Round Baler Gate with Retractable Bale Holder
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for measuring the weight of bales in round balers are often inaccurate due to the weight of the baler itself being included in the measurement, leading to high errors, and are expensive.
Innovation Solution
A round baler design featuring a retractable member and a lower roller that positions the bale consistently relative to the gate, allowing gravitational force to rotate the bale onto the roller for accurate weight calculation, with the retractable member adjustable for different bale diameters and positioned to ensure accurate engagement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a wheel or spindle load measurement device is used to measure bale weight, then weight measurement is enabled, but measurement precision deteriorates because the baler's weight is included in the measurement
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement system is segmented into two separate functions: the gate structure supports the bale during measurement, while the hydraulic cylinder provides the measuring force. This separation allows the bale weight to be measured independently from the baler's overall weight, improving measurement accuracy without requiring a completely new complex measurement device.
Solution Approach 2:
The gate acts as an intermediary element between the bale and the measurement system. By positioning the bale on the gate and using the hydraulic cylinder to support the gate, the system creates an intermediate measurement path that isolates the bale weight from the baler's weight, enabling accurate measurement without direct integration of complex sensors into the baler structure.
2Measurement precision
If the retractable member is positioned to grasp the bale at a contact location rearward of the centerline, then measurement precision improves through consistent bale positioning, but ease of operation worsens due to the need for precise positioning
Solution Approach 1:
The retractable member is pre-positioned at a specific contact location rearward of the bale's centerline before the bale is placed on the gate. This preliminary positioning ensures that when the bale is engaged, gravitational force naturally rotates it into the correct orientation on the lower roller, eliminating the need for complex real-time adjustment mechanisms and improving operational ease while maintaining precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the bale's own weight and gravitational force to automatically position and orient it correctly on the lower roller after engagement by the retractable member. This self-positioning mechanism eliminates the need for additional actuators or complex control systems, making the operation simpler while ensuring consistent bale positioning for accurate measurement.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the gate is made moveable between closed, open, and intermediate positions, then adaptability improves for different baling operations, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The moveable gate structure serves multiple functions: it encloses the bale during formation, supports the bale during weight measurement in the intermediate position, and allows bale discharge when fully open. This multi-functionality is achieved through a single hydraulic cylinder mechanism that provides both the movement and measurement capabilities, avoiding the need for separate complex mechanisms for each function.
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 accurate and consistent weight measurement of bales by isolating the bale's weight from the baler's weight, improving measurement precision and reducing costs.
Implementation Method 1
a gravitational force acting on the bale urges the bale into engagement with the lower roller when the gate is disposed in the intermediate position
Data Source
AI summary
A round baler includes a housing, and a gate rotatably attached to the housing. A bale holder is attached to and moveable with the gate. The bale holder includes a retractable member that is moveable between an engaged position operable to grasp a bale and move the bale with the gate, and a disengaged position operable to release the bale. The retractable member is positioned to grasp an end face of the bale at a contact location. The contact location is disposed rearward of a vertical reference plane passing through a centerline of the bale when the bale is within an interior region of the round baler and the gate is in the closed position. The contact location may be disposed below a horizontal plane passing through the centerline of the bale when the bale is within the interior region and the gate is in the closed position.