintains high speed, then operational efficiency is improved, but insufficient power is available to the PTO during high pressure sequence
Solution Approach 1:
The hydraulic accumulator acts as an intermediary energy storage device between the hydraulic pump and the press rolls. It absorbs excess hydraulic power during low-demand periods and releases it during peak demand periods, mediating the power supply to match the varying requirements of the bale formation cycle while allowing the vehicle to maintain constant high speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the pressure parameter of the hydraulic fluid by storing it under high pressure in the accumulator during low-power phases and releasing it during high-power phases. This parameter change enables the delivery of high power to the press rolls during critical pressing operations without requiring the vehicle to slow down.
3Stress or pressure
If pressure is increased during high pressure sequence, then effective pressing is achieved, but power consumption peaks and causes vehicle slowdown
Solution Approach 1:
The hydraulic accumulator pre-stores hydraulic energy during low-pressure phases when power consumption is low. This preliminary energy storage allows the system to deliver high pressing pressure during high-pressure sequences without causing peak power consumption that would require vehicle slowdown, as the energy was accumulated in advance.
Solution Approach 2:
The accumulator provides a cushion of stored hydraulic energy that compensates for the high power demand during pressing operations. This beforehand cushioning of energy ensures that pressure can be increased effectively without creating harmful power consumption peaks that would affect vehicle speed.
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
The auxiliary power source ensures sufficient power for efficient bale formation during high pressure sequences without slowing the vehicle, thereby maintaining operational efficiency and preventing plugging issues.
Implementation Method 1
The hydraulic accumulator is operable in a charging phase and a discharging phase. The fluid required to charge the hydraulic accumulator may be supplied from a fluid reservoir connected to the hydraulic pump
Implementation Method 2
The first directional control valve may include a solenoid operated valve or a mechanically operated valve. The second directional control valve may include a solenoid operated valve or a mechanically operated valve
Implementation Method 3
The first directional control valve may include a solenoid operated valve or a mechanically operated valve
Data Source
AI summary
A baler for forming a pressed bale includes a baling chamber and a press mounted within the baling chamber. The press is operable in a bale formation cycle, where the bale formation cycle includes bale formation cycle parameters. A primary power source is operably coupled with the press to transmit a power to the press, and an auxiliary power source is coupled to the press. The auxiliary power source is operable in a power transmitting mode to transmit an auxiliary power to the press. A controller is electrically coupled to the auxiliary power source such that the controller is configured for controlling operation of the auxiliary power source. The operation of the auxiliary power source is operably controlled manually or by the controller according to the bale formation cycle parameters.