Laser Tree Diameter Measurement Arrangement

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional calipers for measuring tree diameters are cumbersome, heavy, and require both hands, making them difficult to transport and use for extended periods, especially for forestry workers who measure multiple trees daily, leading to strain injuries and limiting the ability to perform other tasks simultaneously.

Innovation Solution

A measurement arrangement featuring a first joint at one end of an extended member with a rotation axis, a second joint at the opposing end, and equipment for recording measured points connected by a cord or wire, allowing the equipment to rotate opposite to the extended member, with an angle sensor calculating the diameter based on detected angles of rotation, and incorporating a lightweight design and contact unit for stable measurement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If conventional calipers are used to measure tree diameters, then measurement capability is provided, but the device becomes heavy (over 1 kg) and awkward, causing strain injuries and difficulty in transport

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvediameter measurement capabilityVSAvoidcaliper weight

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the traditional mechanical caliper system with a laser-based measurement system. Instead of using physical calipers with scales and cursors, the invention uses a laser device that projects a laser beam and detects its reflection to calculate diameter, thereby eliminating the need for heavy mechanical components while maintaining measurement capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a virtual measurement system through laser projection and optical detection. The laser beam creates a virtual reference line, and the measurement is derived from optical detection of tree boundaries relative to this virtual reference, replacing the need for physical measurement tools

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

2Measurement precision

If conventional calipers are used for measurement, then diameter can be measured, but two hands are required, limiting the ability to perform other tasks simultaneously

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvediameter measurementVSAvoidhands-free operation capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The laser measurement device is designed to be operated with one hand while the other hand is free for other tasks. The device automatically detects tree boundaries and calculates diameter without requiring the operator to manually read scales or manipulate complex mechanisms, enabling simultaneous performance of multiple tasks

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Measurement precision

If conventional calipers are used, then measurement function is provided, but the device is long and large, making it difficult to transport and carry during inventory

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvediameter measurement capabilityVSAvoidcaliper length

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the long mechanical caliper structure with a compact laser-based measurement device. The laser system requires minimal physical space to operate, eliminating the need for long rigid structures while maintaining the ability to measure tree diameters accurately

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 efficient, one-handed measurement of tree diameters with reduced strain risk, allowing for easier transportation and simultaneous task performance, as the device is significantly lighter and more ergonomic, weighing between 100-150 grams.

Implementation Method 1

an angle sensor is arranged at one of the joints in order to record a rotation of the equipment for recording measured points relative to the extended member

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRotation detection:

Implementation Method 2

the angles of rotation are recorded when the equipment for recording measured points detects the limiting surface of the object on both sides of the diameter that is to be measured

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAngular measurement:

Data Source

PatentUS7916312B2Measuring device for measuring a distance

Publication Date: 2011.03.29 HAGLOF SWEDEN

AI summary

A measurement arrangement has a rotation axis around a first end of an extended member having a first joint thereat, and a second joint at the opposing end. An equipment for recording measured points is connected to the second joint. The joints are connected through a cord or wire. The equipment is arranged to rotate through a pre-determined angle when the member is turned around its rotation axis. An angle sensor records the rotation of the equipment relative to the member. The cord or wire rotates the equipment through an angle corresponding to the angle that the member has rotated around its rotation axis. The equipment and the member rotate in opposite directions, and the angles of rotation are recorded when the equipment detects the limiting surface of the object on both sides of the diameter to be measured. A processor calculates the diameter based on the angles of rotation.