Work machine control systems to monitor ground engagement tools and map obstacles
AssigneeDeere & Company
InventorsAdam D. Sporrer, Ricky B. Theilen, Jeremy D. Krantz, Lucas B. Larsen
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Work machines, control systems for work machines, and methods of operating work machines are disclosed herein. A work machine includes a frame structure, a work implement, and a control system. The work implement is coupled to the frame structure and includes at least one ground engagement tool that is configured for movement in response to interaction with an underlying surface in use of the use work machine. The control system is coupled to the frame structure and includes a sensor mounted to the at least one ground engagement tool and a controller communicatively coupled to the sensor.
Claims20
A work machine comprising:
- a frame structure;
- a work implement coupled to the frame structure that includes at least one ground engagement tool, wherein the at least one ground engagement tool is configured for movement in response to interaction with an underlying surface in use of the work machine;
- and
- a control system coupled to the frame structure that includes a sensor mounted to the at least one ground engagement tool and a controller communicatively coupled to the sensor, wherein the sensor is configured to provide sensor input and the controller includes memory having instructions stored therein that are executable by a processor to cause the processor to receive the sensor input from the sensor and to determine that the at least one ground engagement tool is in contact with the ground in response to receipt of sensor input provided by the sensor that is indicative of a characteristic of movement of the at least one ground engagement tool in use of the work machine.
A control system mounted on a work machine including a frame structure and a work implement coupled to the frame structure that has a plurality of ground engagement tools each configured for movement in response to interaction with an underlying surface in use of the work machine, the control system comprising:
- a plurality of sensors each mounted on a corresponding one of the plurality of ground engagement tools, wherein each of the plurality of sensors is configured to provide sensor input;
- and
- a controller communicatively coupled to each of the plurality of sensors, wherein the controller includes memory having instructions stored therein that are executable by a processor to cause the processor to receive the sensor input from the plurality of sensors and to determine that the plurality of ground engagement tools are in contact with the ground in response to receipt of sensor input provided by the plurality of sensors that is indicative of characteristics of movement of the plurality of ground engagement tools in use of the work machine.
A method of operating a work machine including a frame structure and a work implement coupled to the frame structure that has a plurality of ground engagement tools each configured for movement in response to interaction with an underlying surface in use of the work machine, the method comprising:
- receiving, by a controller of the work machine, sensor input provided by a plurality of sensors each mounted on a corresponding one of the plurality of ground engagement tools;
- and
- determining, by the controller, that the plurality of ground engagement tools are in contact with the ground in response to receipt of sensor input provided by the plurality of sensors that is indicative of characteristics of movement of the plurality of ground engagement tools in use of the work machine.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.