Ground Engaging Member Accumulation Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Agricultural operations face issues with soil, residue, or trash accumulation on ground engaging members, which can impact operations, damage equipment, and affect future operations.

Innovation Solution

A ground engaging member accumulation determination system that uses emitter-detector pairs and electronic processing to sense and respond to accumulation, adjusting operational parameters of implements and vehicles to mitigate accumulation, including alerts and geo-referenced data for future adjustments.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If ground engaging members continuously contact soil during agricultural operations, then operational productivity is maintained, but accumulation of soil and residue on the members occurs causing operational disruptions and equipment damage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational productivityVSAvoidoperational reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system employs sensors (optical, acoustic, or capacitive) that continuously monitor accumulation on ground engaging members and provide real-time feedback signals to the control system. This feedback enables the controller to automatically adjust operational parameters or alert the operator, ensuring productivity is maintained while preventing reliability issues from accumulation-related disruptions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables the agricultural implement to self-monitor and self-adjust regarding accumulation issues. Through automated sensor-based detection and control system responses, the implement can independently manage accumulation problems without requiring constant manual inspection, thereby maintaining both productivity and reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Duration of action of stationary object

If accumulation is detected and operational parameters are adjusted to mitigate accumulation, then equipment lifespan is extended, but operational disruptions occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveequipment lifespanVSAvoidoperational productivity

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of stationary objectVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system applies partial adjustments to operational parameters rather than complete shutdowns. The control system makes incremental modifications to drilling depth, speed, or pattern based on accumulation severity, extending equipment lifespan through preventive action while minimizing disruptions to operational productivity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary detection and adjustment before accumulation causes severe operational disruptions or equipment damage. By continuously monitoring and proactively adjusting parameters when early signs of accumulation appear, the system extends equipment lifespan while maintaining operational continuity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If real-time detection and response systems are implemented, then accumulation-related damage is reduced, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational reliabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system replaces complex mechanical monitoring and adjustment mechanisms with electronic sensors and control systems. Optical, acoustic, or capacitive sensors detect accumulation, and electronic controllers process signals and adjust parameters, reducing mechanical complexity while enhancing reliability through more precise and reliable sensing mechanisms

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The control system is designed to perform multiple functions: detecting accumulation, processing sensor signals, determining appropriate responses, executing parameter adjustments, and providing operator alerts. This multi-functional integration reduces overall system complexity by consolidating multiple subsystems into a single unified control platform

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

The system effectively detects and manages accumulation in real-time, reducing operational disruptions and extending the lifespan of ground engaging members by enabling appropriate responses and optimizing future operations based on historical data.

Implementation Method 1

A sensor mounted to and carried by the implement senses accumulation for an individual ground engaging member

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic radiation interaction: Absorption (EM radiation)

Data Source

PatentUS9405039B2Ground engaging member accumulation determination

Publication Date: 2016.08.02 DEERE & CO

AI summary

A sensor to be mounted to an implement senses a region proximate a flow by ground engaging member of the implement. A electronics receives signals from the sensor and identifies accumulation on the grounding engaging member based upon the signals. The electronics outputs signals based upon the identified accumulation.