ADAPTABLE SAPLING PLANTING ASSISTIVE DEVICE

Abstract

An adaptable sapling planting assistive device, comprising an elongated body 101 having a proximal and distal end fabricated with a handle 102 for positioning body 101 in proximity to a laid sheet, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 103 for determining distance of sheet from distal end, a telescopically operated rod 104 to extend/retract for positioning over sheet, a motorized C-shaped clamp 201 by means of a robotic link 202 to acquire a grip of sapling, a LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) sensor to monitor area of laid sheet, a motorized blade 203 integrated on link for cutting evaluated portion, a hinge joint 204 provides converging/diverging movement to blade 203, a motorized clipper for grabbing cut ends to expand portion and a motorized roller 105 microcontroller to rotate for applying an appropriate pressure over sheet, for properly implanting saplings’ roots in soil, reply assisting user in planting saplings.

Specification

Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to an adaptable sapling planting assistive device that is capable of facilitating a user in sapling plantation by utilizing comparatively less effort of a user than in manual efforts and reducing time-consumption. Additionally, the proposed device is capable of applying optimum amount of pressure on implanted saplings, in order to prevent exposure of root with air in view of preventing chance of dying of planted saplings.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] People use to perform cultivation of plantlets to grow healthy plants for various purposes. Correspondingly, cultivation of plantlets helps people to create green spaces, produce food, and enjoy the benefits of gardening and plant care. People use hand cultivator, as the tool is specifically used for breaking up clumps of soil, removing weeds, and loosening compacted soil around plant roots. But the tool requires manual efforts of the person as well as are quite inefficient. So, people use an equipment that facilitate the person in cultivating the plantlet at user-specified positions in an efficient manner, thus minimizes manual efforts of the person in the overall process.

[0003] Conventionally, some ways were used to aid the user while performing cultivation of plantlet. People use to perform cultivation of plantlet manually via using handheld tools like hand trowel, garden fork and dibber, as these tools assist the person to carry out the cultivation of plantlet efficiently. However, these tools are quite labor-intensive as well as are limited to precision. Therefore, they also use hand cultivator, as the tool is specifically used for breaking up clumps of soil, removing weeds, and loosening compacted soil around plant roots. But the tool requires manual efforts of the person as well as are quite inefficient.

[0004] US5881655A discloses about an invention that includes plantlets from a bare-root, cutting or tissue culture condition are automatically planted into a nursery container. The apparatus creates a continuous supply of V-shaped notches in planting substrate, into which plantlets are placed and then the substrate is closed about the roots, creating a "sandwich" or "book" effect. The resulting plug members with the substrate closed around the plants roots or stem are automatically transplanted into a nursery container for subsequent growing. Plantlets with small roots are quickly and efficiently placed in the substrate without injury or transplant shock. The apparatus is particularly useful for small plantlets or early stage germinants that have both roots and shoots (such as tissue culture material derived from either micropropagation or somatic embryogenesis) but it can also be used with rooted or unrooted cuttings, true or synthetic seed or naked embryos. Although, US'655 discloses about a method that aids in planting sapling. However, the cited invention lacks in applying appropriate amount of pressure on implanted saplings for preventing exposure of root with air, thereby preventing chance of dying of planted saplings.

[0005] US5068999A discloses about an invention that includes an apparatus and a method for the planting out of the plants wherein the plants to be planted out are fitted into pieces of substrate. Said pieces of substrate are located in compartments formed between blocks fitted onto strips. Usually, these strips are located adjacent and each second strip is shifted lengthwise over the length of a block, being equal to the length of a compartment so that a chess-board-pattern develops in plan view. For the planting out, the strips are separated and subsequently supplied to a pushing element which pushes the pieces of substrate including the plants in a transverse direction out of the strip and into bigger containers. To use only a single directional movement the strips are inclined relative to the bigger containers. To compensate for this inclination the pieces of substrate are slightly rotated during the movement. Although, US' 999 discloses about a method for planting out the plants at specific positions. However, the cited invention lacks in planting sapling by utilizing comparatively less effort of a user than in manual efforts and preventing chance of dying of planted saplings.

[0006] Conventionally, many devices are available in the market that aid the user in planting sapling in the agricultural field in an appropriate manner. However, the cited invention lacks in applying optimum amount of pressure on implanted saplings, in order to prevent exposure of root with air, thereby preventing chance of dying of planted saplings.

[0007] In order to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks, there exists a need in the art to develop a device that is capable of facilitating a user in sapling plantation by utilizing comparatively less effort of a user than in manual efforts. Also, the device is capable of applying appropriate amount of pressure on implanted sapling in order to prevent chances of dying of samplings.

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 carrying out sapling plantation by utilizing comparatively less effort of a user than in manual efforts.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to device that is capable of applying optimum amount of pressure on implanted saplings, in order to prevent exposure of root with air, thereby preventing chance of dying of planted saplings.

[0011] Yet another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is easy to use and provide a quick way to implant plurality of sapling at once.

[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 sapling planting assistive device is capable of providing ease and convenience to user in planting number of saplings in quick manner, thereby reducing time-consumption. The device is also capable of ensuring proper covering of root, by applying optimum amount of pressure on implanted saplings, in order to prevent exposure of root with air in view of preventing chance of dying of planted saplings.

[0014] According to an embodiment of the present invention, an adaptable sapling planting assistive device, comprises of an elongated body having a proximal and distal end, a handle that is accessed by a user to position the distal end in proximity to a laid sheet, the handle is fabricated with a cushioned member for providing a comfortable experience to the user, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit integrated in the body to determine distance of the sheet from the distal end, a telescopically operated rod integrated in the body to extend/retract for getting positioned over the laid sheet, a motorized C-shaped clamp arranged along length of the rod by means of a robotic link to acquire a grip of the sapling and a proximity sensor is embedded on the body for determining presence of the sapling.

[0015] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the proposed device further comprises of a LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) sensor embedded on the body to monitor area of the laid sheet, the robotic link to extend/retract for positioning a motorized blade integrated on the link, over the evaluated portions, a motorized hinge joint integrated in between the blade and the link to provide converging/diverging movement to the blade, the to provide converging/diverging movement to the blade, the motorized blade for cutting the evaluated portion, a motorized clipper arranged on the end of the link for grabbing the cut ends to expand the portion, a motorized roller arranged on end of the rod for applying an appropriate pressure over the sheet for properly implanting the saplings' roots in the soil and a motorized ball and socket joint is integrated in between the rod and the roller to provide omnidirectional movement to the roller for properly applying the pressure.

[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 sapling planting assistive device; and
Figure 2 illustrates a magnified view of a robotic link associated with the proposed 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 adaptable sapling planting assistive device that is capable of providing assistance to a user in planting saplings by requiring a lot less work from the user as usually needed, thereby saving the time consumption and makes the sapling plantation easy and fast. Additionally, in order to minimize root exposure to air and to reduce the possibility of dying of planted saplings, the device covers root of implanted saplings.

[0022] Referring to Figure 1, an isometric view of an adaptable sapling planting assistive device and a magnified view of a robotic link associated with the proposed device are illustrated, respectively comprising an elongated body 101 having a proximal and distal end, the proximal end is fabricated with a handle 102, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 103 integrated in the body 101, a telescopically operated rod 104 integrated in the body 101 to extend/retract for getting positioned over the laid sheet, a motorized C-shaped clamp 201 arranged along length of the rod 104 by means of a robotic link 202, a motorized blade 203 integrated on the link, a motorized hinge joint 204 integrated in between the blade 203 and the link, a motorized roller 105 arranged on end of the rod 104 and a motorized ball and socket joint 106 is integrated in between the rod 104 and the roller 105.

[0023] The device disclosed herein includes an elongated body 101 that consist of a proximal and distal end. The body 101 offers a large storage capacity for several mechanical and electrical units to be placed with the body 101. Also, the body 101 is light in weight and is cast with highly durable materials which are easy to be carried from one place to another as per the requirement of the user. The outer surface of the body 101 is coated with thin paint sheets which shield the body 101 from dust and water buildup, as well as prevent the body 101 from rusting if exposed to the outer atmosphere. The proximal end is equipped with a handle 102 that is to be accessed by a user for positioning the distal end in accessibility to a laid sheet. The handle 102 is crafted with a cushioned member in view of providing a comfortable experience to the user.

[0024] Further, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 103 is mounted in the body 101 in order to capture multiple images in closeness of the body 101 for determining distance of the sheet from the distal end. The artificial intelligence (AI)-based imaging unit 103 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 identification of distance of the sheet from the distal end. Also, an inbuilt microcontroller is pre-fed with the instructions required to control the operation of various components associated with the proposed device.

[0026] Based on the determined distance of the sheet from the distal end, the microcontroller directs a telescopically operated rod 104 that is configured in the body 101 in view of extending/retracting for successfully positioning the rod 104 over the laid sheet. The telescopically operated rod 104 is powered by a pneumatic unit 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 rod 104 in view of positioning the rod 104 in close proximity of the laid sheet.

[0027] Upon positioning the rod 104 in nearness to the laid sheet, a motorized C-shaped clamp 201 installed along length of the rod 104 via a robotic link 202 for acquiring a grip over the sampling that is to be planted. The motorized C-shaped extendable clamp 201 has an open side and a curved side, forming a partial circle or a half-moon shape. At the open side of the C-shaped clamp 201, there is a screw mechanism which includes a threaded screw or spindle and an electric motor. As the motor rotates it causes the screw to move in or out, which in turn adjusts the width of the C-shaped clamp 201 opening and eventually applies the required force to grip the sapling that is to be planted. The curved side of the C-shaped clamp 201 that grips the sapling is lined with non-marring materials like rubber or plastic for securely gripping the sapling in a secured manner.

[0028] The robotic link 202 employed herein is made of several segments that are attached together by joints also referred to as axes. Each joint of the segments contains a step motor that rotates and allows the robotic link 202 to complete a specific motion in translating the equipped clamp 201 towards the sapling that is to be planted. Also, once the clamp 201 gets positioned in contact with the sapling as detected by the imaging unit 103, then the microcontroller actuates another step motor integrated in the clamp 201 for opening and then closing the clamp 201 in order to clasp the sapling in an appropriate manner.

[0029] A proximity sensor is positioned on the body 101 in view of monitoring the presence of the sapling that is to be implanted. The proximity sensor comprises of a transducer, wherein the proximity sensor works by sending out a sound wave at a frequency above the range of human hearing. The transducer of the sensor acts both as a sound receiver and a sound emitter to receive and send the ultrasonic sound wave respectively. As the transducer sends the sound wave, the wave hits the sapling that is in proximity to the clamp 201 attached with robotic link 202 and reflects back to the transducer. Then the proximity sensor analyses the distance of the sapling from the clamp 201 by measuring time lapses between the sending and receiving of the sound wave. As the proximity sensor analyses the distance, it converts the measured distance into an electrical signal and transmits that signal to the microcontroller for directing the clamp 201 to grip the sapling securely.

[0030] Further, a LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) sensor is mapped on the body 101 in synchronization with the imaging unit 103 for monitoring the area of the laid sheet. The LIDAR sensor mentioned herein also referred to as light detection and ranging sensor is based on the principle of reflection of the laser beam. The LIDAR sensor is made up of a laser emitter and a receiver. After getting actuation command from the microcontroller, the laser emitter emits the concentrated beam on the target surface which after collision with the surface reflects and rebounds back to receiver. The receiver measures the time of travel of each beam and sent the acquired data to the microcontroller for determining the area of the laid sheet.

[0031] Based on the determined area of the laid sheet, the microcontroller directs the robotic link 202 to extend/retract in such a manner for positioning a motorized blade 203 arranged on the link over the evaluated portions. The motorized blade 203 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 evaluated portion. Also, a motorized hinge joint 204 is configured in between the blade and the link that gets actuated by the microcontroller for providing converging/diverging movement to the blade in view of cutting the evaluated portion appropriately.

[0032] The hinge joint 204 used herein comprises of a pair of plates that is screwed with two different surfaces where one of the surfaces is blade 203 and the other surface is of the link. The pair of plates is connected with each other by means of a cylindrical member that is integrated with a shaft coupled with the motor. The microcontroller actuates an on/off switch that is embedded with the motor to pass electric current which results in rotation of motor that in turn rotation of the shaft. The rotation of the shaft results in opening and closing of the hinge joint 204. When the motor rotates in clockwise direction the shaft rotates in clockwise direction and results in opening of the hinge joint 204. When the motor rotates in anticlockwise direction, then the shaft rotates in anticlockwise direction and results in closing of the hinge joint 204, thereby providing converging/diverging movement to the blade 203 for carrying out the cutting of the evaluated portion.

[0033] Herein, the microcontroller directs a motorized clipper integrated on the end of the link in account of grabbing the cut ends to expand the portion. The motorized clippers employed herein is comprises of an end effector which is made of a pair of jaws hinged with each other by means of motorized joint which is comprises of an embedded motor. On getting the actuation command from the microcontroller, the motor is capable to rotate in clock as well as in counter clock wise direction for enabling the opening/closing of the jaws of the effector for holding the cut ends for expanding the portion. The motor is capable of converting electric current into mechanical work by following the principle of Lorentz Law which states that, the current carrying conduction when placed in magnetic or electrical field experiences a force known as Lorentz force. Such that the motor converts the electrical current derived from an external source into a mechanical torque for providing the required rotational power to the jaws along a single axis for opening/closing the jaws for grabbing the cut ends in view of expanding the portion.

[0034] Upon extending the portion, the microcontroller directs the link alongside with the clamp 201 for inserting the sapling in soil underneath the laid sheet in a proper manner. Furthermore, a motorized roller 105 placed at the end of the rod 104, which is controlled by the microcontroller in order to rotate and apply the necessary pressure over the sheet in order to properly plant the saplings' roots in the soil that aid the user in planting the saplings in a proper manner.

[0035] The motorized roller 105 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 105s in one direction for applying the optimum pressure over the sheet in view of properly planting the sapling. 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.

[0036] Synchronously, the microcontroller directs a motorized ball and socket joint 106 that is integrated in between the rod 104 and the roller 105 for providing omnidirectional movement to the roller 105 in view of properly applying the pressure. The ball and socket joint 106 provides a 360-degree rotation to the roller 105 for providing movement to the roller 105. The ball and socket joint 106 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 roller 105. The ball and socket joint 106 are powered by a DC (Direct Current) motor that is actuated by the microcontroller for providing the required movement to the roller 105.

[0037] Lastly, a battery (not shown in fig.) 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 device. 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.

[0038] The present invention works best in the following manner, where the elongated body 101 with proximal and distal end as disclosed in the proposed invention is fabricated with the handle 102 that is to be accessed by the user for positioning the distal end in the vicinity of the laid sheet. Now, the artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 103 determines distance of the sheet from the distal end and the telescopically operated rod 104 extend/retract for getting positioned over the laid sheet. Then, the proximity sensor determines the presence of the sapling and the motorized C-shaped clamp 201 by means of robotic link 202 acquire grip of the sapling that is to be planted. Further, the LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) sensor to monitor area of the laid sheet and evaluates a particular portion on periphery of the sheet that is to be cut with the motorized blade 203. Then, the motorized hinge joint 204 provide converging/diverging movement to the blade 203 for cutting the evaluated portion and the motorized roller 105 rotate for applying an appropriate pressure over the sheet for properly implanting the saplings' roots in the soil, thereby assisting the user in planting the saplings.

[0039] 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 sapling planting assistive device, comprising:

i) an elongated body 101 having a proximal and distal end, wherein said proximal end is fabricated with a handle 102 that is accessed by a user to position said distal end in proximity to a laid sheet;
ii) an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit integrated in said body 101 and paired with a processor for capturing and processing multiple images in vicinity of said body 101, respectively to determine distance of said sheet from said distal end, based on which an inbuilt microcontroller actuates a telescopically operated rod 104 integrated in said body 101 to extend/retract for getting positioned over said laid sheet;
iii) a motorized C-shaped clamp 201 arranged along length of said rod 104 by means of a robotic link 202, wherein said user is required to position a sapling that is to be implanted, in between said clamp 201, wherein a proximity sensor is embedded on said body 101 for determining presence of said sapling, based on which said microcontroller actuates said clamp 201 to acquire a grip of said sapling;
iv) a LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) sensor embedded on said body 101 and synced with said imaging unit 103 to monitor area of said laid sheet, based on which said microcontroller evaluates a particular portion on periphery of said sheet that is to be cut, wherein said microcontroller actuates said link to extend/retract for positioning a motorized blade 203 integrated on said link, over said evaluated portions;
v) a motorized hinge joint 204 integrated in between said blade 203 and said link that is actuated by said microcontroller to provide converging/diverging movement to said blade 203 for cutting said evaluated portion, wherein said microcontroller actuates a motorized clipper arranged on said end of said link for grabbing said cut ends to expand said portion, followed by actuation of said link along with said clamp 201 to insert said sapling in soil underneath said laid sheet; and
vi) a motorized roller 105 arranged on end of said rod 104 that is actuated by said microcontroller to rotate for applying an appropriate pressure over said sheet, in view of properly implanting said saplings' roots in said soil, thereby assisting said user in planting said saplings.

2) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said handle 102 is fabricated with a cushioned member for providing a comfortable experience to said user.

3) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a motorized ball and socket joint 106 is integrated in between said rod 104 and said roller 105 that is actuated by said microcontroller to provide omnidirectional movement to said roller 105 for properly applying said pressure.

4) 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.

Documents