Agricultural implement plug detection

Patent metadata

Field	Value
Publication number	US-9485900-B2
Application number	US-201414499294-A
Country	US
Kind code	B2
Filing date	Sep 29, 2014
Priority date	Sep 29, 2014
Publication date	Nov 8, 2016
Grant date	Nov 8, 2016

Abstract

A plug detection system for an agricultural implement with a ground-engaging tool may include a rotational speed sensor, a ground speed sensing system, and a controller. The rotational speed sensor may be configured to detect a rotational speed of the ground-engaging tool. The ground speed sensing system may be configured to detect a ground speed of the agricultural implement. The controller may be in communication with the rotational speed sensor and the ground speed sensing system and may be configured to determine a threshold rotational speed based on the ground speed and send an alert signal when the rotational speed is below the threshold rotational speed.

First claim

What is claimed is:

1. A plug detection system for an agricultural implement comprising a ground-engaging tool, the plug detection system comprising:
a rotational speed sensor configured to detect a rotational speed of the ground-engaging tool;
a ground speed sensing system configured to detect a ground speed of the agricultural implement; and
a controller in communication with the rotational speed sensor and the ground speed sensing system, the controller configured to:
determine a threshold rotational speed based on the ground speed; and
send an alert signal when the rotational speed is below the threshold rotational speed.

2. The plug detection system of claim 1 , further comprising a magnet connected to the ground-engaging tool so as to rotate with the ground-engaging tool, wherein the rotational speed sensor is connected to the implement so as not to rotate with the ground-engaging tool and wherein the rotational speed sensor is configured to detect the rotational speed of the ground-engaging tool by detecting the passage of the magnet as the ground-engaging tool rotates.

3. The agricultural implement of claim 1 , wherein the threshold rotational speed is substantially proportional to the ground speed.

4. The plug detection system of claim 1 , further comprising an operator interface in communication with the controller and configured to provide an audio, visual, or haptic alarm to an operator based on receipt of the alert signal.

5. The plug detection system of claim 1 , wherein the ground-engaging tool is at least one of a disk gang or a rolling basket.

6. The plug detection system of claim 1 , wherein the agricultural implement comprises an adjustment device configured to adjust the downward force exerted by the ground-engaging tool, and the controller is configured to send a command signal to actuate the adjustment device when the rotational speed is below the threshold rotational speed.

Assignees

• Deere & Co

Inventors

• Connell Richard Joseph
• Anderson Noel Wayne
• Casper Robert Thomas

Classifications

• A01B21/08

  with disc-like tools · CPC title

• A01B63/24

  Tools or tool-holders adjustable relatively to the frame · CPC title

• A01B76/00 Primary

  Parts, details or accessories of agricultural machines or implements, not provided for in groups A01B51/00 - A01B75/00 · CPC title

• A01B63/112 Primary

  to control draught load, i.e. tractive force · CPC title

• A01B29/06

  with special additional arrangements · CPC title