Sensor Detection of Field Material Accumulation Between Rotating Tillage Components
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Solution Overview
Problem
Farmers face difficulties in detecting accumulations of field materials between rotating ground engaging components of agricultural implements, which inhibit tillage operations and require manual intervention for correction.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising sensors and a controller that detect field materials within defined zones between rotating components, determining parameters associated with accumulations and initiating control actions such as adjusting operating parameters or removing trapped materials.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If sensors and controllers are added to detect field material accumulations, then detection capability and operational awareness are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical inspection methods with automated sensor-based detection systems. Sensors (optical, acoustic, or other detection devices) automatically monitor the space between ground engaging components, eliminating the need for manual checking and providing continuous real-time detection of field material accumulations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-monitoring and self-alerting functionality where the sensor system automatically detects accumulations and notifies the operator through the controller. This allows the implement to monitor its own operational status without requiring constant manual intervention, improving detection capability while managing complexity through automation.
2Reliability
If manual inspection is performed to remove accumulated field materials, then operational control is maintained, but time loss and productivity reduction occur
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor system performs preliminary detection of field material accumulations before they severely impact operational effectiveness. By continuously monitoring and alerting operators early in the accumulation process, the system enables timely intervention to remove materials, preventing more significant productivity losses and reducing the frequency of required inspections.
Solution Approach 2:
The system establishes a feedback loop where sensors continuously monitor the operational state, the controller processes this information, and operators receive real-time alerts. This feedback mechanism maintains operational control by providing continuous information about accumulation status, allowing operators to respond appropriately without needing to perform manual inspections.
3Productivity
If ground engaging components rotate at high speed for efficient tillage, then productivity is improved, but accumulation of field materials increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor system provides real-time feedback about field material accumulations to the operator, enabling monitoring of the relationship between rotation speed and material accumulation. This feedback allows operators to adjust operational parameters or intervene when accumulations reach levels that would reduce productivity, maintaining optimal tillage efficiency while managing material accumulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables dynamic adjustment of operational parameters based on real-time accumulation detection. When sensors detect significant field material accumulations, operators can temporarily reduce rotation speed or adjust implement positioning to prevent further accumulation, then resume high-speed operation once cleared, optimizing the balance between productivity and accumulation prevention.
Data Source
AI summary
In one aspect, a system for detecting accumulations of field materials between ground engaging components of an agricultural implement may include first and second ground engaging components configured to rotate relative to soil within a field as the implement is moved across the field. The first and second ground engaging components may be spaced apart from each other along an axial direction of the shaft. The system may also include a sensor configured to detect field materials within a detection zone defined directly between the first and second ground engaging components and above the axis of rotation in a vertical direction of the agricultural implement. Furthermore, the system may include a controller communicatively coupled to the sensor, with the controller configured to determine a parameter associated with an accumulation of the field materials between the first and second ground engaging components based on data received from the sensor.