Patent Description:
It is well known that, to attain the best agricultural performance from a field, a farmer must cultivate the soil, typically through a tillage operation. Modern farmers perform tillage operations by pulling a tillage implement behind an agricultural work vehicle, such as a tractor. Tillage implements typically include one or more ground engaging tools configured to engage the soil as the implement is moved across the field. For example, in certain configurations, the implement may include one or more harrow discs, leveling discs, rolling baskets, shanks, tines, and/or the like. Such ground engaging tool(s) loosen, agitate, and/or otherwise work the soil to prepare the field for subsequent planting operations.

During tillage operations, field materials, such as residue, soil, rocks, mud, and/or the like, may become trapped or otherwise accumulate on and/or within ground engaging tools or between adjacent ground engaging tools. For instance, material accumulation will often occur around the exterior of a basket assembly (e.g., on the blades or bars of the basket assembly) and/or within the interior of the basket assembly. Such accumulation of field materials may prevent the basket assembly from performing in a desired manner during the performance of a tillage operation. In such instances, it is often necessary for the operator to take certain corrective actions to remove the material accumulation. However, it is typically difficult for the operator to detect or determine a plugged condition of a basket assembly when viewing the tools from the operator's cab. US Patent application publication <CIT> discloses a system for detecting the operational status of a ground engaging tool of a tillage implement including an agricultural implement including a frame and a tool assembly supported relative to the frame. The ganged tool assembly includes a toolbar coupled to the frame and one or more ground engaging tools coupled to the toolbar. A sensor coupled to the tool assembly and configured to capture data indicative of a load acting on the one or more ground engaging tools. Additionally, the system includes a controller configured to monitor the data received from the sensor and compare at least one monitored value associated with the load acting on the ground engaging tool(s) and configured to identify the ground engaging tool(s) as being plugged when the monitored value(s) differs from the predetermined threshold value. EP Patent application publication <CIT> discloses system for identifying plugging within an agricultural implement is provided. The system includes a ground engaging tool configured to be supported by the agricultural implement. A weight sensor is operable to measure a weight of one or both of the ground engaging tool and the agricultural implement. A controller is communicatively coupled to the weight sensor. The controller is configured to receive, from the weight sensor, a signal that corresponds to the weight of one or both of the ground engaging tool and the agricultural implement. The controller is further configured to determine when the ground engaging tool is plugged based at least in part on the signal from the weight sensor.

Accordingly, systems and methods for detecting material accumulation relative to basket assemblies of an agricultural implement would be welcomed in the technology.

The solution to the technical problem is achieved by the subject-matter of independent claims <NUM> and <NUM>, defining per se the invention. Particular embodiments of the invention are defined in the dependent claims.

In general, the present subject matter is directed to systems and methods for detecting material accumulation relative to basket assemblies of an agricultural implement. In several embodiments, a computing system may be configured to monitor a load applied through a frame assembly supporting a given basket assembly to determine or infer when the basket assembly is plugged or is otherwise experiencing plug-related conditions. Specifically, the monitored load may be compared to an applicable load threshold and, when the monitored load differs from the threshold (e.g., by exceeding the threshold), the computing system may determine or infer that the corresponding basket assembly is plugged. Upon making such a determination, the computing system may be configured to automatically initiate a control action, such as by generating an operator notification and/or automatically adjusting the operation of the implement (including adjusting one or more operating parameters associated with the tools of the implement).

Referring now to the drawings, <FIG> and <FIG> illustrate differing perspective views of one embodiment of an agricultural implement <NUM> in accordance with aspects of the present subject matter. Specifically, <FIG> illustrates a perspective view of the agricultural implement <NUM> coupled to a work vehicle <NUM>. Additionally, <FIG> illustrates a perspective view of the implement <NUM>, particularly illustrating various components of the implement <NUM>.

In general, the implement <NUM> may be configured to be towed across a field in a direction of travel (e.g., as indicated by arrow <NUM> in <FIG>) by the work vehicle <NUM>. As shown, the implement <NUM> may be configured as a tillage implement, and the work vehicle <NUM> may be configured as an agricultural tractor. However, in other embodiments, the implement <NUM> may be configured as any other suitable type of implement, such as a seed-planting implement, a fertilizer-dispensing implement, and/or the like. Similarly, the work vehicle <NUM> may be configured as any other suitable type of vehicle, such as an agricultural harvester, a self-propelled sprayer, and/or the like.

As shown in <FIG>, the work vehicle <NUM> may include a pair of front track assemblies <NUM>, a pair or rear track assemblies <NUM>, and a frame or chassis <NUM> coupled to and supported by the track assemblies <NUM>, <NUM>. Alternatively, the track assemblies <NUM>, <NUM> can be replaced with tires or other suitable traction members. An operator's cab <NUM> may be supported by a portion of the chassis <NUM> and may house various input devices for permitting an operator to control the operation of one or more components of the work vehicle <NUM> and/or one or more components of the implement <NUM>. Additionally, as is generally understood, the work vehicle <NUM> may include various drive components (not shown), such as an engine and a transmission mounted on the chassis <NUM>. The transmission may be operably coupled to the engine and may provide variably adjusted gear ratios for transferring engine power to the track assemblies <NUM>, <NUM> via a drive axle assembly (not shown) (or via axles if multiple drive axles are employed).

Moreover, as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the implement <NUM> may generally include a carriage or main frame assembly <NUM> configured to be towed by the work vehicle via a pull hitch or tow bar <NUM> in the direction of travel <NUM> of the vehicle <NUM>. As is generally understood, the main frame assembly <NUM> may be configured to support a plurality of ground-engaging tools, such as a plurality of shanks, disk blades, leveling blades, basket assemblies, and/or the like. In several embodiments, the various ground-engaging tools may be configured to perform a tillage operation across the field along which the implement <NUM> is being towed.

As particularly shown in <FIG>, the main frame assembly <NUM> may include a pair of longitudinally extending, laterally spaced carrier frame members coupled to the tow bar <NUM> (e.g., a left-side carriage frame member 36A and a right-side carriage frame member 36B). In addition, reinforcing gusset plates <NUM> may be used to strengthen the connection between the tow bar <NUM> and the carrier frame members 36A, 38B. In several embodiments, the main frame assembly <NUM> may generally function to support a plurality of sub-frame assemblies of the implement <NUM>, such as a central sub-frame assembly <NUM>, a forward sub-frame assembly <NUM> positioned forward of the central sub-frame assembly <NUM> in the direction of travel <NUM> of the work vehicle <NUM>, and an aft sub-frame assembly <NUM> positioned aft of the central sub-frame assembly <NUM> in the direction of travel <NUM> of the work vehicle <NUM>. Each sub-frame assembly may generally include a plurality of structural frame members, such as beams, bars (including toolbars), and/or the like, configured to support or couple to a plurality of components.

As shown in <FIG>, in one embodiment, the central sub-frame assembly <NUM> may correspond to a shank frame configured to support a plurality of ground-engaging shanks <NUM>. In such an embodiment, the shanks <NUM> may be configured to till the soil as the implement <NUM> is towed across the field. However, in other embodiments, the central sub-frame assembly <NUM> may be configured to support any other suitable ground-engaging tools, such as disks and harrows.

Additionally, as shown in <FIG>, in one embodiment, the forward sub-frame assembly <NUM> may correspond to a disk frame configured to support various gangs or sets <NUM> of disk blades <NUM>. In such an embodiment, each disk blade <NUM> may, for example, include both a concave side (not shown) and a convex side (not shown). In addition, the various gangs <NUM> of disk blades <NUM> may be oriented at an angle relative to the travel direction <NUM> of the work vehicle <NUM> to promote more effective tilling of the soil. However, in other embodiments, the forward sub-frame assembly <NUM> may be configured to support any other suitable ground-engaging tools.

Moreover, similar to the central and forward sub-frame assembly <NUM>, <NUM>, the aft sub-frame assembly <NUM> may also be configured to support a plurality of ground-engaging tools. For instance, in the illustrated embodiment, the aft frame is configured to support a plurality of finishing tools, such as a plurality of leveling blades <NUM> and rolling (or crumbler) basket assemblies <NUM>. However, in other embodiments, any other suitable ground-engaging tools may be coupled to and supported by the aft sub-frame assembly <NUM>, such as a plurality closing disks.

In addition, the implement <NUM> may also include any number of suitable actuators (e.g., hydraulic cylinders) for adjusting the relative positioning, penetration depth, and/or down force associated with the various ground-engaging tools <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>. For instance, as shown in <FIG>, the implement <NUM> may include one or more first actuators <NUM> coupled to the central sub-frame assembly <NUM> for raising or lowering the central sub-frame assembly <NUM> relative to the ground, thereby allowing the penetration depth and/or the down pressure of the shanks <NUM> to be adjusted. Similarly, the implement <NUM> may include one or more second actuators <NUM> coupled to the forward sub-frame assembly <NUM> to adjust the penetration depth and/or the down pressure of the disk blades <NUM>. Moreover, the implement <NUM> may include one or more third actuators <NUM> coupled to the aft sub-frame assembly <NUM> to allow the aft sub-frame assembly <NUM> to be moved relative to the carriage frame members 36A, 36B and/or the central sub-frame assembly <NUM>, thereby allowing the relevant operating parameters of the finishing tools <NUM>, <NUM> supported by the aft sub-frame assembly <NUM> (e.g., the down pressure and/or the penetration depth) to be adjusted.

It should be appreciated that the configuration of the implement <NUM> described above and shown in <FIG> and <FIG> is 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 implement configuration.

Referring now to <FIG> and <FIG>, differing views of an aft portion of the agricultural implement <NUM> shown in <FIG> and <FIG> is illustrated in accordance with aspects of the present subject matter. Specifically, <FIG> illustrates a perspective view of the aft sub-frame assembly <NUM> and associated finishing tools <NUM>, <NUM> of the agricultural implement <NUM>. Additionally, <FIG> illustrates a side view of the various components shown in <FIG>.

As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the aft sub-frame assembly <NUM> may include a plurality of frame components configured to support the finishing tools <NUM>, <NUM> relative to both the main frame assembly <NUM> (<FIG> and <FIG>) and the surface of the field. For instance, the aft sub-frame assembly <NUM> includes a laterally extending blade toolbar <NUM> and a plurality of blade support arms <NUM> coupled to and extending from the blade toolbar <NUM>, with each blade support arm <NUM> configured to support a corresponding leveler disk <NUM> (or set of leveler disks <NUM>) relative to the toolbar <NUM>. Additionally, the aft sub-frame assembly <NUM> includes a laterally extending basket toolbar <NUM> and one or more pairs of basket support arm assemblies <NUM> coupled to and extending from the basket toolbar <NUM>, with each pair of basket support arms assemblies <NUM> being configured to support a corresponding basket assembly <NUM> relative to the toolbar <NUM>. For instance, as shown in <FIG>, each basket assembly <NUM> may be supported by a first or left-side basket support arm assembly 65A and a second or right-side basket support arm assembly 65B. As particularly shown in <FIG>, each basket support arm assembly <NUM> may include a first support arm <NUM> rigidly coupled to the basket toolbar <NUM> at one end of the arm <NUM> (e.g., via an associated mounting bracket <NUM>) and pivotably coupled to a second support arm <NUM> of the basket support arm assembly <NUM> (e.g., at pivot point <NUM>) at the opposed end of the arm <NUM>, with the second support arm <NUM>, in turn, being coupled to an associated mounting yoke or basket hanger <NUM> of the associated basket assembly <NUM>. Additionally, as shown in <FIG>, the aft sub-frame assembly <NUM> includes a biasing member (e.g., spring <NUM>) coupled between the basket toolbar <NUM> (e.g., via bracket <NUM>) and an opposed mounting bracket <NUM> of the assembly <NUM> to provide a downward biasing force against the basket assembly <NUM>. In one embodiment, the mounting bracket <NUM> is pivotably coupled to the first support arm <NUM> (e.g., at pivot point <NUM>) to allow the bracket <NUM> to pivot relative to the support arm <NUM>.

Moreover, in several embodiments, the aft sub-frame assembly <NUM> includes a basket actuator <NUM> (e.g., a hydraulic or pneumatic cylinder) pivotably coupled between each mounting bracket <NUM> and each second support arm <NUM> to allow a fixed or variable downforce to be applied against the basket assembly <NUM>. For instance, a first or left-side basket actuator 74A and a second or right-side basket actuator 74B may be provided in operative association with each basket assembly <NUM> for providing a downforce thereto. As particularly shown in <FIG>, one end of each basket actuator <NUM> (e.g., the cylinder end) is pivotably coupled to the adjacent mounting bracket <NUM> at a first pivot joint <NUM> (e.g., via a bolted or pinned connection) and the opposed end of each basket actuator <NUM> (e.g., the rod end) is pivotably coupled to the adjacent second support arm <NUM> at a second pivot joint <NUM> (e.g., via a bolted or pinned connection). As such, by extending or retracting the basket actuator <NUM> between the opposed pivot joints <NUM>, <NUM>, the downforce applied to the basket assembly <NUM> can be increased or decreased, as desired.

It should be appreciated that the basket assemblies <NUM> may generally have any suitable configuration. For instance, as shown in <FIG>, each basket assembly <NUM> includes a plurality of support plates <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> configured to support a plurality of blades or bars <NUM> spaced circumferentially about the outer perimeter of the basket, such as first and second end plates <NUM>, <NUM> positioned at the opposed lateral ends of the basket assembly <NUM> and a plurality of inner support plates <NUM> spaced apart laterally from one another between the end plates <NUM>, <NUM>. As is generally understood, the end plates <NUM>, <NUM> may be rotatably coupled to the corresponding basket hanger <NUM> via bearings to allow the basket assembly <NUM> to rotate relative to the hanger/arm <NUM> as the implement <NUM> is being moved across the field. Additionally, in the illustrated embodiment, the bars <NUM> of each basket assembly <NUM> are configured as formed bars. However, in other embodiments, the bars <NUM> may have any other suitable configuration, such as flat bars, round bars, angled bars, and/or the like.

As the implement <NUM> is moved across a field, the basket assemblies <NUM> may be configured to roll across the surface of the field and break-up soil clods and/or chop surface residue into smaller pieces. However, in certain instances, a plugged condition or state may occur in which field materials accumulate around the exterior of a basket assembly <NUM> (e.g., on the blades or bars of the basket assembly <NUM>) and/or within the interior of the basket assembly <NUM>. For example, when the soil in the field has high moisture content, the soil may stick or adhere to the blades or bars and/or clog-up the interior of the basket assembly <NUM>, which generally prevents the basket assembly <NUM> from performing in a desired manner during the performance of a tillage operation. In this regard, the present inventor has recognized that material accumulation on and/or within a basket assembly <NUM> results in the draft load(s) required to pull the basket assembly <NUM> across the field at the desired down pressure (e.g., as applied via the basket actuator <NUM>) to be increased. As such, by directly or indirectly monitoring the draft loads associated with a given basket assembly <NUM> during the performance of a tillage operation, it may be inferred or determined when the basket assembly <NUM> is plugged. For example, the draft loads on a basket assembly <NUM> generally vary as a function of the ground speed of the implement <NUM> and the down pressure on the basket assembly <NUM>, and this relationship can be used to establish an expected or baseline draft load range for each basket assembly <NUM> at various combinations of speed/down pressure settings (e.g., via a look-up table and/or algorithm). In such an embodiment, by monitoring the load associated with a given basket assembly <NUM> relative to a maximum load threshold for the draft load range associated with the current ground speed and down pressure setting, it can be inferred or determined that the basket assembly <NUM> is plugged when the monitored draft load exceeds the maximum load threshold.

In addition to such threshold-based load monitoring (or as an alternative thereto), the monitored load associated with a given basket assembly <NUM> of an agricultural implement <NUM> may be compared to the monitored load associated with another basket assembly <NUM> of the implement <NUM> to determine or infer plugging of one of such basket assemblies <NUM>. For example, it may generally be expected that each of the basket assemblies <NUM> will experience the same or similar draft loads. As such, when the monitored load of one basket assembly <NUM> exceeds the monitored load of another basket assembly <NUM> by a given load differential threshold, it may be inferred that the basket assembly <NUM> experiencing the increased loads is plugged.

In several embodiments, the draft load associated with each basket assembly <NUM> may be estimated or determined using one or more load sensors <NUM> provided in operative association with the aft sub-frame assembly <NUM>. In general, the load sensor(s) <NUM> may correspond to any suitable sensing device or system configured to provide or generate load data indicative of the draft load associated with the corresponding basket assembly <NUM>. For example, the load sensor(s) <NUM> may correspond to piezoelectric or strain gauge sensors, load cells, load pins, and/or any other suitable sensing devices.

In several embodiments, the load sensor(s) <NUM> may correspond to one or more load pins (e.g., multi-axis load pins) provided at one or more corresponding connection points or pivot joints associated with the aft sub-frame assembly <NUM>. For instance, <FIG> illustrates three different example locations at which load pins may be provided to monitor a load indicative of the draft load associated with a given basket assembly <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, in one embodiment, a load pin 90A may be provided at the pinned or bolted connection forming the first pivot joint <NUM> between the mounting bracket <NUM> of the aft sub-frame assembly <NUM> and the basket actuator <NUM> of the aft sub-frame assembly <NUM> (e.g., the cylinder end of the basket actuator <NUM>). In another embodiment, as shown in <FIG>, a load pin 90B may be provided at the pinned or bolted connection forming the second pivot joint <NUM> between the second support arm <NUM> of the aft sub-frame assembly <NUM> and the basket actuator <NUM> of the aft sub-frame assembly <NUM> (e.g., the rod end of the basket actuator <NUM>). In yet another embodiment, a load pin 90C may be provided at the pinned or bolted connection forming the pivot point <NUM> for pivotably coupling the first support arm <NUM> to the mounting bracket <NUM> and the second support arm <NUM> of the aft sub-frame assembly <NUM>. In further embodiments, the load sensor(s) <NUM> may correspond to any other suitable sensing device or system and/or may be provided in operative association with any other suitable component (e.g., any other suitable component of the aft sub-frame assembly <NUM>) so as to provide load data indicative of the draft load associated with a given basket assembly <NUM>.

As will be described below, in addition to detecting material accumulation relative to a given basket assembly <NUM>, the disclosed load sensors <NUM> may also allow for the location of the material accumulation to be estimated or inferred. For instance, by providing a load sensor <NUM> in association with each of the left-side and right-side basket actuators 74A, 74B (e.g., load sensors 90A or 90B) and/or with each of the left-side and right side basket support arm assemblies 65A, 65B, the loads transmitted through such components can be monitored and compared to determine if the loads associated with one side of the basket assembly <NUM> (e.g., a left-half of the basket assembly <NUM>) are greater than the loads associated with other side of the basket assembly <NUM> (e.g., a right-half of the basket assembly <NUM>). If a load differential is detected, it may be inferred that the side experiencing the higher load is plugged (or plugged to a greater extent than the other side).

Referring now to <FIG>, a schematic view of one embodiment of a system <NUM> for detecting material accumulation relative to basket assemblies of an agricultural implement is illustrated in accordance with aspects of the present subject matter. In general, the system <NUM> will be described herein with reference to the implement <NUM>, aft sub-frame assembly <NUM>, and related basket assemblies <NUM> described above with reference to <FIG>. However, it should be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that the disclosed system <NUM> may generally be utilized with agricultural implements having any other suitable implement configuration, frame assemblies having any other suitable frame configuration, and/or with basket assemblies having any other suitable basket configuration.

In general, the system <NUM> may include one or more components of an agricultural implement, such as one or more of the components of the implement <NUM> described above. For example, as shown in <FIG>, the system <NUM> may include a sub-frame assembly (e.g., the aft sub-frame assembly <NUM> of the implement <NUM>) and one or more basket assemblies (e.g., the basket assemblies <NUM> of the implement <NUM>) configured to be supported by the sub-frame assembly <NUM> relative to the ground. The sub-frame assembly <NUM> may also include one or more basket actuators <NUM> (e.g., two actuators 74A, 74B per basket assembly <NUM>) for adjusting the down pressure applied to the basket assemblies <NUM>. Additionally, as shown in <FIG>, the sub-frame assembly <NUM> may generally be provided in operative association with one or more load sensors (e.g., the load sensors <NUM> described above) configured to detect a load indicative of the draft load associated with each basket assembly <NUM>. For instance, as described above, load pins 90A, 90B may be provided at the pinned or bolted connection forming one or both of the pivot joints <NUM>, <NUM> between each basket actuator <NUM> and an adjacent component of the aft sub-frame assembly <NUM> (e.g., the mounting bracket <NUM> and/or the second support arm <NUM> of the aft sub-frame assembly <NUM>). In another embodiment, a load pin 90C may be provided at the pinned or bolted connection forming the pivot point <NUM> for pivotably coupling the first support arm <NUM> of the sub-frame assembly <NUM> to the mounting bracket <NUM> and the second support arm <NUM> of the sub-frame assembly <NUM>.

In accordance with aspects of the present subject matter, the system <NUM> may also include 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.

It should be appreciated that the computing system <NUM> may correspond to an existing computing system of the implement <NUM> or associated work vehicle <NUM> or the computing system <NUM> may correspond to a separate computing system. For instance, in one embodiment, the computing system <NUM> may form all or part of a separate plug-in module that may be installed in association with the implement <NUM> or work vehicle <NUM> to allow for the disclosed system <NUM> and related methods to be implemented without requiring additional software to be uploaded onto existing computing systems of the implement <NUM> and/or the work vehicle <NUM>.

In several embodiments, the computing system <NUM> may be configured to monitor the loads applied through the aft sub-frame assembly <NUM> relative to an associated load threshold. Specifically, in one embodiment, the computing system <NUM> may be communicatively coupled to the load sensor(s) <NUM> provided in association with the aft sub-frame assembly <NUM> (e.g., via a wired or wireless connection) to allow the load(s) applied through such assembly <NUM> to be monitored, thereby providing an indication of the draft load(s) associated with the basket assemblies <NUM>. The monitored load may then be compared to an associated load threshold selected based on the current ground speed of the implement <NUM> and the current down pressure setting of a corresponding basket assembly <NUM> to determine or infer the "plugging" status of the basket assembly <NUM>.

For example, in one embodiment, the load threshold may correspond to a maximum load threshold for a load range selected based on the anticipated or expected draft load range for the basket assembly <NUM> given the current ground speed of the implement <NUM> and the current down pressure setting of the assembly <NUM>. In such an embodiment, the computing system <NUM> may be configured to determine or infer that the corresponding basket assembly <NUM> is in a non-plugged state when the monitored load is at or below the load threshold and that the basket assembly <NUM> is in a plugged state when the monitored load exceeds the load threshold. In another embodiment, the load threshold may correspond to a differential threshold value associated with an anticipated or expected load differential between two basket assemblies <NUM> (e.g., given the current ground speed of the implement <NUM> and the current down pressure settings of the basket assemblies <NUM>). In such an embodiment, the computing system <NUM> may be configured to determine or infer that the basket assembly <NUM> experiencing the highest loads is in a plugged state when the load differential between the two basket assemblies <NUM> exceeds the associated load differential threshold.

As indicated above, the load threshold selected for evaluating the plugging status of a basket assembly <NUM> may generally vary as a function of ground speed and basket down pressure. Thus, in several embodiments, the computing system <NUM> may be configured to calculate or select an applicable load threshold value based on the current ground speed of the implement <NUM> and the current down pressure setting for the basket assemblies <NUM>. To account for variations in the ground speed and/or the down pressure, the computing system <NUM> may be configured to utilize one or more look-up tables and/or mathematical relationships to select an appropriate loading threshold. For instance, in one embodiment, the computing system <NUM> may include a look-up table or mathematical relationship that correlates threshold values for the load threshold to the ground speed of the implement <NUM>, thereby allowing the computing system <NUM> to select an initial threshold value based on the current ground speed of the implement <NUM>. Such initial threshold value may then be adjusted or corrected (e.g., up or down), as necessary, based on the current down pressure setting for the basket assemblies <NUM> (e.g., by scaling or adjusting the initial value based on a known relationship between the down pressure and the threshold values). In another embodiment, the computing system <NUM> may include a plurality of ground-speed-dependent look-up tables or mathematical relationships (e.g., one for each of a plurality of different ground speeds) that correlates threshold values for the loading threshold to down pressures for the basket assemblies at each ground speed, thereby allowing the computing system <NUM> to select an appropriate threshold value as a function of the down pressure and ground speed. In such an embodiment, the computing system <NUM> may be configured to use suitable interpolation techniques to calculate a threshold value when the current ground speed is between two reference ground speeds for which look-up tables and/or mathematical expressions are stored within the computing system's memory <NUM>.

Referring still to <FIG>, to select the applicable loading threshold, the computing system <NUM> may generally be configured to receive an input associated with the current down pressure for the basket assemblies <NUM>. In one embodiment, this input may be received from the operator. For instance, the operator may select or input the desired or current down pressure setting via a user interface <NUM> provided within the cab <NUM> of the work vehicle <NUM>. Alternatively, the computing system <NUM> may be configured to actively monitor the current down pressure being applied to the basket assemblies <NUM> via sensor feedback provided by one or more down pressure sensors <NUM>. For example, in one embodiment, each down pressure sensor <NUM> may correspond to a pressure sensor provided in operative association with a corresponding basket actuator <NUM> of the implement <NUM>. In such an embodiment, the sensor(s) may be configured to monitor the fluid pressure(s) associated with the basket actuator <NUM>, thereby providing an indication of the down pressure applied to the associated basket assembly <NUM>. In another embodiment, the disclosed load sensors <NUM> may perform a dual function by providing data associated with both the draft load of the basket assemblies <NUM> and the down pressure applied thereto. For instance, when the load sensors comprises multi-axis load pins 90B provided at the pinned or bolted connections forming the second pivot joint <NUM> between each second support arm <NUM> of the aft sub-frame assembly <NUM> and the adjacent basket actuator <NUM>, the data from the load pin 90B may be used to monitor both the draft load and the down pressure associated with the corresponding basket assembly <NUM>. In even further embodiments, the computing system <NUM> may be communicatively coupled to any other suitable down pressure sensor(s) or feedback device(s) that allows the computing system <NUM> to directly or indirectly monitor/infer the down pressure applied to the basket assemblies <NUM>.

Additionally, as shown in <FIG>, to allow the computing system <NUM> to monitor the ground speed of the implement <NUM>, the computing system <NUM> may be communicatively coupled to one or more ground speed sensors <NUM>. In general, the ground speed sensor(s) <NUM> may correspond to any suitable sensing device or system that is configured to provide data indicative of the ground speed of the implement <NUM>. For instance, in one embodiment, the ground speed sensor <NUM> may correspond to a GPS device or any other suitable satellite navigation position system configured to generate data associated with the ground speed of the implement <NUM>. In another embodiment, the ground speed sensor(s) <NUM> may correspond to a rotary speed sensor(s) configured to monitor the rotational speed of a given component that provides an indication of the ground speed of the implement <NUM>, such as the engine or transmission of the work vehicle <NUM> or a wheel of the vehicle <NUM> or implement <NUM>.

As indicated above, the computing system <NUM> may be configured to determine or infer the "plugging" status of one or more basket assemblies by comparing the load(s) applied through the aft sub-frame assembly <NUM> to an associated loading threshold. Additionally, when it is determined that a given basket assembly <NUM> is plugged or otherwise in a plugged state (e.g., a partially or fully plugged state), the computing system <NUM> may, in several embodiments, be further configured to determine or infer the location of material accumulation relative to the basket assembly <NUM>. Specifically, in embodiments in which load sensors <NUM> are provided in association with laterally spaced frame components that support a given basket assembly <NUM>, the computing system <NUM> may be configured to monitor the loads applied through the frame components to determine if a load imbalance exists across the aft sub-frame assembly <NUM> at such laterally spaced apart locations. For instance, as described above with reference to <FIG> and <FIG>, in an embodiment in which a load sensor <NUM> is provided in association with each of the left-side and right-side basket actuators 74A, 74B (e.g., load sensors 90A or 90B) and/or with each of the left-side and right side basket support arm assemblies 65A, 65B, the computing system <NUM> may be configured to monitor the loads transmitted through such components to determine if the loads associated with one side of the basket assembly <NUM> (e.g., a left-half of the basket assembly <NUM>) are greater than the loads associated with other side of the basket assembly <NUM> (e.g., a right-half of the basket assembly <NUM>). If a load differential is detected, the computing system <NUM> may infer that the side experiencing the higher load is plugged (or plugged to a greater extent than the other side). As such, the computing system <NUM> may estimate or determine the location of material accumulation relative to a plugged basket assembly <NUM>.

Moreover, when it is determined that a given basket assembly <NUM> is plugged or otherwise in a plugged state (e.g., a partially or fully plugged state), the computing system <NUM> may also be 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 one or more basket assemblies <NUM> are in a plugged state. Specifically, in one embodiment, the computing system <NUM> may be communicatively coupled to the user interface <NUM> of the work vehicle <NUM> 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) which provides an indication that one or more of the basket assemblies <NUM> are in a plugged state. In such instance, the operator may then choose to initiate any suitable corrective action he/she believes is necessary, such as adjusting the ground speed of the implement <NUM> adjusting the down pressure of the baskets, and/or a combination of the like.

Additionally, in several embodiments, the control action(s) executed by the computing system <NUM> may include automatically adjusting the operation of the implement <NUM> (including tool adjustments) and/or the associated work vehicle <NUM>. For instance, in one embodiment, the computing system <NUM> may be configured to automatically adjust the down pressure applied to basket assemblies <NUM>, such as by actively controlling the operation of the associated basket actuators <NUM>. In another embodiment, the computing system <NUM> may be configured to automatically adjust the ground speed of the implement <NUM> to address plugging-related conditions, such as by actively controlling the engine and/or the transmission of the work vehicle <NUM>.

Referring now to <FIG>, a flow diagram of one embodiment of a method <NUM> for detecting material accumulation relative to basket assemblies of an agricultural implement is illustrated in accordance with aspects of the present subject matter. In general, the method <NUM> will be described herein with reference to the agricultural implement <NUM>, sub-frame assembly <NUM>, basket assemblies <NUM>, and system <NUM> described above with reference to <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 agricultural implements having any suitable implement configuration, sub-frame assemblies having any other suitable frame configuration, basket assemblies having any other suitable basket configuration, and/or 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. <NUM>, at (<NUM>), the method <NUM> may include monitoring a load indicative of a draft load associated with a basket assembly of an agricultural implement. For instance, as indicated above, the computing system <NUM> may be communicatively coupled to one or more load sensors <NUM> configured to generate load data indicative of a draft load associated with a given basket assembly <NUM>, such as by monitoring the load applied through one or more components of the aft sub-frame assembly <NUM> supporting the basket assembly <NUM> relative to the ground. By receiving the data from the load sensor(s) <NUM>, the computing system <NUM> may be configured to monitor the load(s) associated with such basket assembly <NUM>.

Additionally, at (<NUM>), the method <NUM> may include comparing the monitored load to a load threshold. As indicated above, the computing system <NUM> may be configured to select a load threshold to be used for inferring or determining the state of plugging of a given basket assembly <NUM>. In one embodiment, the load threshold may correspond to a maximum load threshold, such as a maximum load value associated with load range selected based on an anticipated or expected draft load range for a basket assembly <NUM> given the current ground speed of the implement <NUM> and the current down pressure setting for the basket assembly <NUM>. In another embodiment, the load threshold may correspond to a differential threshold value associated with an anticipated or expected load differential between two different basket assemblies <NUM> given the current ground speed of the implement <NUM> and the current down pressure setting for the basket assemblies <NUM>.

Moreover, at (<NUM>), the method <NUM> may include determining that field materials have accumulated relative to the basket assembly when the monitored load differs from the load threshold. Specifically, as indicated above, the computing system <NUM> may be configured to compare the monitored load to the applicable threshold and determine or infer that field materials have accumulated relative to the basket assembly <NUM> when the load differs from the threshold (e.g., when the monitored load exceeds an associated maximum load threshold or when the monitored load exceeds the monitored load of another basket assembly by an associated load differential threshold).

Referring still to FIG. <NUM>, at (<NUM>), the method <NUM> may include initiating a control action in response to determining that field materials have accumulated relative to the basket assembly. For example, as indicated above, the computing system <NUM> may be configured to automatically initiate a control action when it is determined that a given basket assembly <NUM> is in a plugged state. For instance, in one embodiment, the computing system <NUM> may be configured to generate an operator notification associated with notifying the operator of the accumulation of field materials relative to the basket assembly <NUM>. In addition to such operator notification (or as an alternative thereto), the computing system <NUM> may be configured to automatically adjust the operation of the implement <NUM>, such as by reducing the ground speed of the implement <NUM> and/or by adjusting the down pressure applied to the basket assembly <NUM>.

It is to be understood that the steps of the method <NUM> are performed by the computing system <NUM> upon 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, a solid-state memory, e.g., flash memory, or other storage media known in the art. Thus, any of the functionality performed by the computing system <NUM> described herein, such as the method <NUM>, is implemented in software code or instructions which are tangibly stored on a tangible computer readable medium. The computing system <NUM> loads 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 system <NUM>, the computing system <NUM> may perform any of the functionality of the computing system <NUM> described herein, including any steps of the method <NUM> described herein.

Claim 1:
A system (<NUM>) for detecting material accumulation relative to basket assemblies of an agricultural implement (<NUM>), the system (<NUM>) including a frame assembly (<NUM>) and a basket assembly (<NUM>) configured to be supported by the frame assembly (<NUM>) relative to a surface of a field, the system (<NUM>) comprising:
a load sensor (<NUM>) configured to detect a load indicative of a draft load associated with the basket assembly (<NUM>); and
a computing system (<NUM>) communicatively coupled to the load sensor (<NUM>), the computing system (<NUM>) being configured to:
monitor the load based on data provided by the load sensor (<NUM>); and
compare the monitored load to a load threshold, wherein the load threshold comprises a maximum load threshold, the computing system (<NUM>) being configured to determine that field materials have accumulated relative to the basket assembly (<NUM>) when the monitored load exceeds the maximum load threshold;
the computing system (<NUM>) being further configured to automatically initiate a control action when it is determined that field materials have accumulated relative to the basket assembly (<NUM>);
characterized by
the computing system (<NUM>) being further configured to select the load threshold based at least in part on a ground speed of the agricultural implement (<NUM>) and a down pressure applied to the basket assembly (<NUM>).