Agricultural Implement Levelness Monitoring via Tool Speed Differential

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Solution Overview

Problem

Farmers face challenges in monitoring the levelness of agricultural implements during tillage operations, leading to uneven field preparation and reduced agricultural performance, as visual assessment is difficult and manual adjustments are time-consuming and repetitive.

Innovation Solution

A system and method using rotational speed sensors on ground-engaging tools to detect speed differentials, with a controller identifying levelness states and initiating adjustments through actuators to maintain optimal implement alignment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If the operator continuously monitors the implement performance visually, then the levelness can be assessed, but the operator cannot assess the performance accurately and adjustments are time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelevelness assessment accuracyVSAvoidadjustment time

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the manual visual assessment mechanism with an automated sensor-based detection system. Rotational speed sensors mounted on the implement measure the rotational speeds of ground-engaging tools, and a processor automatically compares these speeds to determine if the implement is level, eliminating the need for operator visual assessment and reducing adjustment time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables the implement to self-monitor its own levelness condition through embedded sensors and processing capabilities. The implement automatically detects its operational state and can trigger alerts or adjustments without requiring continuous external operator intervention, allowing for timely corrections during field operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If manual adjustments are made frequently, then the levelness can be maintained, but the productivity is reduced due to repetitive adjustments

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelevelness maintenanceVSAvoidtillage operation efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback system where rotational speed sensors continuously monitor the implement's levelness condition, and the processor provides real-time information about the implement's operational state. This feedback loop allows for timely adjustments based on actual conditions rather than repeated manual checks, maintaining reliability while improving productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary detection of levelness conditions before significant deviations occur. By continuously monitoring rotational speeds and comparing them against reference values, the system can identify and alert operators to emerging levelness issues, allowing for proactive adjustments that prevent uneven field preparation rather than requiring repeated corrective actions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Measurement precision

If rotational speed sensors are installed on multiple tools, then the levelness detection accuracy is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelevelness detection accuracyVSAvoidsensor system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the levelness detection function into multiple independent sensor units mounted on different ground-engaging tools. Each sensor independently measures rotational speed at its location, and the processor integrates these distributed measurements to determine overall implement levelness. This segmentation approach improves detection accuracy by sampling multiple points while keeping each sensor unit simple and modular.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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

Automatically monitors and adjusts the levelness of agricultural implements in real-time, improving the quality of tillage operations by ensuring even soil engagement and reducing manual intervention.

Implementation Method 1

a first rotational speed sensor configured to detect a rotational speed of the first tool and a second rotational speed sensor configured to detect a rotational speed of the second tool

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRotational speed detection:

Data Source

PatentUS11284555B2System and method for monitoring the levelness of an agricultural implement

Publication Date: 2022.03.29 CNH IND CANADA

AI summary

A system for monitoring the levelness of an agricultural implement may include first and second tools rotatably supported on the agricultural implement, with the first and second tools being spaced apart from each other in at least one of a longitudinal direction or a lateral direction of the agricultural implement. The system may further include a first rotational speed sensor configured to detect a rotational speed of the first tool and a second rotational speed sensor configured to detect a rotational speed of the second tool. Additionally, the system may include a controller communicatively coupled to the first and second rotational speed sensors, with the controller being configured to identify a levelness state of at least a portion of the agricultural implement based at least in part on the rotational speeds of the first and second tools.