Shear Pin Failure Detection Linkage for Agricultural Tools
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current agricultural implement configurations make it difficult for operators to detect when a shear pin has failed, leading to inefficient tillage operations and reduced yields.
Innovation Solution
A system that includes an operator notification member and a linkage, which moves the notification member from a non-triggered to a triggered position upon shear pin failure, allowing for easy identification by the operator.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a shear pin is used to protect the ground-engaging tool from excessive loading, then the tool is protected from damage, but the operator cannot easily detect when the shear pin has failed
Solution Approach 1:
A notification member is introduced as an intermediary element that indirectly indicates the status of the shear pin. The notification member is coupled to the ground-engaging tool through a linkage system that translates the tool's position changes (caused by shear pin failure) into a visible notification state, allowing the operator to detect failure without directly observing the shear pin itself
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides visual feedback to the operator about the operational status of the ground-engaging tool. When the shear pin fails and the tool shifts position, the notification member responds by changing its position or orientation, creating a feedback loop that informs the operator of the failure condition without requiring direct inspection of the shear pin
2Adaptability or versatility
If the ground-engaging tool is allowed to pivot freely to avoid rocks, then the tool is protected from damage, but the operator cannot determine when the shear pin has failed
Solution Approach 1:
The notification member serves as an intermediary that translates the free-pivoting motion of the ground-engaging tool into a detectable signal. When the tool pivots due to shear pin failure, the linkage system transfers this motion to the notification member, which then displays the failure condition to the operator
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of trying to detect shear pin failure directly through the tool's motion, the system inverts the approach by using the tool's motion to actuate a separate notification device. The failure detection is achieved by observing the notification member's state rather than the tool's state directly
3Productivity
If an extensive portion of the field is worked before discovering broken shear pins, then the operation continues, but subsequent field operations and yields are negatively affected
Solution Approach 1:
The notification member provides continuous feedback about the operational status of the shear pin, allowing the operator to immediately detect failure and stop the operation. This prevents the continuation of ineffective tillage that would otherwise degrade subsequent operation quality and reduce yields
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables rapid detection and response to shear pin failure, allowing the operator to quickly skip past the failure event and replace the shear pin. This minimizes the time lost and prevents the accumulation of damage that would affect subsequent operations
Data Source
AI summary
A system for identifying a failed shear pin of a ground-engaging system of an agricultural implement may include a ground-engaging system having an attachment structure coupled to a frame of an agricultural implement, a ground-engaging tool pivotably coupled to the attachment structure at a pivot joint, and a shear pin at least partially extending through the attachment structure and the ground-engaging tool to prevent pivoting of the ground-engaging tool about the pivot joint. The system may further include an operator notification member provided in association with the ground-engaging system and movable between a non-triggered position and a triggered position. Additionally, the system may include a linkage that, upon failure of the shear pin, allows the operator notification member to be moved from the non-triggered position to the triggered position.