WO2021245694A1 - An automatic climbing machine for trees and poles of multi-profile and variable dimensions - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention is the automatic climbing machine for Trees and Poles of Multi-Profile and Variable Dimensions. It is equipped with a novel combination of mechanisms and technology to climb different trees and different poles. The main three mechanisms in the climbing machine are the Omni-climbing mechanism (Rubber grip wheels are mounted along with different actuators), spring connected wheel arm climbing mechanism (double frustum shaped wheels are mounted on wheel arm), and the external steering mechanism. All three mechanisms are mounted on the mainframe. The three mechanisms are controlled by the machine controller with inputs from sensors, actuators, and camera during automatic mode and inputs from sensors, actuators, camera, and user's remote-control commands during the semi-automatic mode. The main controller is also programmed with machine learning, deep learning, and artificial intelligence. The three mechanisms and their synergistic, co-ordinated and combinational working enable the machine to climb any kind of 3-axis (X, Y, and Z) variable tree trunk profile or pole profile, variable tree trunk diameter or pole diameter, and tree trunk or pole – having surface abnormalities like patch holes and ring scars. A robotic arm having the required degree of freedom with a suitable end effector and sensors is mounted on the machine to perform desired operations upon reaching the top of a tree or pole. The desired operations to be performed on reaching the top may be harvesting, pesticide spraying, tree pruning, washing, cleaning, fixing, surveillance, etc based on the use case. Multiple robotic arms can also be mounted if needed for a use case. The machine is powered by a battery mounted on it.

Description

Title: AN AUTOMATIC CLIMBING MACHINE FOR TREES AND POLES OF MULTIPROFILE AND VARIABLE DIMENSIONS

FIELD OF INVENTION:

The present invention is a novel the multi-purpose versatile climbing machine. It can be used to climb trees that have a single tall trunk/main stem-like coconut trees, palmyra palm trees, teak trees, silver oak trees, rubber trees, areca nut trees, etc. The machine can also be used to climb a piece of material with one end placed as a support for something, this piece of material can be called poles or posts or pillars or anything similar. The poles can have different cross-sections - like square, circle, rectangle, etc. It can be construction support, electric line support, street light support, or any other support. A robotic arm having the required degree of freedom with a suitable end effector and sensors is mounted on the machine to perform desired operations upon reaching the top of a tree or pole. The desired operations to be performed on reaching the top are harvesting, pesticide spraying, tree pruning, washing, cleaning, fixing, surveillance, etc.... based on the use case.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION:

It is a highly laborious job to climb trees and poles. Only a trained and skilled person would be able to climb. In today’s scenario owing to the physical fatigue and risk involved, people are not willing to climb - trees that have a single tall trunk/main stem and poles. Young generation workers are not interested to take up this job. Due to this issue, many farmers are now facing problems while harvesting. Similarly, works related to pole climbing are becoming difficult to carry out. In the future, there wouldn’t be any skilled people available for climbing trees and poles.

There are a lot of challenges involved in developing a versatile machine to climb the trees which have a single tall trunk/main stem and poles of different cross-sections. Among the trees with a single tall trunk/main stem, the Coconut tree is one of the most difficult trees to climb. The trunk/main stem of a coconut tree has the following characteristics - it has a variable profile along with all three X, Y, and Z-axis, variable diameter from tree to tree, variable diameter at different segments of the same tree, ring scars, and patch holes. Therefore, all these factors pose a great challenge in making a machine to climb all coconut trees and other similar trees with similar trunk characteristics. If the machine can climb all coconut trees then similar trees can also be climbed using the same machine. In the context of poles, the machine has to climb different cross-section geometry as well as characteristic features similar to a coconut tree if any.

The existing commercial and research level machines can be broadly classified into manual machines, semi-automatic machines, automatic machines (both fully autonomous and remotely controlled). There are also expensive hydraulic, pneumatic variants that are of more weight and they demand heavy power packs, compressed air, and maintenance. They are not suitable for more portable use.

The manual climbing machines assist the humans in climbing. They are external assistive machines that aid humans in climbing. They need to be fixed on the tree or pole and sometimes also fitted on the human and have to be operated manually by humans. They are affordable and cheap but the major problems are as follows. They are less reliable and are unsafe. They give the almost same amount of physical stress and fatigue as when climbing without any supporters. The safety offered by them is very less. The time taken to mount, climb up, perform the desired operation, climb down and demount is high, in other words, the cycle time is high. The comfort and ergonomics of the user were not considered properly in these products. Further upon reaching a certain height on the tree or pole, in case of a failure in the machine the resulting accident could cause severe injury or be fatal to the user. Therefore, such a mechanism could be very unsafe to the user when we see practical climbing conditions. Thus, they are limited in application as practicality is reduced.

Further, the semi-automatic machines are designed to lift the user to the top of the tree or pole as it climbs. There is no semi-automatic machine existing before to climb both trees and poles of multi-profile and variable dimensions. There are constraints in developing a semi-automatic machine as follows - payload increases drastically as the user is lifted by the machine, the user needs to get trained physically with the machine on the tree or pole. Since the machine should be portable the prime mover could be either an internal combustion engine or a very high-power DC motor with a higher energy capacity battery. These further increase the weight and cost of the machine and makes handling the machine difficult. Moreover, such a mechanism to climb trees and poles has to be dynamic and adjustable to different characteristics mentioned in the paragraphs above during climbing. As the user is lifted while climbing, the user will be subjected to loads and fatigue during such an adjustment. Further upon reaching a certain height on the tree or pole, in case of a failure in the machine the resulting accident could cause severe injury or be fatal to the user. Therefore, such a mechanism could be very unsafe to the user when we see practical climbing conditions. There is no semi-automatic machine in the commercial market to climb all trees with trunk characteristics mentioned already in the above paragraph as well as poles.

An automatic machine would be an ideal choice as it can climb on its own once it is fitted on the tree/pole. Further, it can be designed to operate in fully autonomous mode or can be designed remotely controlled. In either case, the user can fit the machine on a tree or pole and stay on the ground at a safe distance. This is the safest climbing machine and has a lot of advantages over manual and semi-automatic type climbing machines. Moreover, owing to the current advancement in machine learning, artificial intelligence, deep learning, high capacity - low weight batteries, the automatic machine is the future. There are a lot of automatic designs developed at the research level but none has reached the commercial market. This is because the designs were not able to overcome three-axis trunk profile variation, diameter variations, patch holes, ring scars, and other practical conditions. Existing models take a lot of time to fit on the tree/pole making the cycle time high. Thus, there is no automatic machine existing in the market to climb both trees and poles with the characteristics mentioned in earlier paragraphs. Especially there is no automatic machine to climb trees or poles with trunk profile variations in x, y, and z-axis as discussed in earlier paragraphs

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION:

The present invention is an Automatic Climbing Machine for Trees and Poles of Multi- Profile and Variable Dimensions. It is equipped with a novel combination of mechanisms and technology to climb different trees.

It is the main embodiment of the invention is a novel combinational working of different mechanisms which are mounted on the mainframe. The battery, sensors, camera, total machine controller, and robotic arms are fitted on this climbing mechanism. In another embodiment, the difference in mechanism with their sub-assemblies is mounted on the mainframe. In one aspect, the present invention has a plurality of main mechanisms are Omni-climbing mechanism, spring connected wheel arm climbing mechanism (wheel arm climbing mechanism has four number of wheel arms, each wheel arm has one double frustum shaped climbing the wheel) and the external steering mechanism.

In other embodiment in one Omni-climbing mechanism, It has different subsystems/subassemblies in it as follows - Rubber-grip wheel subsystem, double combined quadruple linear actuator subsystem, and external linear bearing subsystem. The Omni-climbing mechanism is mounted on the inner portion of the mainframe.

In another embodiment, there is four number of wheel arm mechanism. Each wheel arm mechanism has a double frustum-shaped wheel at the center. Set of sensors and camera are mounted on the wheel arm. Each wheel arm mechanism is mounted on one external steering mechanism. Opposite wheel arms are connected with extension springs.

Yet another embodiment in the invention, there is four number of the external steering mechanism. Each external steering mechanism has various sensors and cameras fitted on it. Two external steering mechanisms are mounted on the left side of the mainframe forming a pair and the other two external steering mechanisms are mounted on the right side of the mainframe forming a pair.

Another embodiment of the invention is that the climbing mechanism is fitted with a robotic arm having the required degree of freedom. The camera and sensors are mounted on the robotic arm. A suitable end effector is mounted on the robotic arm to perform desired operations upon reaching the top of the tree or pole. The desired operations to be performed on reaching the top may be harvesting, pesticide spraying, washing, cleaning, fixing, surveillance, etc.... The end effector is selected based on the use case and operation to be performed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS:

PART NUMBER AND PART NAMES:

ABBREVIATIONS:

Fig. 1 shows the isometric view of the main frame.

Fig. 2 (a), Fig. 2 (b), Fig. 2 (c), and Fig. 2 (d) represent the front view, left side view, top view, and isometric view of the main frame respectively.

Fig. 3 shows an isometric view of the Rubber grip wheel subsystem.

Fig. 4 (a), Fig 4 (b), Fig. 4 (c), and Fig. 4 (d) represent the front view, left side view, top view, and isometric view of the Rubber grip wheel subsystem respectively.

Fig. 5 represents the isometric view of the linear actuator.

Fig. 6 represents an isometric view of the linear actuator subsystem. Here, the Rubber grip wheel subsystem is mounted on the rotatable table of the linear actuator to form the linear actuator subsystem as a whole. Fig. 7 (a) and Fig. 7 (b) show two different isometric views of a single combined double linear actuator subsystem. Here two linear actuators are combined by keeping them side by side and connecting their respective coupler pads with bolts and nuts.

Fig. 8 (a), Fig. 8 (b), Fig 8 (c) illustrates the front view, left side view, and top view of double combined quadruple linear actuator subsystem. Here, two single combined double linear actuator subsystems are further combined by using vertical members to form a double combined quadruple linear actuator subsystem.

Fig. 9 (a), Fig. 9 (b), Fig. 9 (c) and Fig. 9 (d) illustrate the front view, left side view, top view, an isometric view of external linear bearings with drum spools sub-assembly.

Fig. 10 (a), Fig. 10 (b), Fig. 10 (c), and Fig. 10 (d) illustrate the front view, left side view, top view, an isometric view of external linear bearings with hook sub-assembly.

Fig. 11 (a) and Fig. 11 (b) show the front view and left side view of extension springs with steel wire attached on both ends.

Fig. 12 illustrates an isometric view of external linear bearing with hook sub-assembly and external linear bearing with drum spool sub-assembly connected by spring with wires on the ends and mounted on the guide shafts of the main frame.

Fig. 13 illustrates an isometric view of the Omni climbing mechanism. Omni climbing mechanism is formed by mounting the double combined quadruple linear actuator subsystems on the external linear bearing with hook sub-assembly and external linear bearing with drum spool sub-assembly by using knuckle joints.

Fig. 14 (a), Fig. 14 (b), Fig. 14 (c), and Fig. 14 (d) illustrate the front view, left side view, top view, and isometric view of the Omni-climbing mechanism.

Fig. 15 (a), Fig. 15 (b), Fig. 15 (c), and Fig. 15 (d) illustrate the front view, right side view, top view, an isometric view of the arm with double frustum wheel sub-assembly (hereinafter referred shortly as wheel arm).

Fig. 16 (a), Fig. 16 (b), Fig. 16 (c) and Fig. 16 (d) illustrate the front view, right side view, top view, an isometric view of the external steering mechanism.

Fig. 17 illustrates the wheel arm and external steering mechanism combined unit (hereinafter referred shortly as wheel arm with steering mechanism). Here the wheel arm sub-assembly is mounted on the external steering mechanism and forms together with a unit. Fig. 18 (a), Fig. 18 (b), Fig. 18 (c) illustrates the front view, right side view, top view, and isometric view of the combined assembly of the climbing machine. Here the four- wheel arm and external steering units are mounted on the mainframe, this makes the units one combined pair on the left side and another combined pair on the right side of the main frame. Note that the opposite bottom pair of wheel arms (facing each other) are connected by springs with steel wire on ends, similarly, the opposite top pair of wheel arms are also connected.

Fig. 19 shows a front view of extension spring with steel wire on its ends to mount on hook and wind on drum spool respectively.

Fig. 20 illustrates an isometric view of the climbing machine with battery and machine controller mounted.

Fig. 21 illustrates an isometric view of the climbing machine with battery and machine controller mounted in it.

Fig. 22 illustrates the front view of the climbing machine with all subsystems assembled. Here two robotic arms with end effectors are mounted on the climbing machine.

Fig. 23 illustrates an isometric view of a climbing mechanism fitted on a free or pole (88).

Fig 24 illustrates simplified front view of climbing machine clamped on the tree/pole with help of four of the double frustum shaped wheels and extension springs.

Fig 25 illustrates the clamping force on each of the double frustum shaped wheels when the climbing machine is clamped on tree/pole using extension springs. It depicts front view. Fig 26 illustrates the outward normal force on each of the double frustum shaped wheels when the climbing machine is clamped on tree/pole using extension springs. It depicts front view.

Fig 27 illustrates the frictional force between the surface of double frustum shaped wheels and surface of tree/pole when the climbing machine is clamped on tree/pole using extension springs. It depicts front view.

Fig 28 illustrates the force acting on hook and drum spool of the opposite top pair of wheel arms due to tension in extension springs when the climbing machine is clamped on tree/pole using extension springs. It depicts top view.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION AND DRAWINGS: The present invention is an Automatic Climbing Machine for Trees and Poles of Multi- Profile and Variable dimensions equipped with a novel combination of mechanisms and technology to climb different trees and different poles. Where afterward simply referred to as tree or trees (Trunk of the tree is also known as the main stem of the tree). The poles used in the following description are afterward referred to as simply poles or poles.

In a nutshell, the mainframe forms the center of the machine. Omni-climbing mechanism is mounted on the inside portion of the main frame. An external steering mechanism with wheel arm units or robotic arms is mounted on the external portion of the main frame. Omni-climbing mechanism has Rubber-grip wheel sub-systems, linear actuator subsystem, knuckle joints, and external linear bearing subsystems with hook and drum spool. The machine has four-wheel arms. Each arm is connected to an external steering mechanism and made a unit. These units are mounted to the outside portion of the main frame. After mounting, two arms are now opposite to each other forming a pair - one pair on the top portion of the main frame and the other pair on the bottom portion of the main frame. These arms are connected by springs. Sensors and cameras are kept on the mainframe and each of the arms. The machine controller and battery are kept on the mainframe with support from vertical support members of the external steering mechanism. Robotic arms with the required degree of freedom equipped with suitable end effectors for the desired use case are mounted on the mainframe.

The mainframe 89 is open on the top side, bottom side, and backside. In fig. 1, fig. 2 (a), fig. 2 (b), and fig. 2 (c) and are formed by the following. There are four vertical members (2) kept on the four corners. On the left side, the vertical members are connected by two guide shafts (3) which are kept one on top of another with spacing in between them. Similarly, the vertical members on the right side are connected by two guide shafts (3) kept one on top of another with spacing in between them. The vertical members on the front side are connected by two horizontal members (1). One horizontal member (1) connects the top included edges of the two vertical members (2) and another horizontal member connects the bottom included edges of the two vertical members. Omni-climbing mechanism is mounted on the inside portion of mainframe 89. Omni climbing mechanism has eight Rubber grip wheel sub-systems, eight linear actuators, eight linear bearings with housing block having threaded holes, eight rotatable tables, eight knuckle joints, eight linear bearings, four drum spool, and four hooks.

There are eight Rubber grip wheel sub-systems. In fig. 3, fig. 4 (a), fig 4 (b), fig. 4 (c), and fig. 4 (d) - Each Rubber-grip wheel sub-system has one Rubber-grip wheel (4) and two motors. One motor is called a propulsion motor (7) which is used to rotate the Rubber grip wheel and the other motor is called a steering motor (11) which is used to rotate the steering shaft (9). Both the motors are individually equipped with a locking/braking mechanism and additionally, the propulsion is equipped with the electromagnetic clutch to engage and disengage the rotational power to the rubber grip wheel as when required.

In fig. 3, fig. 4 (a), fig 4 (b), fig. 4 (c), and fig. 4 (d) - The Rubber-grip wheel is coupled to a shaft (5). The shaft is supported by bearing with housing (6) on both ends. The two bearings along with their housing are kept on their respective support member (8). The propulsion motor (7) is coupled to the Rubber-grip wheel’s shaft (5) and it is mounted on one of the support members (8). When the propulsion motor rotates the Rubber-grip wheel (4) also rotates. The two support members (8) are mounted on a common steering shaft (9). The steering shaft is supported by bearings with housing (10) on both ends. The bearings along with their housings are mounted on a base pad (14). The steering motor (11) is coupled to the steering shaft (9). The steering motor is mounted on a mounting pad (13) using bolts (12). The mounting pad (13) is kept on the base pad (14). There are holes on the base pad (15) to mount bolts and nuts. Thus, the Rubber grip wheel can be rotated as well as steering.

There are eight linear actuators. In fig. 5, each linear actuator has a screw mechanism (16) and a linear slide ride guideway (17). A linear bearing block with a hole having inner thread (18) slides on the guideway. It (18) is coupled to the screw mechanism (16) through its hole. The screw mechanism is rotated by a motor (19). The screw mechanism is used to make the linear bearing block slide in two directions, one direction at a given time based on the direction of rotation of the screw mechanism. A rotatable table (20) with an inbuilt motor (21) is attached to the top side of the linear bearing block (18). When the inbuilt motor (21) is rotated the rotatable table (20) also rotates. Thus, the angle of orientation of the rotatable table can be controlled by controlling the degree of rotation of the inbuilt motor. One end of the linear actuator is attached with a one-eye end (22). Another end of linear actuator is attached with a coupler pad (23) having holes (24) to mount bolts & nuts.

In fig. 6, the Rubber grip wheel subsystem and the linear actuator are combined to form the linear actuator sub-system as follows. The base pad (14) of the Rubber-grip wheel sub-system is attached to the rotatable table (20) of the linear actuator using bolts (25) and nuts (26). Now, when the rotatable table (20) is rotated through a certain degree the base pad (14) of the Rubber grip wheel subsystem also rotates the same amount of degree. Thus, by rotating the rotatable table the Rubber-grip wheel can be oriented. Further by operating the linear actuator’s screw mechanism (16) with the motor (19), the linear bearing moves left or right side based on the direction of rotation of the screw. When the linear bearing (18) moves left or right, the Rubber grip wheel subsystem also moves along with it. Thus, the Rubber grip wheel (4) can be moved left and right, rotated about its shaft, steered about the steering shaft, and also oriented to a desired degree in the horizontal plane.

Similarly, other Rubber-grip wheel sub-systems are attached to their respective linear actuator forming eight linear actuator subsystems.

In fig. 7 (a) and fig. 7 (b), two linear actuator subsystems are combined side by side with their respective coupler pads using bolts (27) and nuts (28). This combined system is called as called single combined double linear actuator subsystem. Similarly, other linear actuator subsystems are combined resulting in four single combined double linear actuator subsystems.

In fig. 8 (a), fig. 8 (b), and fig. 8 (c), two of the single combined double linear actuator subsystems are combined. They are kept one on top of another, the top one is kept upside down and the bottom one is kept erect normally. Space is kept in between them and they are combined by using a common vertical member (29) kept at the center to connect the included junction of their respective bolted coupler pads and two vertical members at ends (30) to connect their ends. This is called a double combined quadruple linear actuator subsystem. Similarly, the other two single combined linear actuator subsystems are combined. Now, there are two double combined quadruple linear actuator subsystems.

There are two external linear bearings with drum-spool sub-assemblies. Each one is constructed as follows. In fig. 9 (a), 9 (b), 9 (c), and 9 (d), There are two external linear bearings with housing blocks (31), each external linear bearing block is attached with a two-eye end (32) on one of its side. Two external linear bearings with housing blocks (31) are kept one on top of another with space in between them and they are combined with a vertical member (33) connecting their included sides. Two drum spools (37) are mounted on the vertical member (33) with a certain distance in between them; each drum spool is attached with the following parts. Motor with locking/braking mechanism (34) to actuate drum spool is mounted on the vertical member. The motor (34) is coupled to a transmission system (35), the output of the transmission system is coupled to the shaft of the drum spool (36). The drum spool is kept at the center of its shaft (36), the ends of the shaft are balanced on the bearing with housing (38) mounted on the vertical member (33).

There are two external linear bearings with hook sub-assemblies. Each one is constructed as follows. In fig. 10 (a), 10 (b), 10 (c), and (d), There are two external linear bearings with housing blocks (31), each external linear bearing block is attached with a two-eye end (32) on one of its side. Two external linear bearings with housing blocks (31) are kept one on top of another with space in between them and they are combined with a vertical member (33) connecting their included sides. Two hooks (39) are mounted on the vertical member with a certain distance kept between them. Each hook has a load sensor attached to it. Four extension springs with steel wire attached at their ends are made as follows. In fig 11, An Extension spring is connected with flexible steel wires on both of its ends. Steel wire on one end of the spring has a ring on its end and steel wire on the other end of the spring is kept free in the natural state. Steel wire (41) on one end of the spring with a ring on its end is to be kept on hook (39). The steel wire in its natural state (42) on the other end of the spring is to be wound on the drum spool (37). In figure 12, there are two external linear bearings with drum-spool sub-assemblies and two external linear bearings with hook sub-assemblies. One external linear bearing with drum-spool sub-assembly and one external linear bearing with hook sub-assembly is kept on the left side guide shafts (3) of the mainframe. The top and bottom external linear bearings blocks (31) are attached to the respective top and bottom guide shafts (3). The orientation is such that the hook and drum-spool fall on the inside portion opposite to each other and the two-eye end part of the knuckle joint falls on the inside portion of the mainframe. Now, the extension springs are connected between the oppositely kept drum spool and hook by winding the one steel wire (42) on the drum spool and placing other steel wire’s (41) ring on the hook. Similarly, one external linear bearing with drum-spool sub-assembly and one external linear bearing with hook sub-assembly is kept on the right- side guide shafts (3) of the mainframe. Alternately instead of a hook on one side, we can keep the drum spool thus making two drum spools opposite to each other with a spring wire wound on both of them, It will provide much more control and flexibility.

In Fig. 13, Fig. 14 (a), Fig. 14 (b), Fig. 14 (c) and Fig. 14 (d) - The complete assembly of the Omni-climbing mechanism is done as follows. One-eye end (22) parts in each of the individual linear actuators in each of the double combined quadruple linear actuator subsystem are fitted to their respective two-eye end part (32) in each of the external linear bearings with housing block (31). The resulting knuckle joints are completed by adding the knuckle pin (43), collar (44), and taper pin (45). It is fitted such that the Rubber grip wheels fall on the inner portion of the main frame.

In Fig. 13, Fig. 14 (a), Fig. 14 (b), Fig. 14 (c) and Fig. 14 (d), The Omni-climbing mechanism works as follows. The extension spring’s (40) tension and length of steel wire (42) wound on the drum spool can be controlled by rotating the drum spool with the help of a motor with a locking/braking mechanism (34). Based on the direction of rotation, the flexible steel wire (42) on one side of the spring gets wound/coiled on the drum spool (37) and reduces in length or unwound/uncoiled on the drum spool (37), and increases in length. Since the extension springs are connected between the oppositely kept drum spool (37) and hook (39), the change in length makes the external linear bearings with housing block (31) start to slide on the guide shaft (3). Thus, the external linear bearing with hook subsystem and external linear bearing with drum spool subsystem starts to move along. Since the double combined quadruple linear actuator subsystem is connected to the external linear bearing with hook subsystem on one side and external linear bearing with drum spool subsystem on another side with the help of knuckle joints, they also start to move with them. Thus, finally, the Rubber grip wheels also move with them. The Rubber grip wheels on opposite double combined quadruple linear actuator subsystem come closer to each other when the steel wire (42) is wound/coiled on the drum spool (37) and move away from each other when steel wire is unwound/uncoiled on the drum spool (37). Thus, the length of separation between opposite Rubber grip wheels (4) can be changed. This helps in adjusting to different tree trunk diameters of pole diameters.

By operating the drum spool (37) using motor (34), the opposite Rubber-grip wheels can be brought closer to each other or moved away from each other, in other words, closer to tree or pole or away from tree or pole. When the wheels are brought closer and contact of wheels is established with tree trunk or pole, then by further operating the drum spool, the length of steel wire (42) becomes constant and the spring begins to extend. While extending the spring tension increases, this spring tension provides the required clamping force to lock the wheels on a tree trunk or pole. This clamping force results in a normal force on wheels which is one of the determining factors for the friction force between wheel and tree trunk surface or pole surface. The friction force helps to generate the traction force to climb when power is supplied to the wheels. The spring has natural springing action to counter the abnormalities in stem surface like patch holes, ring scars, etc, further, the spring tension and steel wire length can be continuously adjusted during climbing by commands from the machine controller (81) to the motor (34) connected to drum spool (37) using inputs from various sensors and camera including the load sensor attached to each hook. This is done to adjust to variable tree trunk diameters within the same tree at different segments/areas or variable pole diameters within the same pole at different segments/areas. Other normal force generation mechanisms like a lead screw, rack, and pinion, hydraulics, pneumatics could also be adopted but they do not have a natural springing action like in spring to counter the variable characteristics in tree/pole. If these are to be used then a separate suspension like spring is to be fixed in each wheel and it will not be very effective in vertical climbing. Thus, the Omni-climbing mechanism gives the following degrees of freedom to the Rubber grip wheels. The Rubber-grip wheels can - move left and right, move forward and backward, rotate about their shaft, rotate about their steering shaft, and also be oriented to a desired degree in the horizontal plane. Thus Rubber-grip wheels (4) can be steered and oriented to the profile of a tree or pole. They can also be steered and oriented to rotate 360 degrees around the tree trunk or pole and also be oriented to climb the tree or pole in a spiral or helical way.

With the Omni-climbing mechanism now in place on the main frame, further when the spring clamped wheel arm climbing mechanism and external steering mechanism are mounted on the mainframe. The three mechanisms are controlled by the machine controller with inputs from sensors, actuators, and camera during automatic mode and inputs from sensors, actuators, camera, and user during the semi-automatic mode. The three mechanisms and their synergistic, coordinated, and combinational working enables the machine to climb any kind of 3-axis variable tree trunk profile or pole profile and variable tree trunk diameter or pole diameter and tree trunk or pole with surface abnormalities like patch holes and ring scars. The wheel arm climbing mechanism and external steering mechanism construction are as follows.

Spring connected wheel arm climbing mechanism has four-wheel arms and four extension springs with steel wire attached at its ends. In fig. 15 (a), fig. 15 (b), fig. (c) and fig. 15 (d). Each wheel arm has a double frustum-shaped wheel (46) and two side members (49). A double frustum-shaped wheel is also called a rubber bow roller or dumble shaped wheel or V-shaped wheel. The double frustum-shaped wheel is coupled to a shaft (47). The shaft is supported by bearings with housing (48) on both ends. The bearings with housing (48) are kept on the side members (49) of the arm. The side members have holes in them (59). A propulsion motor (50) with a locking/braking mechanism is connected through a transmission system (51). The output of the transmission system (50) is connected to the shaft (47) of a double frustum-shaped wheel. The propulsion motor (50) is mounted on one of the side members with the help of a motor mounting member (52). A motor (53) is fixed on one of the side members with its shaft pointing outside of the side member. A drum spool (54) is coupled to a shaft of the motor (53). A hook (55) with load sensor is attached to the other side member (49) of the arm where the motor (53) coupled to drum spool (54) is not mounted. The hook (55) is kept on the outer portion of the side member (49). A cross member (56) is used to connect the side members of the arm. A camera (57) and a set of sensors to measure and detect profile, diameter, proximity, surface irregularity, and position are attached to the cross member (56).

There are four-wheel arms and four external steering mechanisms. Each wheel arm is mounted on an external steering mechanism to form a combined unit. Shortly called as wheel arm with the steering mechanism and there is four number of wheel arms with the steering mechanism. The external steering mechanism is used to steer the wheel arm to match the profile of the tree trunk or pole. The external steering mechanism also gives a rotating degree of freedom to the arm so that it could rotate freely and clamp onto the different diameters of the tree stem or pole. It also enables the arm to be retrieved from contact with a tree trunk or pole and hold at a certain position as well as bring it close to contact with the tree stem or pole.

In fig. 16 (a), fig. 16 (b), 16 (c), and 16 (d), The external steering mechanism has two motors each equipped with a locking/braking mechanism namely steering motor (60) and swing motor (61). The swing motor is equipped with an electromagnetic clutch (62). Further, there are two shafts in the external steering mechanism namely the steering shaft (63) and swing shaft (64). The steering motor (60) is connected to the steering shaft (63). The swing motor (61) is connected to the swing shaft (64). The steering motor (60) is connected through a transmission system (66) and the output of the transmission system (66) is connected to the steering shaft (63). The steering shaft (63) is supported on bearings with housing (65) which are mounted on two horizontal support members. One is a long horizontal support member (67) and another is a short horizontal support member (68). The vertical members (76) are mounted on the steering shaft with spacing between them. Two cameras (69) are mounted on top of a long horizontal support member (67), each one near each end. The two horizontal support members are connected by two cross members (70). The left and right edges of the short horizontal member (68) are connected by individual vertical members (71) respectively. The steering motor (60) is mounted on a mounting member (72). The mounting member (72) connects the two vertical members (71) and kept below the short horizontal member (68).

In fig. 16 (a), fig. 16 (b), 16 (c), and 16 (d), the swing motor (61) is equipped with an electromagnetic clutch (62). The swing motor (61) is connected through a transmission system (73), the output of the transmission system is connected to the swing shaft (64). The electromagnetic clutch (62) can be used to couple and decouple the swing shaft (64) with the swing motor (61) as when required. When the clutch (62) is engaged, the swing shaft (64) is rotated by the swing motor (61). When the electromagnetic clutch (62) is disengaged, the swing shaft is free to rotate about its axis. The swing shaft (64) is supported by bearings with housing (74). These bearings with housing (74) are kept on a common cross support member (75). Two vertical support members (76) connect the bottom side ends of the common cross support member (75). The swing motor (61) is mounted on one of the vertical support members (76). A set of sensors (77) to measure and detect profile, diameter, proximity, surface irregularity, and position are attached on the outer side of the other vertical support member (76) where the swing motor is not mounted. The two vertical support members (76) are directly mounted on the steering shaft (63) thus, making them into one unit. Therefore, when the steering motor (60) rotates, the steering shaft (63) gets steered. As a result, the vertical support members (76) attached to the steering shaft (63) also get steered. The swing shaft is mounted on two bearings with housings (74) which are themselves kept on a common cross support member (75). This cross-support member indeed connects the two vertical support members (76). Therefore, the swing shaft (64) also gets steered when the steering motor (60) gets actuated.

In Fig. 17, the side members of the wheel arm are mounted on a swing shaft (64) of the external steering mechanism, and a combined unit is formed as a result. This combined unit is called a wheel arm with a steering mechanism. The wheel arm can be steered by actuating the steering motor (60). The wheel arm can also be swung around the swingarm. Thus, the external steering mechanism can be used to steer and orient the wheel arm to the profile of the tree trunk or the profile of the pole. Further, the external steering mechanism can also make the wheel arm rotate/swing around the swing shaft (64). The swinging can be controlled or set free based on clutch (62) position. When the clutch is engaged, we can retrieve the wheel arm from being in contact with the tree stem or pole and lock it in place by engaging the brake/lock-on swing motor (61) and also bring the wheel arm closer onto the tree stem or pole. When the clutch is disengaged the wheel arm can rotate freely along with the swing shaft (64).

In fig. 18 (a), fig. 18 (b), fig. 18 (c), and fig. 18 (d), Total There are a total four number of wheel arms with steering mechanisms. Each long horizontal member (67) of the steering mechanism is mounted on the sides (left side and right side) of the main frame to connect the end edges of vertical members (2) in the main frame. The length of the long horizontal member (67) in the steering mechanism is equal to the length of the guide shaft (3) in the main frame and the length of the vertical member (71) in the steering mechanism is equal to half of the length of vertical member (2) of the main frame. Each wheel arm with a steering mechanism is mounted on the sides of the main frame, two on the left side and two on the right side, such that the long horizontal member (67) of the external steering mechanism connects the included side end edges of the main frame. The left side top positioned wheel arm with steering mechanism is kept normally erect and the left bottom positioned wheel arm with steering mechanism is kept upside down so that each of their long horizontal members (67) connect the included sides of the main frame’s vertical members (2). Similarly, the right side top positioned wheel arm with steering mechanism is kept normally erect, and the left side bottom positioned wheel arm with steering mechanism is kept upside down so that each of their long horizontal members (67) connect the included sides of mainframes vertical members (2). In doing so during the process the two-wheel arm with steering mechanism falling on the same side (either left side or right side of the mainframe) are combined on the edges of their vertical support members (71). This makes two number of wheel arm with a steering mechanism on the left side of the main frame a combined pair and similarly two number of wheel arm with steering mechanism on the right side of the main frame a combined pair. This leads to the formation of a top pair of opposite wheel arm and bottom pair of opposite wheel arm.

In fig. 19, the Extension spring (78) is connected with flexible steel wires on both of its ends. Steel wire (79) on one end of the spring has a ring on its end and it is to be kept on the hook (55) of the wheel arm. The steel wire (80) on the other end of the spring is to be wound on the drum spool (54) of the wheel arm.

In fig. 20, fig 21. The spring connected wheel arm climbing mechanism is constructed by connecting the top pair of wheel arms opposite to each other by an extension spring (78) with steel wire on its ends and by connecting the bottom pair of wheel arms opposite to each other by an extension spring (78) with steel wire on its ends. Steel wire (80) on one end of the spring is wound on the drum spool of one arm and steel wire (79) on the other end of the spring is connected to the hook of the other arm. The adjustment and working are similar to the extension spring with a steel wire connecting the hook and drum spool found in the Omni-climbing mechanism. The extension spring’s (78) tension and length of steel wire (80) wound on the drum spool can be controlled by rotating the drum spool (54) with the help of its motor (53). Based on the direction of rotation, the flexible steel wire (80) on one side of the spring gets wound/coiled on the drum spool (54) and reduces in length or unwound/uncoiled on the drum spool (54) and increases in length. Since the extension springs are connected between the oppositely kept drum spool (54) and hook (55), the change in length makes the wheel arm swing about the swing shaft (64). The wheel arms swing about their respective swing shaft only when the electromagnetic clutch (62) equipped with a swing motor (61) is disengaged. The double frustum wheels (46) on opposite wheel arms come closer to each other when the steel wire (80) is wound/coiled on the drum spool (54) and move away from each other when steel wire is unwound/ uncoiled on the drum spool (54). Thus, the length of separation between opposite double frustum-shaped wheels (46) can be changed. This helps in adjusting to different tree trunk diameters of pole diameters.

By operating the drum spool (54), the opposite double frustum-shaped wheels (46) can be brought closer to each other or moved away from each other, in other words, closer to tree or pole or away from tree or pole. When the wheels are brought closer and contact of wheels is established with tree trunk or pole, then by further rotating the drum spool (54), the length of steel wire (80) becomes constant and the extension spring (78) begins to extend. While extending the spring tension increases, this spring tension provides the required clamping force to lock the double frustum-shaped wheels on a tree trunk or pole. This clamping force results in a normal force on wheels which is one of the determining factors for the friction force between wheel and tree trunk surface or pole surface. The friction force helps to generate the traction force to climb when power is supplied to the wheels. The spring has natural springing action to counter the abnormalities in stem surface like patch holes, ring scars, etc, further, the spring tension and steel wire length can be continuously adjusted during climbing by commands from the machine controller (81) to the motor (53) using inputs from various sensors and cameras including the load sensor attached to each hook (55). This is done to adjust to variable tree trunk diameters within the same tree at different segments/areas or variable pole diameters within the same pole at different segments/areas. For example - coconut tree trunk diameter changes in its bottom segments (higher diameter), middle segment (lower diameter), and tip segment (lowest diameter) - these variations can also be climbed using our machine.

The double frustum-shaped wheels (46) have a strong hold and more surface contact with tree stem or pole and thus they are more stable. Therefore, four double frustum-shaped wheels (46) are as effective as eight Rubber-grip wheels (4). Further, the double frustum wheels can climb bigger patch holes and ring scars than Rubber-grip wheels.

In fig. 20 and fig. 21, The battery (82) is kept in the center space of the left side pair of wheel arms with a steering mechanism. The machine controller (81) is kept in the center space of the right side pair of wheel arms with a steering mechanism.

In fig.22 and fig. 23, a Robotic arm (83) with the required degree of freedom equipped with suitable end effectors (84) for the desired use case can be fitted on top of the mainframe. The end effector for example can be a cutter for harvesting coconuts in coconut trees, a pesticide sprayer for spraying pesticide on an areca nut treetop, a water sprayer to clean the street lights on top of the support poles, long vision high zoom capability camera for surveillance, etc. Multiple robotic arms can also be fitted on top of the frame if required. The robotic arm is fitted with the camera (86) and a set of sensors (87) to measure and detect water level, temperature, proximity, surface irregularity, and position. This gives more inputs on the target area while harvesting, example while harvesting coconuts the tender coconut and ripened coconut need to be differentiated and identified. By programming the machine controller (81) and connecting all the sensors, cameras, motors, and other actuators to the machine controller. The machine controller can also be programmed with machine learning, deep learning, and artificial intelligence. The machine can be operated in fully automatic mode or manually operated by using remote control standing on the ground.

The description of fitting of climbing machine on tree or pole is as follows. Firstly, the user needs to remove - two of the knuckle joints connecting the double combined quadruple linear actuator subsystem with the external linear bearing with drum spool subsystem falling on the backside of the main frame where there is no horizontal member. Secondly, the extension springs on the back side connecting the opposite pairs of wheel arms are to be removed from their hook. Now the double combined quadruple linear actuator subsystem can be swung and opened with help of other knuckle joints connecting it with external linear bearing with hook subsystem is in place. Now, the machine is let inside the tree and the spring-connected wheel arm climbing mechanism is clamped on the tree or pole by placing their extension springs on hook and operating their respective drum spools. Now the machine is clamped on the tree at a static position and the user can remove his hands from the machine. Finally, two knuckle joints removed earlier can be put back. This can be done within 1 minute. Similarly, the machine can be unfitted from a tree or pole following the same procedure.

Description of overall working of the climbing machine is as follows. The main three mechanisms in the climbing machine are the Omni-climbing mechanism, spring-connected wheel arm climbing mechanism, and external steering mechanism. All three mechanisms are mounted on the mainframe. The three mechanisms are controlled by the machine controller with inputs from sensors, actuators, and camera during automatic mode and inputs from sensors, actuators, camera, and user’s remote-control commands during the semi-automatic mode. The three mechanisms and their synergistic, coordinated, and combinational working enables the machine to climb any kind of 3-axis variable tree trunk profile or pole profile, variable tree trunk diameter or pole diameter, and tree trunk or pole - having surface abnormalities like patch holes and ring scars. The combined unit of spring-connected wheel arm climbing mechanism and external steering mechanism is called wheel arm climbing mechanism for ease of explaining. Thus, now the machine reduces to two mechanisms namely the Omni-climbing mechanism and wheel arm climbing mechanism. The Omni-climbing mechanism is itself capable of climbing a vertical tree or vertical pole (single-axis profile variation) with variable diameter and limited surface abnormalities without the support from the wheel arm with the steering mechanism. Further omni-climbing mechanism’s rubber grip wheel can be steered and oriented such that the wheel shaft is vertical to the ground to laterally rotate around the tree when propelled, also it can be steered and oriented to climb the tree/pole spirally. Similarly, the wheel arm with steering mechanism is itself capable of climbing a vertical tree or vertical pole (single-axis profile variation) with variable diameter and limited surface abnormalities without the support from the Omni-climbing mechanism. The wheel arm with a steering mechanism can also climb on its own a limited two-axis variable profile of tree or vertical pole with variable diameter. But when both the mechanisms work together, they can climb a 3-axis variable tree trunk profile or pole profile with variable diameter and bigger surface abnormalities.

Let us take for example of a coconut tree with a three-axis (X, Y, and Z) variable trunk profile, variable diameter at different segments within its trunk, surface abnormalities like patch holes, and ring scars. The objective is to climb a coconut tree and harvest the ripened coconuts. After fitting the climbing machine on the tree trunk, firstly the spring- connected wheel arm climbing mechanism is clamped on the tree or pole, initially, the clutch attached to the swing motor is disengaged and the wheel arm swings freely according to the coiling of steel wire on drum spool. Secondly, the Rubber grip wheels in the Omni-climbing mechanism can be adjusted to fit the diameter of the tree trunk by using linear actuators and external linear bearings and can either be brought in contact with the tree or brought closer to the tree but not in contact with the tree. Let us take that machine is set in automatic mode. Now the double frustum-shaped wheels on the wheel arm with steering mechanism start to rotate and the machine climbs the coconut tree. During the climbing, the spring tension and length of the steel wire wound on the drum spool are changed by commands from the machine controller to accommodate variable diameters and surface abnormalities. When there is a higher chance in the profile of the tree, the power to all the wheels is stopped and the braking mechanism/locking mechanism on all the propulsion motors for the wheels are engaged and the machine now stands at a static position. If the rubber grip wheels in the omni-climbing mechanism are already in contact with the tree stem it can be left as such, if not in contact with the tree earlier it can be brought in contact with the tree tightly, and the braking/locking mechanism is engaged on the Rubber-grip wheels. With the current position of the climbing machine on the tree as a reference if the trunk profile variation of the tree is small then by using the Omni-climbing mechanism the total machine can be laterally rotated around the tree trunk to orient the wheel arms i.e double frustum wheels to trunk profile. If the trunk profile variation is large then both lateral rotation and individual orientation of double frustum wheels are required. To orient the double frustum wheels to the profile of the tree, firstly on each of the wheel arms the clutch on the swing motor is engaged and the swing motor is actuated to swing the wheel arm back and retrieve the double frustum shaped wheel from contact with the tree. Simultaneously, while swinging back the wheel arm the drum spool on the side member of the wheel arm is actuated to unwind/uncoil the steel wire on extension springs. After retrieving all the wheel arms, the steering motor on each of them is operated to orient the wheel arm to the profile of the tree thereby orienting the double frustum-shaped wheels to the profile of the tree stem. During this steeping time, the entire machine is held on the tree at a static position with the rubber grip wheels tight hold against the tree trunk.

Once oriented each of the wheel arms is again swung forward to bring the double frustum wheels in contact with the tree. Simultaneously, while swinging back the wheel arm the drum spool on the side member of the wheel arm is actuated to wind/coil the steel wire on extension springs and once the contact is established the spring tension is set to the required limit. Now the Rubber grip wheels on the Omni-climbing mechanism are released from the tree by actuating the drum spool and the Rubber grip wheels are also oriented to the profile of the tree stem and brought back in contact with the tree by actuating the drum spool. Now the braking/ locking mechanism is released on all the propulsion motors and the wheels start rotating to climb the tree. The Rubber-grip wheels can also be steered while climbing instead of taking them out of contact with the tree. While climbing rubber grip wheels can be oriented straight and its propulsion motor’s electromagnetic clutch can be activated to disengage power to wheels. Since the radius of the rubber grip wheel and double frustum shaped wheel are different after disengaging the power, now the rubber grip wheels can rotate freely following the speed of the double frustum shaped wheel. A better operational method is engaging the Omni-climbing mechanism only during braking (while removing the double frustum-shaped wheel from the tree and hold the machine in a static position on the tree trunk), lateral rotation around the tree, and spiral turning around the tree. Other times Omni-climbing mechanism can be kept out of contact with the tree.

All the actions are done by commands from the machine controller to control actuators and motors as it receives the input signals from various sensors, actuators, and cameras to make decisions as per the programmed instructions. Thus, by these combinational working, the 3-axis tree trunk variations can be climbed. This also applies to the 3-axis variable pole profile. Upon reaching the top of the coconut tree, the rubber grip wheels are steered and their shaft axis is kept vertical and the wheel lies horizontally. The wheel arms are retrieved from contact with the tree and now the power can be given to Rubber-grip wheels to rotate 360 degrees around the tree. The coconuts spread 360 degrees around the tree top can be harvested by using the robotic arms with a cutter as an end effector. The ripened coconut trees can be correctly identified with the help of sensors and cameras and programs for them incorporating machine learning and deep learning. After harvesting, the machine can be operated to climb down, and finally, it can be removed from the tree.

Similarly, the synergistic, coordinated, and combinational working of the Omni-climbing mechanism and wheel arm climbing mechanism is used to climb different trees and different poles of multi-profile and variable dimensions. Since two mechanisms are working in combination even if one of them fails another one holds on to the tree and does not allow the climbing mechanism to fall thus the machine is safe from falling during climbing.

The present invention machine is highly safe as it can work either in fully autonomous mode or can be remotely controlled by the user standing at a safe distance on the ground. Since the machines are working in combination even if one fails another holds on to the tree and does not allow the machine to fall. Further, even if all the mechanisms of the machine fail during climbing, the resulting accident will not cause any kind of injury to the user, a user is not in physical contact with the machine. This solves several problems faced by people during the climbing of trees and poles. Especially it solves the problem of farmers during harvesting, pesticide spraying, and also other works on top of the tree. Further, the present invention solves pole climbing and its related works to be done on top of the pole.

PRINCIPLES AND IMPORTANT PARAMETERS FOR THE CLIMBING MACHINE OPERATION:

ROLE OF FRICTIONAL FORCE:

For climbing a tree/pole normal force on wheels is very important. Both the rubber grip wheels and double frustum wheels are clamped on the tree using the extension springs. The springs are attached to opposite pairs of wheels. As a nominal optimum setting, all springs have to be set in equal tension. All springs should have the same stiffness.

Clamping force is the force applied on the wheels against the tree with the help of spring tension. The normal force is the reaction force on wheels which is equal and opposite to the clamping force. The spring tension is transmitted as clamping force and further as a normal force on the wheels against the tree stem/pole surface.

When there is the optimum normal force on wheels with necessary friction between wheels and climbing surface, we can hold the climbing machine on the tree/pole against the gravitational pull of earth acting on the mass of the climbing machine, in other words, the weight/load of the machine.

MINIMUM TENSION TO BE SET IN EXTENSION SPRINGS:

There should be minimum tension on each spring to hold the climbing machine clamped on the tree trunk/ pole. It can be arrived in the following way, It can be referred in Fig 24. (In Fig 24. only the double frustum shaped wheels and their extension springs are shown to give an overview of calculation and principles, by using the similar approach we can calculate the details for rubber grip wheels and its extension springs)

Since our climbing machine design is symmetric and there is no offset mass, the center of gravity CG is assumed to be at the center of the prototype for ease of showing calculation. The weight of the prototype is concentrated in CG. Weight of the climbing machine - W = m x g. (to show a sample calculation for example we have taken mass of the climbing machine m = 31 kg) (acceleration due to gravity of earth - g = 9.81 m/s²)

W = 31 9.81 = 304.11 N. (eq. 1)

Clamping force on each wheel (refer fig. 25): C1 , C2, C3 and C4 are clamping forces on wheels TLW, TRW, DLW and DRW respectively. Clamping force on wheels are equal since all wheels are equal in size and placed at same distance from the spring, therefore C1 = C2 = C3 = C4 = C (eq. 2)

The normal force on each wheel (refer fig. 26):

N1 , N2, N3 and N4 are outward normal forces on wheels TLW, TRW, DLW and DRW respectively. Similarly, normal force on all wheels are equal, therefore N1 = N2 = N3 = N4 (eq. 3)

The frictional force on each wheel (refer fig. 27):

N1 , N2, N3 and N4 are normal forces on wheels TLW, TRW, DLW and DRW respectively. Since normal force (N) on all wheels are equal therefore the frictional force (F) on all wheels are also equal as F = u ^c N. Thus, F1 = F2 = F3 = F4 = F (eq. 4)

At static equilibrium sum of all forces in y axis is zero Therefore, W = F1 + F2 + F3 + F4

W = 4F = 304.11 N (taking F1 + F2 + F3 + F4 = 4F)

F = 76.03 N (eq. 5)

Therefore, the minimum friction force on each double frustum wheel needed to hold the prototype clamped on the tree without falling to the ground is 76.03 N. Thus, the normal force required on each wheel is, F = u ^c N, N = F/u (say for example u=0.5), N = 76.03 / 0.5 = 152.06 N (eq.6). Therefore, the minimum normal force on each double frustum wheel needed to hold the prototype clamped on the tree without falling to the ground is 152.06 N. Normal force on each wheel should be equal to or greater than 152.06 N and if it becomes less than this value it will make the prototype to fall to the ground.

This normal force is the reaction force of clamping force against the tree. This clamping force is given by extension springs. Finally, the spring tension is the value that has to be set correctly to generate the necessary normal force on wheels.

Minimum tension required in extension springs (refer fig. 28):

Tension in all the springs is set at the same value and all the springs of the same specification are used. The extension spring is extended with force and it connects the opposite pairs of wheel arms. Therefore, the force acting on each hook/drum spool is equal to the spring tension. T1=T2=T3=T4=T (eq.7), where T represents the force acting on the hook/drum spool due to the tension in the spring. Hooks/drum spool are kept on the side members of each of the double frustum wheel arm assembly.

Taking only the TLW

A static equilibrium sum of all forces in the x axis is zero.

Therefore, N1 = T1+T3 = 2T (eq. 8) (taking T1 + T3 = 2T from eq.7)

Taking only the TRW Similarly, N2 = 2T (eq. 9)

Similarly, N3 = 2T (eq. 10)

Similarly, N4 = 2T (eq. 11) The normal force required on each wheel is found in equation 6. By substituting the equation 6 in equation 7, we get the following, 152.06 = 2T, T = 76.03 N. Therefore, we arrive at an important value of minimum tension on each spring. The minimum tension force to be maintained in each extension spring at all times to hold the prototype clamped on the tree without falling to the ground is 76.03 N (This value is for a climbing machine of mass 31 Kg taken in our example, if the mass changes then minimum spring tension value also changes). Tension in each spring should be equal to or greater than 76.03 N and if it becomes less than this value it will make the prototype fall to the ground. The tension in springs can be changed by rotating the drum spool.

MOTOR RATING CALCULATION:

TORQUE REQUIRED (T):

Torque is important to make the wheels rotate from the static condition. In equation 5 we have found that at static equilibrium friction force on each wheel is 76.03 N. This is the maximum possible traction force that can be generated on each wheel. If we need to add Factor of Safety for the tension in springs, we can keep 1.5 or 2 FOS and correspondingly friction force, traction force also increases. Therefore, the initial torque required to generate the traction force is calculated as follows

Torque = traction force ^c wheel radius (since torque is equal to force ^c perpendicular distance). Here, traction force is equal to minimum friction force found in eq.5. This is the minimum torque to be supplied to the wheels to make them rotate from the static condition.

SPEED OF CLIMBING (N) REQUIRED:

The wheel can travel a distance of its circumference per one rotation. Distance traveled by wheel per rotation = 2xpixr. (where pi=3.14..., r=radius of the wheel). Based on the height of climbing and the time required to climb the height, we can fix the wheel’s speed in terms of RPM (Rotation Per Minute).

MOTOR AND POWER TRAIN SELECTION:

A power transmission system can be added between the motor and wheels to adjust the torque and speed as desired. The power transmission system can be selected as desired like gear drive, belt drive, chain drive, etc. We can select a motor with the necessary torque and speed. The rated power (P) of the motor should be greater than P = (2xpixNxT)/60 .

While there are shown and described herein specific forms of the invention, it will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art that the invention is not so limited, but is susceptible to various modifications and rearrangements in design and materials without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. In particular, it should be noted that the present invention is subject to modification about any dimensional relationships set forth herein and modifications in assembly, materials, size, shape, and use.

Claims

1. An automatic climbing machine for multi-profile with variable dimensions of trees and poles consisting of -Horizontal Member 1

- Vertical Member 2

- Guide Shaft 3

- Rubber-grip heel 4

- Rubber-grip wheel’s shaft 5

- Bearing with housing for Rubber-grip wheel’s shaft 6

- Propulsion motor with locking/braking mechanism and electromagnetic clutch 7

- Support member8

- Steering shaft 9

- Bearing with housing for steering shaft 10

- Steering motor with locking/braking mechanism for steering shaft

- Mounting bolt for the motor of the steering shaft

- Mounting pad for the motor of the steering shaft 11

- Base pad 12

- Holes on base pad 13

- Screw mechanism 16

- Linear slide ride guideway 17

- Linear bearing 18 with housing block having an inner threaded hole

- Motor with locking/braking mechanism 19 for screw mechanism

- Rotatable table 20

- Inbuilt motor 21 with locking/braking mechanism for rotatable table

- One-eye end 22

- Coupler pad 23

- Holes on coupler pad 24

- Mounting bolt 25 for rubber grip-wheel subsystem on the linear actuator

- Mounting nut 26 for rubber grip-wheel subsystem on the linear actuator

- Mounting bolt 27 to combine coupler pads of two linear actuator subsystem -Mounting nut 28 to combine coupler pads of two linear actuator subsystems

- Vertical member 29 on center

- Vertical member 30 on end

- External linear bearing 31 with housing block - Two-eye end 32

- Vertical member 33

- Motor 34 with locking/braking mechanism to actuate drum spool

Transmission system

- Shaft of drum spool 35

- Drum spool 36

- Bearing 37 with housing for drum spool’s shaft

- Hook with load sensor 38

- Extension spring 39

- Steel wire 40 with a ring at its end. It is connected to spring’s one end

- Steel wire 41 connected to spring’s other end. It is to be wound on drum spool

- Knuckle pin 42

- Collar 43

- Taper pin 44

- Double frustum shaped wheel 45

- Shaft of double frustum shaped wheel 46

- Bearing with housing for shaft 47

- Side member 48

- Propulsion motor 49 with locking/braking mechanism for double frustum shaped wheel

- Transmission system 50

- Mounting member for propulsion motor 51

- Motor with locking/braking mechanism to actuate drum spool 52

- Drum spool 53

- Hook with load sensor 54

- Cross member 55

- Camera 56

- A set of sensors 57 to measure and detect - profile, diameter, proximity, surface irregularity and position 58

- Hole on side member 59

- Steering motor with locking/braking mechanism 60

- Swing motor with locking/braking mechanism 61

- Electromagnetic clutch 62 - Steering shaft 63

- Swing shaft 64

- Bearings with housing for steering shaft 65

- Transmission system for steering motor 66

- Long horizontal member 67

- Short horizontal member 68

- Camera 69

- Cross member 70

- Vertical member 71

- Steering motor mounting member 72

- Transmission system for swing motor 73

- Bearings with housing for swing shaft 74

- Cross support member 75

- Vertical support member 76

- A set of sensors 77 to measure and detect profile, diameter, proximity, surface irregularity and position.

- Extension spring 78

- Steel wire 79 with a ring at its end. It is connected to spring’s one end -Steel wire 80 connected to spring’s other end. It is to be wound on drum spool

- Total machine controller 81

- Battery 82

- Robotic arm 83

- End effector 84- cutter for harvesting is shown as an example

- End effector 85 - sprayer for water or pesticide

- Camera 86

- Sensor 87 to measure and detect - water level, temperature, proximity, surface irregularity, and position

- a set of Rubber-grip wheel subsystem

-a set of combined quadruple linear actuator subsystem,

-a set of external linear bearings with drum spools sub-assembly

- a set of external linear bearings with hook sub-assembly Wherein the main frame forms the core of the machine on which other mechanisms are mounted.

Wherein each rubber-grip wheel sub-system is a rubber-grip wheel and a set of propulsion motors for rotating the rubber grip wheel and for rotating the steering shaft characterized that the propulsion motors equipped with an electromagnetic clutch to engage and disengage the rotational power to the rubber grip wheel,

Wherein the steering motor mounted on a mounting pad kept on the base pad is characterized that the rubber grip wheel can be rotated as well as coupled to the steering shaft for steering.

Each linear actuator has a screw mechanism and a linear slide ride guideway having inner thread slides on the guideway coupled to the screw mechanism thereby the rotatable table with inbuilt motor is attached to the top side of the linear bearing block when the inbuilt motor rotates rotatable table resulting the angle of orientation of rotatable table can be controlled by controlling the degree of rotation of the inbuilt motor. One end of the linear actuator is attached with a one eye end and another end of the linear actuator is attached with coupler pad having holes to mount bolts and nuts.

One Rubber grip wheel subsystem and one linear actuator is combined by connecting base pad of former with rotatable table of former to form one linear actuator sub-system.

Wherein double combined quadruple linear actuator subsystem is made in such way with four number of linear actuator subsystem. Two number of linear actuator subsystems are combined as a unit by keeping them side by side and connecting their respective coupler pads with bolts and nuts. Two such units of are kept one on top of another, the top one is kept upside down and bottom one is kept erect normally. Space is kept in between them and they are combined by using a common vertical member kept at center. Wherein the external linear bearings with drum spool sub-assembly and external linear bearing with hook sub-assembly, there are two external linear bearings with housing blocks each external linear bearing block is attached with two-eye end on one of its side.

Wherein a set of drum spools are mounted on the vertical member with a certain distance in between them; where each drum spool is attached with motor with locking/braking mechanism to actuate drum spool is mounted on the vertical member and the motor coupled to a transmission system thereby the output of the transmission system is coupled to the shaft of drum spool.

Wherein external linear bearing with drum-spool sub-assembly and external linear bearing with hook sub-assembly are kept guide shafts of the main frame. The top and bottom external linear bearings blocks are attached to the respective top and bottom guide shafts. The orientation is such that the hook and drum-spool fall on the inside portion opposite to each other and the two-eye end part of knuckle joint falls on the inside portion of the main frame.

Wherein an extension spring is connected with flexible steel wires on both ends and connected between the oppositely kept drum spool and hook by winding the steel wire in a natural state on drum spool or placing other steel wires ring on hook steel wire on one end of the spring has a ring on its end and steel wire on another end of the spring is kept free in a natural state.

Wherein the double combined quadruple linear actuator sub-assembly is connected to external linear bearing assembly by connecting the one eye end of former and two eye end later and adding knuckle pin, collar and taper pin to form knuckle joints.

Wherein the Omni-climbing mechanism is that rubber-grip wheels can be moved left and right, or forward and backward, rotate about their propulsion shaft, rotate about their steering shaft and also oriented to a desired degree in the horizontal plane,

Wherein a propulsion motor with locking/braking mechanism is connected through a transmission system connected to a double frustum shaped wheel shaft. Wherein spring connected wheel arm climbing mechanism is constructed by connecting the top pair of wheel arms facing each other by an extension spring with steel wire on its ends and by connecting the bottom pair of wheel arms facing each other by an extension spring with steel wire where steel wire in a natural state on one end of the spring is wound on the drum spool of one arm and steel wire on another end of the spring with a ring is connected to the hook of the other arm.

Wherein the side members of a wheel arm are mounted on a swing shaft of an external steering mechanism and a combined unit is formed as a result. This combined unit is called a wheel arm with a steering mechanism. The wheel arm can be steered left or right by actuating the steering motor. The wheel arm can also be swung around the swing arm by using a swing arm with a locking/braking mechanism equipped with an electromagnetic clutch. Similarly, four-wheel arms with steering mechanisms are formed. Each long horizontal member of the steering mechanism is mounted on the sides (left side and right side) of the main frame to connect the end edges of vertical members in the main frame.

Wherein automatic climbing device is performed for climbing up or climbing down the tree or pole in such a way that the rubber grip wheels and double frustum wheels to clamp on the tree or pole using the extension springs

Wherein, a robotic arm having a degree of freedom with the end effector and sensors is mounted on the machine to perform the operations upon reaching the top of tree or pole may be harvesting, pesticide spraying, tree pruning, washing, cleaning, fixing, surveillance, etc based on the use case.

2. The automatic climbing machine as claimed in claim 1, wherein the said linear actuator is attached with a one-eye end and another end of the linear actuator is attached with the coupler pad

3. The automatic climbing machine as claimed in claim 1, wherein the said drum spool is kept at the center of the shaft where ends of the shaft are balanced on the bearing with housing mounted on the vertical member.

4. The automatic climbing machine as claimed in claim 1, wherein the said battery is kept in the center space of the left side pair of wheel arms having a steering mechanism.

5. The automatic climbing machine as claimed in claim 1, wherein the said machine controller is kept on the center space of the right-side pair of wheel arms with the steering mechanism.

6. The automatic climbing machine as claimed in claim 1, wherein the said robotic arm is equipped with end effectors on top of the mainframe.

7. The automatic climbing machine as claimed in claim 1, wherein the said an end effector is a tool for cutting or spraying pesticides or a cutter or a sprayer or in a combination thereof.

8. The automatic climbing machine as claimed in claim 1, wherein the said top and bottom external linear bearings blocks are attached to the respective top and bottom guide shafts such that the hook and drum-spool fall on the inside portion opposite to each other and the two-eye end part of knuckle joint falls on the inside portion of the mainframe.