Timber-Working Device Hazard Zone Control via Object Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Timber-working devices pose hazards such as 'chain shot' and high-speed stem movement, which can cause damage to personnel and machinery, and existing safety measures like impact-resistant windshields have durability and cost issues, while prior safety systems do not account for hazard zones associated with the device's operations.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that determine and manage hazard zones around timber-working devices, using object tracking devices like RFID or GPS to prevent operations when personnel or equipment enter defined hazardous areas, adjusting these zones based on device configurations and operations, and controlling the device's cutting and feed mechanisms accordingly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If impact-resistant polycarbonate glazing is used for the operator cab windshield, then operator protection against chain shot and stem movement is improved, but the windshield suffers from poor durability, scratching, optical distortion, and high cost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the operator from the hazard zone by enabling remote operation of the timber-working device from a safe distance, eliminating the need for impact-resistant windshields and their associated problems while maintaining operator protection
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary control system (remote control device, transceiver, processor) that mediates between the operator and the timber-working device, allowing the operator to control the device from a safe location without being exposed to chain shot and stem movement hazards
2Ease of operation
If the operator is positioned close to the timber-working device for continuous monitoring, then operational control is improved, but the operator is at highest risk from chain shot, stem movement, and crushing hazards
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the operator from the immediate hazard zone surrounding the timber-working device by enabling remote operation, allowing continuous monitoring and control from a safe distance through electronic communication systems
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions the operator's position from a spatial proximity dimension (close to the device) to a temporal communication dimension (remote but continuously connected via transceiver), maintaining operational control while eliminating physical exposure to hazards
3Reliability
If RFID systems are used to identify personnel presence, then access control is improved, but the system does not account for dynamic hazard zones created by device operations such as chain shot and stem feed-through
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the safety system dynamic by continuously updating hazard zone definitions based on the timber-working device's operational state (cutting, feeding, etc.), allowing the safety system to adapt to changing hazards rather than using fixed zones
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by having the processor continuously monitor device operation status and use this information to dynamically adjust hazard zone definitions and safety responses, creating a closed-loop system that reacts to operational conditions
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 operator and surrounding personnel safety by preventing injuries from chain shot and stem movement hazards, while reducing the risk of equipment damage and operational disruptions, and addresses the limitations of existing safety solutions.
Implementation Method 1
It is known to use radio frequency identification (RFID) systems to identify the presence and location of personnel and equipment within a work environment
Data Source
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AI summary
A method for operation of a timber-working device, like a tree harvesting head (201), which is configured to perform at least one operation, like cutting a tree, to which is associated a hazard zone (202) includes the steps: - at least one wireless signal indicating a location of at least one object tracking device is received; - the location of the object tracking device is determined relative to the hazard zone of the timber-working device; - at least one recommended operation of the timber-working device is determined based at least in part on the location of the object tracking device relative to the hazard zone. Said method may be performed by an apparatus for use with a timber-working device, like a forest harvester, by use of a controller.