Tillage Implement Sensor System for Residue Accumulation Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tillage implements face challenges in monitoring and managing material accumulation, such as crop residue, which can lead to plugging of ground-engaging tools and negatively impact soil productivity, particularly during tillage operations.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that utilizes 3D imaging sensors or ultrasound sensors to monitor material accumulation relative to ground-engaging tools, with a controller estimating the amount of accumulation and executing control actions, such as adjusting tool penetration depth or actuating tools to reduce accumulation, based on predefined thresholds.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If crop residue is left in the field to maintain organic matter and protect soil, then soil health is improved, but ground-engaging tools can become plugged
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses sensors to continuously monitor material accumulation relative to ground-engaging tools and provides feedback to the controller. When accumulation reaches a threshold level, the controller automatically adjusts implement operation to reduce accumulation, creating a closed-loop feedback system that prevents plugging while maintaining acceptable residue levels for soil health
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables the tillage implement to automatically monitor and adjust its own operation without external intervention. The controller uses sensor data to self-regulate the ground-engaging tools, allowing the implement to service itself by preventing plugging conditions before they occur
2Quantity of substance
If excessive crop residue is left in the field, then organic matter content is maintained, but soil productivity is reduced due to slowed warming and seed germination
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the operation of ground-engaging tools based on real-time monitoring of material accumulation. By continuously varying the degree of tillage intensity and residue movement, the system maintains organic matter while preventing excessive residue buildup that would hinder soil warming and germination, thus optimizing productivity
3Measurement precision
If 3D imaging sensors or ultrasound sensors are used to monitor material accumulation, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses 3D imaging sensors or ultrasound sensors as intermediary devices to indirectly measure material accumulation without direct contact with the residue. These sensors capture spatial information about residue distribution and thickness, translating complex physical conditions into measurable data that the controller can process for automated adjustment
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
Effectively reduces material accumulation, preventing tool plugging and maintaining optimal soil conditions by dynamically managing residue flow during tillage operations.
Implementation Method 1
receiving measurement signals from at least one accumulation sensor mounted to the tillage implement during a tillage operation. The measurement signals include a three-dimensional (3D) representation of an environment containing material accumulation relative to one or of the ground-engaging tools
Implementation Method 2
A system and method that utilizes 3D imaging sensors or ultrasound sensors to monitor material accumulation relative to ground-engaging tools
Data Source
AI summary
A method for reducing material accumulation relative to ground-engaging tools of a tillage implement includes receiving measurement signals from at least one accumulation sensor mounted to the tillage implement during a tillage operation. The measurement signals include a three-dimensional (3D) representation of an environment containing material accumulation relative to a plurality ground-engaging tools. The method also includes estimating an amount of material accumulation relative to the plurality of ground-engaging tools based on the 3D representation. Further, the method includes comparing the amount of material accumulation to an accumulation threshold. The material accumulation threshold is indicative of a given degree of material accumulation relative to the plurality of ground-engaging tools. Thus, based on the comparison between the amount of material accumulation and the accumulation threshold, the method includes controlling an operation of at least one component of the tillage implement to execute a control action for reducing the amount of the material accumulation.