Tree Felling Head Orientation Control for Permissible Zones
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Solution Overview
Problem
Controlling the felling direction of trees with traditional tree harvesting machines is challenging, especially when felling near roadsides, on steep slopes, or in congested areas, as the felling head immediately dumps the tree unless the operator manually overrides the dump mode and reorients it.
Innovation Solution
A system that monitors the felling head's orientation using sensors to determine if it is within permissible zones, preventing the release of the tree if it is not oriented correctly, and automatically controlling the grapple arm actuator to maintain the desired felling direction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the felling head is in dump mode immediately after saw cut, then the tree is felled quickly, but the operator cannot control the felling direction when needed
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary orientation checking before allowing the tree to be felled. The pivot angle sensor detects the felling head orientation in advance, and the controller determines whether it points to a permissible zone before the grapple arm releases the tree, preventing unwanted felling directions
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from the pivot angle sensor to continuously monitor the felling head orientation. The controller receives this feedback and automatically controls the grapple arm actuator based on whether the orientation is within permissible zones, creating a closed-loop control system
2Ease of operation
If the operator manually overrides dump mode to change felling direction, then the felling direction can be controlled, but the operation becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-service by automatically monitoring its own orientation through the pivot angle sensor and autonomously controlling the grapple arm release based on the detected orientation. The controller automatically prevents release when the felling head points outside permissible zones, eliminating the need for manual override operations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical control operations with an automated sensor-based control system. The pivot angle sensor and controller substitute for the operator's manual buttons and switches, using electronic sensing and control to manage felling direction
3Ease of operation
If multiple buttons are pressed to override dump mode and change direction, then the felling direction can be adjusted, but the operator workload increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors the felling head orientation in advance using the pivot angle sensor, so when a saw cut is commanded, the controller already knows whether the orientation is permissible. This eliminates the need for time-consuming manual override sequences
Solution Approach 2:
The real-time feedback from the pivot angle sensor allows the system to automatically respond to orientation conditions, enabling immediate prevention or allowance of tree release without requiring the operator to press multiple buttons sequentially
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
Ensures that trees are felled in the intended direction without manual intervention, enhancing safety and efficiency by preventing unwanted tree drops and reducing operator workload.
Implementation Method 1
A pivot angle sensor is configured to detect a pivot angle of the tree felling head about the pivot axis relative to the boom assembly, and to generate a pivot angle signal corresponding to the pivot angle
Data Source
AI summary
A tree harvesting machine includes a system to monitor the felling direction of a felling head and determine whether the felling head is oriented toward a permissible felling zone when a tree is cut. If the felling head is oriented toward a permissible felling zone when a tree is cut the tree is allowed to be felled. If the felling head is not oriented toward a permissible felling zone when a tree is cut, the felling head is prevented from releasing the cut tree.