Autonomous UAV Ligno Transport System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional ligno harvesting methods are labor-intensive, expensive, slow, noisy, and environmentally damaging, especially in hard-to-reach locations, and existing aerial harvesting systems are inefficient and costly.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing remotely and autonomously controlled Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) for ligno transportation, equipped with means for detecting ligno parameters and growing conditions, allowing for selective harvesting and transportation based on detected features, and optimizing the number of UAVs and load capacity for efficient logistics.
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 process is labor-intensive, slow, and expensive especially in hard-to-reach locations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from ground-based to aerial-based ligno harvesting by deploying a UAV that flies above the forest canopy. This dimensional change allows the system to access hard-to-reach locations, significantly improve harvesting speed, and avoid the labor-intensive nature of traditional ground operations while maintaining manageable equipment complexity through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary processing system that includes optical sensors, processors, and control systems mounted on the UAV. This intermediary layer between the UAV and the harvesting mechanism enables automated detection, classification, and precise targeting of ligno, improving productivity without requiring excessive equipment complexity
2Adaptability or versatility
If existing aerial harvesting systems are used, then harvesting can be performed in hard-to-reach locations, but the systems are expensive, inefficient, and labor-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The UAV system incorporates autonomous navigation and automated harvesting mechanisms that operate with minimal human intervention. The system uses onboard sensors to automatically detect, classify, and harvest ligno, and can autonomously return to base for recharging or payload transfer, significantly improving harvesting efficiency while maintaining adaptability to remote locations
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary detection and classification of ligno using optical sensors and imaging systems before harvesting. This preliminary action allows the UAV to identify target ligno, assess their characteristics, and plan the harvesting sequence in advance, improving overall efficiency by avoiding unnecessary maneuvers and operations
3Object-affected harmful factors
If traditional harvesting methods are used, then equipment is simple, but the process is noisy and environmentally damaging to the forest understory
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional heavy ground-based mechanical harvesting equipment with an aerial UAV system. This substitution eliminates the need for ground vehicles that crush the forest understory and reduce noise pollution from engines and machinery operating at ground level, thereby reducing environmental impact while the modular UAV design keeps system complexity manageable
Solution Approach 2:
By moving the harvesting operation from the ground level to the aerial dimension, the system avoids direct contact with and damage to the forest understory. The UAV operates above the canopy, performing harvesting actions without compacting soil or destroying smaller plants, thus reducing harmful environmental factors while maintaining reasonable system complexity
4Object-affected harmful factors
If selective harvesting is implemented, then environmental impact is reduced, but detection and sorting complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs an intermediary intelligent processing layer that includes optical sensors, image processors, and classification algorithms. This intermediary system automatically detects ligno characteristics, classifies them according to predefined criteria, and guides the harvesting mechanism to select only appropriate targets, enabling selective harvesting while managing detection and sorting complexity through automated processing
Solution Approach 2:
The UAV system incorporates real-time feedback loops where sensors continuously monitor ligno characteristics, the processor analyzes the data, and the control system adjusts harvesting actions accordingly. This feedback mechanism enables precise selective harvesting by confirming target identification and monitoring harvest results, reducing environmental impact while keeping detection and sorting complexity manageable through automated closed-loop control
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a system (10) for remote and/or autonomous transporting at least a portion of a tree, said system (10) comprising an unmanned aerial vehicle (100), UAV, comprising, at least one means (105) for holding said at least a portion of a tree, said system comprising at least one means for detecting said at least a portion of a tree to be transported, and means for detecting at least one of the group of tree parameters: diameter of a tree, length of a tree, tree species and/or the weight of a tree, a base station (120) for communication with said means configured for transporting said at least a portion of a tree and/or said UAV (100) and means configured for directing said remotely and/autonomously UAV (100) with said at least a portion of a tree to a final destination where said final destination is depending on said detected tree parameters.