Hops Baler Project 2013
Created by: Jacob Speed, Matt Gallagher, Sam Ledue, Lloyd Bryant, and Nathan Rocker
Design

• Feeder (Chute to load hops to Compression Chamber 1)

• Two-Stage Compression
   Vertical to Horizontal

• Electronic Push/Pull Linear Actuator
http://www.smi4motion.com/smi2/motion-system/push-pull-actuators/electrakppadc.html

• Motors (integrated with actuator)

• Control System (integrated with actuator/motor)

• Detachable ‘bag chute’ to hold shape of bale

• Vacuum Seal while bag is in the ‘bag chute’

Calculations of Dimensions of Hops Baler

​​
Compression Chamber 1

​• Needs to have a height of 5 inches, so that final height of the bale is 5 inches.

• The width of the chamber needs to be 9.5 inches so that it can be attached to compression chamber 1

• There needs to be an extended lip so that the bag chamber can be attached to the end of the chamber

• The length of the lip was set to 6 inches so that the bag chamber can easily be supported.

Compression Chamber 2

​​• Needs to have a height of 5 inches, so that final height of the bale is 5 inches.

• The width of the chamber needs to be 9.5 inches so that it can be attached to compression chamber 1

• There needs to be an extended lip so that the bag chamber can be attached to the end of the chamber

• The length of the lip was set to 6 inches so that the bag chamber can easily be supported.


​​
Bag Chamber

​​• Needs to have a height of 5 inches, so that final height of the bale is 5 inches.

• The width of the chamber needs to be 9.5 inches so that it can be attached to compression chamber 1.

• There needs to be an extended lip so that the bag chamber can be attached to the end of the chamber

• The length of the lip was set to 6 inches so that the bag chamber can easily be supported.

• Designed so that vacuum sealed bag used to store the hops can fit inside the chamber.

• The chamber will act as a mold so that the hops will mold to the ideal shape defined by the mold.

• The chamber will fit over the lip on compression chamber 2 and will be attached by latches so that the chamber does not become detached during compression.

• Once compression is complete the bag chamber can be easily removed and the bag can be vacuum sealed while the hops are still in the mold.

• After all of the air removed, the vacuum sealed bag of hops will be able to be easily removed from the bag chamber.
Required Force Calculation for Linear Actuator

​​
Compression Chamber 1
Compression Chamber 2
Bag Chamber
Final Assembly
Materials

​​• Electric Push/Pull Linear Actuators

• Motors

• Control Board/System integrated with actuators and motors

• Framework – Aluminum angles, sheets, tubing

• Method of Construction – Welding
Budget

​​• In order to come up with an accurate budget, we need to finalize on our materials we are going to use. Our overall goal to completing this baler is to come in under $2000.00. Is this realistic? We will determine this after the equipment is calculated.

• In the end, the Aroostook Hops Company is a very small, growing company. They would like to pay for all the materials and ‘own’ the baler when it is completed, but they do not have the funds to pay for it as a lump sum. We are currently talking to the University about funding for the project.
Structure

• Aluminum Sheets, Angles, & Bars

• We are talking to G.L. & Sons Welding about sponsoring/donating materials for our project. This is a local welding & steel company that is interested in helping supply some materials.

• We initially thought it would be best to construct the entire baler of wood. After analysis, we would need to use pressure treated wood in case the baler is used outside.

• With the Aluminum construction, the final product will have a professional look. The operation will be smoother, give the bale a more defined shape, and will be easiest to clean after harvest.