Square Baler Hydraulic Cooling Using Tractor Heat Exchange
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing agricultural balers face challenges in maintaining hydraulic fluid temperature within a defined operating range due to heating, which can lead to component damage, and existing cooling solutions are complex, costly, or prone to contamination.
Innovation Solution
A hydraulically operated device with a heat exchanger connected to the towing vehicle's hydraulic system allows temperature control of the baler's hydraulic fluid without direct fluid connection, using thermodynamic processes and a protective valve system to prevent damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If a cooler is used to cool the hydraulic fluid, then the temperature control capability is improved, but the device complexity and maintenance requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the tractor's hydraulic system as an intermediary thermal medium to cool the baler's hydraulic fluid. Instead of installing a dedicated cooler on the baler, the invention connects the baler's hydraulic tank to the tractor's hydraulic system through hydraulic connections, allowing heat transfer between the two hydraulic fluids. This eliminates the need for a separate cooling device on the baler while maintaining effective temperature control.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention leverages the multi-functionality of the tractor's hydraulic system, which serves both as the operating hydraulic system for the tractor and as a cooling system for the baler. The tractor's hydraulic fluid circulation system is used dual-purpose: for operating tractor functions and for absorbing heat from the baler's hydraulic fluid, thereby eliminating the need for dedicated cooling equipment.
2Temperature
If large tank volumes or surface areas are created for cooling, then the temperature control capability is improved, but the manufacturing costs and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs the tractor's existing hydraulic system as an external heat sink and thermal mediator. By connecting the baler's hydraulic tank to the tractor's hydraulic system, the cooling function is achieved without enlarging the baler's tank volume. The tractor's hydraulic fluid acts as the intermediary that absorbs heat from the baler's system, eliminating the need for large cooling tanks or heat exchange surfaces on the baler.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the cooling function with the tractor's existing hydraulic system. Instead of creating separate large-volume cooling infrastructure, the baler's hydraulic system is integrated with the tractor's hydraulic system, allowing the tractor's hydraulic fluid to serve as the cooling medium. This combination eliminates the need for large dedicated cooling tanks on the baler.
3Temperature
If a radiator is used for cooling, then the temperature control capability is improved, but the contamination risk and service costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the tractor's hydraulic system as an intermediary cooling medium that is already protected by the tractor's existing filtration and contamination control systems. The baler's hydraulic fluid is cooled through thermal exchange with the tractor's hydraulic fluid, which circulates through the tractor's filtered hydraulic system. This approach avoids exposing the baler's hydraulic system to external contamination sources that would affect an external radiator.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention combines the baler's hydraulic system with the tractor's hydraulic system for cooling purposes. By using the tractor's hydraulic fluid as the cooling medium, the system benefits from the tractor's existing contamination protection measures, including filters and sealed hydraulic circuits. This integration eliminates the need for an external radiator that would be exposed to environmental contaminants.
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
Ensures reliable temperature regulation of the baler's hydraulic fluid within the operating range, simplifying integration and reducing maintenance costs while preventing component damage.
Implementation Method 1
the device comprises a heat exchanger (17) that connects the device (15) to the hydraulic circuit of the hydraulic system (11) of the baling press
Implementation Method 2
using thermodynamic processes and a protective valve system to prevent damage
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to an agricultural baler (4), in particular a square baler, for pressing harvested crops into a bale. The baler (4) comprises a drive (9), at least one working unit (10) for conveying and/or processing the harvested crop, and a hydraulic system (11) for supplying the drive (9) and/or the at least one working unit (10). The baler (4) is characterized in that a hydraulically operated device (15) for temperature control of the hydraulic system (11) is associated with the hydraulic system (11), which is designed for connection to a hydraulic system (6) of an agricultural towing vehicle (1), in particular a tractor (2), coupled to the baler (4) during operation.