Tilting Bale Support Frame for High-Speed Transport
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bale loading and transporting systems are inefficient, requiring multiple vehicles for operation and not capable of quick, high-speed transportation of baled materials, especially at highway speeds, and often necessitate manual handling and complex frame structures.
Innovation Solution
A bale loading and transporting trailer system with a transport assembly, a tiltably mounted bale support frame, a lift frame, and a bale shifting assembly that allows for easy loading, simultaneous dumping, and rearward shifting of bales, designed for lightweight construction and operation by a single person, compatible with conventional pickup trucks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a traditional bale loading and transporting system is used, then multiple vehicles are required for operation, but this increases operational complexity and time loss
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions (loading, transporting, dumping) into a single integrated trailer system. The bale support frame is configured to both support and dump bales, eliminating the need for separate loading and unloading vehicles. This merging of functions directly reduces the number of vehicles required while improving operational efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The trailer system is designed with multi-functionality to perform various operations: the bale support frame serves as both a support structure and a dumping mechanism, the lift frame provides both lifting and positioning capabilities, and the entire system can be operated by a single person. This universal design reduces the need for multiple specialized vehicles.
2Productivity
If a traditional bale loading and transporting system is used, then manual handling is required, but this increases loss of time and reduces productivity
Solution Approach 1:
The trailer system is designed to be self-servicing through its mechanical mechanisms. The lift frame automatically lifts bales onto the support frame, and the bale support frame automatically dumps bales at the destination. The system requires minimal human intervention beyond guiding the trailer and operating simple controls, eliminating time-consuming manual handling operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The bale support frame is designed to be tiltably mounted, allowing it to dynamically change from a horizontal loading position to an angled dumping position. This dynamic capability enables rapid loading and unloading operations without manual intervention, significantly reducing the time required for these operations.
3Reliability
If a heavy frame structure is used, then strength and stability are improved, but this increases weight and reduces speed capability
Solution Approach 1:
The trailer system is divided into separate functional modules: the transport assembly, the bale support frame, the lift frame, and the bale shifting assembly. Each module is independently designed and optimized for its specific function, allowing for lightweight construction while maintaining overall stability. The bale support frame can be detached from the transport assembly, further reducing weight when not in use.
Solution Approach 2:
The bale support frame is pre-configured with a tiltable mounting that allows it to be positioned in the optimal angle for dumping before actual unloading occurs. This preliminary positioning eliminates the need for heavy stabilization mechanisms during high-speed travel, as the frame is already prepared for its dumping function when needed.
4Productivity
If the bale support frame is fixed, then structural simplicity is maintained, but this prevents quick dumping and reduces productivity
Solution Approach 1:
The bale support frame is designed with a tiltable mounting that allows it to dynamically adjust its angle. During transport, the frame remains relatively horizontal for stable loading, but can be quickly tilted to a dumping angle at the destination. This dynamic capability enables rapid dumping operations while adding minimal complexity to the overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The tiltable mounting is pre-configured on the bale support frame, allowing for quick angle adjustment without requiring complex mechanical mechanisms. The frame is already prepared with the necessary mounting structure, enabling rapid transition between loading and dumping positions through simple actuation.
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 efficient, high-speed transportation of baled materials with reduced operational complexity, allowing a single person to load and unload without leaving the vehicle, and achieves balanced weight distribution for stable operation at speeds exceeding 50 miles per hour, while minimizing the need for additional vehicles and heavy frame structures.
Implementation Method 1
A lift frame may be configured to lift a bale positioned adjacent to the bale support frame onto the bale support frame into a load position
Implementation Method 2
the bale support frame may be movable with respect to the transport assembly between a load condition configured to support bales on the bale support frame and a dump condition configured to roll any bales on the bale support frame off of the bale support frame
Implementation Method 3
A bale shifting assembly may be configured to shift a bale in the load position rearwardly on the bale support frame to a store position behind the load position
Data Source
AI summary
A bale loading and transporting trailer apparatus comprises a transport assembly having wheels, and a bale support frame on the transport assembly to support the bale support frame above the ground surface. The bale support frame is movable with respect to the transport assembly between a load condition for supporting bales and a dump condition for rolling bales off of the bale support frame. A lift frame is configured to lift a bale positioned adjacent to the bale support frame onto the support frame. A bale shifting assembly is configured to shift a bale rearwardly from a load position on the bale support frame to a store position behind the load position. The bale shifting assembly may include a sled movable in a longitudinal direction on the bale support frame to carry a bale positioned thereon along the bale support frame.