Forestry Machine Tool Automation via Sensor Feedback

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Solution Overview

Problem

Self-propelled work machines, such as forestry machines, face challenges in automating repetitive operations like log picking and unloading, which require coordinated positioning of work tools, leading to operator fatigue and reduced productivity.

Innovation Solution

A forestry work machine equipped with a frame, a boom, a working tool, a controller, and sensors that detect the working tool's characteristics. The controller stores these characteristics as set points and uses them to automatically or semi-automatically move the working tool to predefined positions, enabling automated alignment and operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If automated control system is implemented to perform repetitive operations, then productivity is improved and operator fatigue is reduced, but device complexity increases due to addition of sensors and controllers

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveproductivityVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables the working tool to automatically return to predefined positions using sensor detection and controller-based automation, reducing the need for continuous manual operator intervention in repetitive positioning tasks

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

Manual mechanical positioning operations are replaced with an automated control system that uses sensors to detect working tool characteristics and controllers to automatically adjust positions, eliminating the need for continuous manual mechanical adjustment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of operation

If manual operation is used for coordinated positioning of working tool, then ease of operation is maintained, but productivity is reduced due to repetitive operations and operator fatigue

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of operationVSAvoidproductivity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The sensor continuously detects characteristics of the working tool and provides feedback to the controller, which automatically adjusts the working tool position based on predefined set points, enabling precise coordinated positioning without manual intervention

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system pre-defines target positions (set points) for the working tool at different areas, allowing the controller to automatically navigate and position the tool at these predetermined locations without requiring real-time manual decision-making

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS20250162842A1System & Method to Improve Productivity in Forestry Work Machine

Publication Date: 2025.05.22 DEERE & CO

AI summary

A forestry work machine includes a main frame with an undercarriage. The main frame is supported by a swing bearing and is pivotable on the swing bearing relative to the undercarriage. A boom assembly is coupled to the forestry work machine and includes a working tool. A sensor detects an orientation of the working tool, and a controller coupled to the sensor is configured to adjust the working tool. The controller may adjust the working tool using an automatic mode or a semi-automatic mode.