Variable Width Twine Disc Assembly for Baler Knotter Jamming
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional twine discs in knotters for balers face issues with jamming and slippage due to the varying dimensions of twine, as they are designed with a fixed width that cannot accommodate different twine sizes effectively.
Innovation Solution
A variable width twine disc assembly is introduced, comprising a fixed disc and a moveable disc that can be adjusted along a shaft using shim components or a spring mechanism, allowing for incremental or continuous adjustment of the gap between the discs to accommodate twine of different dimensions, thereby preventing jamming and slippage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed width twine disc assembly is used, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but it causes jamming when large twine is applied to smaller bales and slippage when standard twine is used with wider discs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the disc assembly width adjustable rather than fixed. The moveable disc can be repositioned along the shaft to change the gap width between discs, allowing the system to adapt to different twine dimensions. This dynamic adjustment capability resolves the contradiction by enabling the same disc assembly to handle both large twine on small bales and standard twine on larger bales without causing jamming or slippage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by allowing the gap width between discs to be varied according to twine size requirements. The moveable disc mechanism enables continuous or incremental adjustment of the disc separation distance, transforming the fixed parameter into a variable one. This allows optimization of the disc gap for different operating conditions without changing the overall disc assembly structure.
2Length of moving object
If the disc width is increased to accommodate larger twine, then large twine can be handled, but slippage occurs when using standard-sized twine
Solution Approach 1:
The moveable disc enables dynamic adjustment of the disc gap width, allowing the system to optimize the gripping surface area for each twine size. When handling standard-sized twine, the discs can be positioned closer together to increase gripping pressure and prevent slippage. When handling larger twine, the discs are spaced farther apart to accommodate the increased dimension. This dynamic adaptation maintains reliable twine gripping across all operating conditions.
3Length of moving object
If the disc width is decreased to prevent jamming, then small bales can be handled, but large twine cannot be accommodated
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustable disc mechanism allows the gap width to be dynamically changed based on the combination of bale size and twine diameter. For small bales with large twine, the discs are positioned farther apart to accommodate the thick twine and prevent jamming. For larger bales with standard twine, the discs are positioned closer together to maintain proper gripping pressure. This dynamic adjustment enables the system to handle the full range of operating conditions with a single disc assembly.
Data Source
AI summary
In one embodiment, a variable width twine disc assembly, comprising: a fixed assembly comprising a first disc (24) having notches spaced along a periphery of the first disc (24) and a shaft (28); and a second disc (22) having notches spaced along a periphery of the second disc (22) and configured to be moveably adjusted along the shaft (28).