UAV Tree Harvesting With AI-Based Trunk Selection and Transport
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional tree harvesting methods are risky, environmentally damaging, inefficient, and costly, especially in difficult terrains, and often require labor-intensive operations, with existing aerial systems being slow, noisy, and complicated.
Innovation Solution
A system and method utilizing an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) for remotely and autonomously selecting and transporting tree portions based on detected tree parameters and growing conditions, using sensors and AI for decision-making, enabling efficient and minimally invasive harvesting and transportation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional ground-based harvesting methods are used, then harvesting can be performed with simple equipment, but the operation is labor-intensive, slow, and costly in difficult terrains
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions tree harvesting from ground-based operations to aerial operations using a helicopter-mounted platform. This dimensional change allows the system to access difficult terrains and perform harvesting operations without the need for complex ground-based heavy equipment, thereby improving productivity while maintaining manageable device complexity through the use of existing aerial platforms.
Solution Approach 2:
The helicopter-mounted harvesting apparatus integrates multiple functions including tree cutting, delimbing, and transportation capabilities into a single platform. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate equipment for each operation, reducing overall device complexity while significantly improving harvesting efficiency and productivity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If heavy ground-based equipment is used to reach difficult terrains, then accessibility is improved, but operational costs increase and environmental damage occurs
Solution Approach 1:
By moving the harvesting operation from the ground to the air, the system can access difficult terrains without deploying heavy ground-based equipment that would cause soil compaction, vegetation damage, and ecosystem disruption. The aerial platform floats above the forest floor, eliminating mechanical damage to the understory and maintaining terrain accessibility without environmental harm.
Solution Approach 2:
The helicopter acts as an intermediary platform that bridges the gap between the operator and the difficult terrain. Instead of directly placing heavy equipment on sensitive forest floors, the system uses the aerial vehicle as a mediator to deliver cutting and processing equipment to the tree locations, thereby achieving terrain accessibility while protecting the environment.
3Adaptability or versatility
If aerial tree harvesting apparatus is used, then terrain accessibility is improved, but the system becomes expensive, slow, and labor-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The helicopter-mounted system integrates cutting, delimbing, and transportation functions into a single operational platform. This multi-functionality allows the system to perform multiple harvesting tasks without returning to base or changing equipment, significantly improving harvesting speed and productivity while maintaining the ability to access difficult terrains that would be unreachable by ground equipment.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a method for remotely and/or autonomously selecting at least a portion of a tree to be harvested, said method comprising the steps of: remotely and/or autonomously controlling Unmanned Aerial Vehicle, UAV; remotely and/or autonomously operating at least one means for harvesting at least a portion of a tree trunk, where said at least one means for harvesting said at least a portion of a tree is attached to said UAV; detecting at least a portion of a tree; detecting at least one tree parameter of said at least a portion of a tree, selecting said at least a portion of a tree trunk to be harvested depending on at least one detected tree parameter, wherein said tree parameter is the length of the tree in comparison with at least one other tree.