Tree Cutting Sequence Guidance Using Precalculated Second-Cut Paths

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for executing a cutting sequence in trees lack safety and precision, often resulting in unintended tree behavior, such as falling or splintering, which can injure workers and reduce economic value.

Innovation Solution

A method and system that automatically detect and precalculate the course of a second cut based on the first cut, providing cutting information to ensure alignment and orientation, using detection devices like cameras and inertial measuring units, and outputting instructions acoustically, optically, or haptically to guide the cutting device.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If manual cutting sequence is executed without automated guidance, then operational simplicity is maintained, but safety and precision deteriorate resulting in unintended tree behavior and worker injury risk

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovesafetyVSAvoidcutting guidance system
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The cutting device captures its own position and orientation data through integrated sensors (GPS, accelerometers, gyroscopes), eliminating the need for external tracking systems. The device processes its own trajectory information and generates guidance signals autonomously, reducing system complexity while maintaining safety.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

A processing unit acts as an intermediary between the sensors capturing cutting trajectory and the output devices providing guidance. This intermediary processes raw sensor data, compares it with the ideal cutting path, and generates appropriate guidance signals for display or haptic feedback systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Manufacturing precision

If automated detection and precalculation system is implemented, then cutting precision is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecutting path precisionVSAvoiddetection and control system
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The cutting device integrates multiple functions into a single system: it captures position data, determines orientation, calculates ideal cutting paths, provides visual guidance, and generates haptic feedback. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized devices while maintaining high cutting precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system precalculates the ideal cutting path before the actual cutting operation begins. By determining the optimal trajectory in advance and comparing it with the actual cutting path during execution, the system can provide real-time guidance corrections without requiring complex real-time calculation systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Measurement precision

If real-time trajectory monitoring and comparison is performed, then cutting accuracy is enhanced, but information processing requirements and system complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetrajectory detection accuracyVSAvoidmonitoring and comparison system
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system continuously monitors the actual cutting trajectory through sensors and compares it with the precalculated ideal path. Based on the deviation detected, the system provides real-time feedback through visual displays or haptic feedback mechanisms, allowing the operator to correct the cutting path without requiring complex centralized control systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP3424297B1Method of providing assistance when applying a sequence of cuts to a tree and system for providing assistance when applying a sequence of cuts to a tree
Publication Date: 2022.09.07 ANDREAS STIHL AG & CO KG
  • EP3424297B1 patent drawingFigure 1a~2
  • EP3424297B1 patent drawingFigure 3~5

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for assisting in the execution of a cutting sequence in a tree (100) and a system for assisting in the execution of a cutting sequence in a tree (100).