AUTOMATED WOODEN LOGS RELOCATION DEVICE

Abstract

A automated wooden logs relocation device, comprises of a platform 101 positioned over a ground surface, a touch interactive display panel 103 installed over the platform 101 to enable the user to provide input regarding number of logs that are to be relocated, an artificial intelligence based imaging unit 104 installed over the platform 101 to determine positioning of the logs over the surface, a pair of robotic links 105 installed over the platform 101 to position a motorized extendable gripper 106 configured with each of the link over the logs, multiple slots 107 arranged over the platform 101 and accessed by the gripper 106s to position the logs in each of the slots 107, a pair of motorized extendable clamps 108 installed in each of the slots 107 that are actuated by the microcontroller to extend and grip the positioned logs.

Specification

Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to an automated wooden logs relocation device that is capable of detecting the dimensions of wooden logs and accordingly positions the wooden logs in a sequential manner for facilitating relocation of the wooden logs over user-specified location.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Wooden logs are sections of tree trunks or branches that have been cut from trees for various purposes, including construction, wood working and fuel. When trees are harvested for timber, the trunks are typically cut into logs of specific lengths and sizes based on their intended usage. Wooden logs relocation refers to the process of moving harvested logs from the forest or logging site to various destinations such as sawmills, processing facilities, or distribution centers. Traditionally, logs were often moved manually by means of human labor, logs were manually rolled or dragged over the ground to transport them short distances. This method was labor intensive and slow, suitable only for moving smaller logs.

[0003] For longer distances animal driven carts and other means of transport were used for transferring log from one place to another. However these required significant infrastructure investment and there were environmental impacts due to vehicle emission and road constriction. In regions with abundant waterways, logs were transported downstream by floating them in rivers or streams. Risk of log jams and blockages in narrow waterways was a major concern. Environmental impact on aquatic habitats and water quality and limited areas with suitable water routes limited the widespread adoption of log floating using natural flow of stream.

[0004] US4368874A discloses a rearwardly sloping, elongated handle is fastened to a unitary, flat metal base plate having a forward log engaging blade portion extending from a horizontally disposed sole portion, and a rearward heel portion joined to the sole portion by means of a curved intermediate section. The blade portion is urged under a log for rocking the same rearwardly over the curved section of the base plate. Although, US'874 is capable of providing a safe method for moving and positioning logs from one place to another. However, the cited disclosure is incapable of detecting the dimensions of wooden logs for automatically positioning the wooden logs in a sequential manner for facilitating relocation of the wooden logs over user-specified location.

[0005] US11046520B2 discloses a log lifting device for raising a log into a cutting position includes a cylinder, a handle, and a wedge. The handle is coupled to and extends from the cylinder equally distant from opposing ends of the cylinder. The wedge is coupled to and extends from the cylinder proximate to the handle. The wedge is substantially perpendicular to the handle. The wedge is configured to be positioned beneath a felled log, positioning a user to grasp and pull on the handle to rotate the cylinder to apply a lifting force to the log so that the log is supported upon the handle above a surface. The log thus is positioned to be safely cut by the user using a chain saw, or other log cutting implement. Although, US'520 is capable of raising and positioning a wooden log. However, the cited device is incapable of monitoring the acceleration of the wooden logs during relocation of said wooden logs, for providing a automatic means for securely enclosing the wooden logs for protecting said wooden logs from getting damaged due to sudden jerks and misbalancing.

[0006] Conventionally, many devices are available in the market that are capable of positioning wooden logs of various dimensions from one place to another, However, the existing devices are incapable of providing a means for positioning the wooden logs in a sequential manner for facilitating relocation of the wooden logs over user-specified location.

[0007] In order to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks, there exists a need in the art to develop a device that is capable of detecting the dimensions of wooden logs and accordingly positions the wooden logs in a sequential manner for facilitating relocation of the wooden logs over user-specified locations.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

[0008] The principal object of the present invention is to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art.

[0009] An object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of detecting the dimensions of wooden logs and accordingly positions the wooden logs in a sequential manner for facilitating relocation of the wooden logs over user-specified location.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of monitoring the acceleration of the wooden logs during relocation of the wooden logs, and automatically provides a means for securely enclosing the wooden logs for protecting the wooden logs from getting damaged due to sudden jerks and misbalancing.

[0011] Yet another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of determining the weather conditions in surroundings and automatically notifies the user upon detection of adverse weather conditions for protecting the accommodated wooden logs from getting damaged due to rain.

[0012] The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become readily apparent upon further review of the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0013] The present invention relates to an automated wooden logs relocation device that is capable of determining the weather conditions in surroundings and automatically notifies the user upon detection of adverse weather conditions for protecting the accommodated wooden logs from getting damaged due to rain.

[0014] According to an embodiment of the present invention, an automated wooden logs relocation device, comprises of a platform positioned over a ground surface, plurality of motorized omnidirectional wheels arranged beneath the platform to provide translation to the platform over the surface as per requirement, a touch interactive display panel installed over the platform to enable the user to provide input regarding number of logs that are to be relocated, an artificial intelligence based imaging unit installed over the platform to determine positioning of the logs over the surface, a pair of robotic links installed over the platform to position a motorized extendable gripper configured with each of the link over the logs in a sequential manner to grip the logs securely in accordance with the detected dimensions, plurality of slots arranged over the platform and accessed by the grippers to position the logs in each of the slots, a pair of motorized extendable clamps installed in each of the slots that are actuated by the microcontroller to extend and grip the positioned logs in a secured manner, plurality of motorized hinge joints installed over one of lateral side of the platform to provide rotation to a curved extendable flap configured with the hinge joints to deploy over the platform in view of enclosing the logs within the platform and flap.

[0015] While the invention has been described and shown with particular reference to the preferred embodiment, it will be apparent that variations might be possible that would fall within the scope of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with regard to the following description, appended claims, and accompanying drawings where:
Figure 1 illustrates an isometric view of an automated wooden logs relocation device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0017] The following description includes the preferred best mode of one embodiment of the present invention. It will be clear from this description of the invention that the invention is not limited to these illustrated embodiments but that the invention also includes a variety of modifications and embodiments thereto. Therefore, the present description should be seen as illustrative and not limiting. While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative constructions, it should be understood, that there is no intention to limit the invention to the specific form disclosed, but, on the contrary, the invention is to cover all modifications, alternative constructions, and equivalents falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the claims.

[0018] In any embodiment described herein, the open-ended terms "comprising," "comprises," and the like (which are synonymous with "including," "having" and "characterized by") may be replaced by the respective partially closed phrases "consisting essentially of," consists essentially of," and the like or the respective closed phrases "consisting of," "consists of, the like.

[0019] As used herein, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" designate both the singular and the plural, unless expressly stated to designate the singular only.

[0020] The present invention relates to an automated wooden logs relocation device that is capable of monitoring the acceleration of the wooden logs during relocation of the wooden logs, and automatically provides a means for securely enclosing the wooden logs for protecting the wooden logs from getting damaged due to sudden jerks and misbalancing.

[0021] Referring to Figure 1, an isometric view of an automated wooden logs relocation device is illustrated, comprising, a platform 101 positioned over a ground surface, plurality of motorized omnidirectional wheels 102 arranged beneath the platform 101, a touch interactive display panel 103 installed over the platform 101, an artificial intelligence based imaging unit 104 installed over the platform 101, a pair of robotic links 105 installed over the platform 101 to position a motorized extendable gripper 106 configured with each of the link 105, plurality of slots 107 arranged over the platform 101, a pair of motorized extendable clamps 108 are installed in each of the slots 107 and a curved extendable flap 109 configured with the hinge joints 110.

[0022] The device disclosed herein comprises of a platform 101 positioned over a ground surface and in proximity to wooden logs. The platform 101 is constructed from sturdy and robust material which includes, but is not limited to stainless steel, aluminum, and high-grade engineered plastics like polycarbonate or reinforced nylon. These materials offer strength and rigidity to the platform 101 making it resistant to mechanical stress and pressure. The surface of the platform 101 is coated with material like Teflon or other low-friction coatings to improve wear resistance and reduce friction.

[0023] Vibration-dampening materials are integrated into the platform 101 to minimize noise and shaking of the platform 101 during operations, thereby enhancing user comfort and machine longevity. Plurality of motorized omnidirectional wheels 102 arranged beneath the platform 101 to provide translation to the platform 101 over the surface as per requirement. The wheels 102 herein are a circular object that revolves on an axle to enable the body to move easily over the ground surface. The hub motor is an electric motor that is integrated into the hub of the wheels 102. The hub motor is comprises of a series of permanent magnets and electromagnetic coils.

[0024] When the motor is activated, a magnetic field is set up
in the coil and when the magnetic field of the coil interacts with the magnetic
field of the permanent magnets, a magnetic torque is generated causing the
stator of the motor to turn and that provides the rotation motion to the wheels 102
for maneuvering the platform 101. A touch interactive display panel 103 is installed over the platform 101 to enable the user to provide input regarding number of logs that are to be relocated along with location at which the logs are to be relocated.

[0025] The touch interactive display panel 103 as mentioned herein is typically an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) screen that presents output in a visible form. The screen is equipped with touch-sensitive technology, allowing the user to interact directly with the display using their fingers. A touch controller IC (Integrated Circuit) is responsible for processing the analog signals generated when the user inputs details regarding the number of logs that are to be relocated. A touch controller is typically connected to the microcontroller through various interfaces which may include but are not limited to SPI (Serial Peripheral Interface) or I2C (Inter-Integrated Circuit). An artificial intelligence based imaging unit 104 is installed on the platform 101 and integrated with a processor for capturing and processing images of the logs.

[0026] The imaging unit 104 consists of multiple high-resolution cameras for capturing multiple images from different angles and perspectives and providing comprehensive coverage of the wooden logs present in the proximity. The imaging unit 104 captures multiple images of the logs from various angles simultaneously. Before analysis, the captured image goes through pre-processing steps to enhance image quality which includes adjusting brightness and contrast and removing any distortions.

[0027] The processed images are then sent to the processor linked with the imaging unit 104. The processor processes the captured images of the logs by means of an artificial intelligence protocol encrypted within the microcontroller for detecting the positioning of the logs over the surface. Once potential features are detected, the microcontroller localizes them by identifying their positions within the image. This involves finding their coordinates or regions of interest where these features are located. The microcontroller also uses techniques like object recognition, edge detection, and shape analysis to accurately determine the positioning of the logs over the surface.

[0028] Based on the determined position of the logs, the microcontroller actuates the wheels 102 for positioning the platform 101 in proximity to the surface. A laser measurement sensor is installed over the platform 101 and synced with the imaging unit 104 to monitor dimension of each of the log. The laser measurement sensor emits a laser beam which is usually in the form of a focused, collimated light beam that hits the surface of the logs, it gets reflected back towards the sensors.

[0029] The time it takes for the laser beam to travel from the sensor to the logs and back is measured. The sensor precisely measures the time it takes for the laser beam to travel to the log's surface and return. Using the speed of light as a constant the sensor calculates the distance between itself and the log's surface. The laser measurement sensor collects a significant amount of data by scanning the entire surface of the logs and forms a 3D point cloud, which represents the shape of the logs. The laser measurement sensor sends the data to the microcontroller which processes the acquired data and detects the dimensions of the logs. Based on which the microcontroller actuates a pair of robotic links 105 installed over the platform 101 to position a motorized extendable gripper 106 configured with each of the link over the logs in a sequential manner to grip the logs securely in accordance with the detected dimensions.

[0030] The robotic links 105 are equipped with multiple joints 110 and actuators that allows the robotic link to move in multiple dimensions and orient the gripper 106 with great precision. Once the robotic link positions the gripper 106 in close proximity to the logs, the microcontroller actuates gripper 106s to sequentially grip the wooden logs in a secured manner. The robotic gripper 106s typically consists of two opposing arms or fingers that mimic a human hand-gripping motion. These arms are usually made of durable materials like metal or plastic to provide strength and flexibility.

[0031] The robotic gripper 106 design incorporates springs to securely hold the log and position the logs inside plurality of slots 107 arranged over the platform 101 and. Electric motors and servo motors are used to control the robotic gripper 106's movement. These motors provide the necessary force and precision to manipulate and position the logs within the slots 107. A pair of motorized extendable clamps 108 are installed in each of the slots 107 that are actuated by the microcontroller to extend and grip the positioned logs in a secured manner.

[0032] The clamps 108 has an open side and a curved side, forming a partial circle or a half-moon shape. At the open side of the clamps 108, there is a screw mechanism which includes a threaded screw or spindle and an electric motor. As the motor rotates it causes the screw to move in or out, which in turn adjusts the width of the clamp's opening and eventually applies the required force to grip the logs. The curved side of the clamps 108 that grips the log is lined with non-marring materials like rubber or plastic for securely gripping the logs in a secured manner.

[0033] Further, a GPS module is integrated with the microcontroller to determine a path to be followed to reach up-to the user-specified location. The GPS (Global Positioning System) module consists of a receiver that communicates with the satellites to determine the platform 101's exact location. The GPS (Global Positioning System) module constantly receives signals from the satellites and calculates the platform 101's coordinates. The microcontroller linked with the GPS (Global Positioning System) module processes the data received from the GPS (Global Positioning System) module and determines a path to be followed to reach up-to the user-specified location.

[0034] Based on the evaluated path, the microcontroller actuates the wheels 102 to follow the evaluated path to reach up-to the user-specified location. Upon reaching the user-specified location, the microcontroller re-actuate the clams to release grip from the logs followed by re-actuation of the links 105 and gripper 106s to unload the logs from the platform 101 and position over the surface in proximity. An accelerometer installed with the platform 101 to monitor the acceleration of the platform 101 while relocating the logs. The accelerometer is installed on the platform 101 for detecting the speed of the platform 101. The accelerometer typically operates using either a magnetic or
hall-effect principle. In the magnetic sensor, a toothed wheel, mounted on the
platform, spins as the platform 101 moves, the wheel
creates a changing magnetic field, which induces voltage changes in a magnetic
coil nearby. The resulting electrical signal is then processed by the
microcontroller to determine sudden jerks experienced by the platform 101.

[0035] When in case any misbalancing is detected, the microcontroller actuates plurality of motorized hinge joints 110 installed over one of lateral side of the platform 101 to provide rotation to a curved extendable flap 109 configured with the hinge joints 110 to deploy over the platform 101 in view of enclosing the logs within the platform 101 and flap 109. The hinge joint typically involves the use of an electric motor to control the movement of the hinge and the connected component.

[0036] The hinge joint provides the pivot point around which the movement occurs. The motor is the core component responsible for generating the rotational motion. It converts the electrical energy into mechanical energy, producing the necessary torque that drives the hinge joint. As the motor rotates, the motorized hinge joint orients the flap 109 in such a way that the logs are enclosed by the flap 109s. A PIR (Passive Infra-Red) sensor is installed over the platform 101 and synced with the imaging unit 104 to monitor presence of any person in the surroundings and in case of detection of the person.

[0037] The PIR sensor is equipped with a special material that is capable of detecting infrared radiation, which is the heat emitted by objects with a temperature above absolute zero. The PIR sensor typically consists of two sensor components positioned to detect changes in infrared radiation. One sensor is sensitive to the change in heat within its field of view, while the other is sensitive to the background temperature. This dual-sensor design helps in distinguishing between a moving person and static surroundings. When a person is present in the surroundings and enters the detection range of the PIR sensor, the PIR sensor detects the heat emitted by the person's body.

[0038] Upon detecting this change in heat, the PIR sensor sends a signal to the microcontroller. The microcontroller after receiving the signal the links 105 and wheels 102 to prevent any chances of accident. A pressure sensor is installed over each of the gripper 106s and clamps 108 to monitor pressure applied by the gripper 106s and clamps 108 over the logs. The pressure sensor is strategically positioned within the gripper 106s and clamps 108 to monitor pressure applied by the gripper 106s and clamps 108 over the logs to accurately monitor pressure applied by the gripper 106s and clamps 108 over the logs. The data from the pressure sensor is transmitted to the microcontroller which processes the information in real time.

[0039] Depending upon the amount of pressure exerted by the gripper 106s and clamps 108, the microcontroller command the gripper 106s and clamps 108 to regulate the applied pressure to prevent damage to the logs. Moreover, a weather sensing module integrated with the microcontroller to determine weather conditions in surrounding and in case of detection of rain, the microcontroller actuates the hinge joints 110 to deploy the flap 109 over the logs to prevent the logs from rain.

[0040] The weather sensing module used herein is a capacitive rain sensor that measures changes in capacitance caused by the presence of water droplets. The rain detection sensor consists of a sensitivity adjustment feature ti fine-tune its responsiveness to different rain intensities. This ensures adaptability to varying weather conditions. The rain detection sensor continuously monitors the presence and intensity of rainfall and generates electrical signals or data based on the detected rain conditions. The data from the rain detection sensor is continuously monitored by the microcontroller and the microcontroller analyzes the intensity and duration of the rainfall, and when the mon itored intensity of rainfall exceeds a threshold intensity of rainfall, the microcontroller actuates the hinge joints 110 to deploy the flap 109 over the logs to prevent the logs from rain.

[0041] In the device discussed above, there is a battery associated with the device that supplies current to all the components that need electric power to perform their functions and operation in an efficient manner. The battery utilized here is generally a dry battery which is made up of Lithium-ion material that gives the system a long-lasting as well as an efficient DC (Direct Current) current which helps every component to function properly in an efficient manner. The device is battery-operated and does not need any electrical voltage to function. Hence the presence of the battery leads to the portability of the device i.e., the user is able to place as well as move the device from one place to another as per the requirements.

[0042] The present invention works best in the following manner, where the platform 101 as disclosed in the invention is positioned over a ground surface and in proximity to wooden logs. The user through the display panel 103 provides input regarding number of logs that are to be relocated along with location at which the logs are to relocated and the imaging unit 104 determines positioning of the logs over the surface and accordingly actuates the wheels 102 to position the platform 101 in proximity to the surface. The laser measurement sensor monitor dimension of each of the log, and based on which the microcontroller actuates the robotic links 105 installed over the platform 101 to position the gripper 106 to grip the logs securely in accordance with the detected dimensions inside the slots 107. The motorized extendable clamps 108 extend and grip the positioned logs in a secured manner and then the GPS module determine a path to be followed to reach up-to the user-specified location, and based on the detected location, the microcontroller actuates the wheels 102 to followed the evaluated path to reach up-to the user-specified location. The accelerometer to monitor acceleration of the platform 101 while relocating the logs, and based on output of the accelerometer, the microcontroller determines sudden jerks experienced by the platform 101 and actuates the motorized hinge joints 110 installed to provide rotation to a curved extendable flap 109 configured with the hinge joints 110 to deploy over the platform 101 in view of enclosing the logs within the platform 101 and flap 109.

[0043] Although the field of the invention has been described herein with limited reference to specific embodiments, this description is not meant to be construed in a limiting sense. Various modifications of the disclosed embodiments, as well as alternate embodiments of the invention, will become apparent to persons skilled in the art upon reference to the description of the invention. , Claims:1) An automated wooden logs relocation device, comprising:

i) a platform 101 positioned over a ground surface and in proximity to wooden logs by means of plurality of motorized omnidirectional wheels 102 arranged beneath said platform 101, wherein said wheels 102 actuates to provide translation to said platform 101 over said surface as per requirement;
ii) a touch interactive display panel 103 installed over said platform 101 to enable said user to provide input regrading number of logs that are to be relocated along with location at which said logs are to relocated;
iii) an artificial intelligence based imaging unit 104 installed over said platform 101 and integrated with a processor for capturing and processing images of said logs, based on which a microcontroller linked with said processor, determines positioning of said logs over said surface and accordingly actuates said wheels 102 to position said platform 101 in proximity to said surface;
iv) a laser measurement sensor installed over said platform 101 and synced with said imaging unit 104 to monitor dimension of each of said log, wherein based on which said microcontroller actuates a pair of robotic links 105 installed over said platform 101 to position a motorized extendable gripper 106 configured with each of said link over said logs in a sequential manner to grip said logs securely in accordance with said detected dimensions;
v) plurality of slots 107 arranged over said platform 101 and accessed by said gripper 106s to position said logs in each of said slots 107, wherein a pair of motorized extendable clamps 108 are installed in each of said slots 107 that are actuated by said microcontroller to extend and grip said positioned logs in a secured manner;
vi) a GPS module integrated with said microcontroller to determine a path to be followed to reach up-to said user-specified location, wherein based on said detected location, said microcontroller actuates said wheels 102 to followed said evaluated path to reach up-to said user-specified location; and
vii) an accelerometer installed with said platform 101 to monitor acceleration of said platform 101 while relocating said logs, wherein based on output of said accelerometer, said microcontroller determines sudden jerks experienced by said platform 101 based on which said microcontroller actuates plurality of motorized hinge joints 110 installed over one of lateral side of said platform 101 to provide rotation to a curved extendable flap 109 configured with said hinge joints 110 to deploy over said platform 101 in view of enclosing said logs within said platform 101 and flap 109.

2) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a pair of motorized drawer arrangement installed in each of said flap 109, gripper 106s and clamps 108 that are actuated by said microcontroller to provide appropriate extension and retraction to said gripper 106s and clamps 108 in accordance with said detected dimensions.

3) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a PIR (Passive Infra-Red) sensor is installed over said platform 101 and synced with said imaging unit 104 to monitor presence of any person in said surroundings and in case of detection of said person, said microcontroller deactivates said links 105 and wheels 102 to prevent any chances of accident.

4) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a pressure sensor is installed over each of said gripper 106s and clamps 108 to monitor pressure applied by said gripper 106s and clamps 108 over said logs and in case said monitored pressure recedes or exceeds a threshold value, said microcontroller command said gripper 106s and clamps 108 to regulate said applied pressure to prevent damage to said logs.

5) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein an weather sensing module integrated with said microcontroller to determine weather conditions in surrounding and in case of detection of rain, said microcontroller actuates said hinge joints 110 to deploy said flap 109 over said logs to prevent said logs from rain.

6) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein upon reaching said user-specified location, said microcontroller re-actuate said clams to release grip from said logs followed by re-actuation of said links 105 and gripper 106s to unload said logs from said platform 101 and position over said surface in proximity.

7) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a battery is associated with said device for powering up electrical and electronically operated components associated with said device.

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