Agricultural Disc Condition Detection Using Sub-Surface Density Profiles
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Solution Overview
Problem
It is difficult for operators to detect when discs of agricultural implements become damaged, missing, or plugged during field operations, which can render the implement ineffective.
Innovation Solution
A system with sub-surface density sensors and a computing system to generate and analyze density profiles, identifying disc conditions by comparing actual profiles to baseline conditions, and initiating control actions as needed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If operators manually monitor disc conditions during field operations, then the system remains simple and easy to operate, but disc damage, missing discs, or plugging cannot be detected in real-time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual visual inspection with an automated sensor-based monitoring system. Sub-surface density sensors detect changes in soil density profiles caused by damaged, missing, or plugged discs, converting mechanical field conditions into detectable signal variations without requiring operator intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The monitoring system automatically detects and identifies disc conditions without requiring operator action. The system self-monitors by continuously measuring sub-surface density profiles and comparing them against baseline data, enabling autonomous detection of disc problems during field operations.
2Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If sub-surface density sensors are installed to detect disc conditions, then real-time detection capability is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses sub-surface density sensors as intermediary devices that indirectly detect disc conditions by measuring soil density variations. Instead of directly monitoring disc integrity, the sensors detect the effect of disc conditions on soil density profiles, providing a reliable indirect measurement method.
Solution Approach 2:
The system detects disc conditions by monitoring changes in sub-surface density parameters. When discs are damaged, missing, or plugged, they create characteristic changes in soil density profiles at specific depths and lateral positions, which the sensors detect and translate into condition diagnoses.
3Productivity
If the implement continues operating with damaged or missing discs, then productivity is maintained, but agricultural performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where sub-surface density sensor data is continuously analyzed and compared against baseline profiles. When deviations indicating disc problems are detected, the system provides feedback to operators through alerts or notifications, enabling timely corrective action while maintaining operational awareness.
Data Source
AI summary
In one aspect, a system for monitoring disc conditions of an agricultural implement. The system includes a plurality of discs configured to penetrate through a soil surface during the performance of an agricultural operation, and a sub-surface density sensor configured to generate data associated with a density of one or more sub-surface features included within a lateral section of a field. The lateral section encompasses an expected location of a sub-surface portion of each disc of the discs. The system also includes a computing system communicatively coupled with the sub-surface density sensor. The computing system is configured to determine a sub-surface density profile extending across the lateral section of the field based on the data received from the sub-surface density sensor, and determine an operating condition of at least one disc of the plurality of discs based at least in part on the sub-surface density profile.