Tillage Implement Imaging for Plugging and Damage Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Monitoring the health and function of tillage implements during agricultural operations is challenging due to obscured visibility from soil and dust, and existing methods are limited in detecting plugging or damage, especially in autonomous operations.
Innovation Solution
A method involving sensors to detect tillage events, generate representations of tillage elements engaged and disengaged from the soil, and determine plugging or damage conditions, allowing for corrective actions such as altering the path or operating parameters to prevent further damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the operator visually inspects the implement behind the tractor to detect plugging, then the operator can observe implement conditions, but visibility is obscured by soil, crop residue, and dust making inspection nearly impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/visual inspection system with an optical sensing system. Sensors (cameras, LIDAR, or other imaging devices) mounted on the implement capture images of the tillage elements, and image processing algorithms automatically detect plugging conditions. This substitution eliminates the need for direct visual inspection by the operator through obscured conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary imaging system between the operator and the implement. Instead of directly observing the implement through obscured visibility, the operator receives processed images or alerts from the sensor system that has captured and analyzed the implement conditions, serving as an intermediary that translates obscured physical conditions into clear diagnostic information.
2Loss of information
If the operator monitors engine parameters (RPMs, ground speed, load) to detect plugging, then operational data is available, but the method cannot reliably distinguish plugging from other operational variations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces indirect monitoring of engine parameters with direct imaging of the implement. Instead of inferring plugging conditions from engine RPMs and load variations, the system directly captures images of the tillage elements and uses image processing to detect material accumulation, providing reliable differentiation between plugging and normal operational variations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a visual copy (image) of the implement conditions and processes this copy to detect plugging. The imaging system captures a representation of the actual implement state, and image processing algorithms analyze this copy to identify plugging conditions, allowing reliable detection without directly interfering with the operational system.
3Measurement precision
If sensors are used to detect plugging conditions, then detection capability is improved, but the sensors must be mounted on the moving implement where they are exposed to harsh environmental conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs sensors that are self-contained and ruggedized for autonomous operation in harsh environments. The imaging devices and processing systems are designed to withstand exposure to soil, moisture, and mechanical vibrations, performing self-service detection without requiring protection from the operational environment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent positions the imaging sensors as intermediaries that can be mounted on the implement but are protected from direct exposure to the harshest conditions. The sensors capture images through the operational environment without being directly contaminated or damaged by soil and moisture, serving as a protected intermediary detection system.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method of operating an implement carrying tillage elements in an agricultural field includes traversing the field with the implement while the tillage elements engage soil of the field, detecting a tillage event based on an operating parameter, recording a location of the tillage event with at least one computer, stopping the implement within the field in response to the tillage event, and generating a first representation of the tillage elements engaged with the soil. The first representation is generated with information from at least one sensor. The tillage elements are lifted to disengage the tillage elements from the soil, and a second representation of the tillage elements disengaged from the soil is generated. The implement is backed rearward through the field with the tillage elements disengaged from the soil, and a third representation of a portion of the soil worked by the tillage elements is generated.