Tillage Implement Penetration Depth Monitoring via Soil Density

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional systems for monitoring the penetration depths of ground engaging tools in tillage implements are often inaccurate, leading to uneven seedbed formation during agricultural tillage operations.

Innovation Solution

A system comprising sensors and a controller that determine the penetration depth of ground engaging tools by measuring the change in soil density using data from sensors positioned before and after tool engagement, allowing for real-time adjustment of operational parameters to maintain a uniform seedbed.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If conventional monitoring systems are used for penetration depth, then the system is simple, but the measurement precision is poor leading to inaccurate penetration depth data

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepenetration depth measurement accuracyVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The monitoring system is divided into multiple independent sensor units positioned at different locations (forward and aft of the implement). Each sensor independently measures soil density at its specific location, and the controller segments the data processing to calculate penetration depth for each ground engaging tool individually, improving overall measurement precision without requiring a single complex integrated sensor

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Soil density measurement serves as an intermediary parameter to indirectly determine penetration depth. Rather than directly measuring penetration depth which is difficult, the system measures soil density changes caused by the tools and uses this intermediate data to calculate penetration depth, achieving accurate measurements through a feasible indirect measurement approach

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If ground engaging tools penetrate to varying depths, then the tillage implement can adapt to different soil conditions, but the seedbed uniformity deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptation to soil conditionsVSAvoidseedbed depth uniformity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system continuously monitors soil density and penetration depth in real-time during field operations. The controller receives ongoing data from sensors positioned forward and aft of the implement, compares measured penetration depths against target values, and provides feedback that enables adjustment of operational parameters to maintain uniform seedbed depth while adapting to varying soil conditions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The monitoring system enables dynamic adjustment of tillage operations. By continuously measuring penetration depth and soil density during movement across the field, the system allows real-time adaptation to changing soil conditions while maintaining consistent seedbed quality through operational parameter adjustments

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Manufacturing precision

If real-time monitoring of penetration depth is implemented, then the seedbed uniformity is improved, but the use of energy increases due to additional sensors and data processing

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveseedbed depth uniformityVSAvoidenergy consumption for monitoring

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system replaces direct mechanical measurement of penetration depth with electronic sensor-based soil density measurement. Electronic sensors and digital data processing consume less energy than mechanical measurement systems would require, enabling real-time monitoring while minimizing additional energy consumption

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS11041716B2System and method for monitoring operational parameters associated with a tillage implement during the performance of a field operation

Publication Date: 2021.06.22 BLUE LEAF I P INC

AI summary

In one aspect, a system for monitoring operational parameters associated with a tillage implement may include a first sensor configured to detect data indicative of a first distance between an implement frame forward of a ground engaging tool and a soil surface prior to engagement of the soil by the tool. The system may also include a second sensor configured to detect data indicative of a second distance between the frame aft of the tool and the soil surface following engagement of the soil by the tool. A controller of the system may be configured to determine a soil density change caused by engagement of the soil by the tool based on the first and second distances. Furthermore, the controller may be configured to determine a penetration depth of the tool based at least in part on the determined change in the soil density.