Separable Net Support Tube for Baler Installation

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing process for installing net rolls into a baler's net wrapper assembly is labor-intensive and time-consuming, requiring significant manual effort due to the weight and size of the rolls, which also leads to potential damage during handling and storage.

Innovation Solution

A separable net support tube system with a platform for storing and supporting net rolls, featuring a pivoting mechanism and adjustable extensions to facilitate easy installation and storage, reducing the need for manual lifting and handling, and incorporating a locking mechanism for secure positioning.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If net rolls are stored at the rear of the baler at the tailgate, then storage capability is provided, but operator effort and time for installation increase due to distance and weight

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestorage capabilityVSAvoidoperator effort

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The support tube is divided into two separable parts: a first support tube connected to the net wrapper assembly and a second support tube that can be detached. This segmentation allows the heavy net roll to be supported partially during installation, reducing the operator's lifting effort while maintaining storage capability at the rear of the baler.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The separable support tube acts as an intermediary mechanism between the net wrapper assembly and the net roll. It provides temporary support during installation, enabling the operator to transfer the net roll from storage to the operating position with reduced effort, and then detach the support tube for easy removal of the depleted roll.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If net rolls are manually lifted and installed, then installation is possible, but time consumption and labor intensity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinstallation possibilityVSAvoidinstallation time

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The first support tube is pre-connected to the net wrapper assembly before installation. This preliminary setup provides immediate support when the net roll is brought to the installation position, allowing the operator to quickly transfer the roll onto the support tube without time-consuming manual lifting and positioning operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Device complexity

If a single continuous support tube is used, then structural simplicity is maintained, but installation flexibility and safety are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural simplicityVSAvoidinstallation safety

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The support tube is segmented into two detachable parts connected by a coupling mechanism. This segmentation improves safety during installation by allowing the operator to work with a lighter, more manageable configuration, and enables easy detachment when the net roll is depleted, preventing damage to the support tube and facilitating quick replacement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP2517550B1Net roll support for storage and installation in baler

Publication Date: 2015.04.08 CNH IND BELGIUM NV

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AI summary

A baler (10) and method of using the improved baler to install net rolls into a net wrapping assembly in the baler. The baler includes a separable support tube (300) configured to separate and reattach within the net roll (200) during installation. The baler also includes a platform (250) to support the net roll during installation. The platform also stores net rolls prior to installation.