Shear Pin Status Monitoring via Orientation Sensors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current agricultural implement configurations make it difficult for operators to detect when shear pins have failed, leading to extensive areas being worked before the issue is discovered, as there is no effective system for monitoring the operational status of shear pins in ground-engaging assemblies.
Innovation Solution
A system that includes orientation sensors and a computing system to monitor the orientation of attachment structures in agricultural implements, determining changes in shear pin operational status by comparing monitored orientations to predetermined ranges or rates of change, and initiating control actions such as notifications or adjustments in response to detected failures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If shear pins are used to protect ground-engaging tools from excessive loading, then tool protection is improved, but the ability to detect pin failure is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors the orientation of the attachment structure using orientation sensors and provides feedback to the computing system. When the shear pin fails, the orientation changes, and this information is fed back to trigger a notification to the operator, enabling real-time detection of pin failure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces direct mechanical indication of shear pin failure with an electronic sensing and computing system. Instead of relying on mechanical signs of failure, the system uses orientation sensors and computational analysis to detect and report pin status electronically.
2Productivity
If extensive field areas are worked before detecting shear pin failure, then productivity is improved, but damage to tools and components is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of shear pin failure conditions by continuously monitoring orientation parameters before significant damage can occur. The computing system analyzes orientation data in real-time and triggers alerts at the first sign of pin failure, enabling preventive action before extensive damage accumulates.
Solution Approach 2:
Real-time feedback from orientation sensors allows the system to immediately detect when a shear pin has failed, providing continuous monitoring that prevents undetected operation and subsequent damage to tools and implement components.
3Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If orientation monitoring systems are added to detect shear pin status, then detection capability is improved, but device complexity is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The orientation sensors serve multiple functions: they monitor the operational status of shear pins, track the position and orientation of ground-engaging tools, and provide data for various control and monitoring functions of the agricultural implement, making the added complexity worthwhile through multi-purpose utility.
Solution Approach 2:
The computing system automatically processes orientation sensor data, compares readings against expected parameters, and generates notifications without requiring additional manual monitoring systems or complex mechanical indication mechanisms, allowing the system to self-monitor its own operational status.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for monitoring the operational status of shear pins for ground-engaging assemblies of agricultural implements includes a ground-engaging assembly including an attachment structure pivotably coupling the ground-engaging assembly 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 also includes an orientation sensor configured to generate data indicative of an orientation of the attachment structure, and a computing system communicatively coupled to the orientation sensor. The computing system is configured to monitor the orientation of the attachment structure and determine a change in an operational status of the shear pin based on detected changes in the monitored orientation of the attachment structure.