Tillage Disk Plugging Detection via Dynamic Load Thresholds
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems struggle to accurately detect disk plugging during tillage operations, making it difficult for operators to determine when disks are plugged and necessitating corrective actions.
Innovation Solution
A tillage implement equipped with load sensors and a computing system that determines a minimum load threshold based on field conditions, allowing for real-time detection of disk plugging by comparing actual draft loads against the threshold.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If load sensors and computing systems are added to detect disk plugging, then detection accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical detection systems with a computing system that uses load sensor data combined with field condition information (soil type, moisture, residue) to detect disk plugging. The computing system calculates expected load values based on field conditions and compares them with actual load sensor readings, substituting mechanical complexity with computational analysis.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the detection parameter from simple load threshold comparison to a dynamic model that considers multiple field conditions (soil type, moisture content, residue coverage). By changing from a fixed parameter approach to a multi-parameter dynamic model, the system achieves higher detection accuracy while managing complexity through integrated computation.
2Device complexity
If simple load threshold comparison is used, then device complexity is reduced, but detection accuracy deteriorates due to varying field conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary actions by collecting and analyzing field condition information (soil type, moisture, residue) before making plugging detection decisions. The computing system pre-calculates expected load values based on these conditions, allowing for more accurate real-time detection without requiring complex real-time analysis during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by continuously comparing actual load sensor readings with expected load values calculated from field conditions. The system uses this feedback loop to dynamically adjust detection thresholds and provide accurate plugging detection that adapts to changing field conditions, maintaining high accuracy without excessive complexity.
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
The system provides accurate and timely detection of disk plugging, enabling operators to take corrective actions to prevent operational inefficiencies and improve tillage performance.
Implementation Method 1
a load sensor configured to generate data indicative of a draft load being applied to the frame by the plurality of disks
Data Source
AI summary
A system for detecting disk plugging on a tillage implement includes a plurality of disks supported by the frame of the implement. Additionally, the system includes a load sensor configured to generate data indicative of the draft load being applied to the frame by the plurality of disks. Moreover, the system includes a computing system communicatively coupled to the load sensor. The computing system is configured to access an input indicative of the condition of the field and determine a minimum load threshold value indicative of plugging of one or more disks based on the condition of the field. Furthermore, the computing system is configured to determine the draft load based on the load sensor data. Moreover, the computing system is configured to determine when one or more disks are plugged based on the determined draft load and the determined minimum load threshold value.