Field Profile Sensing for Missing Disc Detection in Tillage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Farmers face difficulties in detecting damaged or missing discs during tillage operations due to obstructed views from the implement and vehicle, which can impact the quality of tillage and require timely replacement.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising field profile sensors and a controller that monitors the condition of discs by analyzing the field profile behind the implement, determining if a disc is damaged or missing, and initiating control actions such as notifications or adjustments to the operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If the operator relies on visual inspection to detect damaged or missing discs, then the system structure remains simple, but the detection capability is insufficient due to obstructed views from the implement and vehicle
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary monitoring system consisting of sensors, processors, and communication devices that indirectly detect disc conditions by measuring parameters such as vibration, temperature, and operational patterns. This intermediary system overcomes the limitation of direct visual inspection by using measurable proxies to infer disc status, thereby improving detection capability while managing system complexity through modular architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/visual inspection method with an electronic sensing and processing system. Instead of relying on the operator's line of sight and manual inspection, the system uses sensors to detect physical parameters (vibration, temperature, force) and electronically processes this data to determine disc condition, substituting mechanical observation with electronic measurement and analysis.
2Loss of time
If the operator continuously monitors discs during operation, then detection timeliness improves, but operator workload and attention requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The monitoring system performs self-service by automatically detecting, analyzing, and reporting disc conditions without requiring continuous operator intervention. The sensors continuously monitor parameters, the processor automatically analyzes the data to detect anomalies, and the system generates alerts when disc damage is suspected, enabling the system to monitor itself and notify the operator only when necessary, thereby reducing ongoing workload while maintaining rapid detection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements continuous feedback by monitoring disc-related parameters in real-time and providing immediate feedback to the operator through alerts or notifications when abnormal conditions are detected. This feedback loop enables timely detection of disc damage while reducing operator workload by automating the monitoring and analysis functions, requiring operator attention only when actual issues are identified by the system.
3Productivity
If a damaged disc continues to operate, then productivity is maintained, but tillage quality deteriorates and further damage may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The system takes preliminary action by detecting early signs of disc damage through parameter analysis and issuing warnings before the damage significantly impacts tillage quality or causes complete failure. By identifying potential issues in advance through continuous monitoring of vibration, temperature, and operational patterns, the system allows for timely intervention (such as replacing the disc) while maintaining productivity, preventing both quality deterioration and catastrophic failure.
Data Source
AI summary
In one aspect, a system for monitoring the condition of discs of agricultural implements includes a plurality of discs configured to be supported relative to an agricultural implement, and a field profile sensor configured to generate data indicative of a field profile of an aft portion of the field located rearward of the plurality of discs relative to a direction of travel of the agricultural implement. In addition, the system includes a controller communicatively coupled to the field profile sensor. The controller is configured to monitor the data received from the field profile sensor and determine an operating condition of one or more of the plurality of discs based at least in part on the field profile of the aft portion of the field.