Drone Cutting Device with Automatic Leveling and Release Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing solutions for tree pruning near power distribution lines face challenges in stabilizing the cutting tool during operation and do not allow for safe release if the tool becomes entangled, posing risks to both the drone and operators, while also requiring costly and risky manual intervention.

Innovation Solution

A cutting device fitted to an unmanned aerial vehicle with a variable-geometry attachment system and a release mechanism, featuring automatic leveling and a high-torque servomotor-controlled release system, allowing for safe operation and detachment of the cutting tool, reducing human intervention and equipment needs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Extent of automation

If a cutting tool is fitted to an unmanned aerial vehicle for tree pruning, then human risk is eliminated and operational efficiency is improved, but the drone becomes unstable during cutting operations and the cutting tool may become entangled

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomation of tree pruningVSAvoidstability of drone during cutting

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The cutting tool is designed as a separable component that can be detached from the drone. The attachment system includes a release mechanism that allows the cutting tool to be separated from the drone body, preventing entanglement and maintaining drone stability during operations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A variable-geometry attachment system acts as an intermediary between the drone and cutting tool. This attachment system with adjustable geometry provides a stable connection during cutting operations while allowing for controlled detachment, mediating between the need for stable cutting and drone safety

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If manual tree pruning is performed using specialized tools and isolated trucks, then safety is improved by preventing flashovers, but operational costs increase and power line availability decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesafety of operatorsVSAvoidpower line availability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical system of isolated trucks and manual pruning tools with an unmanned aerial vehicle equipped with a cutting tool. This substitution eliminates the need for operators to work near live power lines, maintaining safety while improving power line availability through faster, more efficient pruning operations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The drone performs tree pruning operations autonomously without requiring human operators to physically approach power lines. The unmanned system serves itself by navigating to target branches and executing cutting operations remotely, eliminating safety risks to operators while maintaining high productivity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Manufacturing precision

If the cutting tool is firmly attached to the drone, then cutting precision is improved, but the drone is lost if the tool becomes entangled

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprecision of cutting operationVSAvoidretrievability of drone

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The attachment system transitions from a static firm connection to a dynamic system that can adapt its connection strength. The variable-geometry attachment with release mechanism allows the system to maintain a stable connection during cutting operations for precision while enabling rapid detachment if entanglement occurs, preserving drone retrievability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

4Reliability

If specialized equipment and certified tools are used for live-line work, then operator safety is improved, but operational costs and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesafety of pruning operationVSAvoidcomplexity of equipment

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the operator from the pruning operation, removing the need for specialized protective equipment, certified tools, and complex safety protocols. By transferring the cutting function to an unmanned aerial vehicle, the system eliminates the requirement for expensive specialized equipment while maintaining high safety standards through remote operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Data Source

PatentUS11957085B2Tree trimming with drone

Publication Date: 2024.04.16 AES GENER SA

AI summary

The present invention relates to a cutting device for fitting on an unmanned aerial vehicle for the high-level pruning of vegetation in areas close to power distribution lines, which includes at least one system for attachment to the aerial vehicle having a central beam, at least four arms having connection points to connect to rods of the unmanned aerial vehicle, the rods are oriented toward motors of the aerial vehicle for attachment to the aerial vehicle and a system for releasing at least one cutting tool whilst in use, and at least one cutting tool, made up of a plurality of saws each driven by a motor, a cutting rod for attaching the plurality of saws and an automatic leveling system for the cutting rod, which maintains the rod in a horizontal position during the cutting process.