Twine Arm Guide Member for Baler Tying Cycle

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Solution Overview

Problem

Operators face difficulties in inserting new twine into the twine arm assembly of a round baler, as existing systems do not facilitate easy access or convenient positioning for twine insertion.

Innovation Solution

A twine arm assembly with a guide section and control section, featuring a guide member that can be adjusted or decoupled to allow easy twine insertion, equipped with a twine guide and tensioner system that includes a collapsible, foldable, or adjustable guide member with a lock mechanism, and synchronized movement via linkage, allowing horizontal or vertical movement during operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the guide member is made fixed and stable during operation, then reliability is improved, but ease of operation for twine insertion deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestability during operationVSAvoidtwine insertion convenience
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The guide member is designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing it to be positioned in different locations along the twine arm. During operation it is locked in place for stability, but can be moved to accessible positions for easy twine insertion by operators.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The guide member is separated from the fixed structure and can be independently positioned and locked at different locations, allowing it to serve dual purposes of operational stability and accessibility for twine insertion.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of operation

If the guide section is made movable between tying and rest positions, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveguide section accessibilityVSAvoidmovable connection mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The guide section is merged with the control section to form an integrated assembly that moves together between tying and rest positions, reducing the number of separate moving parts and simplifying the overall mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

A linkage mechanism serves as an intermediary to coordinate the movement of the control section and guide section, allowing synchronized motion without requiring complex independent actuation of each component.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Productivity

If multiple twine outlets are provided, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetying cycle speedVSAvoidnumber of twine delivery units
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple twine outlets are provided on the same twine arm assembly, allowing the system to handle multiple twine strands simultaneously for faster tying cycles, while sharing common structural components to minimize overall complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

Facilitates easy and convenient twine insertion by providing stable yet flexible access, shortening the tying cycle and reducing operational resistance, while ensuring reliable and cost-effective assembly design.

Implementation Method 1

a twine guide and tensioner is provided on the guide section and/or on the guide member, whereas the twine guide and tensioner has an element biased against a fixed or moveable element, between which a gap is formed to receive twine

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpring force: Spring

Implementation Method 2

a lock is provided. Said lock may be formed as a bolt, pin, spring pin or the like protruding a hole, a spring loaded detent

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical locking: Mechanical Fastener

Implementation Method 3

A simple design for connecting the two parts is a bearing, which makes both parts pivotable on each other

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction reduction through bearing: Ball Bearing

Data Source

PatentEP2165595B1Twine arm assembly
Publication Date: 2014.05.14 DEERE & CO
  • EP2165595B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2165595B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2165595B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

A twine arm assembly (22) is provided with a guide member (38) controlling the movement of a twine arm (32) during a tying cycle. In order to facilitate the insertion of new twine (26) into the twine arm (32), said guide member (38) is made of two parts (70), (72), which can be locked on each other or which can move with respect to each other in order to bring the twine arm (32) into a position, in which twine (26) can be inserted easily.