Agricultural Implement Ground Engaging Tool Float Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Agricultural implement ground engaging tools often experience float events due to firm or compacted soil, leading to uneven seedbeds, as existing technologies lack effective monitoring and correction mechanisms.

Innovation Solution

A system and method that includes sensors and controllers to monitor the position of ground engaging tools relative to the implement frame, detect float events by comparing displacement times to thresholds, and adjust down pressure using fluid-driven actuators to maintain optimal soil penetration depth.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If ground engaging tools are pivotally coupled with biasing elements to maintain predetermined depth, then the tools can pivot out of the way of rocks or impediments, but the tools may pivot over extended periods due to firm soil, resulting in float events and uneven seedbeds

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to pivot around impedimentsVSAvoidmaintainance of soil penetration depth

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system employs sensors to continuously monitor the position of ground engaging tools and provides feedback to a controller. When float events are detected (tool displacement exceeding a threshold for a predetermined time period), the controller activates fluid-driven actuators to apply corrective downforce, creating a closed-loop feedback system that maintains reliable depth penetration while preserving the ability to adapt to field conditions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces purely mechanical biasing elements (springs) with a hybrid system that incorporates fluid-driven actuators controlled by electronic sensors and a controller. This substitution allows for dynamic adjustment of downforce based on real-time position data, enabling the system to distinguish between temporary displacements due to impediments and sustained float events, thereby maintaining both adaptability and reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Manufacturing precision

If sensors and controllers are added to detect and correct float events, then uniform seedbed quality is achieved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuniformity of seedbedVSAvoidsystem components

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system is designed to automatically detect float events and correct them without requiring operator intervention. The sensors continuously monitor tool position, the controller autonomously determines when float events occur by comparing displacement duration against threshold values, and the fluid-driven actuators automatically apply corrective downforce, creating a self-regulating system that maintains uniform seedbed quality while minimizing the need for complex manual control mechanisms

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

Effectively detects and mitigates ground engaging tool float events, ensuring a uniform seedbed by automatically adjusting the down pressure on the tools, thereby improving soil cultivation efficiency and quality.

Implementation Method 1

a pressure sensor provided in operative association with the fluid-driven actuator. The pressure sensor may be configured to detect the fluid pressure associated with the fluid-driven actuator. The fluid pressure may be indicative of a current position of the ground engaging tool relative to the frame

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluid pressure: Pressure Increase

Implementation Method 2

Tillage implements may also include biasing elements, such as springs, configured to exert biasing forces on the ground engaging tools. This configuration may allow the ground engaging tools to maintain the particular depth of soil penetration as the agricultural work vehicle pulls the tillage implement through the field

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSpring biasing force: Spring

Implementation Method 3

adjust down pressure using fluid-driven actuators to maintain optimal soil penetration depth

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluid-driven actuation: Hydraulic Press

Data Source

PatentUS11259454B2System and method for detecting ground engaging tool float for an agricultural implement

Publication Date: 2022.03.01 INC BLUE LEAF I

AI summary

In one aspect, a system for detecting ground engaging tool float for an agricultural implement may include an implement having a ground engaging tool pivotally coupled to a frame and a biasing element coupled between the frame and the ground engaging tool. The biasing element may be configured to bias the ground engaging tool to a predetermined ground engaging tool position relative to the frame. The system may also include a sensor configured to detect a parameter indicative of a current position of the ground engaging tool relative to the frame. Additionally, the system may include a controller configured to monitor the current position of the ground engaging tool based on measurement signals received from the sensor and identify a time period across which the ground engaging tool is displaced from the predetermined ground engaging tool position. The controller may be further configured to compare the identified time period to a threshold time period to determine when a ground engaging tool float event is occurring during operation of the implement.