UAV Tree Trunk Cutting With Sensor-Based Cut Position Selection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional tree harvesting methods are labor-intensive, expensive, inefficient, and have a significant impact on the environment, particularly in difficult-to-reach locations, and existing aerial harvesting systems are costly, slow, noisy, and complex.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing remotely and autonomously controlled Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) for cutting, debarking, and transporting portions of trees, equipped with detection means to select optimal cutting positions based on ligno parameters and growing conditions, allowing for efficient and minimally invasive harvesting and transportation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional ground-based manned harvesting machines are used, then tree cutting can be performed, but the risk to people and damage to forest ecology increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from ground-based harvesting to aerial harvesting using helicopters and specialized apparatuses. The cutting mechanism is suspended from the helicopter and approaches trees from above, completely changing the spatial dimension of the harvesting operation. This eliminates direct contact between workers and trees, removing the risks associated with ground-based manual harvesting while minimizing impact on forest floor ecology.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an aerial platform (helicopter) as an intermediary between the operator and the harvesting operation. The cutting apparatus is suspended from the helicopter and can be precisely positioned around trees without requiring workers to be on the ground near the trees. This intermediary platform enables safe remote operation while maintaining harvesting effectiveness.
2Productivity
If heavy ground-based equipment is used to reach difficult locations, then tree harvesting can be performed, but the cost increases and the forest ecosystem is disturbed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses aerial access via helicopter to reach trees in difficult terrain without requiring ground vehicles or heavy equipment. The helicopter can fly directly to remote locations, eliminating the need to clear paths or use bulldozers, thus avoiding disturbance to the forest ecosystem while maintaining access to any location the helicopter can reach.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the harvesting operation from the ground environment and relocates it to the aerial domain. By suspending the cutting apparatus from the helicopter, the system can harvest trees without bringing heavy ground equipment into the forest, thereby removing the source of ecosystem disturbance while maintaining harvesting capability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If aerial tree harvesting apparatus is used, then tree cutting can be performed from difficult locations, but the system becomes expensive, slow, noisy, and complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the aerial harvesting apparatus to perform multiple functions: the helicopter provides transport and platform functions, while the suspended cutting apparatus can harvest trees, process wood, and adapt to different tree sizes and locations. This multi-functionality reduces the need for multiple specialized equipment pieces, potentially lowering overall system complexity and cost while maintaining versatility.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a system for remote and/or autonomous cutting at least a portion of a harvested tree trunk, at least a portion of a tree trunk to be harvested, at least a portion of a tree trunk during harvesting or at least a portion of a tree trunk during transporting, said system comprising: a remotely and/or autonomously controlled Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (100), UAV, means (116) for cutting at least a portion of a tree trunk attachable to said UAV (100), means for detecting at least a portion of a tree (135), means for detecting at least one tree parameter of at least a portion of a tree (135) and/or at least one growing condition of at least a portion of a tree (tree), a base station (120) for communication with said UAV (100), and means configured for selecting at least one cutting position on at least a portion of a tree trunk depending on the at least one detected tree parameter and/or the at least one detected growing condition of at least a portion of a tree (135).