Laser Tree Fall Direction Indicator Plate

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Solution Overview

Problem

Inaccurate tree felling techniques can lead to unpredictable tree direction during felling, posing risks of property damage and bodily injury due to the lack of precise control over the falling direction, especially in densely populated areas.

Innovation Solution

An apparatus comprising a plate with a straight edge and a cavity for a laser light generator, which emits a beam perpendicular to the edge, allowing tree fellers to accurately determine the direction a tree will fall by aligning the plate with the notch cuts and ensuring the beam indicates the correct falling direction.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If traditional eyeballing or guestimation methods are used to determine cutting positions, then the tree feller can quickly make cuts without specialized equipment, but the tree may fall in an unpredicted or unintended direction causing property damage and bodily injury

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccuracy of tree fall direction predictionVSAvoidcomplexity of felling equipment and procedure

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a laser pointer as an intermediary tool that translates the geometric relationship of the notch cuts into a visible directional indicator. The laser pointer is positioned at the vertex of the notch cuts and projects a beam that indicates the predicted fall direction, serving as a mediator between the physical cuts and the desired outcome

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the traditional mechanical/visual estimation method (eyeballing) with an optical system (laser pointer). Instead of relying on human visual judgment of cut angles and positions, the system uses laser light projection to objectively indicate the fall direction based on the notch geometry

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If the tree feller makes precise notch cuts to control fall direction, then the tree will fall in the intended direction, but incorrect execution of cuts can still cause the tree to fall in dangerous directions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereliability of directional controlVSAvoiddifficulty of executing precise cuts

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the laser pointer provides immediate visual confirmation of whether the notch cuts are positioned correctly. The tree feller can adjust the cuts and immediately see the effect on the predicted fall direction through the laser beam, allowing for real-time correction before the actual felling occurs

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies preliminary action by using the laser pointer to verify and adjust the notch cuts before the actual felling operation. The directional prediction is established in advance through laser projection, allowing the feller to correct any errors in cut positioning before committing to the final felling cut

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Object-affected harmful factors

If traditional felling methods are used in confined urban areas with buildings closely constructed, then the procedure remains simple and quick, but an erroneous directional prediction could cause thousands of pounds of wood to plummet with citizens trapped below

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverisk to public safetyVSAvoidtime required for safety verification

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces time-consuming visual assessment and trial-and-error adjustment with an immediate optical indication system. The laser pointer instantly projects the fall direction, eliminating the need for prolonged visual estimation and allowing rapid verification of safety in confined urban environments

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 apparatus enhances safety and accuracy in tree felling by allowing tree fellers to correct notch cuts and predict the falling direction, reducing the risk of unintended tree falls and associated hazards.

Implementation Method 1

a laser light generator contained within the cavity or the housing to emanate a beam of laser light in a direction that is substantially perpendicular to the substantially straight edge of the plate

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLaser: Laser

Data Source

PatentUS11219171B2Apparatus and method for determining tree fall direction

Publication Date: 2022.01.11 TREE FELLING INNOVATIONS LLC

AI summary

Embodiments described herein are directed to an apparatus for determining a direction in which a tree will fall and a method for using the apparatus. The apparatus may comprise a plate including a substantially straight edge suitable for alignment with a vertex formed by a top cut and a bottom cut of a notch cut into a tree and a substantially level bottom surface suitable for stable placement upon the bottom cut of the notch. In some embodiments, the plate may define an internal cavity sized to accommodate a laser light generator. In other embodiments, a rotatable housing including a cavity sized to accommodate a laser light generator may be adjoined to the plate. Embodiments may permit a laser light generator contained within the cavity or the housing to emanate a beam of laser light in a direction that is substantially perpendicular to the substantially straight edge of the plate.