Autonomous UAV Tree Harvesting for Steep Terrain Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional tree harvesting methods are risky, environmentally damaging, inefficient, and costly, especially in difficult terrains, and often require labor-intensive operations that disrupt ecosystems.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for remote and autonomous tree harvesting, which includes means for selecting, cutting, and transporting tree portions based on tree parameters and growing conditions, using cameras, sensors, and AI for decision-making, allowing for synchronized UAV operations and optimized load capacity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional ground-based heavy equipment is used for tree harvesting, then harvesting capability is improved, but accessibility to difficult terrains deteriorates and cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from ground-based harvesting to aerial harvesting by deploying a harvesting apparatus suspended from a helicopter. This dimensional change from ground level to aerial operation enables access to difficult terrains that are inaccessible to heavy ground equipment, while maintaining harvesting capability through the suspended apparatus configuration
2Ease of operation
If traditional ground-based methods are used for tree harvesting, then harvesting experience and control are improved, but risk to people and environment increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a suspended harvesting apparatus as an intermediary between the helicopter and the tree. This intermediary configuration allows experienced operators to control harvesting operations from the safety of the helicopter while the apparatus performs the actual cutting and processing, reducing direct human exposure to hazardous conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces ground-based mechanical harvesting systems with an aerial suspended apparatus. This substitution eliminates the need for operators to work on the ground in hazardous conditions while maintaining harvesting effectiveness through the aerial apparatus equipped with cutting mechanisms
3Adaptability or versatility
If helicopter-based aerial harvesting apparatus is used, then accessibility to difficult terrains is improved, but cost, noise, and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the harvesting system into a helicopter platform and a suspended harvesting apparatus. This segmentation allows the complex functions to be divided between the aerial platform (providing mobility and access) and the specialized apparatus (providing harvesting capability), making the overall system more manageable despite the inherent complexity
4Stability of the object's composition
If traditional ground-based harvesting is used, then equipment stability is improved, but environmental damage to understory increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent moves the harvesting operation from the ground level to the aerial dimension. By suspending the harvesting apparatus from a helicopter, the system can perform cutting operations from above without ground equipment contacting and damaging the understory vegetation, thus reducing environmental harm while maintaining operational stability
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a system (10) for remote and/or autonomous selecting a tree to be harvested and/or to be transported, said system comprising: a remotely and/or autonomously controlled Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (100), UAV, comprising, at least one means for holding (105) and /or harvesting said at least a portion of a tree, means for detecting said a tree to be transported and/or harvested, means for detecting at least one of the group of tree parameters: diameter of said tree, length of said tree, tree species of said tree and/or the weight of said tree, a base station (120) for communication with said means configured for holding (105) and/or harvesting said tree and said UAV (100), and means configured for selecting at least a portion of a tree to be harvested and/or transported depending on at least one of said detected tree parameters.