Sensing Arm Detects Material Accumulation Between Tillage Tools
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Solution Overview
Problem
During tillage operations, material accumulation between adjacent ground engaging tools of agricultural implements can inhibit tool operation, making it difficult for operators to detect when accumulation occurs.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a sensing arm aligned with the space between ground engaging tools, which is displaceable by material accumulation, and a sensor to detect this displacement, with a controller analyzing the data to determine material accumulation and initiate corrective actions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If ground engaging tools are spaced apart to define open space, then tool operation and soil engagement are improved, but material accumulation between tools occurs which inhibits operation
Solution Approach 1:
The sensing arm is positioned in advance between the ground engaging tools to detect material accumulation before it significantly impacts tool operation. This preliminary detection allows operators to take corrective action before tillage effectiveness is compromised, maintaining both productivity and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensing arm acts as an intermediary element positioned between the ground engaging tools and the material flow. It detects material accumulation without interfering with the primary tillage function, providing information about conditions between the tools without disrupting tool operation or soil engagement.
2Measurement precision
If sensors are used to monitor ground engaging tool position, then tool displacement can be detected, but material accumulation between tools cannot be determined
Solution Approach 1:
The monitoring function is segmented into two separate sensing systems: existing sensors monitor tool position and displacement, while the new sensing arm specifically monitors material accumulation between tools. This segmentation allows each sensor system to specialize in detecting its specific parameter without interference, providing comprehensive information about both tool position and material accumulation conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensing arm serves as an intermediary detection element that fills the information gap between existing position sensors and the actual material accumulation condition. It provides the missing data about material presence between tools that the position sensors cannot detect, completing the monitoring picture without disrupting existing position monitoring capabilities.
3Measurement precision
If sensing arm is positioned to detect material accumulation, then accumulation detection is improved, but sensing arm may engage ground and cause false readings
Solution Approach 1:
The sensing arm is designed with specific local qualities: it is positioned at a height and angle where it can detect material accumulation between the tools while its geometry and mounting ensure it clears the ground surface. The sensing arm's dimensions, orientation, and mounting location are specifically optimized to provide detection capability without ground engagement, eliminating false readings while maintaining accumulation detection precision.
Data Source
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AI summary
A system for determining material accumulation relative to ground engaging tools of an agricultural implement includes a frame member extending along a first direction, first and second ground engaging tools coupled to the frame member, a sensing arm, a sensor, and a controller. The first and second ground engaging tools are spaced apart from each other in the first direction such that an open space is defined between the first and second ground engaging tools. The sensing arm is aligned with the open space defined between the first and second ground engaging tools and is displaceable, with the sensor being configured to detect displacement of the sensing arm. The controller is configured to monitor the displacement based at least in part on data received from the sensor to determine a presence of material accumulation between the first and second ground engaging tools.