SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DETECTING DISK BLADE BEARING FAILURE ON AN AGRICULTURAL IMPLEMENT

An agricultural implement includes a disk blade assembly including a hanger, a first disk blade, and a second disk blade. Furthermore, the agricultural implement includes a fastener coupling the hanger to a frame member of the agricultural implement. Additionally, the agricultural implement includes a first load sensor configured to generate data indicative of a first load applied to the fastener at a forward side of the frame member by the disk blade assembly. Moreover, the agricultural implement includes a second load sensor configured to generate data indicative of a second load applied to the fastener at the aft side of the frame member by the disk blade assembly. In addition, the agricultural implement includes a computing system configured to determine when at least one of a first disk blade bearing or a second disk blade bearing has failed based on the data generated by the first and second load sensors.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure generally relates to agricultural implements and, more particularly, to a system and a method for detecting disk blade bearing failure on an agricultural implement.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

It is well known that, to attain the best agricultural performance from a piece of land, a farmer must cultivate the soil, typically through a tillage operation. Common tillage operations include plowing, harrowing, and sub-soiling. Modern farmers perform these tillage operations by pulling a tillage implement behind an agricultural work vehicle, such as a tractor. Depending on the crop selection and the soil conditions, a farmer may need to perform several tillage operations at different times over a crop cycle to properly cultivate the land to suit the crop choice.

In some configurations, a tillage implement includes a plurality of disk blades, such as leveling blades, supported on its frame. Each disk blade includes one or more bearings that couple the disk blade to a hanger and allow the disk blade to easily rotate relative to the soil. As such, as the tillage implement travels across the field to perform a tillage operation thereon, the disk blades rotate relative to the soil to flatten soil ridges created by a plurality of shanks supported on the tillage implement frame.

After repeated tillage operations and disk blade use, the disk blade bearings may begin to wear and eventually fail/stop working. A failed bearing may hinder the disk blade from rotating or prevent the disk blade from rotating entirely. A failed disk blade bearing may, in turn, negatively impact the quality of the tillage operation being performed and should be replaced as soon as possible. Unfortunately, it can be difficult for an operator to notice a disk blade bearing failure during a tillage operation as the frame and/or the wheels of the tillage implement and/or the associated agricultural work vehicle may block the operator's view of the disk blades.

Accordingly, a system and method for detecting disk blade bearing failure on an agricultural implement would be welcomed in the technology.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one aspect, the present subject matter is directed to an agricultural implement. The agricultural implement includes a frame extending in a longitudinal direction between a forward end of the frame and an aft end of the frame. The frame further extends in a lateral direction between a first side of the frame and a second side of the frame. Furthermore, the frame includes a frame member. Additionally, the agricultural implement includes a disk blade assembly supported on the frame, with the disk blade assembly including a hanger coupled to the frame member and a first disk blade and a second disk blade rotatably coupled to the hanger. Moreover, the agricultural implement includes a fastener coupling the hanger to the frame member. In addition, the agricultural implement includes a first load sensor in operative association with the fastener, with the first load sensor configured to generate data indicative of a first load being applied to the fastener at a forward side of the frame by the disk blade assembly. Furthermore, the agricultural implement includes a second load sensor in operative association with the fastener, with the second load sensor configured to generate data indicative of a second load being applied to the fastener at an aft side of the frame by the disk blade assembly. Additionally, the agricultural implement includes a computing system communicatively coupled to the first and second load sensors. In this respect, the computing system is configured to determine when at least one of a first disk blade bearing or a second disk blade bearing has failed based on the data generated by the first and second load sensors.

In another aspect, the present subject matter is directed to a system for detecting disk blade bearing failure on an agricultural implement. The system includes a disk blade assembly configured to be supported on a frame member of a frame of the agricultural implement. The frame, in turn, extends in a longitudinal direction between a forward end of the frame and an aft end of the frame. The frame further extends in a lateral direction between a first side of the frame and a second side of the frame. Furthermore, the disk blade assembly includes a hanger coupled to the frame member and a first disk blade and a second disk blade rotatably coupled to the hanger. Additionally, the system includes a fastener configured to couple the hanger to the frame member. Moreover, the system includes a first load sensor in operative association with the fastener, with the first load sensor configured to generate data indicative of a first load being applied to the fastener at a forward side of the frame by the disk blade assembly. In addition, the system includes a second load sensor in operative association with the fastener, with the second load sensor configured to generate data indicative of a second load being applied to the fastener at an aft side of the frame by the disk blade assembly. Furthermore, the system includes a computing system communicatively coupled to the first and second load sensors. As such, the computing system is configured to determine when at least one of a first disk blade bearing or a second disk blade bearing has failed based on the data generated by the first and second load sensors.

In a further aspect, the present subject matter is directed to a method for detecting disk blade bearing failure on an agricultural implement. The agricultural implement, in turn, includes a disk blade assembly supported on a frame member of the agricultural implement, with the disk blade assembly including a hanger and a first disk blade and a second disk blade rotatably coupled to the hanger. The agricultural implement further includes a fastener coupling the hanger to the frame member. The method includes receiving, with a computing system, first load sensor data indicative of a first load being applied to the fastener at a forward side of the frame by the disk blade assembly. Furthermore, the method includes receiving, with the computing system, second load sensor data indicative of a second load being applied to the fastener at an aft side of the frame by the disk blade assembly. Additionally, the method includes determining, with the computing system, when at least one of a first disk blade bearing or a second disk blade bearing has failed based on the received first and second load sensor data. Moreover, the method includes initiating, with the computing system, a control action when it is determined that at least one of the first disk blade bearing or the second disk blade bearing has failed.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In general, the present subject matter is directed to a system and a method for detecting disk blade bearing failure on an agricultural implement. As will be described below, the agricultural implement includes a disk blade assembly supported on its frame. The disk blade assembly, in turn, includes a hanger and a first disk blade rotatably coupled to the hanger via a first disk blade bearing, and a second disk blade rotatably coupled to the hanger via a second disk blade bearing. Furthermore, the agricultural implement includes a fastener (e.g., U-bolt) coupling the hanger to the frame. For example, the fastener may extend in a longitudinal direction across the top surface of a frame member from a forward side of the frame member to an aft side of the frame member.

In several embodiments, a computing system of the disclosed system is configured to determine when at least one of a first disk blade bearing or a second disk blade bearing has failed based on the loads applied to the fastener. Specifically, in such embodiments, the system includes a first load sensor configured to generate data indicative of a first load being applied to the fastener at a forward side of the frame by the disk blade assembly. Additionally, the system includes a second load sensor configured to generate data indicative of a second load being applied to the fastener at an aft side of the frame by the disk blade assembly. In this respect, the computing system is configured to receive the data generated by the first and second load sensors during operation of the agricultural implement. Moreover, the computing system is configured to determine when at least one of a first disk blade bearing or a second disk blade bearing has failed based on received sensor data. For example, in some embodiments, the computing system may determine first and second magnitudes of the first and second loads acting on the fastener in the longitudinal direction based on the received sensor data. As such, the computing system may determine a differential load between the first and second magnitudes. Thereafter, when the differential load falls below a threshold value, the computing system may determine that the first disk blade bearing has failed. Conversely, when the differential load exceeds the threshold value, the computing system may determine that the second disk blade bearing has failed.

Determining when the disk blade bearings of an agricultural implement have failed based on the loads applied to the fasteners coupling the associated disk blade assembly(ies) to the frame improves the operation of the agricultural implement. More specifically, during normal, unworn/unfailed operation of a disk blade bearing, the forces applied to the fasteners coupling the associated disk blade assembly(ies) to the frame are oriented downward in the vertical direction. However, when a disk blade with a failed disk blade bearing moves through the soil, horizontal forces in the longitudinal direction are exerted on the fasteners. The magnitude and the direction of such forces in the longitudinal direction are indicative of the direction and severity of the wear or failure. As such, by monitoring the loads being applied to the fasteners coupling the disk blade assembly(ies) of an agricultural implement to its frame, the disclosed system and method can automatically determine when the disk blade bearings of the agricultural implement have failed. Thus, the disclosed system and method can notify the operator and/or initiate other control actions (e.g., reducing ground speed) immediately upon failure of a disk blade bearing and without the need for the operator to notice such failure, thereby improving the quality of the operation being performed by the agricultural implement.

Referring now to the drawings,FIG.1illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of an agricultural implement10and an associated agricultural work vehicle12in accordance with aspects of the present subject matter. In general, the agricultural implement10is configured to be towed across a field by the agricultural work vehicle12in a direction of travel (indicated by arrow14). For example, in one embodiment, the agricultural implement10is configured as a tillage implement (e.g., a disk ripper) and the agricultural work vehicle12is configured as an agricultural tractor. However, in other embodiments, the agricultural implement10may be configured as any other suitable agricultural implement, such as another type of tillage implement, a seeder, planter, nutrient applicator, etc. Similarly, the agricultural work vehicle12may be configured as any other suitable agricultural work vehicle, such as an agricultural harvester, a self-propelled sprayer, etc.

As shown, the agricultural work vehicle12includes a pair of front track assemblies16, a pair of rear track assemblies18, and a frame or chassis20coupled to and supported by the track assemblies16,18. However, in other embodiments, the agricultural work vehicle12may include any other type of traction devices, such as wheels or tires. An operator's cab22may be supported by a portion of the chassis20and may house various input devices (e.g., a user interface) for permitting an operator to control the operation of one or more components of the agricultural work vehicle12and/or one or more components of the agricultural implement10. Furthermore, the agricultural work vehicle12includes an engine24and a transmission26mounted on the chassis20. The transmission26may be operably coupled to the engine24and may provide variably adjusted gear ratios for transferring engine power to the track assemblies16,18via a drive axle assembly (not shown) (or via axles if multiple drive axles are employed).

Additionally, the agricultural implement10includes a frame28configured to be towed by the agricultural work vehicle12via a pull hitch or tow bar30in the direction of travel14. As shown, the frame28extends in a longitudinal direction32between a forward end34of the frame28and an aft end36of the frame28. The frame28also extends in a lateral direction38between a first side40of the frame28and a second side42of the frame28. In general, the frame28may include a plurality of frame members44, such as beams, bars, and/or the like, configured to support or couple to a plurality of components.

Moreover, the frame28may be configured to support a plurality of ground-engaging and/or ground-penetrating tools, such as a plurality of shank assemblies, disk blade assemblies (e.g., leveling blade assemblies), basket assemblies, tines, spikes, and/or the like. In one embodiment, the various ground-engaging and/or ground-penetrating tools may be configured to perform a tillage operation or any other suitable ground-engaging operation on the field across which the agricultural implement10is being towed. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the frame28is configured to support various disk blade assemblies46, such as leveling blade assemblies. The frame28is also configured to support a plurality of shank assemblies50and a plurality of crumbler wheels or basket assemblies54. However, in alternative embodiments, the frame28may be configured to support any other suitable ground-engaging tool(s), ground-penetrating tool(s), or combinations of such tools.

FIG.2illustrates a perspective view of one of the disk blade assemblies46configured as a leveling blade assembly. As shown, in several embodiments, the disk blade assembly46includes a plurality of disk blades (e.g., leveling blades), such as a first disk blade82and a second disk blade84. Each disk blade82,84is rotatably supported by a respective disk blade bearing such that each disk blade82,84rotates relative to a hanger60. For example, the first disk blade82is supported by a first disk blade bearing86and the second disk blade84is supported by a second disk blade bearing88. Specifically, in such embodiments, each disk blade bearing86,88allows each disk blade82,84to be rotatably coupled to the disk blade assembly46. As such, each disk blade82,84is generally configured to rotate about an axis58defined by each respective disk blade bearing86,88. Therefore, each disk blade82,84may rotate independently about the axis58relative to each other disk blade82,84. However, in alternative embodiments, the disk blade assembly46may be configured in any other suitable manner. For example, in one embodiment, the disk blade assembly46may include only a single disk blade such as the first disk blade82.

Furthermore, the disk blade assembly46includes the hanger60that is rotatably coupled to the disk blades82,84. More specifically, the hanger60is configured to support the disk blades82,84relative to the frame member44. In this respect, the hanger60is coupled at one end to the frame member44via the fastener102. For example, as will be described below, the hanger60may be coupled to a mounting bracket62, with the fastener102coupling the mounting bracket62to the frame member44. Additionally, the hanger60is rotatably coupled at the opposite end to the disk blades82,84, such as via the disk blade bearings86,88. In particular, the hanger60includes a forward arm92and an aft arm94separated from the forward arm92along the longitudinal direction32and the lateral direction38. The forward arm92of the hanger60is rotatably coupled to the first disk blade82via the first disk blade bearing86. Likewise, the aft arm94of the hanger60is rotatably coupled to the second disk blade84via the second disk blade bearing88. As such, the first disk blade82is spaced apart from the second disk blade84along the longitudinal direction32and the lateral direction38. In the illustrated embodiment, the hanger60defines a C-shape that permits the disk blades82,84mounted thereon to move relative to the frame member44. However, in alternative embodiments, the hanger60may have any other suitable configuration. Moreover, although the illustrated disk blade assembly46includes one hanger60, the disk blade assembly46may have any other suitable number of hangers60.

During an agricultural operation (e.g., a tillage operation), the disk blades82,84penetrate the soil and rotate relative to the soil as the agricultural implement10is towed across the field. Over time, repeated usage of the disk blades82,84exposes the disk blade bearings86,88to repeated loading and/or strain. As such, the disk blade bearings86,88tend to wear and eventually fail because of repeated loading and/or strain. As will be described below, the system and method disclosed herein will automatically detect when a disk blade bearing has failed and alert the operator to the failed disk blade bearing.

FIG.3illustrates a cross-sectional view of the disk blade assembly46taken generally about Line3-3inFIG.2, with the disk blades82,84and the hanger60removed for clarity. As shown, the mounting bracket62is coupled to one of the frame members44via the fastener102thereby mounting the disk blade assembly46on the frame28(FIG.1). Specifically, in several embodiments, the mounting bracket62includes a forward portion66positioned adjacent to a forward side68of the frame member44. Moreover, in such embodiments, the mounting bracket62includes an aft portion70positioned adjacent to an aft side72of the frame member44. However, in alternative embodiments, the mounting bracket62of the disk blade assembly46may have any other suitable configuration that allows for coupling to the frame member44via the fastener102.

Furthermore, the fastener102extends between the forward and aft portions66,70of the mounting bracket62to couple the disk blade assembly46to the frame member44. Specifically, in several embodiments, the fastener102extends in the longitudinal direction32across a top surface74of the frame member44from the forward side68to the aft side72. Thus, the fastener102generally supports the disk blade assembly46relative to the frame28.

In the illustrated embodiment, the fastener102is configured as a U-bolt. In such an embodiment, the fastener102includes a forward side112, an aft side114, and a top side116. As such, the fastener102wraps around the forward side68, the top surface74, and the aft side72of the frame member44such that the forward side112of the fastener102is adjacent to the forward side68of the frame member44, the aft side of the fastener102is adjacent to the aft side72of the frame member44, and the top side116of the fastener102is adjacent to the top surface74of the frame member44. Moreover, in such embodiments, the fastener102may extend through the mounting bracket62. As such, first and second nuts106,108may threadingly engage the portions of the fastener102positioned beneath the mounting bracket62on the forward side68and aft side72of the frame member44, respectively, to secure the mounting bracket62to the frame member44. However, in alternative embodiments, the fastener102may be configured as any other suitable type of fastener.

It should be further appreciated that the configuration of the agricultural implement10and the agricultural work vehicle12described above and shown inFIGS.1-3is provided only to place the present subject matter in an exemplary field of use. Thus, it should be appreciated that the present subject matter may be readily adaptable to any manner of agricultural implement and/or agricultural work vehicle configuration.

Additionally, as shown inFIG.3, the agricultural implement10includes first and second load sensors118,120. More specifically, the first and second load sensors118,120are in operative association with the fastener102. As such, the first load sensor118is configured to generate data indicative of a first load being applied to the fastener102at the forward side68of the frame member44by the disk blade assembly46. In this respect, the first load sensor118may be located at the forward side68of the frame member44. For example, the first load sensor118may be coupled between the fastener102and the frame member44on the forward side68of the frame member44. Similarly, the second load sensor120is configured to generate data indicative of a second load being applied to the fastener102at the aft side72of the frame member44by the disk blade assembly46. In this respect, the second load sensor120may be located on the aft side72of the frame member44. For example, the second load sensor120may be coupled between the fastener102and the frame member44on the aft side72of the frame member44. As will be described below, the data generated by the first and second load sensors118,120is used to determine when at least one of the first disk blade bearing86or the second disk blade bearing88has failed.

The first and second load sensors118,120may be configured as any suitable sensors or sensing devices configured to generate data indicative of the loads being applied to or otherwise acting on the fastener102. For example, in some embodiments, the first and second load sensors118,120may be configured as first and second load cells, respectively. However, in alternative embodiments, the first and second load sensors118,120may be configured as any other suitable type of sensors or sensing devices, such as load pins, strain gauges, etc.

Referring now toFIG.4, a schematic view of one embodiment of a system100for detecting disk blade bearing failure on an agricultural implement is illustrated in accordance with aspects of the present subject matter. In general, the system100will be described herein with reference to the agricultural implement10and the agricultural work vehicle12described above with reference toFIGS.1-3. However, it should be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that the disclosed system100may generally be utilized with agricultural implements having any other suitable implement configuration and/or agricultural work vehicles having any other suitable vehicle configuration.

As shown inFIG.4, the system100includes one or more components of the agricultural implement10and/or the agricultural work vehicle12. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the system100includes the engine24, the transmission26, the first load sensor(s)118, and the second load sensor(s)120.

Additionally, the system100may include one or more braking actuators124of the agricultural work vehicle12. In general, when activated, the braking actuator(s)124may reduce the speed at which the agricultural work vehicle12moves across the field, such as by converting energy associated with the movement of the agricultural work vehicle12into heat. For example, in one embodiment, the braking actuator(s)124may correspond to a suitable hydraulic cylinder(s) configured to push a stationary frictional element(s) (not shown), such as a brake shoe(s) or a brake caliper(s), against a rotating element(s) (not shown), such as a brake drum(s) or a brake disc(s). However, in alternative embodiments, the braking actuator(s)124may be any other suitable hydraulic, pneumatic, mechanical, and/or electrical component(s) configured to convert the rotation of the rotating element(s) into heat. In addition, in embodiments in which speed control can be actuated by the throttle body position, the braking actuator(s)124may be omitted.

Moreover, the system100includes a computing system126communicatively coupled to one or more components of the agricultural implement10, the agricultural work vehicle12, and/or the system100to allow the operation of such components to be electronically or automatically controlled by the computing system126. For instance, the computing system126may be communicatively coupled to the first and second load sensors118,120via a communicative link128. As such, the computing system126may be configured to receive data from the first and second sensors118,120that is indicative of the loads being applied to the fasteners102coupling the disk blade assembly(ies)46to the frame28. Furthermore, the computing system126may be communicatively coupled to the engine24, the transmission26, and/or the braking actuator(s)124via the communicative link128. In this respect, the computing system126may be configured to control the operation of the engine24, the transmission26, and/or the braking actuator(s)124to adjust the ground speed at which the agricultural implement10travels across the field. In addition, the computing system126may be communicatively coupled to any other suitable components of the agricultural implement10, the agricultural work vehicle12, and/or the system100.

In general, the computing system126may comprise one or more processor-based devices, such as a given controller or computing device or any suitable combination of controllers or computing devices. Thus, in several embodiments, the computing system126may include one or more processor(s)130and associated memory device(s)132configured to perform a variety of computer-implemented functions. As used herein, the term “processor” refers not only to integrated circuits referred to in the art as being included in a computer, but also refers to a controller, a microcontroller, a microcomputer, a programmable logic circuit (PLC), an application specific integrated circuit, and other programmable circuits. Additionally, the memory device(s)132of the computing system126may generally comprise memory element(s) including, but not limited to, a computer readable medium (e.g., random access memory RAM)), a computer readable non-volatile medium (e.g., a flash memory), a floppy disk, a compact disk-read only memory (CD-ROM), a magneto-optical disk (MOD), a digital versatile disk (DVD) and/or other suitable memory elements. Such memory device(s)132may generally be configured to store suitable computer-readable instructions that, when implemented by the processor(s)130, configure the computing system126to perform various computer-implemented functions, such as one or more aspects of the methods and algorithms that will be described herein. In addition, the computing system126may also include various other suitable components, such as a communications circuit or module, one or more input/output channels, a data/control bus and/or the like.

The various functions of the computing system126may be performed by a single processor-based device or may be distributed across any number of processor-based devices, in which instance such devices may be considered to form part of the computing system126. For instance, the functions of the computing system126may be distributed across multiple application-specific controllers or computing devices, such as a navigation controller, an engine controller, a transmission controller, an implement controller, and/or the like.

In addition, the system100may also include a user interface134. More specifically, the user interface134may be configured to provide feedback from the computing system126(e.g., feedback associated with failure of the disk blade bearings86,88) to the operator. As such, the user interface134may include one or more feedback devices (not shown), such as display screens, speakers, warning lights, and/or the like, which are configured to provide feedback from the computing system126to the operator. As such, the user interface134may, in turn, be communicatively coupled to the computing system126via the communicative link128to permit the feedback to be transmitted from the computing system126to the user interface134. Furthermore, some embodiments of the user interface134may include one or more input devices, such as touchscreens, keypads, touchpads, knobs, buttons, sliders, switches, mice, microphones, and/or the like, which are configured to receive inputs from the operator. In one embodiment, the user interface134may be mounted or otherwise positioned within the operator's cab22of the agricultural work vehicle12. However, in alternative embodiments, the user interface134may mounted at any other suitable location.

Referring now toFIG.5, a flow diagram of one embodiment of example control logic200that may be executed by the computing system126(or any other suitable computing system) for detecting disk blade bearing failure on an agricultural implement is illustrated in accordance with aspects of the present subject matter. Specifically, the control logic200shown inFIG.5is representative of steps of one embodiment of an algorithm that can be executed to automatically detect disk blade bearing failure on an agricultural implement. Thus, in several embodiments, the control logic200may be advantageously utilized in association with a system installed on or forming part of an agricultural implement and/or an associated agricultural work vehicle to allow for real-time detection of disk blade bearing failure on an agricultural implement without requiring substantial computing resources and/or processing time. However, in other embodiments, the control logic200may be used in association with any other suitable system, application, and/or the like for detecting disk blade bearing failure on an agricultural implement.

As shown, at (202), the control logic200includes receiving first load sensor data indicative of a first load being applied to a fastener at a forward side of a frame member by a disk blade assembly of an agricultural implement. Specifically, as mentioned above, in several embodiments, the computing system126may be communicatively coupled to the first load sensor(s)118via the communicative link128. In this respect, as the agricultural implement10is towed across the field by the agricultural work vehicle12to perform an agricultural operation (e.g., a tillage operation) thereon, the computing system126may receive data from the first load sensor(s)118. Such first load sensor data may, in turn, be indicative of the load being applied to each fastener102at the forward side68of the frame member44of the agricultural implement10by the corresponding disk blade assembly46.

Furthermore, at (204), the control logic200includes determining a first magnitude of the first load acting on the fastener in the longitudinal direction based on the received first load sensor data. Specifically, in several embodiments, the computing system126is configured to analyze the first load sensor data received at (202) to determine the first magnitude of the first load acting on the fastener102coupling each disk blade assembly46to the frame28. For example, the computing system126may access a look-up table stored within its memory device(s)132that correlates the received first load sensor data to the corresponding first magnitude(s).

Moreover, at (206), the control logic200includes receiving second load sensor data indicative of a second load being applied to the fastener at an aft side of the frame member by the disk blade assembly. Specifically, as mentioned above, in several embodiments, the computing system126may be communicatively coupled to the second load sensor(s)120via the communicative link128. In this respect, as the agricultural implement10is towed across the field by the agricultural work vehicle12to perform the agricultural operation, the computing system126may receive data from the second load sensor(s)120. Such second load sensor data may, in turn, be indicative of the load being applied to each fastener102at the aft side72of the frame member44of the agricultural implement10by the corresponding disk blade assembly46.

As will be described below, the first load sensor data received at (202) and the second load sensor data received at (206) are used to detect when the disk blade bearings86,88of the agricultural implement10have failed. Specifically, in several embodiments, the first and second load sensors118,120are configured as load cells. During normal, unworn/unfailed operation of the disk blade bearings86,88, an upward load in the vertical direction78is applied to the corresponding fastener102with an at most negligible load being applied in the longitudinal direction32. However, when the disk blade bearings86,88have failed, the corresponding disk blades82,84experience resistance to normal rotation. As such, a load in the longitudinal direction32is applied to the fastener102at the forward side68of the frame member44when the first disk blade bearing86has failed. Likewise, a load in the longitudinal direction32is applied to the fastener102at the aft side72of the frame member44when the second disk blade bearing88has failed. The magnitude of the load being applied to the fastener102in the longitudinal direction32is, in turn, indicative of the magnitude of the wear of the first disk blade bearing86and/or the second disk blade bearing88.

Additionally, at (208), the control logic200includes determining a second magnitude of the second load acting on the fastener in the longitudinal direction based on the received second load sensor data. Specifically, in several embodiments, the computing system126is configured to analyze the second load sensor data received at (206) to determine the second magnitude of the second load acting on the fastener102coupling each disk blade assembly46to the frame28. For example, the computing system126may access a look-up table stored within its memory device(s)132that correlates the received second load sensor data to the corresponding second magnitude(s).

Moreover, at (210), the control logic200includes determining a differential load between the first magnitude and the second magnitude. For example, the differential load may be the second magnitude subtracted from the first magnitude or the first magnitude subtracted from the second magnitude. Specifically, in several embodiments, the computing system126is configured to calculate the difference between the first magnitude determined at (204) and the second magnitude determined at (208) to determine the differential load between the first magnitude and the second magnitude.

Furthermore, at (212), the control logic200includes comparing the differential load to a first threshold value. Specifically, in several embodiments, the computing system126is configured to compare each differential load determined at (210) to a first threshold value. When the differential load for a given fastener102falls below the first threshold value, the first disk blade bearing86has worn but not failed. For example, the first threshold value may correspond to a positive or a negative value such that when the differential load falls below the positive value or the negative value, the first disk blade bearing86has worn but not failed. Likewise, when the differential load for the given fastener102exceeds the first threshold value, the second disk blade bearing88has worn but not failed. For example, the first threshold value may correspond to a positive or a negative value such that when the differential load exceeds the positive value or the negative value, the second disk blade bearing88has worn but not failed. In such instances when at least one of the first disk blade bearing86or the second disk blade bearing88has worn, the control logic200(with respect to that corresponding disk blade82,84) proceeds to (214) at which the computing system126initiates notification of the operator of the agricultural implement immediately when it determines that the corresponding disk blade bearing86,88has worn but not failed. Conversely, when the differential load does not fall below or exceed the first threshold value, the control logic200proceeds back to (202).

Moreover, at (214), the control logic200includes initiating notification of the operator of the agricultural implement immediately when the differential load falls below or exceeds the second threshold value. Upon completion of (214), the control logic200proceeds to (216).

Furthermore, at (216), if the comparison at (212) results in either the first disk blade bearing86or the second disk blade bearing88being worn, the control logic200includes comparing the differential load to a second threshold value that is greater than the first threshold value. Specifically, in several embodiments, the computing system126is configured to compare each differential load determined at (210) to the second threshold value. When the differential load for a given fastener102falls below the second threshold value, the first disk blade bearing86has failed. For example, the second threshold value may correspond to a positive or negative value such that when the differential load falls below the positive or negative value, the first disk blade bearing86has failed. Likewise, when the differential load for the given fastener102exceeds the second threshold value, the second disk blade bearing88has failed. For example, when the differential load exceeds the positive or negative value, the second disk blade bearing88has failed. Such positive and negative values will be greater than the positive and negative values of the first threshold value. In such instances when at least one of the first disk blade bearing86or the second disk blade bearing88has failed, the control logic200(with respect to that corresponding disk blade82,84) proceeds to (218) at which the computing system126initiates one or more control actions when it determines that the corresponding disk blade bearing86,88has failed. Conversely, when the differential load does not fall below or exceed the second threshold value, the control logic200returns to (202).

Moreover, at (218), the computing system126may be configured to initiate one or more control actions. For example, in some embodiments, the computing system126may be configured to initiate notification of the operator of the agricultural implement10that one or more of the disk blade bearings86,88have failed. In this respect, the computing system126may be configured to initiate notification of the operator of the agricultural implement10that the first disk blade bearing86has failed and/or the second disk blade bearing88has failed. In such embodiments, the computing system126may transmit control signals to the user interface134via the communicative link128. Such control signals may, in turn, instruct the user interface134to provide a visual or audible notification to the operator that one or more of the disk blade bearings86,88have failed. In one embodiment, the notification may indicate which one of the disk blade bearings86,88have failed. For example, the notification may indicate that the first disk blade bearing86and/or the second disk blade bearing88has failed.

Additionally, or alternatively, at (218), the computing system126may be configured to adjust the ground speed of the agricultural implement10(e.g., reduce the ground speed of or stop the agricultural implement10). For example, the computing system126may transmit control signals to the engine24, the transmission26, and/or the braking actuator(s)124via the communicative link128. Such control signals may, in turn, instruct the engine24, the transmission26, and/or the braking actuator(s)124to adjust the ground speed of the agricultural work vehicle12and, thus, the agricultural implement10(e.g., reduce the ground speed of or stop the agricultural implement10). Moreover, other automatic control actions (e.g., adjusting force being applied to and/or the penetration depth of the disk blade assembly(ies)46) may be initiated after it is determined that one or more of the disk blade bearings86,88have failed. Upon completion of (218), the control logic200proceeds to (202).

Referring now toFIG.6, a flow diagram of one embodiment of a method300for detecting disk blade bearing failure on an agricultural implement is illustrated in accordance with aspects of the present subject matter. In general, the method300will be described herein with reference to the agricultural implement10, the agricultural work vehicle12, and the system100described above with reference toFIGS.1-5. However, it should be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that the disclosed method300may generally be implemented with any agricultural implement having any suitable implement configuration, with any agricultural work vehicle having any suitable vehicle configuration, and/or within any system having any suitable system configuration. In addition, althoughFIG.6depicts steps performed in a particular order for purposes of illustration and discussion, the methods discussed herein are not limited to any particular order or arrangement. One skilled in the art, using the disclosures provided herein, will appreciate that various steps of the methods disclosed herein can be omitted, rearranged, combined, and/or adapted in various ways without deviating from the scope of the present disclosure.

As shown inFIG.6, at (302), the method300includes receiving, with a computing system, first load sensor data indicative of a first load being applied to a fastener at a forward side of a frame member by a disk blade assembly of an agricultural implement. For instance, as described above, the computing system126may be configured to receive first load sensor data from the first load sensor(s)118via the communicative link128. The received first load sensor data is, in turn, indicative of a first load(s) being applied to the fastener(s)102at the forward side68of the frame member44by the disk blade assembly(ies)46.

Furthermore, at (304), the method300includes receiving, with a computing system, second load sensor data indicative of a second load being applied to the fastener at an aft side of the frame member by the disk blade assembly. For instance, as described above, the computing system126may be configured to receive second load sensor data from the second load sensor(s)120via the communicative link128. The received second load sensor data is, in turn, indicative of a second load(s) being applied to the fastener(s)102at the aft side72of the frame member44by the disk blade assembly(ies)46.

Additionally, at (306), the method300includes determining, with the computing system, when at least one of a first disk blade bearing or a second disk blade bearing has failed based on the received first and second load sensor data. For instance, as described above, the computing system126may be configured to analyze the received first and second load sensor data to determine when one or more of the disk blade bearings86,88have failed.

Moreover, at (308), the method300includes initiating, with the computing system, a control action when it is determined that at least one of the first disk blade or the second disk blade bearings have failed. For instance, as described above, the computing system126may be configured to initiate one or more control actions when it is determined that one or more of the disk blade bearings86,88have failed. Such control action(s) may include providing a notification to the operator, adjusting the ground speed of the agricultural implement10, and/or the like.

It is to be understood that the steps of the control logic200and the method300are performed by the computing system126upon loading and executing software code or instructions which are tangibly stored on a tangible computer readable medium, such as on a magnetic medium, e.g., a computer hard drive, an optical medium, e.g., an optical disc, solid-state memory, e.g., flash memory, or other storage media known in the art. Thus, any of the functionality performed by the computing system126described herein, such as the control logic200and the method300, is implemented in software code or instructions which are tangibly stored on a tangible computer readable medium. The computing system126loads the software code or instructions via a direct interface with the computer readable medium or via a wired and/or wireless network. Upon loading and executing such software code or instructions by the computing system126, the computing system126may perform any of the functionality of the computing system126described herein, including any steps of the control logic200and the method300described herein.