Patent ID: 12201043

Repeat use of reference characters in the present specification and drawings is intended to represent the same or analogous features or elements of the present technology.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Reference now will be made in detail to embodiments of the invention, one or more examples of which are illustrated in the drawings. Each example is provided by way of explanation of the invention, not limitation of the invention. In fact, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the present invention without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention. For instance, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment can be used with another embodiment to yield still a further embodiment. Thus, it is intended that the present invention covers such modifications and variations as come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

In general, the present subject matter is directed to a system and a method for detecting bent disk blades on an agricultural implement. As will be described below, the agricultural implement includes a disk assembly supported on its frame. The disk assembly, in turn, includes a hanger and a disk blade rotatably coupled to the hanger. Furthermore, the agricultural implement includes first and second fasteners (e.g., first and second U-bolts) coupling the hanger to the frame. For example, the first and second fasteners may extend in a longitudinal direction across the top surface of a frame member from a forward side of the frame member to an aft side of the frame member such that the first and second fasteners are spaced apart from each other in a lateral direction.

In several embodiments, a computing system of the disclosed system is configured to determine when the disk blade is bent based on the loads applied to the first and second fasteners. Specifically, in such embodiments, the system includes a first load sensor configured to generate data indicative of a first load being applied to the first fastener by the disk assembly. Additionally, the system includes a second load sensor configured to generate data indicative of a second load being applied to the second fastener by the disk assembly. In this respect, the computing system is configured to receive the data generated by the first and second load sensors during operation of the agricultural implement. Moreover, the computing system is configured to determine when the disk blade is bent based on received sensor data. For example, in some embodiments, the computing system may determine first and second magnitudes of the first and second loads acting on the first and second fasteners in the lateral direction based on the received sensor data, respectively. Thereafter, when at least one of the first or second magnitudes exceeds a threshold value, the computing system may determine that the disk blade is bent.

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

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

As shown, the work vehicle12includes a pair of front track assemblies16, a pair of rear track assemblies18, and a frame or chassis20coupled to and supported by the track assemblies16,18. However, in other embodiments, the work vehicle10may include any other type of traction devices, such as wheels or tires. An operator's cab22may be supported by a portion of the chassis20and may house various input devices (e.g., a user interface) for permitting an operator to control the operation of one or more components of the work vehicle12and/or one or more components of the agricultural implement10. Furthermore, the work vehicle12includes an engine24and a transmission26mounted on the chassis20. The transmission26may be operably coupled to the engine24and may provide variably adjusted gear ratios for transferring engine power to the track assemblies16,18via a drive axle assembly (not shown) (or via axles if multiple drive axles are employed).

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

Moreover, the frame28may be configured to support a plurality of ground-engaging and/or ground-penetrating tools, such as a plurality of shank assemblies, disk blades, leveling blades, basket assemblies, tines, spikes, and/or the like. In one embodiment, the various ground-engaging and/or ground-penetrating tools may be configured to perform a tillage operation or any other suitable ground-engaging operation on the field across which the agricultural implement10is being towed. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the frame28is configured to support various assemblies46of disk blades48, a plurality of shank assemblies50, a plurality of leveling blades52, and a plurality of crumbler wheels or basket assemblies54. However, in alternative embodiments, the frame28may be configured to support any other suitable ground-engaging tool(s), ground-penetrating tool(s), or combinations of such tools.

FIG.2illustrates a side view of one of the disk assemblies46. As shown, in several embodiments, the disk assembly46is configured as a disk gang in which several of the disk blades48are ganged together or otherwise supported along a single disk gang shaft56. Specifically, in such embodiments, the disk blades48rotatably coupled to and spaced apart from each other along the length of the disk gang shaft56. As such, the disk blades48are generally configured to rotate about an axis58defined by the shaft56. In one embodiment, the disk blades48are keyed to the shaft56such that all of the disk blades48rotate together about the axis58with the shaft56. In other embodiments, the disk blades48may rotate independently about the axis58relative to the shaft56. However, in alternative embodiments, the disk assembly46may be configured in any other suitable manner. For example, in one embodiment, the disk assembly46may include only a single disk blade48.

Furthermore, the disk assembly46includes one or more hangers60that are rotatably coupled to the disk blade(s)48. More specifically, the hanger(s)60is configured to support the disk blades48relative to the frame member44. In this respect, each hanger60is coupled at one end to the frame member44via first and second fasteners102,104. For example, as will be described below, each hanger60may be coupled to a mounting bracket62, with the first and second fasteners102,104coupling the mounting bracket62to the frame member44. Additionally, each hanger60is rotatably coupled at the opposite end to the disk gang shaft56, such as via a bearing assembly (e.g., as indicated by dashed circle64). In the illustrated embodiment, each of the hangers60defines a C-shape that permits the disk gang shaft56and the disk blades48mounted thereon to move relative to the frame member44. However, in alternative embodiments, the hanger(s)60may have any other suitable configuration. Moreover, although the illustrated disk assembly46includes three hangers60, the disk assembly46may have any other suitable number of hangers60. For example, in embodiments in which the disk assembly46includes a single disk blade48, the disk assembly46may similarly include a single hanger60.

During an agricultural operation (e.g., a tillage operation), the disk blades48penetrate into and rotate relative to the soil as the agricultural implement10is towed across the field. When a disk blade48contacts a rock or other buried obstacle, the C-shape configuration of the corresponding hanger(s)60allows the disk blade48and the disk gang shaft56to pivot upward and out of the way of the buried obstacle, thereby preventing bending of or other damage to the disk blade48. However, in some instances, such upward movement may not be sufficient to prevent damage to the disk blade48. For example, in certain instances, the contact between the disk blade48and the buried obstacle may be severe enough to bend the disk blade48. As will be described below, the system and method disclosed herein will automatically detect when a disk blade48is bent and alert the operator to the bent disk blade48.

FIG.3illustrates a partial top view of the disk assembly46shown inFIG.2, with the disk blades46and hangers60removed for clarity. As shown, the mounting bracket62is coupled to one of the frame members44via the first and second fasteners102,104, thereby mounting the disk assembly46on the frame28. Specifically, in several embodiments, the mounting bracket62includes a forward portion66positioned adjacent to a forward side68of the frame member44. Moreover, in such embodiments, the mounting bracket62includes an aft portion70positioned adjacent to an aft side72of the frame member44. However, in alternative embodiments, the mounting bracket62of the disk assembly46may have any other suitable configuration that allows for coupling to the frame member44via the first and second fasteners102,104.

Furthermore, the first and second fasteners102,104extend between the forward and aft portions66,70of the mounting bracket62to couple the disk assembly46to the frame member44. Specifically, in several embodiments, the first fastener102extends in the longitudinal direction32across a top surface74of the frame member44from the forward side68to the aft side72. Similarly, the second fastener104extends in the longitudinal direction32across the top surface74of the frame member44from the forward side68to the aft side72. Moreover, as shown, the first and second fasteners102,104are spaced apart from each other in the lateral direction38. Thus, the first and second fasteners102,104generally support the disk assembly46relative to the frame28.

In the illustrated embodiment, the first and second fasteners102,104are configured as U-bolts. In such an embodiment, the first and second fasteners102,104wrap around the forward side68, the top surface74, and the aft side72of the frame member44. Moreover, in such embodiments, the first and second fasteners102,104may extend through the mounting bracket62. As such, first and second nuts106,108(FIG.2) may threading engage the portions of the first and second fasteners102,104positioned beneath the mounting bracket62, respectively, to secure mounting bracket62to the frame member44. However, in alternative embodiments, the first and second fasteners102,104may be configured as any other suitable type of fasteners.

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

Additionally, as shown inFIG.3, the agricultural implement10includes first and second load sensors118,120. More specifically, the first load sensor118is in operative association with the first fastener102. As such, the first load sensor118is configured to generate data indicative of a first load being applied to the first fastener102by the disk assembly46. Similarly, the second load sensor120is in operative association with the second fastener104. As such, the second load sensor120is configured to generate data indicative of a second load being applied to the second fastener104by the disk assembly46. As will be described below, the data generated by the first and second load sensors118,120is used to determine when any of the disk blades48of the disk assembly46are bent.

The first and second load sensors118,120may be configured as any suitable sensors or sensing devices configured to generate data indicative of the loads being applied to or otherwise acting on the first and second fasteners102,104. For example, in some embodiments, the first and second load sensors118,120are configured as first and second multi-axial load cells, respectively. In such embodiments, each load sensor118,120detects the load being applied to the corresponding fastener102,104along a first axis (e.g., an x-axis) generally oriented parallel to the lateral direction38and along a second axis (e.g., a y-axis) generally oriented parallel to a vertical direction78(FIG.2). However, in alternative embodiments, the first and second load sensors118,120may be configured as any other suitable type of sensors or sensing devices, such as load pins, strain gauges, etc.

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

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

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

Moreover, the system100includes a computing system126communicatively coupled to one or more components of the agricultural implement10, the work vehicle12, and/or the system100to allow the operation of such components to be electronically or automatically controlled by the computing system126. For instance, the computing system126may be communicatively coupled to the first and second load sensors118,120via a communicative link128. As such, the computing system126may be configured to receive data from the first and second sensors118,120that is indicative of the loads being applied to the first and second fasteners102,104coupling the disk assembly(ies)46to the frame28. Furthermore, the computing system126may be communicatively coupled to the engine24, the transmission26, and/or the braking actuator(s)124via the communicative link128. In this respect, the computing system126may be configured to control the operation of the engine24, the transmission26, and/or the braking actuator(s)124to adjust the ground speed at which the agricultural implement10travels across the field. In addition, the computing system126may be communicatively coupled to any other suitable components of the agricultural implement10, the work vehicle12, and/or the system100.

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

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

In addition, the system100may also include a user interface134. More specifically, the user interface134may be configured to provide feedback from the computing system126(e.g., feedback associated with bending of the disk blade(s)48) to the operator. As such, the user interface134may include one or more feedback devices (not shown), such as display screens, speakers, warning lights, and/or the like, which are configured to provide feedback from the computing system126to the operator. As such, the user interface134may, in turn, be communicatively coupled to the computing system126via the communicative link128to permit the feedback to be transmitted from the computing system126to the user interface134. Furthermore, some embodiments of the user interface134may include one or more input devices, such as touchscreens, keypads, touchpads, knobs, buttons, sliders, switches, mice, microphones, and/or the like, which are configured to receive inputs from the operator. In one embodiment, the user interface134may be mounted or otherwise positioned within the cab22of the work vehicle12. However, in alternative embodiments, the user interface134may mounted at any other suitable location.

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

As shown, at (202), the control logic200includes receiving first load sensor data indicative of a first load being applied to a first fastener by a disk assembly of an agricultural implement. Specifically, as mentioned above, in several embodiments, the computing system126may be communicatively coupled to the first load sensor(s)118via the communicative link128. In this respect, as the agricultural implement10is towed across the field by the work vehicle12to perform an agricultural operation (e.g., a tillage operation) thereon, the computing system126may receive data from the first load sensor(s)118. Such first load sensor data may, in turn, be indicative of the load being applied to each first fastener102of the agricultural implement10by the corresponding disk assembly46.

Furthermore, at (204), the control logic200includes receiving second load sensor data indicative of a second load being applied to a second fastener by the disk assembly. Specifically, as mentioned above, in several embodiments, the computing system126may be communicatively coupled to the second load sensor(s)120via the communicative link128. In this respect, as the agricultural implement10is towed across the field by the work vehicle12to perform the agricultural operation, the computing system126may receive data from the second load sensor(s)120. Such second load sensor data may, in turn, be indicative of the load being applied to each second fastener104of the agricultural implement10by the corresponding disk assembly46.

As will be described below, the first load sensor data received at (202) and the second load sensor data received at (204) are used to detect when the disk blades48of the agricultural implement10are bent. Specifically, in several embodiments, the first and second load sensors118,120are configured as multi-axial load cells. In such embodiments, the first and second load sensors118,120generate data indicative of the loads being applied to each pair of first and second fasteners,102,104by the corresponding disk assembly in the lateral direction38(e.g., the x-axis) and in the vertical direction78(the y-axis). During normal, unbent operation of a disk blade48, an upward load in the vertical direction78is applied to the corresponding pair of first and second fasteners102,104, with an at most negligible load being applied in the lateral direction38. However, when the disk blade48is bent toward the first side40of the frame28, a load in the lateral direction38that is directed toward the first side40is applied to the corresponding pair of first and second fasteners102,104. Similarly, when the disk blade48is bent toward the second side42of the frame28, a load in the lateral direction38that is directed toward the second side42is applied to the corresponding pair of first and second fasteners102,104. The magnitude of the load being applied to the pair of first and second fasteners102,104in the lateral direction38is, in turn, indicative of the magnitude of the bending of the disk blade48.

In this respect, at (206), the control logic200includes determining a first magnitude of the first load acting on the first fastener in the lateral direction based on the received first load sensor data. Specifically, in several embodiments, the computing system126is configured to analyze the first load sensor data received at (202) to determine the first magnitude of the first load acting on the first fastener102coupling each disk assembly46to the frame28. For example, the computing system126may access a look-up table stored within its memory device(s)132that correlates the received first load sensor data to the corresponding first magnitude(s).

Additionally, at (208), the control logic200includes determining a second magnitude of the second load acting on the second fastener in the lateral direction based on the received second load sensor data. Specifically, in several embodiments, the computing system126is configured to analyze the second load sensor data received at (204) to determine the second magnitude of the second load acting on the second fastener104coupling each disk assembly46to the frame28. For example, the computing system126may access a look-up table stored within its memory device(s)132that correlates the received second load sensor data to the corresponding second magnitude(s).

Moreover, at (210), the control logic200includes comparing the determined first and second magnitudes to a first threshold value. Specifically, in several embodiments, the computing system126is configured to compare each first magnitude determined at (206) and each second magnitude determined at (208) to a first threshold value. When both of the first and second magnitudes for a given set of the first and second fasteners102,104fall below the first threshold value, the corresponding disk blade(s)48is not bent. In such instances, the control logic200(with respect to that disk blade(s)48) returns to (202). Conversely, when at least one of the first and second magnitudes for a given set of the first and second fasteners102,104exceeds the first threshold value, the corresponding disk blade(s)48is bent. In such instances, the control logic200(with respect to that disk blade(s)48) proceeds to (212) at which the computing system126determines that the corresponding disk blade(s)48is bent.

After it is determined at (212) that one or more of the disk blades48of the agricultural implement10are bent, the computing system126may be configured to initiate one or more control actions. For example, in some embodiments, the computing system126may be configured to initiate notification of the operator of the implement10that one or more of the disk blades48are bent. In such embodiments, the computing system126may transmit control signals to the user interface134via the communicative link128. Such control signals may, in turn, instruct the user interface134to provide a visual or audible notification to the operator that one or more of the disk blades48are bent. In one embodiment, the notification may indicate which disk assembly(ies) have bent disk blades48.

Additionally, or alternatively, after it is determined at (212) that one or more of the disk blades48of the agricultural implement10are bent, the computing system126may be configured to adjust the ground speed of the agricultural implement10(e.g., reduce the ground speed of or stop the implement10). For example, the computing system126may transmit control signals to the engine24, the transmission26, and/or the braking actuator(s)124via the communicative link128. Such control signals may, in turn, instruct the engine24, the transmission26, and/or the braking actuator(s)124to adjust the ground speed of the work vehicle12and, thus, the agricultural implement10(e.g., reduce the ground speed of or stop the implement10). Moreover, other automatic control actions (e.g., adjusting force being applied to and/or the penetration depth of the disk assembly(ies)) may be initiated after it is determined that one or more of the disk blades48are bent.

In this respect, at (214), the control logic200includes comparing the determined first and second magnitudes to a second threshold value. Specifically, in several embodiments, the computing system126is configured to compare each first magnitude determined at (206) and each second magnitude determined at (208) to a second threshold value, with the second threshold value being greater than the first threshold value. When both of the first and second magnitudes for a given set of the first and second fasteners102,104fall below the second threshold value, the corresponding disk blade(s)48is bent, but not severely. In such instances, the control logic200(with respect to that disk blade(s)48) proceeds to (218). Conversely, when at least one of the first and second magnitudes for a given set of the first and second fasteners102,104exceeds the second threshold value, the corresponding disk blade(s)48is severely bent. In such instances, the control logic200(with respect to that disk blade(s)48) proceeds to (216).

At (218), the control logic200includes initiating notification of the operator after the agricultural implement has reached an end of a pass across the field. As mentioned above, the control logic200proceeds (with respect to a given disk blade(s)48) to (218) when the given disk blade(s)48is bent, but not severely bent. In such instances, it is not necessary to immediately notify the operator. Instead, the computing system126initiates notification of the operator after the agricultural implement10has reached an end of the pass being made across the field. Upon completion of (218), the control logic200returns to (202).

Conversely, at (216), the control logic200includes initiating notification of the operator immediately. As mentioned above, when the control logic200proceeds (with respect to a given disk blade(s)48) to (216) when the given disk blade(s)48is severely bent. In such instances, it may be necessary to immediately notify the operator. As such, the computing system126immediately initiates notification of the operator. Upon completion of (216), the control logic200returns to (202).

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

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

Furthermore, at (304), the method300includes receiving, with a computing system, second load sensor data indicative of a second load being applied to a second fastener by the disk assembly. For instance, as described above, the computing system126may be configured to receive second load sensor data from the second load sensor(s)120via the communicative link128. The received second load sensor data is, in turn, indicative of a second load(s) being applied to the second fastener(s)104by the disk assembly(ies)46.

Additionally, at (306), the method300includes determining, with the computing system, when the disk blade is bent based on the received first and second load sensor data. For instance, as described above, the computing system126may be configured to analyze the received first and second load sensor data to determine when one or more of the disk blade(s)48are bent.

Moreover, at (308), the method300includes initiating, with the computing system, a control action when it is determined that the disk blade is bent. For instance, as described above, the computing system126may be configured to initiate one or more control actions when it is determined that one or more of the disk blade(s)48are bent. Such control action(s) may include providing a notification to the operator, adjusting the ground speed of the agricultural implement10, and/or the like.

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

The term “software code” or “code” used herein refers to any instructions or set of instructions that influence the operation of a computer or controller. They may exist in a computer-executable form, such as machine code, which is the set of instructions and data directly executed by a computer's central processing unit or by a controller, a human-understandable form, such as source code, which may be compiled in order to be executed by a computer's central processing unit or by a controller, or an intermediate form, such as object code, which is produced by a compiler. As used herein, the term “software code” or “code” also includes any human-understandable computer instructions or set of instructions, e.g., a script, that may be executed on the fly with the aid of an interpreter executed by a computer's central processing unit or by a controller.

This written description uses examples to disclose the technology, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the technology, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the technology is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they include structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal language of the claims.