Acoustic Sensor Material Accumulation Detection Tillage Tools

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Solution Overview

Problem

During tillage operations, material accumulation on or between ground engaging tools of agricultural implements can inhibit their effectiveness, making it difficult for operators to determine when accumulation occurs, leading to reduced soil preparation efficiency.

Innovation Solution

A system and method utilizing acoustic sensors to monitor sound parameters generated by ground engaging tools, which detect changes in acoustic parameters to determine material accumulation, and a controller to initiate corrective actions such as adjusting downforce or stopping the implement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If acoustic sensors and controllers are added to detect material accumulation, then measurement precision and reliability improve, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection accuracy of material accumulationVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual visual inspection with acoustic sensors that detect material accumulation through sound wave analysis. The acoustic sensor system substitutes mechanical/operator-based detection with automated acoustic field-based detection, improving measurement precision while the integration into existing implement structures minimizes the added complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces acoustic sensors as an intermediary between the material accumulation condition and the operator/control system. These sensors act as mediators that convert physical accumulation states into detectable acoustic signals, enabling indirect but precise measurement without requiring direct mechanical contact or visual line-of-sight to all tool surfaces

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If real-time acoustic monitoring is implemented, then productivity improves through timely intervention, but use of energy increases due to continuous sensor operation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetillage operation efficiencyVSAvoidenergy consumption of monitoring system

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback system where acoustic sensors continuously monitor tool conditions and provide real-time information to the controller. This feedback loop enables timely detection of material accumulation and triggers appropriate responses (warnings or automated cleanup actions), maintaining productivity through continuous monitoring while the system's responsiveness minimizes energy waste by acting only when needed

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The acoustic monitoring system operates continuously during tillage operations, ensuring uninterrupted detection of material accumulation. This continuous monitoring maintains constant awareness of tool conditions, enabling immediate intervention when accumulation occurs, thereby sustaining optimal productivity throughout the entire operation without energy-intensive periodic checks

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Device complexity

If material accumulation is not detected, then device complexity remains low, but loss of time increases due to reduced tillage effectiveness

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesimplicity of operationVSAvoidtime lost to reduced tillage performance

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables the tillage implement to self-monitor its own operational condition through integrated acoustic sensors. The system performs self-diagnosis of material accumulation on tools, eliminating the need for operator intervention or external inspection systems. This self-service capability detects problems automatically, preventing time loss while maintaining relatively simple operation through automated alerts rather than complex manual procedures

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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 real-time detection of material accumulation, allowing for timely intervention to maintain optimal tillage performance and prevent tool malfunction, thereby improving soil preparation efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

an acoustic sensor configured to generate data indicative of an acoustic parameter of a sound produced as the ground engaging tool engages the ground

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAcoustic detection: Sound

Data Source

PatentUS11589494B2System and method for managing material accumulation relative to ground engaging tools of an agricultural implement

Publication Date: 2023.02.28 CNH IND CANADA

AI summary

A system for managing material accumulation relative to ground engaging tools of an agricultural implement may include a ground engaging tool and an acoustic sensor configured to generate data indicative of an acoustic parameter of a sound produced as the ground engaging tool engages the ground when a ground engaging operation is performed within a field. Additionally, the system may include a controller communicatively coupled to the acoustic sensor. The controller may be configured to monitor the data received from the acoustic sensor and determine a presence of material accumulation relative to the ground engaging tool based at least in part on the acoustic parameter.