ADAPTABLE VERTICAL FARMING ASSISTIVE DEVICE

Abstract

An adaptable vertical farming assistive device, comprising a cylindrical frame 1 positioned on a vertical support in proximity a vine plantation via plurality of suction cups 3, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 4 determines dimensions of stems of plantation, plurality of telescopically operated rods 2 vertically integrated in frame 1 to extend/retract for increasing/decreasing height of frame 1, plurality of hooks 5 integrated on the rods 2 by means of a motorized sliding unit for enabling a user to engage parts of stem on the hooks 5 for hanging stem on hooks 5, a motorized hinge joint for closing hooks 5 against the frame 1, a LiDAR sensor monitoring growth of plantation, and a motorized expandable pulley arrangement increasing/decreasing dimensions of frame 1, for supporting vine growth in frame 1.

Specification

Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to an adaptable vertical farming assistive device that provides the vertical support to stems of vine plants, in order to prevent the growth of stems on the ground surface and to protect from strong wind. The device is also capable of adjusting its height in accordance to the growth of the stems for ensuring proper growth of the plant and also capable of watering the plant regularly.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] With a growing population and an increasing food consumption there will be greater demand for agricultural crops such as vegetables. In countries with limited land areas such as Singapore, there is a high dependency on imported vegetables but imported vegetables are often grown with lots of pesticides which cause adverse effects to human health. There is difficulty to shift from importing vegetables to growing vegetables locally because of land scarcity in Singapore and cost effectiveness. Vertical farming is one way to grow vegetables locally in land-scarce Singapore. Vertical farming is the practice of growing crops in tiers or layers, often in buildings and shipping containers. However, it is still challenging to achieve high agricultural crop yields in existing vertical farming systems.

[0003] Vertical agriculture has improved since its inception but there are still problems within the industry. Poor volumetric utilization of a given space, high cost assemblies, heavy materials, high labour costs, limited output, limited crop types and conventional systems are static or limited mobility systems. So, there is need for such device that is capable of providing the vertical support to stems of vine plants in order to prevent the growth of stems on the ground surface and to protect from strong wind.

[0004] WO2019030606A1 discloses an automatic and modular system for handling trays used for containing plants or the like to be grown through hydroponic, or aeroponic, or aquaponic farming, comprises a first module with a quadrangular plan and a vertical arrangement delimited by respective vertical supports, said first module comprising two lateral zones, each of which includes a plurality of substantially horizontal and overlapping supporting seats or guides for trays, and a central zone in which a vertical tray transfer device operates, slidably along a vertical axis arranged on a movement means activated by motorisation assemblies able to translate said vertical transfer device from a lowered position to a raised position for bringing itself to each tray and vice versa, said vertical transfer device being provided with a resting shelf for a tray and with a first means adapted to translate along a first horizontal axis (Y) said tray from and towards a respective seat provided inside one of said lateral zones. Said first module further comprises a second means arranged in said central zone in which said elevator device operates, adapted to take in charge a tray when the latter is located on the shelf of said elevator device and to displace said tray along a second axis (X) horizontal and orthogonal to said first horizontal axis (Y) for performing the direct transfer of said tray towards a further shelf of a further vertical transfer device of a second module arranged adjacent and connected to said first module.

[0005] WO2018013161A1 discloses a plant growing system configured for high density crop growth and yield, including an environmentally-controlled growing chamber and a vertical growth column within, the column configured to support a hydroponic plant growth module which is configured for containing and supporting plant growth media for containing and supporting a root structure of at least one gravitropic crop plant growing therein and for detachably mounting to the vertical growth column, the hydroponic plant growth module including a lateral growth opening to allow the plant to grow laterally through toward a light emitting source, a nutrient supply system to direct aqueous crop nutrient solution through an upper opening of the hydroponic plant growth module, an airflow source to direct airflow away from the growth opening and through an under-canopy of the plant, so as to disturb the boundary layer, and a control system for regulating, at least one growing condition in an area in or adjacent to the under-canopy.

[0006] Conventionally, many devices are exist that are capable of vertical farming. However, these devices fail in providing the vertical support to stems of vine plants in order to prevent the growth of stems on the ground surface and to protect from strong wind. These devices do not adjust its height in accordance to the growth of the stems for ensuring proper growth of the plant and watering the plant regularly.

[0007] In order to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks, there exists a need in the art to develop a device that is capable of providing the vertical support to stems of vine plants in order to prevent the growth of stems on the ground surface and to protect from strong wind. The device also adjust its height in accordance to the growth of the stems for ensuring proper growth of the plant and watering the plant regularly.

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 provides the vertical support to stems of vine plants, in order to prevent the growth of stems on the ground surface.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of protecting the stems from strong wind in the surrounding by providing vertical support.

[0011] Yet another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of adjusting its height in accordance to the growth of the stems for ensuring proper growth of the plant and also capable of watering the plant regularly.

[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 vertical farming assistive device that is capable of protecting the stems from strong wind in the surrounding by providing vertical support. Additionally, the proposed device also capable of adjusting its height in accordance to the growth of the stems for ensuring proper growth of the plant and also capable of watering the plant regularly.

[0014] According to an embodiment of the present invention, an adaptable vertical farming assistive device comprises a cylindrical frame developed to be positioned on a vertical support in proximity a vine plantation, multiple suction cups are arranged underneath the frame to adhere to the surface for securing the frame on the vertical support, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit installed on the frame to determine dimensions of stems of the plantation, multiple telescopically operated rods vertically integrated in the frame to extend/retract for increasing/decreasing height of the frame, multiple hooks integrated on the rods by means of a motorized sliding unit to provide translation to the hooks for enabling a user to engage parts of the stem on the hooks in view of hanging the stem on the hooks, the hooks are arranged with a motorized hinge joint for closing the hooks against the frame in a manner that the stem is secured in the hooks, a LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) sensor embedded on the frame for monitoring growth of the plantation, a motorized expandable pulley arrangement integrated in the frame to expand/contract for increasing/decreasing dimensions of the frame in view of properly supporting the vine growth in the frame, thereby contributing to efficient growth of the plantation.

[0015] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the proposed device also comprises multiple of electronically controlled nozzles are arranged on the frame to dispense an optimum amount of water stored in a chamber configured on the body on the plantation for maintaining freshness of the plantation, the hooks are arranged with a motorized hinge joint for closing the hooks against the frame in a manner that the stem is secured in the hooks, a LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) sensor embedded on the frame for monitoring growth of the plantation, a motorized expandable pulley arrangement integrated in the frame to expand/contract for increasing/decreasing dimensions of the frame in view of properly supporting the vine growth in the frame, thereby contributing to efficient growth of the plantation, multiple of electronically controlled nozzles are arranged on the frame to dispense an optimum amount of water stored in a chamber configured on the body on the plantation for maintaining freshness of the plantation.

[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 vertical farming 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 vertical farming assistive device that provides the vertical support to stems of vine plants, in order to prevent the growth of stems on the ground surface and to protect from strong wind.

[0022] Referring to Figure 1, an isometric view of an adaptable vertical farming assistive device is illustrated, comprising a cylindrical frame 1, plurality of suction cups 3 are arranged underneath the frame 1, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 4 installed on the frame 1, plurality of telescopically operated rods 2 vertically integrated in the frame 1, plurality of hooks 5 integrated on the rods 2, plurality of electronically controlled nozzles 6 are arranged on the frame 1, and a chamber 7 configured on the frame 1.

[0023] The proposed device comprises of a cylindrical frame 1 which is positioned on a vertical support in proximity a vine plantation. Under the frame 1, plurality of suction cups 3 are arranged underneath to adhere to the surface for securing the frame 1 on the vertical support. The suction cups 3 are types of tools which uses the atmospheric pressure to vacuum and hold the frame 1 at one place on the vertical support. The suction cups 3 are consist of a circular disc which are made of a flexible material mostly rubber with a rounded edge, whenever the pressure is applied by a user in the center of the disc, a concave shape is generated and when the cups 3 are forced against the vertical support, a vacuum is created in the cups 3 which causes the cups 3 to stick strongly with the vertical support.

[0024] Initially, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 4 which is installed on the frame 1 determines dimensions of stems of the plantation. The imaging unit 4 comprises of a processor and a camera which on actuation capture the multiple image of the vicinity of the frame 1. The camera is comprised of a lens and a digital camera sensor, wherein the camera lens takes all the light rays rebounding around the vicinity of the frame 1 and utilizes the lenses to transmit them to a single point for creating a sharp image. When all of those light rays rebound back and meet together on a digital camera sensor, create a digital image of the vicinity of the frame 1 by performing various operations like pre-processing, feature extraction and classification which is transmitted to the processor.

[0025] The processor further extracts all the required information from the digital images and transmit to an inbuilt microcontroller associated with the device, which further processes the information shared by the processor in order to dimension of the stems of the plantation and based on which microcontroller actuates plurality of telescopically operated rods 2 vertically integrated in the frame 1 to extend/retract for increasing/decreasing height of the frame 1.

[0026] The extension of the rods 2 are powered pneumatically by a pneumatic unit associated with the device and includes an air compressor, air valves, and a piston. The air compressor used herein extract the air from surrounding and increases the pressure of the air by reducing the volume of the air. The air compressor is consist of two main parts including a motor and a pump. The motor powers the compressor pump which uses the energy from the motor drive to draw in atmospheric air and compress to elevated pressure. The compressed air is then sent through a discharge tube into the cylinder across the valve. The compressed air in the cylinder tends to pushes out the piston to extend which extends the rods 2 for increasing/decreasing height of the frame 1.

[0027] Further, plurality of hooks 5 integrated on the rods 2 by means of a motorized sliding unit. The microcontroller further actuates the sliding unit for providing the translatory movement to the hooks 5 for allowing the user to engage parts of the stem on the hooks 5. The motorized sliding unit used herein consists of a sliding-rail and multiple rolling members which are integrated with a step motor. On actuation the step motor rotates the rolling members in order to provide rolling motion to the members which results in sliding of the hooks 5 over the sliding-rail for enabling a user to engage parts of the stem on the hooks 5, in view of hanging the stem on the hooks 5. Along with translation, the microcontroller also actuates a motorized hinge joint attached between each hooks 5 and sliding unit for closing the hooks 5 against the frame 1 such that the stem is secured in the hooks 5.

[0028] Simultaneously, a LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) sensor which is embedded on the frame 1 monitors growth of the plantation and based on which the microcontroller actuates a motorized expandable pulley arrangement integrated in the frame 1 to expand/contract gradually in accordance to increment in the size of stems for increasing/decreasing dimensions of the frame 1. The expandable pulley arrangement comprises of a pulley cut into multiple segments and each attached with center by means of an arm, a motorized gear which is meshed with a toothed wheel, the wheels is carved with multiple slot, plurality of studs in the arms of the pulley.

[0029] After getting actuation signal from the microcontroller, the motor of the motorized gear rotates it which rotates wheel in clock as well as in counter clockwise direction. Due to rotation of the wheel, the slots thrusts the studs of the arms of the pulley outward and inwards, thus increasing and decreasing the diameter of the pulley for increasing/decreasing dimensions of the frame 1, in view of properly supporting the vine growth in the frame 1, thereby contributing to efficient growth of the plantation.

[0030] A chamber 7 configured on the body and stored with water, wherein the microcontroller periodically actuates plurality of electronically controlled nozzles 6 connected to the chamber 7 for dispensing an optimum amount of water on the plantation for maintaining freshness of the plantation. The nozzles 6 used herein consists of a gate and magnetic coil, which on energizing generates magnetic force to push the gate to open and allowing the water to be dispensed over the plantation for maintaining freshness of the plantation.

[0031] A battery is associated with the device to supply power to electrically powered components which are employed herein. The battery is comprised of a pair of electrode named as a cathode and an anode. The battery use a chemical reaction of oxidation/reduction to do work on charge and produce a voltage between their anode and cathode and thus produces electrical energy that is used to do work in the device.

[0032] The present invention works well in the following manner where a cylindrical frame 1 developed to be positioned on a vertical support in proximity a vine plantation by means of plurality of suction cups 3 for securing the frame 1 on the vertical support. an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 4 installed on the frame 1 to determine dimensions of stems of the plantation and accordingly microcontroller actuates plurality of telescopically operated rods 2 vertically integrated in the frame 1 to extend/retract for increasing/decreasing height of the frame 1. Further, plurality of hooks 5 integrated on the rods 2 by means of a motorized sliding unit. The microcontroller further actuates the sliding unit for providing the translatory movement to the hooks 5 for allowing the user to engage parts of the stem on the hooks 5 for enabling a user to engage parts of the stem on the hooks 5, in view of hanging the stem on the hooks 5. Along with translation, the microcontroller also actuates a motorized hinge joint attached between each hooks 5 and sliding unit for closing the hooks 5 against the frame 1 such that the stem is secured in the hooks 5. Simultaneously, a LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) sensor which is embedded on the frame 1 monitors growth of the plantation and based on which the microcontroller actuates a motorized expandable pulley arrangement integrated in the frame 1 to expand/contract gradually in accordance to increment in the size of stems for increasing/decreasing dimensions of the frame 1 in view of properly supporting the vine growth in the frame 1, thereby contributing to efficient growth of the plantation. The microcontroller periodically actuates plurality of electronically controlled nozzles 6 connected to the chamber 7 for dispensing an optimum amount of water on the plantation for maintaining freshness of the plantation.

[0033] 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:We Claim:
1) An adaptable vertical farming assistive device, comprising:

i) a cylindrical frame 1 developed to be positioned on a vertical support in proximity a vine plantation, wherein plurality of suction cups 3 are arranged underneath said frame 1 to adhere to said surface for securing said frame 1 on said vertical support;
ii) an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 4 installed on said frame 1 and paired with a processor for capturing and processing multiple images in vicinity of said frame 1, respectively to determine dimensions of stems of said plantation, based on which an inbuilt microcontroller actuates plurality of telescopically operated rods 2 vertically integrated in said frame 1 to extend/retract for increasing/decreasing height of said frame 1;
iii) plurality of hooks 5 integrated on said rods 2 by means of a motorized sliding unit that is actuated by said microcontroller by said microcontroller to provide translation to said hooks 5 for enabling a user to engage parts of said stem on said hooks 5, in view of hanging said stem on said hooks 5, wherein said hooks 5 are arranged with a motorized hinge joint for closing said hooks 5 against said frame 1, in a manner that said stem is secured in said hooks 5; and
iv) a LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) sensor embedded on said frame 1 for monitoring growth of said plantation, in accordance to which said microcontroller actuates a motorized expandable pulley arrangement integrated in said frame 1 microcontroller to expand/contract for increasing/decreasing dimensions of said frame 1, in view of properly supporting said vine growth in said frame 1, thereby contributing to efficient growth of said plantation.

2) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein plurality of electronically controlled nozzles 6 are arranged on said frame 1 that are actuated by said microcontroller to dispense an optimum amount of water stored in a chamber 7 configured on said body, on said plantation for maintaining freshness of said plantation.

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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