Tree Grubbing Conveyor with Angled Sorting Belt
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for grubbing up trees are inefficient due to reliance on manual sorting by operators, which slows down the process and can lead to errors in quality assessment, and do not provide an ergonomic working environment for operators.
Innovation Solution
A method and device that utilize a conveyor belt and sorting belt positioned at an angle to facilitate easier inspection and sorting of trees, with cleats on the sorting belt to prevent trees from falling or becoming entangled, and a raised edge on the conveyor belt to prevent trees from sliding off, allowing for faster and more accurate sorting while maintaining ergonomic working conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual sorting by operators is used to inspect tree quality, then quality assessment accuracy is improved, but grubbing speed and productivity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual visual inspection with automated optical sensing systems including cameras and light sources that capture and analyze tree images. Image processing algorithms automatically assess tree quality parameters such as height, crown width, and trunk diameter, eliminating the need for operators to manually inspect each tree while maintaining assessment accuracy and significantly increasing processing speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates optical copies (images) of the trees using cameras and sensors as they pass through the sorting system. These digital copies are then analyzed by image processing software to determine tree quality and sorting category, allowing rapid assessment without physical handling or manual measurement of each tree.
2Productivity
If grubbing speed is increased to improve productivity, then output increases, but quality sorting accuracy deteriorates due to insufficient inspection time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous automated inspection and sorting as trees move through the system on conveyors. The optical sensing and image processing operate continuously without interruption, allowing high-speed processing while maintaining consistent quality assessment. Trees are sorted automatically based on real-time image analysis, eliminating the time constraint that limits manual inspection speed.
3Measurement precision
If operators handle trees closely for inspection, then detailed quality assessment is possible, but ergonomic working conditions deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces close physical inspection by operators with remote optical inspection using cameras and sensors positioned above the conveyor. The imaging system captures detailed views of tree characteristics without requiring operators to physically handle or closely approach the trees, eliminating ergonomic strain while maintaining detailed inspection capability.
4Device complexity
If traditional horizontal conveyor belts are used, then tree transport is simple, but trees are easily blown off by wind and become entangled
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from horizontal conveyor belts to inclined conveyor belts that transport trees at an upward angle. This dimensional change in transport orientation allows trees to be moved more securely against the direction of wind, reducing the likelihood of trees being blown off or becoming entangled, while the inclined design naturally guides trees in a controlled manner through the sorting system.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a method for grubbing up and sorting a plurality of trees planted successively in a soil, comprising the sequential steps of: supplying a mobile frame pulled by a tractor, comprising grubbing means at the front, with which the trees are loosened from the soil, and guide means, with which the trees are guided towards two clamping belts; clamping the grubbed up trees between the two clamping belts; feeding the trees upward by means of the two clamping belts, wherein the clamping belts end in a horizontally arranged conveyor belt, along which the grubbed up trees are transported, where the root system of the trees is supported on the conveyor belt, and where the trunk and/or crown of the trees leans against a sorting belt, positioned upright over at least part of the length of the conveyor belt at an angle between 90° and 150° with respect to the conveyor belt, the conveyor belt and the sorting belt moving at an equal transport speed; and sorting the trees into two or more classes based on the number of branches present on the trees.