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Solution Overview
Problem
Pole pruners face challenges in maneuverability, ergonomic use, and sawing performance due to the leverage effect of heavy chainsaws on long handles, leading to unnatural working positions and insufficient contact pressure, especially in dense trees.
Innovation Solution
A motor-driven propeller-assisted pole pruner with pivotably mounted propellers, allowing for intuitive handling and adjustable thrust to manage the pruning saw's weight and apply necessary downforce, combined with a multicopter configuration for enhanced maneuverability and control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If a long handle (5-20m) is used to reach overhanging branches, then the pruning saw can reach distant branches, but the leverage effect makes maneuvering difficult and requires unnatural working positions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies counterweight principle by using propellers to generate upward thrust that compensates for the weight of the pruning saw and handle. The propellers create an opposing force to gravity, making the system feel lighter and easier to maneuver despite the long handle length.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces aerodynamic thrust in the vertical dimension to counteract gravitational force. By adding propellers that generate upward force, the system transforms the problem from purely mechanical leverage in horizontal plane to include vertical force compensation, effectively reducing the perceived weight and improving maneuverability.
2Force
If sufficient pressing force is applied to the branch via the long handle, then sawing performance improves, but the user is forced into unnatural working positions harmful to the body
Solution Approach 1:
The propellers generate upward thrust that counteracts the downward force needed to press the saw against the branch. This reduces the muscular effort required from the user and allows maintaining natural body posture while still applying sufficient cutting force through the combined effect of propeller thrust and user input.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces pure mechanical force application (user pushing down on long handle) with aerodynamic force generation (propellers creating downward thrust). This substitution allows force application without requiring the user to contort their body into unnatural positions, as the propellers provide the primary forcing mechanism.
3Force
If the ground exerts sufficient contact pressure, then sawing performance is adequate, but in dense trees the ground cannot exert sufficient contact pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The propellers generate additional downward force that compensates for insufficient ground reaction force in dense tree situations. By creating aerodynamic downforce, the system can maintain adequate contact pressure between the saw and branch even when the user's body weight and ground contact are insufficient, thereby improving performance in difficult pruning conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The propellers are activated before and during the cutting operation to pre-establish the necessary downward force on the branch. This preliminary application of aerodynamic force ensures that when the saw engages the branch, sufficient contact pressure is already present, eliminating the need to rely solely on ground contact pressure which may be inadequate in dense trees.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution enables easier and safer operation with improved ergonomic posture, increased sawing performance, and reduced user effort, allowing for effective pruning in difficult branch situations without the need for unnatural positions or excessive force.
Implementation Method 1
at least one motor-driven propeller, which is mounted on the pruning saw or the handle... the propeller can both contribute upward holding force to hold the pruning saw's weight, making it 'weightless' maneuverable
Implementation Method 2
exert additional downforce on the pruning saw... exerts additional downforce on the pruning saw. This makes operation of the pole pruner easier, allows for a more ergonomic working position and overall better sawing results are achieved
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
High-reach pruner (1) comprising a motor-driven branch saw (2) on a handle (3), with at least one motor-driven propeller (4) which is mounted on the branch saw (2) or the handle (3).