Stability Warning System for Forestry Vehicle

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Solution Overview

Problem

Tree feller-bunchers face operational limitations in steep or unpredictable terrain and unstable ground conditions, leading to potential instability and the need for manual felling in such environments.

Innovation Solution

A stability warning system utilizing inertial measurement units to estimate the center of gravity of the tree feller-buncher, comprising a first unit for the undercarriage and a second for the boom, with a controller providing notifications to the operator of potentially unstable positions based on measured orientations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a tree feller-buncher is used in steep or unpredictable terrain, then productivity is improved, but stability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetree felling efficiencyVSAvoidvehicle stability

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The stability warning system performs preliminary assessment of unstable conditions by continuously monitoring vehicle orientation and center of gravity position through inertial measurement units. The controller predicts potential instability before it occurs and provides advance warning to the operator, enabling preventive action to maintain stability while operating in challenging terrain

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Adaptability or versatility

If the tree feller-buncher operates in unstable ground conditions, then adaptability is improved, but reliability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveterrain adaptabilityVSAvoidoperational safety

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system employs continuous feedback through inertial measurement units that monitor vehicle orientation and center of gravity position in real-time. The controller processes this feedback information and provides immediate warnings to the operator when unstable conditions are detected, enabling the operator to adjust operations to maintain reliability while working across diverse terrain types

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

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

Enhances operational safety by providing real-time stability feedback, allowing operators to avoid unstable conditions and maintain stability in challenging terrains, thereby extending the use of tree feller-bunchers into areas previously considered unsafe.

Implementation Method 1

a first inertial measurement unit configured to measure an orientation of an undercarriage of the tree feller-buncher

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGravitation: Gravitation

Data Source

PatentUS10048158B2Stability warning and control intervention system for a forestry vehicle

Publication Date: 2018.08.14 DEERE & CO

AI summary

A stability warning system for a tree feller-buncher includes a first inertial measurement unit configured to measure an orientation of an undercarriage of the tree feller-buncher carrying at least one track, a second inertial measurement unit configured to measure an orientation of a boom coupled to the turntable, and a felling head operably connected to the boom. A controller is operable to estimate a center of gravity of the tree feller-buncher based on the measured orientation of the undercarriage and the measured orientation of the boom.