Chopper knife loss detection system for agricultural vehicle
A protective plate assembly for use with an agricultural vehicle. The protective plate assembly includes a first plate that is composed of a conductive material and that is configured to protect a component of the agricultural vehicle from being struck by a foreign object; a second plate that is composed of a conductive material and that is configured to protect the component of the agricultural vehicle from being struck by the foreign object; and an insulator that is positioned between the first and second plates.
1 . A protective plate assembly useable with an agricultural vehicle, the protective plate assembly comprising:
a first plate composed of a conductive material and that protects a component of the agricultural vehicle from being struck by a foreign object;
a second plate composed of a conductive material and that protects the component of the agricultural vehicle from being struck by the foreign object, the second plate being spaced apart from the first plate;
an insulator positioned between the first and second plates; and
a first continuity sensor electrically connected to the first plate.
2 . The protective plate assembly of claim 1 , wherein the first and second plates are composed of steel.
3 . The protective plate assembly of claim 1 , further comprising a second continuity sensor electrically connected to the second plate.
4 . The protective plate assembly of claim 3 , further comprising a processor electrically connected to the first and second continuity sensors,
wherein the processor determines whether there exists a lack of continuity in either the first or second plates due to a foreign object being embedded within one of the first or second plates based upon signals transmitted to the processor by the first and second continuity sensors.
5 . The protective plate assembly of claim 1 , wherein the insulator is sandwiched between the first and second plates.
6 . The protective plate assembly of claim 1 , wherein the insulator is composed of a plastic sheet or foam.
7 . An agricultural vehicle comprising a protective plate assembly, the protective plate assembly comprising:
a first plate composed of a conductive material and that protects a component of the agricultural vehicle from being struck by a foreign object;
a second plate composed of a conductive material and that protects the component of the agricultural vehicle from being struck by the foreign object, the second plate being spaced apart from the first plate;
an insulator positioned between the first and second plates; and
a first continuity sensor electrically connected to the first plate.
8 . The agricultural vehicle of claim 7 , wherein the agricultural vehicle further comprises:
a rotor comprising either knives or blades attached thereto; and
an engine located adjacent to the rotor;
wherein the protective plate assembly is positioned between the rotor and the engine.
9 . The agricultural vehicle of claim 8 , wherein the rotor forms part of either a chopper, a beater, a mill, or a spreader.
10 . The agricultural vehicle of claim 7 , wherein the agricultural vehicle further comprises:
a rotor having knives attached thereto; and
a fuel tank located adjacent to the rotor;
wherein the protective plate assembly is positioned between the rotor and the fuel tank.
11 . The agricultural vehicle of claim 7 , wherein the agricultural vehicle further comprises:
a rotor having knives attached thereto; and
a grain tank located adjacent to the rotor;
wherein the protective plate assembly is positioned between the rotor and the grain tank.
12 . The agricultural vehicle of claim 7 , wherein the agricultural vehicle further comprises:
a rotor having knives attached thereto; and
an engine oil reservoir located adjacent to the rotor;
wherein the protective plate assembly is positioned between the rotor and the engine oil reservoir.