Handheld Forestry Device Orientation Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for determining the orientation of felled tree sections are not user-friendly and require separate processing and recording of alignment and position, which is time-consuming and inefficient for forestry workers.

Innovation Solution

An automatic method using a hand-held forestry processing device with a cutting tool to process and detect the orientation of felled tree sections, allowing simultaneous processing and determination of orientation information, which can be output optically, acoustically, or haptically, and transmitted wirelessly for easy further processing and pick-up.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If separate processing and recording of alignment and position are performed, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveorientation determination accuracyVSAvoidtime for processing and recording
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the processing tool (chainsaw) with detection devices (GPS, compass, accelerometer) to simultaneously perform cutting operations and record position and orientation data during the same operational phase, eliminating the need for separate recording steps

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Measurement precision

If manual recording of orientation and position is performed, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveorientation and position data accuracyVSAvoidcomplexity of processing and recording system
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically records position and orientation data using integrated detection devices without requiring manual intervention, and the data is automatically transmitted to the forwarding vehicle's display system, eliminating complex manual recording procedures

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Productivity

If simultaneous processing and orientation determination are performed, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocessing efficiencyVSAvoidcomplexity of integrated system
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The processing tool serves multiple functions: it performs cutting operations while simultaneously housing detection devices that record position and orientation data, and the system integrates these functions into a unified multi-functional platform

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP3424302B1Method for determining an orientation of at least one section of a felled tree and forest system for determining the orientation of at least one section of a felled tree
Publication Date: 2023.08.30 ANDREAS STIHL AG & CO KG
  • EP3424302B1 patent drawingFigure 1a~4

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for determining the orientation of at least one section of a felled tree and a forestry system for determining the orientation of at least one section of a felled tree.