Ground-Engaging Tool Plug Detection Using Moisture-Tuned Wireless Signals

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Solution Overview

Problem

Farmers face difficulty in detecting plugging conditions of ground-engaging tools on agricultural implements, such as rolling basket assemblies, due to material accumulation, which affects tool performance during tillage operations.

Innovation Solution

A system using wireless signal transmission devices and targets, like RFID tags, to monitor plugging by detecting signal attenuation, with a computing system adjusting output frequency based on soil moisture to accurately determine plugged conditions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Difficulty of detecting and measuring

If wireless signal transmission is used to monitor plugging conditions, then detection capability is improved, but false positives occur due to soil moisture interference

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveplugging condition detectionVSAvoiddetection accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Difficulty of detecting and measuringVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts the output frequency of the wireless signal transmission device based on detected soil moisture levels. When soil moisture is high, the system modifies the transmission frequency to compensate for signal attenuation, ensuring accurate plugging detection without false positives. This parameter adaptation resolves the contradiction by maintaining detection reliability across varying environmental conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Device complexity

If operator visually inspects ground-engaging tools from the cab, then system complexity is minimized, but detection precision deteriorates due to inability to observe material accumulation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemonitoring systemVSAvoidplugging condition detection

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system replaces the mechanical/visual inspection method with a wireless signal-based detection system. A signal transmission device and target assembly automatically monitor plugging conditions by detecting signal attenuation, eliminating the need for operator visual inspection. This substitution significantly improves detection precision while maintaining acceptable system complexity through automated sensing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The ground-engaging tool assembly performs self-diagnosis by incorporating the target assembly that automatically detects plugging conditions through wireless signal interaction. The system monitors its own operational status without requiring external operator intervention, enabling continuous automated detection of material accumulation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Measurement precision

If wireless signal frequency is adjusted based on moisture data, then detection accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveplugging condition detectionVSAvoidfrequency adjustment system

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements a feedback loop where soil moisture sensors continuously monitor environmental conditions and provide data to the signal transmission device. Based on this feedback, the system automatically adjusts the output frequency to compensate for moisture-induced signal attenuation. This closed-loop control improves detection accuracy while managing complexity through automated feedback-based parameter adjustment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

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 effectively identifies plugging conditions, reducing false positives and increasing productivity by minimizing unnecessary inspections and improving tool performance.

Implementation Method 1

determine when the ground-engaging tool is experiencing a plugged condition based at least in part on an attenuation parameter of the wireless signals transmitted by the signal transmission device at the adjusted output frequency and received by the target

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSignal attenuation: Absorption (EM radiation)

Implementation Method 2

adjust an output frequency for the signal transmission device to transmit the wireless signals from a current output frequency to an adjusted output frequency based at least in part on the moisture data

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFrequency adjustment based on moisture:

Data Source

PatentUS12560560B2Agricultural system and method for monitoring plugging of ground-engaging tools of an agricultural implement

Publication Date: 2026.02.24 CNH INDUSTRIAL AMERICA LLC

AI summary

An agricultural system for monitoring plugging of a ground-engaging tool of an agricultural implement includes a signal transmission device configured to transmit wireless signals and a target provided in operative association with the ground-engaging tool, with the target being configured to receive the wireless signals transmitted from the signal transmission device. Additionally, the agricultural system includes a computing system configured to receive moisture data indicative of a moisture content within the field, adjust an output frequency for the signal transmission device to transmit the wireless signals from a current output frequency to an adjusted output frequency based at least in part on the moisture data, and determine when the ground-engaging tool is experiencing a plugged condition based at least in part on an attenuation parameter of the wireless signals transmitted by the signal transmission device at the adjusted output frequency and received by the target.