ADAPTABLE MULCHING SHEET LAYING ASSISTIVE DEVICE

Abstract

An adaptable mulching sheet laying assistive device, comprising a platform 1 positioned on a ground surface, multiple rods 2 are arranged underneath platform 1 to provide support for being steady on surface, an imaging unit 3 installed on platform 1 to generate a 3-dimensional mapping of surroundings, a display panel 4 is mounted on platform 1 for displaying mapping accessed by a user to select an area where a user-desired sheet 9 is to be laid, plurality of motorized wheels 5 underneath rods to move platform 1 over surface in proximity to selected area, a wedge shape plate 6 for providing scooping movement to plate 6 for digging area’s soil, a motorized roller 8 coiled with a mulching sheet 9 to rotate for unwrapping/wrapping an optimum length of sheet 9 and a motorized cutter 11 to cut unwrapped sheet 9.

Specification

Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to an adaptable mulching sheet laying assistive device that is capable of facilitating a user in carrying out laying of mulching sheet over soil in an appropriate manner thereby helping in retaining moisture in the soil which eventually reduces the need of irrigation. In addition, the proposed device is capable of allowing the user to implant saplings for growing the saplings while limiting flow of water and air into the soil.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] In crop cultivation, what is commonly called ``mulch cultivation'' involves laying a black-colored vinyl sheet along the surface of the field where crops are to be planted, and planting holes opened at predetermined positions on this sheet. It is cultivated by sowing seeds or planting seedling.

[0003] Traditionally wooden frame with a mesh bottom uses in which Sheets are placed on the mesh and then pressed flat with a lever or similar tool while this method is simple and requires minimal equipment also method is labor-intensive and time-consuming, especially for large quantities of sheets. Additionally, achieving uniform thickness and flatness can be challenging, leading to inconsistent results Another traditional method is to manually flatten sheets using a rolling pin or a similar tool, however this method is straightforward but can be slow and physically demanding, particularly when dealing with thick or large sheets.

[0004] US20160081278A1 discloses about invention that includes about A system is disclosed for mulching material including a floor stand configured to secure a hand-manipulatable blower/vacuum mulching device in a position to receive material to be mulched, and a hopper having an end for receiving material to be mulched and an opposite end configured to be connected to an intake of the mulching device. A floor stand is disclosed which is operable to secure a hand-manipulatable blower/vacuum mulching device in an upright position. A floor stand may include a securing device pivotally engaged thereto, wherein the securing device is operable to irremovably engage and permit pilotable selective positioning of a hand-manipulatable blower/vacuum mulching device.

[0005] JPH02203720A discloses about invention that includes about mulch sheet degradable in soil after a lapse of specified period, thus requiring no aftertreatment, consisting of a starch-based sheet where a starch-based substance degradable in soil and a polymeric polysaccharide similar thereto are mutually chemically linked. The objective mulch sheet covering soil surface to be implanted with crop consisting of a starch-based sheet where a starch-based substance degradable in soil and a polymeric polysaccharide similar thereto are mutually chemically linked. After a lapse of a specified period, both sides of the sheet embedded in soil will degrade in the soil, and the central portion of the sheet can also be degraded in the soil because of being plowed up after crop harvest and/or embedded into the soil.

[0006] Conventionally, many devices exist that are capable of facilitating a user in carrying out laying of mulching sheet over soil in an appropriate manner thereby helping in retaining moisture in the soil which eventually reduces the need of irrigation but lacks in digging the user-specified soil in an efficient manner thereby reducing manual efforts and time consumed in manually digging the soil.

[0007] In order to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks, there exists a need in the art to develop a device that is capable of digging the user-specified soil in an efficient manner thereby reducing manual efforts and time consumed in manually digging the soil.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

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

[0009] An object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of facilitating a user in carrying out laying of mulching sheet over soil in an appropriate manner thereby helping in retaining moisture in the soil which eventually reduces the need of irrigation.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of digging the user-specified soil in an efficient manner thereby reducing manual efforts and time consumed in manually digging the soil.

[0011] Yet another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of allowing the user to implant saplings for growing the saplings while limiting flow of water and air into the soil in order to suppress the weed growth and reducing the need for herbicides or manual weeding.

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

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0013] The present invention relates to an adaptable mulching sheet laying assistive device that is capable of facilitating a user in carrying out laying of mulching sheet over soil in an appropriate manner thereby helping in retaining moisture in the soil which eventually reduces the need of irrigation additionally they capable of digging the user-specified soil in an efficient manner thereby reducing manual efforts and time consumed in manually digging the soil.

[0014] According to an embodiment of the present invention, an adaptable mulching sheet laying assistive device comprises of a platform developed to be positioned on a ground surface, wherein multiple rods are arranged underneath the platform to provide support to the platform for being steady on the surface, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit installed on the platform and paired with a processor for capturing and processing multiple images in vicinity of the platform, respectively to generate a 3-dimensional mapping of surroundings of the platform, wherein a touch interactive display panel is mounted on the platform for displaying the mapping that is accessed by a user to select an area where a user-desired sheet is to be laid, plurality of motorized wheels arranged underneath the rods that are actuated by an inbuilt microcontroller to move the platform over the surface in proximity to the selected area, wherein a wedge shape plate integrated on the platform by means of a robotic gripper for positioning the plate on soil of the selected area, in view of providing scooping movement to the plate for digging the area's soil.

[0015] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the proposed device further comprises of a motorized roller coiled with a mulching sheet arranged on one end of the platform that is actuated by the microcontroller to rotate for unwrapping/wrapping an optimum length of the sheet, wherein a pair of robotic arms are integrated on the platform for acquiring a grip of ends of the unwrapped sheet, in view of laying the sheet over the dug soil, a motorized cutter integrated on the platform by means of a robotic link that is actuated by the microcontroller for positioning the cutter in proximity to the roller, wherein the microcontroller directs the cutter to cut the unwrapped sheet, followed by actuation of a pair of telescopically operated rods arranged on the platform to extend/retract for positioning a motorized flap integrated on the rod, in view of applying an appropriate amount of pressure on the laid sheet for properly fixing the sheet over the selected area, in view of allowing the user to implant saplings for growing the saplings while limiting flow of water and air into the soil, a motorized ball and socket joint is integrated in between the rod and the flap for providing omnidirectional movement to the flap, a battery is configured with the device for providing a continuous power supply to electronically powered components associated with the device.

[0016] While the invention has been described and shown with particular reference to the preferred embodiment, it will be apparent that variations might be possible that would fall within the scope of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with regard to the following description, appended claims, and accompanying drawings where:
Figure 1 illustrates an isometric view of an adaptable mulching sheet laying assistive device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0018] The following description includes the preferred best mode of one embodiment of the present invention. It will be clear from this description of the invention that the invention is not limited to these illustrated embodiments but that the invention also includes a variety of modifications and embodiments thereto. Therefore, the present description should be seen as illustrative and not limiting. While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative constructions, it should be understood, that there is no intention to limit the invention to the specific form disclosed, but, on the contrary, the invention is to cover all modifications, alternative constructions, and equivalents falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the claims.

[0019] In any embodiment described herein, the open-ended terms "comprising," "comprises," and the like (which are synonymous with "including," "having" and "characterized by") may be replaced by the respective partially closed phrases "consisting essentially of," consists essentially of," and the like or the respective closed phrases "consisting of," "consists of, the like.

[0020] As used herein, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" designate both the singular and the plural, unless expressly stated to designate the singular only.

[0021] The present invention relates to an adaptable mulching sheet laying assistive device that is capable of facilitating a user in carrying out laying of mulching sheet over soil in an appropriate manner thereby helping in retaining moisture in the soil which eventually reduces the need of irrigation.

[0022] Referring to Figure 1, an isometric view of an adaptable mulching sheet laying assistive device is illustrated, comprising a platform 1 developed to be positioned on a ground surface, multiple rods 2 are arranged underneath the platform 1, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 3 installed on the platform 1, a touch interactive display panel 4 is mounted on the platform 1, plurality of motorized wheels 5 arranged underneath the rods 2, a wedge shape plate 6 integrated on the platform 1 by means of a robotic gripper 7, a motorized roller 8 coiled with a mulching sheet 9 arranged on one end of the platform 1, a pair of robotic arms 10 are integrated on the platform 1, a motorized cutter 11 integrated on the platform 1 by means of a robotic link 12 and a pair of telescopically operated rods 13 arranged on the platform 1 to extend/retract for positioning a motorized flap 14 integrated on the rod.

[0023] The device disclosed herein includes a platform 1 developed to be positioned on a ground surface. The platform 1 is cast with highly durable materials and is rigid in nature with a flat cuboidal shape, offering a large space to accommodate multiple mechanical and electrical units. Also, the platform 1 is light in weight allowing the user to place the platform 1 from one site to another, as per the requirement of the user. The outer surface of the platform 1 is layered with thin paint sheet 9s protecting the platform 1 from accumulating dust and any water buildup as well as preventing the platform 1 from rusting if exposed to the outer atmosphere. The platform 1 is equipped with multiple rods 2 configured beneath the platform 1 in order to provide support to the platform 1 for being steady on the surface.

[0024] Further, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 3 installed on the platform 1 in order to capture multiple images in proximity of the platform 1 for generating a 3-dimensional mapping of surroundings of the platform 1. The artificial intelligence (AI)-based imaging unit 3 refers to a camera that incorporates AI protocols to enhance its functionality and capabilities. AI protocols are used to process and analyses the images or videos captured by the camera, enabling it to perform various tasks beyond traditional image capturing. The AI analysis is performed locally on the camera itself and the real-time processing on the camera enables immediate responses and faster decision- making. The camera captures images or records videos by the help of specialized lenses designed to capture high-quality visuals.

[0025] The captured data is pre-processed to enhance its quality and prepare it for AI analysis. This pre-processing involves tasks such as noise reduction, images stabilization, or color correction. The processed data is fed into AI protocols for analysis which utilizes machine learning techniques, such as deep learning neural networks, to extract meaningful information from the visual data such as evaluating a 3-dimensional mapping of surroundings of the platform 1. Also, an inbuilt microcontroller is pre-fed with the instructions required to control the operation of various components associated with the proposed device.

[0026] Upon generating the 3-dimesnional mapping, a touch interactive display panel 4 is configured on the platform 1 for displaying the mapping that is accessed by a user to select an area where a user-desired sheet 9 is to be laid. The touch interactive display panel 4 mapped herein consists of multiple tiny electrically active wires. When user touch the mapping illustrated over the panel, the wires are pressed together and circuit is completed. Which results in flow of voltages across the circuit. That voltage flow is detected by the microcontroller linked with the panel in form of electric signals. Further the signals are processed by the microcontroller to determine the user's input regarding the selection of an area where a user-desired sheet 9 is to be laid.

[0027] Based on the user-selected region, multiple motorized wheels 5 arranged underneath the rods that are actuated by the microcontroller to move the platform 1 over the surface. The motorized wheels 5 are a circular object that revolves on an axle to enable the platform 1 to move easily over the ground surface. For maneuvering the platform 1 each of the wheels 5 need to rotate and which is governed by a hub motor fit in the hub of each of the wheels 5. The hub motor is an electric motor that is integrated into the hub of the wheels 5. The hub motor comprises of a series of permanent magnets and electromagnetic coils. When the motor is activated, a magnetic field is set up in the coil and when the magnetic field of the coil interacts with the magnetic field of the permanent magnets, a magnetic torque is generated causing the stator of the motor to turn and that provides the rotation motion to the wheels 5 for maneuvering the platform 1 on the ground surface.

[0028] After reaching the user-specified position, a wedge shape plate 6 configured on the platform 1 via a robotic gripper 7 in view of positioning the plate 6 on soil of the selected area for providing scooping movement to the plate 6 for digging the area's soil. The robotic gripper 7 typically consists of two opposing arms 10 or fingers that mimic a human hand-gripping motion. These arms 10 are usually made of durable materials like metal or plastic to provide strength and flexibility. The robotic gripper 7 design incorporates springs to hold the wedge-shaped plate 6 for digging the user-selected soil. Electric motors and servo motors are used to control the robotic gripper 7's movement. These motors provide the necessary force and precision to manipulate and position the wedge-shaped plate 6. The motors are connected to the gripper 7 arms 10 through an arrangement of gears and linkages, allowing for controlled positioning of the tip portion of the wedge-shaped plate 6.

[0029] Upon digging the area's soil, the microcontroller actuates a motorized roller 8 coiled with a mulching sheet 9 arranged on one end of the platform 1 to rotate for unwrapping/wrapping an optimum length of the sheet 9. The motorized roller 8 as mentioned above is compact in size and operated using a stepper power that operates in a defined direction. The motor is linked to the microcontroller. The microcontroller actuates the motor in order to rotate the roller 8 in one direction for unwrapping/wrapping the optimum length of the mulching sheet 9. The stepper motor placed here works on the principle of electromagnetism that includes a rotor made with a permanent magnet and a stator configured with electromagnets, when an electric power supply is provided in the winding of the stator then a magnetic field gets developed in the stator resulting in movement of the rotor with the rotating magnetic field.

[0030] In addition, a pair of robotic arms 10 are configured on the platform 1 for acquiring a grip of ends of the unwrapped sheet 9 for laying the sheet 9 over the dug soil. The robotic arm is a type of mechanical arm which is usually available with similar function to a human arm. The segments of such a manipulator are connected by joints allowing either rotational motion or translational displacement. The robotic arm contains several segments that are attached together by joints also referred to as axes. The robotic arm contains several segments that are attached together by motorized joints also referred to as axes. Each joint of the segments contains a step motor that rotates and allows the robotic arm to complete a specific motion in gripping ends of the unwrapped sheet 9 for laying the sheet 9 over the dug soil.

[0031] Synchronously, the microcontroller activates a motorized cutter 11 integrated on the platform 1 by means of a robotic link 12 for positioning the cutter 11 in vicinity of the roller 8 for cutting the unwrapped sheet 9. The motorized cutter 11 comprises of a pair of blades laid one on top of the other and fastened in the middle so as to allow them to be opened and closed for performing the cutting operation of the unwrapped sheet 9. The robotic link 12 works in the similar manner as mentioned above.

[0032] Herein, the microcontroller actuates a pair of telescopically operated rods 13 arranged on the platform 1 to extend/retract for positioning a motorized flap 14 integrated on the rod for applying an appropriate amount of pressure on the laid sheet 9 for properly fixing the sheet 9 over the selected area, in view of allowing the user to implant saplings for growing the saplings while limiting flow of water and air into the soil.

[0033] The telescopically operated rods 13 are powered by a pneumatic arrangement including a pneumatic cylinder, air compressor, electronic valve, cylinder and piston. The valve is an electronic valve that allows entry/exit of compressed air from the compressor. Furthermore, the valve opens and the compressed air enters inside the cylinder thereby increasing the air pressure of the cylinder. The piston is connected to the cylinder and due to the increase in the air pressure, the piston extends. For the retraction of the piston, air is released from the cylinder to the air compressor via the valve. Thus, providing the required extension/retraction of the rods, for positioning the motorized flap 14 integrated on the rod.

[0034] Also, a motorized ball and socket joint is integrated in between the rod and the flap 14 for providing omnidirectional movement to the flap 14. The ball and socket joint provides a 360-degree rotation to the flap 14. The ball and socket joint is a coupling consisting of a ball joint securely locked within a socket joint, where the ball joint is able to move in a 360-degree rotation within the socket thus, providing the required rotational motion to the flap 14. The ball and socket joint are powered by a DC (Direct Current) motor that is actuated by the microcontroller for providing the required movement to the flap 14.

[0035] The device is associated with a battery integrated with the device for supplying a continuous DC (direct current) voltage to the components such as motors, microcontrollers and various other components that are associated with it. The battery used in the invention is preferably Lithium-ion battery that is rechargeable once again after getting drained out for proper functioning of the components.

[0036] The present invention works best in the following manner, where the platform 1 developed to be positioned on the ground surface as disclosed in the proposed invention is fabricated with the multiple rods 2 to provide support to the platform 1 for being steady on the surface. Now, the artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 3 generate the 3-dimensional mapping of surroundings of the platform 1 and the touch interactive display panel 4 displays the mapping that is accessed by the user to select an area where the user-desired sheet 9 is to be laid. Then, the plurality of motorized wheels 5 to move the platform 1 over the surface in proximity to the selected area and the wedge shape plate 6 by means of the robotic gripper 7 for positioning the plate 6 on soil of the selected area, in view of providing scooping movement to the plate 6 for digging the area's soil. Further, the motorized roller 8 with the mulching sheet 9 to rotate for unwrapping/wrapping an optimum length of the sheet 9 and the pair of robotic arms 10 for acquiring the grip of ends of the unwrapped sheet 9, in view of laying the sheet 9 over the dug soil. Also, the motorized cutter 11 by means of the robotic link 12 to cut the unwrapped sheet 9 and the pair of telescopically operated rods 13 extend/retract for positioning the motorized flap 14 integrated on the rod, in view of applying an appropriate amount of pressure on the laid sheet 9 for properly fixing the sheet 9 over the selected area, in view of allowing the user to implant saplings for growing the saplings while limiting flow of water and air into the soil.

[0037] Although the field of the invention has been described herein with limited reference to specific embodiments, this description is not meant to be construed in a limiting sense. Various modifications of the disclosed embodiments, as well as alternate embodiments of the invention, will become apparent to persons skilled in the art upon reference to the description of the invention. , Claims:1) An adaptable mulching sheet laying assistive device, comprising:

i) a platform 1 developed to be positioned on a ground surface, wherein multiple rods 2 are arranged underneath said platform 1 to provide support to said platform 1 for being steady on said surface;
ii) an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 3 installed on said platform 1 and paired with a processor for capturing and processing multiple images in vicinity of said platform 1, respectively to generate a 3-dimensional mapping of surroundings of said platform 1, wherein a touch interactive display panel 4 is mounted on said platform 1 for displaying said mapping that is accessed by a user to select an area where a user-desired sheet 9 is to be laid;
iii) plurality of motorized wheels 5 arranged underneath said rods that are actuated by an inbuilt microcontroller to move said platform 1 over said surface in proximity to said selected area, wherein a wedge shape plate 6 integrated on said platform 1 by means of a robotic gripper 7 for positioning said plate 6 on soil of said selected area, in view of providing scooping movement to said plate 6 for digging said area's soil;
iv) a motorized roller 8 coiled with a mulching sheet 9 arranged on one end of said platform 1 that is actuated by said microcontroller to rotate for unwrapping/wrapping an optimum length of said sheet 9, wherein a pair of robotic arms 10 are integrated on said platform 1 for acquiring a grip of ends of said unwrapped sheet 9, in view of laying said sheet 9 over said dug soil; and
v) a motorized cutter 11 integrated on said platform 1 by means of a robotic link 12 that is actuated by said microcontroller for positioning said cutter 11 in proximity to said roller 8, wherein said microcontroller directs said cutter 11 to cut said unwrapped sheet 9, followed by actuation of a pair of telescopically operated rods 13 arranged on said platform 1 to extend/retract for positioning a motorized flap 14 integrated on said rod, in view of applying an appropriate amount of pressure on said laid sheet 9 for properly fixing said sheet 9 over said selected area, in view of allowing said user to implant saplings for growing said saplings while limiting flow of water and air into said soil.

2) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a motorized ball and socket joint is integrated in between said rod and said flap 14 for providing omnidirectional movement to said flap 14.

3) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a battery is configured with said device for providing a continuous power supply to electronically powered components associated with said device.

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