Patent Description:
Work machines, such as construction and agricultural vehicles, implements, and/or the like, often include one or more components configured to be actuated or moved between two or more positions, such as a storage position and an operating position. To achieve such actuation of the component(s), a work vehicle typically includes one or more actively controlled actuators, such as one or more hydraulic, pneumatic, and/or electric actuators, coupled between the component(s) and a separate, adjacent structure (e.g., a stationary component of vehicle, such as a frame component). In this regard, depending on the size, weight, shape, and/or configuration of the component(s), two or more actuators may be coupled between the component(s) and the adjacent structure to allow the component(s) to be actuated or moved relative to the adjacent structure via operation of the actuators.

Unfortunately, actively controlled actuators are often quite expensive and, thus, the use of two or more actuators to control/support the movement of a given vehicle component(s) can result in a significant increase in the overall cost of the associated machine. To provide a more cost effective solution, it has been recently proposed to use a passive lift support (e.g., a gas strut) as a replacement for one or more of the actuators used in association with a given actuatable component. However, passive lift supports typically have relatively short service lives as compared to actuators and will weaken over time, thereby increasing the load that must otherwise be carried by the actuator(s) that is supporting the associated component. Known systems are disclosed in documents <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT> and <CIT>.

Accordingly, systems and methods for monitoring the operational status of a passive lift support would be welcomed in the technology.

In one aspect, the present subject matter is directed to a system for monitoring the operational status of passive lift supports. The system includes an actuatable component configured to be moved across a range of movement between a first position and a second position, and an actuator coupled to the component and being configured to actuate the component across the range of movement. The system also includes a passive lift support coupled to the component and being configured to provide a supplemental actuation force as the actuator is being used to actuate the component across the range of movement. In addition, the system includes a computing system configured to monitor a load-related parameter indicative of a load being carried by the actuator. The computing system is further configured to determine an operational status of the passive lift support based at least in part on the monitored load-related parameter.

In another aspect, the present subject matter is directed to a work machine including a frame, an actuatable component supported for movement relative to the frame across a range of movement between a first position and a second position, and an actuator coupled to the component and being configured to be extended or retracted along a stroke length to actuate the component across the range of movement. The work machine also includes a passive lift support coupled to the component and being configured to provide a supplemental actuation force as the actuator is being used to actuate the component across the range of movement. In addition, the work machine includes a computing system configured to monitor a load-related parameter indicative of a load being carried by the actuator and compare the monitored load-related parameter to at least one threshold. The computing system is further configured to determine an operational status of the passive lift support based on the comparison between the monitored load-related parameter and the at least one threshold.

In a further aspect, the present subject matter is directed to a method for monitoring the operational status of a passive lift support. The method includes controlling, with a computing system, an operation of an actuator such that an actuatable component coupled to the actuator is actuated across a range of movement between a first position and a second position. The passive lift support is coupled to the actuator and being configured to provide a supplemental actuation force as the actuator is being used to actuate the component across the range of movement. The method also includes monitoring, with the computing system, a load-related parameter indicative of a load being carried by the actuator as the component is being actuated across the range of movement, and determining, with the computing system, an operational status of the passive lift support based at least in part on the monitored load-related parameter.

In fact, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made.

In general, the present subject matter is directed to systems and methods for monitoring the operational status of passive lift supports, such as gas-charged lift supports. Specifically, in several embodiments, the present subject matter relates to monitoring the operational status of a passive lift support that is coupled to an actuatable component and that is configured to provide an additional or supplemental actuation force to assist a separate actuator in moving the component across a given range of movement. For instance, the passive lift support and the actuator may be separately coupled to the component, with the actuator configured to be actively controlled to actuate the component across a range of movement between a first position and a second position.

In accordance with aspects of the present subject matter, the disclosed systems and methods may be used to automatically monitor the operational status of the passive lift support to allow a determination to be made as to when the lift support needs to be replaced. Specifically, in several embodiments, a computing system may be configured to automatically monitor a parameter associated with the actuator that is indicative of the proportion of the load being carried by or applied through the actuator (e.g., as opposed to the passive lift support) as the actuatable component is being moved across its range of movement. In such embodiments, the computing system may, for instance, be configured to compare the monitored load-related parameter to a corresponding threshold (e.g., a predetermined threshold value) to determine when the proportion of the load being carried by the actuator exceeds a given magnitude, thereby indicating that the passive lift support likely needs to be replaced.

It should be appreciated that, for purposes of discussion, the present subject matter will generally be described in the context of passive lift supports used in association with actuatable components for work machines, such as a residue spreader for an agricultural harvester. However, it should be appreciated that the disclosed systems and methods may be advantageously applied to monitor the operational status of passive lift supports used in association with any other suitable actuatable components, such as actuatable components configured for use within any other suitable machines, assemblies, sub-systems, and/or the like.

Referring now to the drawings, <FIG> illustrates a schematic, side view of one embodiment of a work machine in accordance with aspect of the present subject matter. In the illustrated embodiment, the work machine is configured as an agricultural vehicle, namely an agricultural harvester <NUM> in the form of a combine. However, in other embodiments, the work machine may correspond to any other suitable agricultural vehicle, such as a tractor, windrower, sprayer, and/or the like. Moreover, it should be appreciated that, in addition to agricultural vehicles, the work machine may also correspond to various other types of work machines, including construction vehicles, agricultural implements, and/or the like.

As shown in <FIG>, the harvester <NUM> generally includes a chassis or frame <NUM>, ground engaging wheels <NUM>, <NUM>, a header <NUM>, a feeder housing <NUM>, an operator cab <NUM>, a threshing and separating system <NUM>, a cleaning system <NUM>, a grain tank <NUM>, and an unloading conveyor <NUM>. Unloading conveyor <NUM> is illustrated as an unloading auger, but can also be configured as a belt conveyor, chain elevator, etc..

The front wheels <NUM> may be larger flotation type wheels, while the rear wheels <NUM> may be smaller steerable wheels. Motive force is selectively applied to the front wheels <NUM> through a power plant in the form of a diesel engine <NUM> and a transmission (not shown). Although the harvester <NUM> is shown as including wheels, it is also to be understood that the harvester <NUM> may include tracks, such as full tracks or half-tracks.

The header <NUM> is mounted at the front of the harvester <NUM> and includes a cutter bar <NUM> for severing crops from a field during forward motion of harvester <NUM>. A rotatable reel <NUM> feeds the crop into the header <NUM>, and a double auger <NUM> feeds the severed crop laterally inwardly from each side toward the feeder housing <NUM>. The feeder housing <NUM> conveys the cut crop to threshing and the separating system <NUM>, and is selectively vertically movable using one or more actuators, such as hydraulic cylinders (not shown).

The threshing and separating system <NUM> is of the longitudinal orientation type, and generally includes a rotor <NUM> at least partially enclosed by and rotatable within a corresponding perforated concave <NUM>. The cut crops are threshed and separated by the rotation of the rotor <NUM> within the concave <NUM>, and larger elements, such as stalks, leaves and the like are discharged from the rear of the harvester <NUM>. Smaller elements of crop material including grain and non-grain crop material, including particles lighter than grain, such as chaff, dust and straw, are discharged through perforations of the concave <NUM>.

Grain that has been separated by the threshing and separating system <NUM> falls onto a grain pan <NUM> and is conveyed toward the cleaning system <NUM>. The cleaning system <NUM> may include an optional pre-cleaning sieve <NUM>, an upper sieve <NUM> (also known as a chaffer sieve), a lower sieve <NUM> (also known as a cleaning sieve), and a cleaning fan <NUM>. Grain on the sieves <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM> is subjected to a cleaning action by the fan <NUM>, which provides an airflow through the sieves, to remove chaff and other impurities such as dust from the grain by making this material airborne for discharge from the straw hood <NUM> of the harvester <NUM>. The grain pan <NUM> and the pre-cleaning sieve <NUM> oscillate in a fore-to-aft manner to transport the grain and finer non-grain crop material to the upper surface of the upper sieve <NUM>. The upper sieve <NUM> and the lower sieve <NUM> are vertically arranged relative to each other, and likewise oscillate in a fore-to-aft manner to spread the grain across sieves <NUM>, <NUM>, while permitting the passage of cleaned grain by gravity through the openings of sieves <NUM>, <NUM>.

Clean grain falls to a clean grain auger <NUM> positioned crosswise below and in front of the lower sieve <NUM>. The clean grain auger <NUM> receives clean grain from each sieve <NUM>, <NUM> and from bottom pan <NUM> of the cleaning system <NUM>. The clean grain auger <NUM> conveys the clean grain laterally to a generally vertically arranged grain elevator <NUM> for transport to the grain tank <NUM>. Tailings from the cleaning system <NUM> fall to a tailings auger trough <NUM>. The tailings are transported via tailings auger <NUM> and the return auger <NUM> to the upstream end of the cleaning system <NUM> for repeated cleaning action. The cross augers <NUM> at the bottom of the grain tank <NUM> convey the clean grain within the grain tank <NUM> to the unloading auger <NUM> for discharge from the harvester <NUM>.

Additionally, a residue handling system <NUM> is provided at the rear of harvester <NUM>. In general, the residue handling system <NUM> includes a residue chopper <NUM> located above a residue spreader <NUM>. As is generally understood, the reside spreader <NUM> may include one or more spreader elements <NUM> (<FIG>), such as one or more rotating, paddled wheels, for spreading the residue discharged at the rear end of the harvester <NUM>. The residue spreader <NUM> receives two streams of crop residue when in a chopping mode. One stream from the residue chopper <NUM> and a second stream from the cleaning system <NUM>. The residue spreader <NUM> discharges the non-grain crop material or residue across the harvested width behind the harvester <NUM>. Additionally, the residue handling system <NUM> may also include a mode selection door <NUM> located above the residue chopper <NUM> and being pivotable between two positions (i.e., a windrow mode and a chopping mode) such that the first stream of crop is either diverted to the residue chopper <NUM> (chopping mode) or over the residue chopper <NUM> to form a windrow (windrow mode). As is generally understood, the residue spreader <NUM> may pivot about a transverse axis between a vertically oriented operating position (shown in solid lines) and a horizontally oriented storage or service position (shown in dashed lines). A windrow chute (not shown) may also be provided that can be attached to the spreader <NUM> and rotates with the spreader <NUM> as it is actuated between its operating and storage positions.

Referring now to <FIG>, a schematic view of one embodiment of a system <NUM> for monitoring the operational status of a passive lift support is illustrated in accordance with aspects of the present subject matter. For purposes of discussion, the system <NUM> will generally be described with reference to an actuatable component of the harvester <NUM> shown in <FIG>, namely the residue spreader <NUM> of the harvester <NUM>. However, in alternative embodiments, the disclosed system <NUM> may be utilized with any other suitable actuatable component of the harvester <NUM> or of any other work machine that utilizes a combination of at least one actuator and at least one passive lift support for controlling/supporting the movement of such component between different positions/orientations (including linear actuation and/or pivoting motion of the component).

As shown in <FIG>, the system <NUM> includes an actuatable component (e.g., the illustrated residue spreader <NUM>) configured to be actuated across a range of movement between a first position (e.g., the horizontally oriented storage position shown in <FIG>) and a second position (e.g., the vertically oriented operating position shown in solid lines in <FIG>). For instance, in the illustrated embodiment, the residue spreader <NUM> is pivotably coupled (e.g., at pivot points <NUM>, <NUM>) to first and second adjacent components <NUM>, <NUM> of the harvester (e.g., first and second stationary walls or frame components of the rear frame of the harvester <NUM>) via respective first and second pivot arms <NUM>, <NUM>. Specifically, one end of the first pivot arm <NUM> is pivotably coupled to the first adjacent component <NUM> at a first pivot point <NUM> (e.g., via a pinned or bolted connection) and an opposed end of the first pivot arm <NUM> is coupled to the residue spreader <NUM> (e.g., at a first lateral end 74A of the spreader <NUM>). Similarly, one end of the second pivot arm <NUM> is pivotably coupled to the second adjacent component <NUM> at a second pivot point <NUM> (e.g., via a pinned or bolted connection) and an opposed end of the second pivot arm <NUM> is coupled to the residue spreader <NUM> (e.g., at a second lateral end 74B of the spreader <NUM>). In one embodiment, the first and second pivot arms <NUM>, <NUM> may also be coupled to each other via a separate support beam <NUM> extending end-to-end between the arms <NUM>, <NUM> (e.g., at a location below the residue spreader <NUM>). Regardless, by pivotably coupling the residue spreader <NUM> to the adjacent components <NUM>, <NUM> of the harvester <NUM> via the pivot arms <NUM>, <NUM>, the spreader <NUM> can be pivoted about the pivot points <NUM>, <NUM> between its first and second positions, such as by pivoting the spreader <NUM> about the pivot points <NUM>, <NUM> in either a first pivot direction (indicated by arrow <NUM>) or a second pivot direction (indicated by arrow <NUM>).

It should be appreciated that, in other embodiments, the actuatable component of the system <NUM> may correspond to a component that is configured to be linearly actuated relative to an adjacent component(s) (as opposed to be pivotably actuated). In such embodiments, the actuatable component(s) may be supported within the associated agricultural machine in any manner that allows such component to be linearly actuated relative to an adjacent component(s) of the machine.

To facilitate movement of the residue spreader <NUM> between its first and second positions, the system <NUM> may also include one or more actuators <NUM> configured to be actively controlled to actuate or move the component across a range of movement between the respective positions and at least one passive lift support <NUM> configured to assist the actuator(s) <NUM> in actuating or moving the spreader <NUM> (e.g., by providing a supplemental actuation force). In the illustrated embodiment, the system <NUM> includes a single actuator <NUM> and a single passive lift support <NUM>. However, in other embodiments, the system <NUM> may include two or more actuators <NUM> and/or two or more lift supports <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the actuator <NUM> is pivotably supported at a first or distal end 104A of the actuator <NUM> relative to an adjacent component (e.g., by being pivotably coupled to the first adjacent component <NUM> of the harvester <NUM>) and is pivotably coupled to the residue spreader <NUM> at an opposed second or proximal end 104B of the actuator <NUM> (e.g., via the first support arm <NUM>). As such, with the configuration shown in <FIG>, retraction of the actuator <NUM> in a first direction (indicated by arrow <NUM>) may result in the residue spreader <NUM> being pivoted relative to the adjacent stationary components <NUM>, <NUM> about the pivot points <NUM>, <NUM> in the first pivot direction <NUM> while extension of the actuator <NUM> in an opposed, second direction (indicated by arrow <NUM>) may result in the residue spreader <NUM> being pivoted relative to the adjacent stationary components <NUM>, <NUM> about the pivot points <NUM>, <NUM> in the opposite pivot direction <NUM>.

It should be appreciated that, in several embodiments, the actuator <NUM> may correspond to any suitable actuation device or mechanism generally known in the art. For instance, in the illustrated embodiment, the actuator <NUM> corresponds to an electrical actuator configured to be extended/retracted by controlling the electrical input into the actuator. Specifically, the current supplied to the actuator <NUM> may be varied to regulate the retraction/extension of the actuator <NUM> and, thus, control the movement of the residue spreader <NUM>. Alternatively, the actuator <NUM> may correspond any other suitable actuation device or mechanism, such as a pneumatic or hydraulic cylinder. In such an embodiment, the pressure of the fluid supplied to the cylinder (e.g., air or hydraulic fluid, such as oil) may be varied to regulate the retraction/extension of the actuator <NUM> and, thus, control the movement of the residue spreader <NUM>.

Additionally, as shown in <FIG>, the passive lift support <NUM> is pivotably supported at a first or distal end 106A of the lift support <NUM> relative to an adjacent component (e.g., by being pivotably coupled to the second adjacent component <NUM> of the harvester <NUM>) and is pivotably coupled to the residue spreader <NUM> at an opposed second or proximal end 106B of the lift support <NUM> (e.g., via the second support arm <NUM>). As such, with the configuration shown in <FIG>, the passive lift support <NUM> may be configured to provide a supplement lift or actuation force when the actuator <NUM> is being retracted to pivot the residue spreader in the first pivot direction <NUM> towards its vertically oriented position and may be configured to dampen or support the movement of the residue spreader <NUM> when the actuator <NUM> is being extended to pivot the spreader <NUM> in the opposed pivot direction <NUM> towards its horizontally oriented position.

It should be appreciated that, in several embodiments, the passive lift support <NUM> may correspond to any suitable lift support generally known in the art. For instance, in one embodiment, the lift support <NUM> may correspond to a gas-charged lift support (also referred to as a gas strut, gas shock, or gas spring). In such an embodiment, the gas-charged cylinder of the lift support <NUM> may, for example, be configured to provide an additional force (e.g., a push or pull force) on one direction and may control the speed of motion in the other direction (or in both directions) via an internal damping circuit. In other embodiments, the passive lift support may correspond to any other suitable lift support and/or may have other suitable configuration. For instance, in an alternative embodiment, the passive lift support may correspond to a compression spring or a torsion spring.

As indicated above, passive lift supports often have a limited service life, particularly compared to an actively controlled actuator (e.g., an electric actuator or a fluid-driven actuator). As a result, the ability of the passive lift support <NUM> to assist the actuator <NUM> in moving the residue spreader <NUM> will degrade with time (e.g., due to seal leakage of the internal compressed gas). Thus, the proportion of the lifting or pivot force that must be supplied by the actuator <NUM> to move the residue spreader <NUM> across its range of movement will increase as the passive lift support <NUM> wears or degrades over time, which can result in the actuator <NUM> being overloaded or prematurely wearing or degrading due to the increase load.

To prevent the degraded performance of the passive lift support <NUM> from becoming a potential performance issue for the actuator <NUM>, the disclosed system <NUM> is configured to automatically monitor the operational status of the passive lift support <NUM> to allow a determination to be made as to when the lift support <NUM> needs to be replaced. Specifically, as will be described below, the system <NUM> may include a computing system <NUM> that is configured to monitor a parameter associated with the actuator <NUM> that is indicative of the proportion of the load being carried by or applied through the actuator <NUM> (e.g., as opposed to the passive lift support <NUM>) as the residue spreader <NUM> (or any other suitable actuatable component) is being moved across its range of movement. For example, in several embodiments, the monitored load-related parameter may correspond to a parameter that varies as a function of the load being carried by the actuator <NUM>, such as by monitoring the current load (e.g., in amps) in instances in which the actuator <NUM> corresponds to an electric actuator and/or by monitoring the fluid pressure in instances in which the actuator <NUM> corresponds to a fluid-driven actuator (e.g., a pneumatic or hydraulic cylinder). In such embodiments, the computing system <NUM> may, for instance, be configured to compare the monitored load-related parameter to a corresponding threshold (e.g., a predetermined threshold value) to determine when the proportion of the load being carried by the actuator <NUM> exceeds a given magnitude, thereby indicating that the passive lift support <NUM> likely needs to be replaced as it is no longer providing the desired amount of supplemental actuation force to assist the actuator <NUM> in moving the residue spreader <NUM>.

Referring now to <FIG>, a schematic view of another embodiment of a system <NUM> for monitoring the operational status of a passive lift support is illustrated in accordance with aspects of the present subject matter. Similar to the embodiment described above, the system <NUM> may generally include an actuatable component <NUM> configured to be moved across a range of movement between a first position and a second position, one or more actuators <NUM> configured to be actively controlled to actuate the component <NUM> across the range of movement, and at least one passive lift support <NUM> configured to assist the actuator(s) <NUM> in actuating or moving the component <NUM> (e.g., by providing an additional or supplemental actuation force).

Additionally, as shown in <FIG>, the system <NUM> includes a computing system <NUM> configured to execute various computer-implemented functions. In general, the computing system <NUM> may comprise any suitable processor-based device known in the art, such as a computing device or any suitable combination of computing devices. Thus, in several embodiments, the computing system <NUM> may include one or more processor(s) <NUM> and associated memory device(s) <NUM> configured 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 controller (PLC), an application specific integrated circuit, and other programmable circuits. Additionally, the memory device(s) <NUM> of the computing system <NUM> may 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 disc-read only memory (CD-ROM), a magneto-optical disk (MOD), a digital versatile disc (DVD) and/or other suitable memory elements. Such memory device(s) <NUM> may generally be configured to store suitable computer-readable instructions that, when implemented by the processor(s) <NUM>, configure the computing system <NUM> to perform various computer-implemented functions, such as one or more aspects of the methods or algorithms described herein.

In addition, the computing system <NUM> may 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. For instance, the computing system <NUM> may include a communications module or interface <NUM> to allow the computing system <NUM> to communicate with any of the various other system components described herein.

In several embodiments, the computing system <NUM> may be configured to automatically control the operation of the actuator <NUM> to allow the actuatable component <NUM> to be actuated or moved across its range of movement, such as from a first position to a second position. For instance, in the illustrated embodiment, the actuator <NUM> is configured as an electric actuator. In such an embodiment, the computing system <NUM> may be communicatively coupled to the actuator <NUM> (e.g., via communicative link <NUM>) to allow the computing system <NUM> to transmit control signals for regulating the current supplied to the electric actuator, thereby allowing the computing system <NUM> to control the degree of extension/retraction of the actuator <NUM>. Alternatively, in an embodiment in which the actuator <NUM> corresponds to a fluid-driven actuator (e.g., a hydraulic or pneumatic cylinder), the computing system <NUM> may be communicatively to a suitable control valve(s) to regulate the supply of fluid from a pressurized fluid source (e.g., a pump) to the fluid-driven actuator, thereby allowing the computing system <NUM> to control the degree of extension/retraction of the actuator <NUM>.

Additionally, in accordance with aspects of the present subject matter, the computing system <NUM> may be configured to automatically monitor the operational status of the passive lift support <NUM>. Specifically, in several embodiments, the computing system <NUM> may be configured to monitor a load-related parameter associated with the actuator <NUM> that is indicative of the load being carried by or applied through the actuator <NUM> (e.g., as opposed to the passive lift support) as the actuatable component <NUM> is being moved across its range of movement. In such embodiments, the computing system <NUM> may be communicatively coupled to any suitable sensor(s) <NUM> that facilitates the monitoring of such parameter. For example, in the illustrated embodiment in which the actuator <NUM> comprises an electric actuator, the computing system <NUM> may be configured to communicatively coupled to a sensor(s) <NUM> that generates data indicative of the electric input being supplied to the actuator <NUM>, such as by being coupled to an internal sensor 120A of the actuator <NUM> that measures the current (e.g., in amps) suppled thereto. Since electric actuators typically have a known load-to-current relationship (e.g., a linear relationship), the monitored current is directly related to the specific load being applied through the actuator <NUM>. Thus, as the proportion of the load being carried by the actuator <NUM> increases over time as the performance of the passive lift support <NUM> degrades, such increased load will result in a corresponding increase in the monitored current. Accordingly, by monitoring the current supplied to the actuator <NUM> and comparing the monitored current to a corresponding threshold, it can be determined when the operational status of the passive lift support <NUM> has been sufficiently degraded such that replacement of the lift support <NUM> is required or at least recommended.

It should be appreciated that, in other embodiments, the monitored load-related parameter may correspond to any other suitable parameter. For instance, in an embodiment in which the actuator <NUM> corresponds to a fluid-driven actuator (e.g., a hydraulic or pneumatic cylinder), the computing system <NUM> may be configured to monitor the pressure of the fluid being supplied to the actuator <NUM>. In such an embodiment, the sensor(s) <NUM> may correspond to a pressure sensor configured to generate data indicative of the fluid pressure supplied to the actuator <NUM>.

In one embodiment, to establish a threshold for evaluating the monitored load-related parameter (e.g., current or fluid pressure), the computing system <NUM> may be configured to execute a calibration routine when the passive lift support <NUM> is fully operational (e.g., when the lift support <NUM> is newly installed during manufacturing of the associated machine and/or upon replacement of the passive lift support <NUM>). To execute the calibration routine, the computing system <NUM> may be configured to control the operation of the actuator <NUM> to move or actuate the actuatable component <NUM> across its range of movement (e.g., from a first position to a second position) while recording the associated load-related parameter based on data received from the sensor(s) <NUM> at one or more calibration locations along the range of movement. The recorded parameter value(s) may then be used as a baseline value(s) for selecting or calculating an associated threshold value(s) for the monitored parameter at which it will be inferred that the operational status of the passive lift support <NUM> is sufficiently degraded and, thus, replacement is required (or at least recommended). For instance, the threshold value(s) may be set as a predetermined percentage of the baseline value(s) recorded during the calibration procedure. Thereafter, each time the component <NUM> is being subsequently actuated across its range of movement, the computing system <NUM> may monitor the load-related parameter (e.g., based on the data from the sensor(s) <NUM>) as the component <NUM> is moved past each calibration location. The newly recorded value(s) for the load-related parameter (or an average for the recorded values) can then be compared to the threshold value(s) to determine if the passive lift support is still adequately functioning.

Referring still to <FIG>, when it is determined that the passive lift support <NUM> is no longer sufficiently assisting the actuator <NUM> (e.g., based on the comparison of the recoded value(s) to the threshold value(s)), the computing system <NUM> may be further configured to automatically initiate one or more control actions. For example, the computing system <NUM> may be configured to provide the operator with a notification that the passive lift support <NUM> needs to be replaced. Specifically, in one embodiment, the computing system <NUM> may be communicatively coupled to a user interface <NUM> of the associated work machine via a wired or wireless connection to allow notification signals to be transmitted from the computing system <NUM> to the user interface <NUM>. In such an embodiment, the notification signals may cause the user interface <NUM> to present a notification to the operator (e.g., by causing a visual or audible notification or indicator to be presented to the operator) providing an indication that the passive lift support <NUM> needs to be replaced. In such instance, the operator may then choose to initiate any suitable corrective action he/she believes is necessary, such as by actually replacing the lift support <NUM> or by scheduling a maintenance/service operation for the agricultural machine.

In addition to the operator notification (or as an alternative thereto), the computing system <NUM> may be configured to automatically transmit a notification related to the passive lift support <NUM> to a separate device located remote to the agricultural machine, such as a remote server or computing device. For instance, as shown in <FIG>, the communications module <NUM> may include or be communicatively coupled to a telematics units <NUM> for transmitting notifications and other data via a wireless network to one or more remote systems/devices. In such an embodiment, the notification may be sent, for example, to a remote system/device that is configured to notify a given dealer or service technician that the passive lift support <NUM> for the associated agricultural machine needs to be replaced or serviced.

Additionally, in several embodiments, the control action(s) executed by the computing system <NUM> may include automatically adjusting one or more aspects of the operation of the agricultural machine. For instance, in one embodiment, when it is determined that the passive lift support <NUM> is no longer sufficiently assisting the actuator <NUM> with actuation of the associated component <NUM>, the computing system <NUM> may be configured to automatically adjust operation of the actuator <NUM> to prevent damage to or excessive wear of the actuator <NUM> prior to the passive lift support <NUM> being replaced, such as by adjusting (e.g., limiting) the stroke length of the actuator <NUM>.

Referring now to <FIG>, exemplary operating curves are plotted for an actuator <NUM> (e.g., an electric actuator) configured to be used within embodiments of the disclosed system <NUM> to actuate a given actuatable component <NUM> across a range of movement <NUM>, particularly plotting the monitored load-related parameter (e.g., current) along the y-axis and the actuator's stroke length associated with the range of movement <NUM> along the x-axis. Specifically, <FIG> includes a first operating curve <NUM> that plots the load-related parameter across the range of movement <NUM> when the associated passive lift support <NUM> is fully operational (and, thus, provides a given amount of supplemental force for moving the component <NUM>) and a second operating curve <NUM> that plots the load-related parameter across the range of movement <NUM> when the passive lift support <NUM> is not functioning at all (or is otherwise not present) such that the entirety of the load is being carried by the actuator <NUM>. As shown, a significant differential exists between the first and second operating curves <NUM>, <NUM> across the majority of the range of movement <NUM>, which is generally representative of the additional or supplemental force provided by the passive lift support <NUM> during actuation of the associated component <NUM>. However, as the performance of the passive lift support <NUM> degrades over time, the actual operating curve for the actuator <NUM> will shift from the first operating curve <NUM> towards the second operating curve <NUM>.

<FIG> also illustrates an example of a specific point-based or location-based threshold value that can be selected for assessing the monitored load-related parameter as the performance of the passive lift support <NUM> begins to degrade. Specifically, as indicated above, the computing system <NUM> may be configured to execute a calibration routine during which the operation of the actuator <NUM> is controlled to move or actuate the actuatable component <NUM> across its range of movement <NUM> while the load-related parameter for the actuator <NUM> is being monitored at one or more calibration locations defined along the range of movement <NUM>. For example, as shown in <FIG>, a calibration location (indicated by vertical line <NUM>) has been selected at a given position along the associated range of movement <NUM>. Thus, during the calibration procedure, the computing system <NUM> may be configured to record the value of the load-related parameter at the calibration location (e.g., indicated at <NUM>). A threshold value (e.g., indicated at <NUM>) may then be selected as a function of this baseline value <NUM> (e.g., by setting the threshold value <NUM> as a given percentage of the baseline value <NUM>).

Thereafter, each time the actuator <NUM> is subsequently extended/retracted across the calibration location <NUM> as the associated component <NUM> is being moved between its respective positions, the computing system <NUM> may record a new value for the load-related parameter at the calibration location <NUM> and compare it to the predetermined threshold value <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, with the lift support <NUM> fully functional (e.g., as indicated by operating curve <NUM>), the value of the load-related parameter at the calibration location <NUM> (e.g., baseline value <NUM>) will be significantly less than the threshold value <NUM>. However, the value of the monitored load-related parameter will increase over time as the proportion of the load being carried by the actuator <NUM> increases with degradation of the performance of the passive lift support <NUM>. Thus, the computing system <NUM> may be configured to continuously monitor the parameter with each actuation across the calibration location <NUM> to determine when the recorded value reaches or exceeds the threshold value <NUM>, at which point it may be determined that the passive lift support <NUM> needs to be replaced.

Referring now to <FIG>, another graphical view of the exemplary operating curves <NUM>, <NUM> shown in <FIG> are illustrated in accordance with aspects of the present subject matter, particularly illustrating an example of a threshold curve <NUM> that can be used to evaluate the monitor load-related parameter for the actuator <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, numerous calibration locations (indicated by vertical lines <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) have been selected at various spaced-apart positions along the associated range of movement <NUM>. In such an embodiment, during the calibration procedure, the computing system <NUM> may be configured to record the value of the load-related parameter at each respective calibration location <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> (e.g., indicated at points <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>). Corresponding threshold values for each calibration location (e.g., indicated at points <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) may then be selected as a function of the respective baseline values <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> (e.g., by setting each threshold value as a given percentage of the respective baseline value).

A threshold curve <NUM> may then be generated that passes through each of the threshold values <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>. For instance, in one embodiment, the threshold curve <NUM> may be generated by defining each section <NUM>, <NUM> of the range of movement <NUM> (or each section of the stroke length) extending between neighboring calibration locations <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> as a linear function (e.g., y = mx + b). The linear function may then be used to determine an average threshold value across each section <NUM>, <NUM> of the range of movement <NUM> that can be used as the basis for evaluating the monitored load-related parameter during subsequent operation of the actuator <NUM>. Specifically, each time the actuator <NUM> is subsequently extended/retracted across a given section <NUM>, <NUM> of the range of movement <NUM>, the computing system <NUM> may record the values of the load-related parameter along portions of the stroke length associated with such section <NUM>, <NUM> of the range of movement <NUM> and determine an average value for the monitored load-related parameter across the section <NUM>, <NUM>. The average value determined by the computing system <NUM> may then be compared to the average threshold value associated with the respective section <NUM>, <NUM> of the range of movement <NUM> to evaluate the operating status of the passive lift support <NUM>. Specifically, in the embodiment shown in <FIG>, when the monitored average value for the load-related parameter exceeds the threshold average value for a given section <NUM>, <NUM> of the range of movement <NUM>, it may be determined that the passive lift support <NUM> needs to be replaced. Using an average force value can be beneficial to account for variations in actuation force due to external factors such as friction and wear, temperature, and debris accumulation on the system.

Referring now to <FIG>, a flow diagram of one embodiment of a method <NUM> for monitoring the operational status of passive lift supports is illustrated in accordance with aspects of the present subject matter. In general, the method <NUM> will be described herein with reference to the embodiments of the system <NUM> described above with reference to <FIG> and <FIG>. However, it should be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that the disclosed method <NUM> may generally be utilized in association with systems having any other suitable system configuration. In addition, although <FIG> depicts 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 in <FIG>, at (<NUM>) the method <NUM> includes controlling an operation of an actuator such that an actuatable component coupled to the actuator is actuated across a range of movement between a first position and a second position. Specifically, as indicated above, the computing system <NUM> may be configured to control the operation of the actuator <NUM> to actuate or move an associated component <NUM> across a range of movement, such as by actuating the residue spreader <NUM> of the harvester <NUM> described above between its operating and storage positions.

Additionally, at (<NUM>), the method <NUM> includes monitoring a load-related parameter indicative of a load being carried by the actuator as the component is being actuated across the range of movement. As indicated above, the computing system <NUM> may be communicatively coupled to one or more sensors <NUM> configured to generate data associated with a load-related parameter of the actuator <NUM>, such as one or more sensors configured to monitor the electric input into the actuator and/or the fluid pressure supplied to the actuator. In such an embodiment, the computing system <NUM> may be configured to monitor the load-related parameter based on the data received from the sensor(s) <NUM>.

Moreover, at (<NUM>), the method <NUM> includes determining, with the computing system, an operational status of a passive lift support coupled to the component based at least in part on the monitored load-related parameter. For instance, as indicated above, the computing system <NUM> may be configured to compare the monitored load-related parameter to one or more predetermined threshold values to evaluate the operational status of the associated passive lift support <NUM>. The predetermined threshold value(s) may, for example, derive from a calibration routine executed by the computing system <NUM> when the passive lift support <NUM> is new or otherwise fully functional to establish baseline data for the actuator <NUM> prior to any degradation of the performance of the lift support <NUM>.

Claim 1:
A system (<NUM>) for monitoring the operational status of passive lift supports, the system (<NUM>) including an actuatable component (<NUM>) configured to be moved across a range of movement between a first position and a second position, the system (<NUM>) further including an actuator (<NUM>) coupled to the component (<NUM>) and being configured to actuate the component (<NUM>) across the range of movement, the system (<NUM>) also including a passive lift support (<NUM>) coupled to the component (<NUM>) and being configured to provide a supplemental actuation force as the actuator (<NUM>) is being used to actuate the component (<NUM>) across the range of movement, characterized by the system (<NUM>) further comprising a computing system (<NUM>) configured to monitor a load-related parameter indicative of a load being carried by the actuator (<NUM>), the computing system (<NUM>) being further configured to determine an operational status of the passive lift support (<NUM>) based at least in part on the monitored load-related parameter.