Autonomous UAV Tree Cutting for Terrain Access and Low Ground Impact
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tree harvesting technologies fail to efficiently address the harvesting of trees, with existing technologies being expensive, labor intensive, and inefficient, and lacking consideration for environmental factors.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a UAV-based system for detecting and cutting trees autonomously and remotely, utilizing a UAV-based system with sensors and cameras to determine the best cutting position and direction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional ground-based harvesting machines are used, then tree cutting can be performed, but the cost increases and environmental damage occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from ground-based harvesting to aerial harvesting using helicopters. The harvesting machine is suspended from a helicopter and operates from above, completely changing the spatial dimension of the harvesting operation. This allows the machine to reach difficult terrain without ground contact, eliminating damage to the forest understory and soil structure while maintaining harvesting productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a cable system as an intermediary between the helicopter and the harvesting machine. The cables transmit mechanical force and power from the helicopter to the suspended harvesting equipment, enabling remote operation without direct ground-based mechanical support. This intermediary system allows the harvesting machine to operate autonomously in difficult terrain while being controlled from a safe distance.
2Productivity
If heavy ground-based equipment is used to reach difficult terrain, then tree harvesting can be performed, but the cost and difficulty increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses aerial access via helicopter to reach difficult terrain instead of transporting heavy ground-based equipment through challenging landscapes. By operating from the air, the system can access remote locations without requiring complex ground infrastructure or extensive equipment assembly, thereby reducing overall system complexity while improving accessibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The helicopter serves multiple functions: it transports the harvesting machine to the work location, provides aerial mobility to access difficult terrain, and can be repositioned easily between different harvesting sites. This multi-functional approach replaces the need for multiple specialized ground-based equipment systems, reducing overall device complexity.
3Productivity
If traditional harvesting methods are used, then trees can be cut, but labor intensity and time consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The suspended harvesting machine operates continuously once positioned by the helicopter, cutting trees without interruption. The aerial platform allows the machine to move efficiently between trees without the time-consuming setup and teardown required by ground-based equipment. This continuous operation significantly reduces the time required for harvesting while increasing productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The helicopter quickly positions the harvesting machine at the optimal location before cutting begins. This preliminary positioning eliminates the time required for ground-based equipment to navigate to each tree, allowing the harvesting operation to start immediately at the most efficient location for each tree.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a system for remote and/or autonomous cutting at least a portion of a harvested ligno trunk, at least a portion of a ligno trunk to be harvested, at least a portion of a ligno trunk during harvesting or at least a portion of a ligno trunk during transporting, said system comprising: a remotely and/or autonomously controlled Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (100), UAV, means for cutting at least a portion of a ligno trunk attachable to said UAV, means for detecting at least a portion of a ligno, means for detecting at least one ligno parameter of at least a portion of a ligno and/or at least one growing condition of at least a portion of a ligno, a base station (120) for communication with said UAV, and means configured for selecting at least one cutting position on at least a portion of a ligno trunk depending on the at least one detected ligno parameter and/or the at least one detected growing condition of at least a portion of a ligno.