ES2687108B2 - Artifact and method for risk assessment for trees - Google Patents

Description

D E S C R I P T I O N

DEVICE AND METHOD FOR ASSESSING RISKS OF TREES

TECHNICAL SECTOR

The present invention is framed within the framework of industrial safety, and more specifically in the agricultural and forestry sector, and in the field of public and private parks and gardens, these being not limiting for any other sector in which it could be useful .

Although it could be used for the monitoring of any type of vertical structure, it is specially designed for use in the study of the movement of trees, and it is for this reason that we will refer to these in order to explain their operation.

The main objective of the present invention is to provide a tree with a safety system through which to assess its risk of falling and to be able to communicate that degree of danger in real time. In addition, it allows the elaboration of a method to know the different movements (inclination, arching, torsion, etc.) of each tree and thus facilitate the study of its biomechanics. Another advantage of this artifact is to be able to store and output the collected data to represent them graphically.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Currently, there are risk assessment methods for trees, the purpose of which is to know if there is a danger that a certain tree or any of its parts may detach and fall to the ground. The technology used for this purpose is very diverse. Some of these methods are described below:

The tomograph is a device that, by means of the emission of sound waves, analyzes the density of the wood of a certain section of the trunk of a tree, and with this to know the degree of resistance that said trunk can offer to support the weight of the rest From the tree.

The elasto-inclinometer is a device that is used in what is known as the tensile test for trees, or the dynamic response test for trees. This technique consists in the installation of a series of elasticity sensors and other pressure sensors to know the response of the tree while it is being pulled with a mechanical traction vehicle (frequently a large crane), thus trying to simulate the action of the shaft. wind incident on the tested tree.

There are also radars, x-ray machines, and other devices whose objective is similar to that of the tomograph.

These types of methods are very effective for evaluating the robustness of a tree, but they require sophisticated equipment that makes the evaluation work more expensive and therefore these tests are carried out with little regularity and only on monumental or singular specimens.

There are other types of more affordable methods that consist of extracting wood samples through the use of augers, to analyze them later.

Some of the methods described are invasive to a greater or lesser extent due to the fact of having to drill the tree, and as a common denominator they share the fact that these tests are carried out at a certain time, and by interpreting the data obtained it is intended to estimate the degree of present and future risk that the evaluated specimen could represent.

There are also risk assessment methods for trees that, unlike the previous ones, allow obtaining relevant data in real time.

The utility model U201500440, as well as its evolved model (WO2016207453 A1), whose ownership belongs 100% to the applicants of this invention presented here, solves part of the problem posed, since it is capable of detecting the inclination of a tree and send the data in real time for immediate analysis. Due to its benefits, it is being very useful in different areas, but for its correct installation it is necessary that there be a resistant anchor point close to the tree to be monitored, and this fact deprives its use in isolated or solitary trees, and in Consequently, a new device has been devised that solves this problem and whose characteristics are the object of the present invention.

On the other hand, document US5506565A, which can be taken as closer, unlike the present invention, refers to a means for the detection of illegal logging. For this, it incorporates a tilt switch that only allows two states (on / off) and informs telematically of the change of state to make known that such tree already lies on the ground in a horizontal position, and its location can be known through an internal system. triangulation of radio waves between the media network distributed in the jungle or forest area to be protected. In addition, another significant difference is that the installation of this device is invasive, since it is necessary to drill the tree to house the device inside. Therefore, and taking into account that the nature and objectives of said invention is to protect large areas of forest mass, this characteristic of an invasive method is substantially different from the invention advocated herein.

EXPLANATION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is about a device that, fixed at a high point on a tree, makes it possible to know the different movements of a tree at all times. It also processes the information collected, records it, and sends it in real time to another device for immediate interpretation. For this purpose, the device incorporates one or more inclination, positioning and movement sensors, among others, whose technology is explained below:

The inclinometer or level is an instrument to measure the inclination of a surface with respect to another horizontal surface.

The barometer is an instrument that measures atmospheric pressure and its variations. With this data it is possible to know the altitude of an object that contains it.

GPS is an instrument that, through the triangulation of signals emitted by satellite and / or terrestrial repeaters, allows to know the global location of an object that contains it.

The accelerometer is an instrument that, upon receiving a thrust force, decomposes it into the three orthogonal planes of its own inertial reference system, and of this Thus, a resultant of the same intensity and direction is obtained as the thrust received but in the opposite direction. This force is known as "G force".

Once the direction and intensity of the G force have been obtained, and knowing how long it has been acting, the path that the accelerometer has traced through a certain segment can be known in its own spatial reference system.

The gyroscope is an instrument that measures angular velocity and allows knowing the orientation of an object that contains it with respect to an arbitrary spatial system composed of three planes orthogonal to each other.

The magnetometer is an instrument that measures magnetic fields. When used to measure the incidence of the vector forces of the Earth's magnetic field (magnetosphere) on it, it takes the name of a geomagnetometer, and is therefore a useful tool to know the geographical orientation of an object that contains it.

The use of the aforementioned technology is known as a navigation tool in aviation, sailing and motor boats, and in off-road vehicles, among others. In their electronic version, these instruments are constructed as piezoelectric transducers that convert the magnitude to be measured into electrical impulses that can be collected and interpreted by a microprocessor. The combination of 3 gyroscopes and three accelerometers arranged perpendicular to each other in the same integrated electronic circuit is used in motion capture technology and is known as an inertial measurement unit (IMU).

The invention presented here refers to a device that incorporates the aforementioned technology for motion capture and also incorporates an integrated electronic circuit that incorporates wireless data transmission technology and that, with its properly programmed microprocessor, allows to collect, process , and send the information obtained to another device where it can be managed for risk assessment.

For data storage, the device incorporates, as an integral part of its electronic system, a removable memory card.

For data storage, the device incorporates wireless data transmission technology to send and store data in a virtual data storage space (better known as "cloud").

For data transmission, the device incorporates, as an integral part of the electronic system, GSM, GPRS and Wi-Fi wireless technology for long-range transmissions to other devices. It also incorporates radio frequency and bluetooth technology for shorter range transmissions.

A registration box, configured for quick attachment to adhesive surfaces, with velcro, or similar material, keeps the electronic circuit, including its battery and connections, protected from external agents that may alter its correct operation.

To facilitate its use and installation, this device is equipped with a fixing system, which comprises a strap of a flexible and resistant nature, which can be adjusted to the circumference of the trunk or branch of a tree, and whose outer surface is configured for its use. union with other adhesive pieces or, with velcro or similar material.

In addition, and for a more advanced installation model, this fixing system can incorporate an adjustable coupling system that, together with the strap of the fixing system, allows a series of very precise adjustments of alignment and orientation of the measurement unit of the artifact. This coupling system comprises three main parts:

The first part is a rigid, cylindrical and hollow body, its base is closed and is attached to the strap of the fixing system, while its upper part is open throughout its diameter to allow the second part to be attached. The first piece is a plinth, and we will use this term to refer to it from now on.

The second piece is a cylindrical body of greater length and a diameter smaller than that of the socket so that it can be fitted inside, protruding slightly from it. This second piece is the one that houses the electronic measurement system and motion capture mentioned above. The second piece is a capsule and we will use this term to refer to it below.

The third part has a shape and dimensions similar to the socket, and is fitted to the casing in the same way as the socket but in the reverse position to it, in such a way that the projecting part of the casing is covered and protected. The third piece is a cover and we will use this term to refer to it from now on.

A more detailed description warns of the following functional elements:

The socket has a small fixing screw on its outer surface, which crosses it transversely to its inner surface, and until it touches the capsule.

On the edge of the upper side of the skirting board and around its entire contour, there is printed a strip graduated in degrees of inclination numbered from 0 degrees to 180 degrees and from zero degrees to -180 degrees, thus completing the entire circumference of the upper edge of the skirting board. The imaginary line between zero degree and 180 degree will be transverse to the length of the tether to which the socket is attached.

The socket has a compartment to house the battery that will supply power to the electronic device as a whole. Inside the socket, the positive and negative poles are arranged (positive in the center, and negative around the inside perimeter) to facilitate the electrical connection when inserting the capsule into the socket. In this way the battery can be replaced without removing the capsule.

The socket has connections to allow the coupling of external elements, which improve their performance, or the supply of energy (solar, wind, electrical network, etc.) that provide greater autonomy to the device.

The socket has a button on its external surface that cuts off the power flow and is used to turn the electronic device on and off.

The capsule has the electrical power outlet poles arranged in the same way as the socket but on the outside, in such a way that when the capsule inside the socket both connections coincide, and the capsule can also be rotated in a rotational movement once attached, without losing contact of the electrical connections. This rotary movement allows the capsule to be aligned parallel to the "X" axis or horizontal to the ground.

The capsule is longitudinally imprinted on its entire outer edge with two linear marks or notches arranged in such a way that when the capsule is attached to the socket they coincide with the graduated bar on the socket.

The capsule has a cardano holder inside that holds the movement measurement unit. This support allows this unit of measurement two rotary movements whose axes of rotation are perpendicular to each other, and both perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the capsule itself with respect to the socket and allows to orient the unit of measurement to the "Y" axis (gravity vector ) and to the “Z” axis or to a specific cardinal point. Once the measuring unit is oriented, this position can be fixed by using bolts that block the rotary movements described. As will be explained below, the adjustment of the interior support of the capsule will only be useful in certain circumstances.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

To complement the description that is being made and in order to help a better understanding of the characteristics of the invention, a set of drawings is attached as an integral part of said description, in which, with an illustrative and non-limiting nature, the following has been represented following:

Figure 1 shows a perspective of the three assembled parts of the coupling system, the lid, the capsule, and the socket in addition to other fundamental parts.

Figure 2 shows a perspective of the device already assembled to its fixing system, which in turn is anchored to the trunk of a tree.

Figure 3 shows the representation of a tree as an installation model of two artifacts at different heights.

Figure 4 shows an installation model with a plurality of devices installed on the same tree.

Figure 5 shows a diagram of the electronic measurement circuit and its main connections.

PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION

For a quick and easy installation, it would be enough to secure the belt of the fixing system (18) to a shaft (20), and join the register box (13) to the belt trying to align it with the gravity vector. Although for a more precise installation, use will be made of its coupling system:

Initially the device (21) is presented assembled (figure 2) and with the capsule (2) aligned with the degree measurement strip of the socket, at the point of zero degrees of inclination. To begin the installation, remove the cover (1) and follow the following steps:

- The device is secured to a tree trunk making use of the fastening system strap (18). At this point, the internal capsule (2) will be aligned with the direction of the inclination of the tree (20) or branch where it has been installed.

- The device is turned on so that it sends us the first inclination value through its short-range communication port to, for example, a mobile phone that will serve as a monitor for the installation. Therefore, we obtain the data of the inclination at the origin of the tree to be monitored.

- The capsule (2) is rotated making it rotate in the socket (3) and we align it to the horizontal of the ground ("X" axis). To check its correct operation, we observe that the inclinometer gives us the data "zero degrees" in the "X" axis and the measurement strip (5) mark the degrees of the origin inclination with respect to that axis.

- The capsule is fixed in that position using its fixation screw or first lock (4). The cover (1) is put back on and secured to the plinth with its closure or fourth lock (14).

In this way we already have the device (21) installed in its easy-to-use mode. The device will detect the inclination variations, store them and give a telematic warning when the inclination increases to a certain value at that point in the tree.

The microprocessor (23) of this device is programmed with software that prevents the dissemination of irrelevant or repetitive data to avoid excess data transmission during a gale. This function can be remotely reprogrammed to suit each circumstance.

The installation of two of these devices aligned at different heights in the same tree (figure 3), provides us with more information to assess the risk of the tree as well as to study its biomechanics. When comparing the data provided by two of these devices in unison, we will observe the following cases:

- If both devices give us an increase in the inclination of the same value in degrees, we will know that the tree is inclining as a whole. One skilled in the art knows that this may represent a failure of the root system or soil consistency.

- If the highest device shows an increase in inclination greater than the other, it means that the tree is bowing. An expert in the field would know how to alleviate this symptom by redirecting the pruning tasks. Furthermore, this data may not represent a danger in the hands of an expert when recognizing the natural flexibility of certain trees, and that this varies according to the species and volume of the specimen (among other data to take into account).

This information is stored both in its physical memory and in its virtual storage, where it can be consulted for study and interpretation. An expert in the field knows that studying and knowing the biomechanics of a certain tree can help redirect the pruning and maintenance tasks of the specimen, and thereby contribute to its optimal conservation and to reduce its degree of danger.

The utility of the present invention has just been explained, using part of its technology to simplify its use, when working in a single spatial reference plane. But the benefits of the present invention allow it, through the combined use of accelerometers and gyroscopes (whose operation has been explained above), to work in a three-dimensional space to obtain other relevant data for the study and evaluation of trees, such as For example, the oscillation and twisting of the tree or its branches when it is rocked by the action of the wind in different directions. This allows a more advanced and complete use of the present invention, and implies the installation of several of these devices (21) in each of its main branches to know their spatial movements in any circumstance, and thus to know individually which of the branches may present a more vulnerable state to wind storms, rain, snow, or other factors that could be dangerous.

The present invention also makes it possible to obtain data to perform a three-dimensional graphical simulation of the tree by using a 3D simulation computer program. However, the technology described up to this point is not enough, since to meet this objective it is necessary to develop a spatial coordinate system in which to locate each device (trunk and each branch that contains one of these devices) and know its position with respect to the rest of the devices (branches), in such a way that they can be represented as a unit (a tree) in the same spatial reference system (figure 4).

For a more advanced use of this device presented here, it will be necessary to proceed as follows for its correct installation:

- Develop a virtual Cartesian coordinate system in which to locate the entire volume of the tree to be monitored. This could be done with computerized or manual means, but to facilitate understanding we are going to represent a manual elaboration model. For this we will draw two lines perpendicular to each other and whose intersection point coincides with the base of the tree trunk. One of them in the direction of the cardinal East which we will call the "X axis", and the other one in the cardinal North direction which we will call the "Z axis". These same lines projected in the opposite direction from the same starting point, would represent the "-X" and "-Z" axes.

Finally, and with the same starting point as the previous ones, we will draw an imaginary line vertical to the ground and perpendicular to the other two, which we will call the "Y axis" or gravity vector.

- Once this reference system has been developed and the base of the tree is located at the meeting point of its axes, we will proceed, in the same way as in the previous example (up to step 3), to install as many devices as necessary to monitor the tree.

- Once the devices have been installed and aligned with the "X" axis, we will proceed to align the measurement unit with the other two axes of the reference system created, by using the internal support of the capsule, we will fix this position and proceed to fit the protection cover.

- To determine and know the spatial position occupied by each of the devices within the spatial reference system that we have created, we will proceed to measure the height (“b”, in figure 4) from the ground of each device pointing vertically with a laser rangefinder with an integrated level, and to obtain the coordinates (“a” and “c”, in figure 4) of that point with respect to the “X” and “Z” axes. This position can also be located by means of a trigonometric calculation knowing the values "b" and "h" and the angle "g" in figure 4.

Once the installation is finished, all the devices (21) and their respective measurement units will be oriented in parallel with respect to the three axes that make up the reference system that we have created, which means a unified reference system, and their initial values inclination relative to them will be “zero” at their starting position.

The subsequent increase of these values will be collected, stored and / or transmitted to be represented graphically with a conventional 3D simulator, in such a way that it allows to use this function of capture and recreation of the movement both in the professional field and at a private level.

Considering what the figures show, it can be seen how figure 1 shows the three assembled parts of the coupling system: the lid (1), the capsule (2) and the socket (3). In this figure other fundamental parts of the device (21) can be seen:

A first blocking element (4) of the rotary movement of the capsule with respect to the socket. It is a threaded piece that goes through the wall of the socket to its inner surface where it contacts the outer surface of the capsule wall once assembled.

Circular strip (5) graduated in degrees of inclination.

A first contact surface (6) of the negative pole of the battery. It is a surface of electrically conductive material that remains in contact with the negative pole of the battery.

A second contact surface (15) of the positive pole of the battery. It is made of electrically conductive material and remains in contact with the positive pole of the battery.

Reference lines (7) to align the capsule with respect to the graduated bar.

A third contact surface (8) of the negative pole of the electronic circuit. Made of electrically conductive material, it remains in contact with the negative pole of the electronic circuit power input. The capsule has on its outer surface a contact surface for the positive pole of the electronic circuit, which once assembled coincides with the positive pole of the socket.

Shaft (10) of the cardano support. Allows the electronic measurement unit to be aligned to the gravity vector or "Y" axis.

A second blocking element (9) of the rotary movement of the shaft of the cardano support. After aligning the measuring unit, the shaft is locked by this piece.

Bearing (11) of the cardano support. It is a circular piece that is fixed to the axis of rotation perpendicular to it and allows the measurement unit to be aligned to the "z" axis.

A third locking element (12) of rotary movement of the cardano support bearing. It is a threaded piece that passes through the outer surface of the bearing and, when pressed against it, blocks its circular movement.

A fourth locking element (14) closes to prevent disassembly of the lid. It is a threaded piece that goes through the wall of the lid to its inner surface and that contacts the outer surface of the plinth once both pieces have been assembled.

Registration box (13), for the electronic measurement circuit, with velcro surface. Opening for the installation of batteries (16).

And connections (17) for coupling external devices.

Figure 2 shows the device (21) already assembled and attached to its fixing system (18), which in turn is anchored and adjusted to the diameter of a tree trunk.

Attachment surface (19) and strap adjustment (in this drawing an attempt has been made to represent a model that would use industrial velcro for attachment, and the coupling of the register box without the adjustable coupling system).

Tree trunk or branch (20).

Figure 3 shows an installation model of two devices (21) at different heights. By means of this installation model, a method can be developed for the study of other parameters in addition to those provided by each of the measurement units independently.

Figure 4 shows an installation model with a plurality of devices (21) installed on the same shaft. Figure 4 represents a three-dimensional reference system model in which each device can be located by knowing the values of the coordinates (a, b and c) that determine its position. They can also be located using simple trigonometric calculations. Figure 4 represents a method to be able to study additional parameters to those provided by each of the units of measurement installed, and thus facilitate the study of the biomechanics of the tree.

Figure 5 shows a diagram of the electronic measurement circuit and its main connections to understand its operation, and where the following elements can be seen:

A battery (22) connected to an electronic board (26) with a microprocessor (23) and which in turn is interconnected (R1, T1) with a movement measurement unit (24) to which it supplies energy and the that receives data of the detected movement. There is also a wireless data transmission unit (25) whose communication with the electronic board is bidirectional (R2, T2).

This diagram also reflects the existence of a module (27) to facilitate the coupling of external devices, and its connections (17), partly interconnected with the communication ports C1 and C2 of the electronic circuit.

Claims (2)

1.- Device to evaluate tree risks that, applicable for the monitoring of a vertical structure, especially for the study of the movement of trees, as a security system to evaluate the risk of falling, communicate in real time that degree of danger, know its different movements (inclination, arching, torsion, etc.) and facilitate the study of its biomechanics, by storing and transmitting the collected data and representing them graphically, and understanding: - an electronic circuit with at least one microprocessor (23), at least one measurement unit (24), to know the inclination, positioning and movement, for which it integrates inclinometers, accelerometers, gyroscopes and magnetometers, or a combination of them, and a barometer, and, at least one wireless data transmission unit (25); - a battery (22) which, connected to the electronic circuit, supplies it with energy; - a register box (13) for the electronic circuit, battery and connections; and - A fixing system (18) configured to hold the register box to a shaft (20) is characterized in that it comprises an adjustable coupling system that, together with the strap of the fixing system (18), allows very precise alignment adjustments and orientation of the measurement unit (24) of the device, which coupling system comprises three main parts: - A first piece or socket (3), which is a rigid, cylindrical and hollow body, with a closed base that is attached to the strap of the fixing system (18), while its upper part is open throughout its diameter to allow the coupling of the second piece or capsule (2); - a second piece or capsule (2), which is a cylindrical body of greater length and a diameter smaller than that of the socket (3) to be able to fit it inside, protruding slightly from it, and inside which houses the electronic measurement and motion capture (24); - and a third piece or cover (1), which has a shape and dimensions similar to the socket (3), and is coupled to the capsule (2) in the same way as the socket but in the opposite position to it, in such a way that the projecting part of the housing is covered and protected; and in that the capsule (2) has a cardano support inside that holds the movement measurement unit (24) that allows this measurement unit two rotary movements whose axes of rotation are perpendicular to each other, and Both are perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the capsule itself (2) with respect to the socket (3) and allows the measurement unit to be oriented to the "Y" axis (gravity vector) and to the "Z" axis or to a specific cardinal point, with some locking elements to block said rotary movements, once the measuring unit is oriented, and fix its position. 2.- Method to evaluate tree risks, characterized by understanding the following steps: - development of a virtual Cartesian coordinate system in which to locate the entire volume of the tree to be monitored, with X axes for the East-West orientation, Y for the North-South orientation and Z for the gravity vector, which includes the creation of two lines perpendicular to each other and whose intersection point coincides with the base of the tree trunk, one of them in the direction of the cardinal East which we will call "X axis", and the other one in the cardinal North direction which we will call " Z axis "; the same lines projected in the opposite direction from the same starting point, will represent the axes "-X" and "-Z", and, with the same starting point as the previous ones, a line would imagine vertical to the ground and perpendicular to the others two will be the "Y axis" or gravity vector; - installation of as many devices as are necessary to monitor the tree; - alignment of the devices with the "X" axis; - aligning the measurement unit with the other two axes of the reference system created, by using the internal support of the capsule, fixing this position and placing the protection cover; - Once the installation is finished, all the devices and their respective measurement units will be oriented in parallel with respect to the three axes that make up the reference system created, which implies a unified reference system, and their initial values of inclination with respect to them they will be "zero" in their starting position - subsequently, the increments of these values are collected, stored and / or transmitted to be represented graphically with a 3D simulator, performing the recreation of the movement.