Shape Memory Wire Bale Wrap Removal Device

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wrap removal assemblies for bales are inefficient due to fixed fingers that intertwine with the wrap material, making it difficult to remove the wrap from the cylindrical member.

Innovation Solution

A wrap removal assembly featuring an elongated support member with a snagging wire made of shape memory alloy that changes shape in response to a control signal, allowing it to snag and release the wrap material easily by altering its effective circumference.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If fixed fingers are used to snag wrap material, then the wrap material can be effectively snagged and gathered, but the fixed fingers become intertwined with the wrap material and do not release it easily

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of wrap material releaseVSAvoidtime required for wrap removal
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the dynamics principle by transforming the fixed, static fingers into dynamic, movable fingers that can change their configuration. The fingers are designed to be flexible and movable relative to the cylindrical member, allowing them to adapt their shape during operation. This enables the fingers to effectively snag the wrap material during the gathering phase, then automatically release it during the removal phase by changing their position or orientation, thus resolving the contradiction between effective snagging and easy release.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies the parameter changes principle by modifying the physical state or configuration of the fingers. The fingers can change their shape, position, or orientation based on operational requirements. For example, the fingers may be designed to extend outward during the snagging phase and retract or change angle during the release phase. This dynamic parameter change allows the same finger structure to perform both snagging and release functions effectively, eliminating the need for separate mechanisms and improving overall productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If the cylindrical member rotates to unwind wrap material, then the wrap material is effectively removed from the bale, but the fixed fingers remain intertwined and prevent easy removal of wrap from the cylindrical member

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespeed of wrap unwindingVSAvoidease of wrap removal from cylindrical member
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the fingers movable rather than fixed. As the cylindrical member rotates during the unwinding process, the dynamic fingers can automatically adjust their position to maintain effective contact with the wrap material for continued unwinding, then naturally release or retract to allow easy removal of the unwrapped material. This dynamic behavior eliminates the entanglement problem that occurs with fixed fingers while maintaining high unwinding speed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies the parameter changes principle by designing fingers that can change their geometric parameters (such as angle, length, or position) during the rotation cycle. The fingers may be configured to extend at specific angles during unwinding to maximize efficiency, then change to different angles or retract to facilitate easy removal. This parameter variability allows the system to optimize for both high-speed unwinding and easy material removal without compromise.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 assembly effectively grabs and releases the wrap material, reducing labor and time required for removal by changing the snagging wire's shape from a larger to a smaller circumference, preventing entanglement and facilitating easy unwinding.

Implementation Method 1

The snagging wire includes an active material changeable between a first shape and a second shape in response to a control signal. The active material is a shape memory alloy, and the control signal includes an electric current that is applied to the shape memory alloy.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectShape memory alloy: Shape Memory Alloy

Data Source

PatentEP3788863B1Bale wrap removal device utilizing shape memory wire
Publication Date: 2022.03.16 DEERE & CO
  • EP3788863B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3788863B1 patent drawingFigure 2~4
  • EP3788863B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

A wrap removal assembly includes an elongated support member (34) extending along a central longitudinal axis (42) and having an exterior surface (44). A snagging wire (52) is disposed adjacent the exterior surface (44) of the elongated support member (34) and includes an active material changeable between a first shape and a second shape in response to a control signal. The snagging wire (52) presents a catch (54) spaced outward and away from the exterior surface (44) when disposed in the first shape to snag the wrap material and gather the wrap material around the elongated support member (34). The snagging wire (52) is positioned substantially flat against the exterior surface (44) of the elongated support member (34) when disposed in the second shape to release the wrap material and allow removal of the wrap material from the elongated support member (34).