Pivotal Tension Rails with Offset Bends for Bale Compression
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Solution Overview
Problem
Agricultural balers struggle to produce bales of consistent length due to variations in resistance applied during the bale formation process, which affects the efficiency of bale handling equipment.
Innovation Solution
A mechanism featuring pivotally connected elongate tension rails with offset bends on all four sides of the bale case, allowing for independent adjustment of the bale chamber's height and width through positioner mechanisms, ensuring consistent pressure application on the bale.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If rectilinear tension rails are used to reduce chamber width or height, then the chamber cross section is reduced at a constant rate, but the pressure applied to the exiting bale becomes inconsistent
Solution Approach 1:
The tension rails are designed with curved surfaces instead of straight lines. Specifically, the rails have a concave curvature that allows them to converge towards the bale travel axis in a non-linear manner, creating a progressive resistance profile that maintains consistent pressure on the bale throughout its exit from the chamber.
Solution Approach 2:
Different sections of the tension rails have different geometric properties. The rails feature an offset bend that creates distinct zones: a first zone with greater convergence angle for initial compression and a second zone with lesser convergence angle for maintaining pressure, allowing each section to perform its specific function in the pressure application process.
2Manufacturing precision
If the chamber cross section is reduced to increase resistance, then bale density improves, but bale length consistency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The tension rails are made pivotally connected to the bale case at their forward ends, allowing them to dynamically adjust their position and angle in response to bale formation forces. This dynamic capability enables the rails to maintain optimal contact and pressure distribution throughout the bale formation process, ensuring consistent resistance application.
3Adaptability or versatility
If tension rails are made moveable to adjust chamber dimensions, then adaptability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The positioner mechanisms for adjusting the tension rails are integrated with the existing bale case structure. The pivotal connections are mounted directly on the bale case sides, and the adjustment mechanisms share mounting points and structural elements with the chamber framework, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining adjustability.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~5
AI summary
A mechanism is disclosed for applying tension to a bale in the bale case of an agricultural baler. Two elongate tension rails (51,52) are arranged along two opposing sides of the bale case (20). Each tension rail (51,52) is pivotally connected (53,54) at one end adjacent to the forward end of the bale case (20) and extends rearwards to allow the tension rails (51,52) to be selectively pivoted inwardly and outward relative to the bale travel axis (100). A positioner mechanism (70) is connected the tension rails (51,52) for simultaneously moving the tension rails inwards or outwards. Each tension rail (51,52) has an offset bend which divides the rail into two generally planar surfaces (83,85;84,86) that are inclined relative to one another. Two successive bale compression regions (L1,L2) are defined within the bale case, with the tension rails (51,52) converging more rapidly in the first than in the second.