AUTOMATED EGGS HANDLING DEVICE

Abstract

An automated eggs handling device, comprising a platform 101 developed to be positioned on a ground surface, multiple motorized wheels 102 for providing movement to the platform 101 on the surface, an artificial intelligence based imaging unit 103 for capturing and processing images of inner surroundings of the enclosure, a touch interactive display panel 104 for displaying the evaluated mapping, a pair of motorized hinge joints 105 for providing movement to a pair of inverted L-shaped telescopic bars 106, the L-shaped telescopic bars 106 to position a lifting arrangement 201, a motorized sliding unit 107 for arranging multiple horizontally and vertically arranged link rods 202 integrated within the arrangement according to user-specified details regarding placement of eggs over the egg tray, multiple suction units 108 for affixing with the at least one of the eggs.

Specification

Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to an automated eggs handling device that is capable of revolutionize the egg-handling process by automating the delicate task of gripping and accommodating multiple eggs onto the egg tray in horizontal and vertical alignment, thereby streamlines the egg packaging process along with reducing labor costs and enhancing efficiency in gripping and accommodating eggs.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Egg handling is the proper care and management of the eggs along with precise safety, quality and freshness of the eggs from the moment they are laid to their consumption. This includes handling eggs promptly after they are laid in order to prevent cracks or damage to the shell of the egg and storing them in appropriate alignment as per the alignment of the egg tray. Traditionally, manual methods were employed for egg handling, such as eggs are collected from the nests or gathered from the coop by manual hands, ensuring they are not cracked or damaged in the process. Next, the eggs are inspected individually for any imperfection such as cracks, dirt, or abnormalities. Any flawed eggs are discarded to maintain the quality standards of the eggs. Once the inspected, the eggs are carefully place in egg tray and arranging them neatly in order to prevent breakage of crack during transportation of eggs.

[0003] With the advancement in egg handling, collectively many egg hatching equipment were adapted for handling eggs. While egg hatching equipment's were more precise and efficient than manual method including advancement such as gripping eggs from the place of laid and accommodating in carets. But these equipment's are incapable of handling multiple eggs and accommodating them in carets. Also traditional method of manual egg handling is labor intensive along with excessive time consumption.

[0004] WO2010151108A1 discloses about an invention that includes the invention relates to a method for handling eggs, comprising a cycle with the subsequent steps of feeding a tray holding eggs in a fixed position to a measuring device, in the measuring device, measuring the eggs in the holding tray for determining which egg is fertilized and/or may be hatched and is thus approved, and which egg is rejected, and removing approved eggs from the feeding tray and positioning these approved eggs in a hatcher basket. Although, WO'108 provides a means of handling eggs. However, the cited invention lacks in detecting dimension of the eggs and accordingly accommodating gripped eggs in alignment with rows and columns of the egg tray in order to accommodating multiple eggs on tray.

[0005] US3882769A discloses about an invention that includes an in-line egg handling system which provides a means and method for automatically handling eggs from the time they are laid by the chickens to the time that they are packed in cartons or cases for delivery to distribution centers which system is designed so as to maintain a high level of egg quality. The system comprises, in series, a conventional conveyor belt egg gathering system, an accumulator and aligner to feed the bulk eggs into channels for controlled movement of the individual eggs thereafter, an orienter, an oiler, a washer, a cooling and conditioning apparatus, and a conventional grading and packing machine which includes means for applying a second oiling to the eggs just before they are packed. Although, US'769 provides a means of automatically handling eggs from the time they are laid by the chickens. However, the cited invention lacks in regulating orientation of eggs in vertical and horizontal alignment of the egg tray.

[0006] Conventionally, many devices have been developed that are capable of handling eggs. However, these devices are incapable of accommodating multiple eggs onto the eggs tray in horizontal and vertical alignment.

[0007] In order to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks, there exists a need in the art to develop a device that is capable of revolutionize the egg-handling process by automating the gripping and accommodating eggs onto the eggs tray in horizontal and vertical alignment.

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 capable of automating the delicate task of gripping and accommodating multiple eggs onto the eggs tray, thereby streamlines the egg packaging process along with reducing labor costs and enhancing efficiency in gripping and accommodating eggs.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of aiding means to the user in for facilitates input in regards to number of eggs accommodate over the egg tray.

[0011] Yet another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of detected dimension of the eggs and accordingly accommodating multiple gripped eggs in alignment with rows and columns of the egg tray.

[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 automated eggs handling device that is capable of automating the gripping and accommodating eggs onto the eggs tray, thereby reducing labor costs and enhancing efficiency in gripping and accommodating eggs onto egg tray.

[0014] According to an embodiment of the present invention, an automated eggs handling device, comprising a platform developed to be positioned on a ground surface and inside an enclosure, multiple motorized wheels are arranged underneath the platform for providing movement to the platform on the surface, an artificial intelligence based imaging unit mounted on the platform and integrated with a processor for capturing and processing images of inner surroundings of the enclosure, based on the processed images, an inbuilt evaluates a 3D mapping of the inner surroundings as well as determine presence of eggs present in proximity to the platform, a touch interactive display panel mapped on the platform for displaying the evaluated mapping and also enabling the user to select a portion of the enclosure where the user desires to arrange eggs over an egg tray present in proximity to the platform, additionally the display panel is also accessed by the user to input details regarding number of eggs the user desires to accommodate over the egg tray, based on user specified details, the actuates a pair of motorized hinge joints arranged on the platform for providing movement to a pair of inverted L-shaped telescopic bars arranged on the platform to position a lifting arrangement attached with the bars, over the detected eggs.

[0015] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the proposed device further comprises of a LiDAR (Light Detection And Ranging) sensor installed on the platform for detecting dimension of the eggs, based on the detected dimension, the actuates a motorized sliding unit integrated within the arrangement for arranging multiple horizontally and vertically arranged link rods integrated within the arrangement according to user-specified details regarding placement of eggs over the egg tray, followed by actuation of the bars for extending to position the arrangement over the eggs, multiple suction units installed on the link rods that are actuated by the for affixing with the at least one of the eggs, after gripping the eggs, the actuates the hinge joints for providing movement to the bars in a manner that aids in positioning of the gripped eggs in alignment with rows and columns of the egg tray, followed by actuation of the bars for extending to position the eggs over the egg tray and battery is associated with the device for powering up electrical and electronically operated 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 automated eggs handling device; and
Figure 2 illustrates a rear view of the lifting arrangement 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 an isometric view of an automated eggs handling device that is capable of revolutionize the egg-handling process by automating the delicate task of gripping and accommodating eggs onto the eggs tray, thereby reducing labor costs and enhancing efficiency in gripping and accommodating eggs.

[0022] Referring to Figure 1 and Figure 2, an isometric view of an automated eggs handling device and a rear view of the lifting arrangement associated with the proposed device are illustrated, respectively comprising of a platform 101 developed to be positioned on a ground surface and inside an enclosure, multiple motorized wheels 102 are arranged underneath the platform 101, an artificial intelligence based imaging unit 103 mounted on the platform 101, a touch interactive display panel 104 mapped on the platform 101, a pair of motorized hinge joints 105 arranged on the platform 101, a pair of inverted L-shaped telescopic bars 106 arranged on the platform 101, a motorized sliding unit 107 integrated within the arrangement, multiple suction units 108 installed on the link rods, a lifting arrangement 201 attached with the bars 106, and multiple horizontally and vertically arranged link rods 202 integrated within the arrangement.

[0023] The proposed device includes a platform 101 developed to be configured on a ground surface and positioned inside an enclosure. The platform 101 as disclosed herein is made up of any material selected from but not limited to metallic material alike utilize to configured over ground surface and positioned inside the enclosure. Further, the platform 101 comprises of multiple motorized wheels 102 are arranged underneath the platform 101 for providing movement to the platform 101 on the surface. The motorized wheels 102 herein disclosed is ranging from 4 to 6 in numbers.

[0024] The wheels 102 are coupled with a DC (Direct Current) motor that is activated by an inbuilt microcontroller to provide circular motion to the wheels 102, herein the working principle of the DC motor is based on the interaction between a magnetic field and an electric current. When an electric current flows through the coil of wire, also known as the armature, it creates the magnetic field. Further, this magnetic field interacts with the fixed magnets, known as the stator, causing the armature to rotate.

[0025] The rotation is achieved by reversing the direction of the current flow in the armature coil using a commutator and brushes that provide continuous movement of the motor results in providing circular motion to the multiple motorized wheels 102 in order to provide movement to the platform 101 on the surface. Furthermore, the inbuilt microcontroller actuates an artificial intelligence based imaging unit 103 mounted on the platform 101 for capturing and processing images of inner surroundings of the enclosure.

[0026] The artificial intelligence based imaging unit 103 mounted on the platform 101 and integrated with a processor for capturing and processing images of inner surroundings of the enclosure. The artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 103 is equipped with AI (Artificial Intelligent) protocols encrypted in the microcontroller are used to process and analyses the images 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.

[0027] The camera, herein captures images of the inner surroundings of the enclosure with the help of specialized lenses designed to capture high-quality visuals. The captured data is now pre-processed via the processor to enhance its quality and prepare it for AI analysis. This pre-processing involves tasks such as noise reduction, image 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 present in the images. Based on extraction of the data from the captured images, the microcontroller evaluates a 3D mapping of the inner surroundings as well as determine presence of eggs present in proximity to the platform 101.

[0028] The evaluated 3D mapping of the inner surroundings is displaying on a touch interactive display panel 104 mapped on the platform 101 and enabling the user to select a portion of the enclosure where the user desires to arrange eggs over an egg tray present in proximity to the platform 101, also the display panel 104 is also accessed by the user to input details regarding number of eggs the user desires to accommodate over the egg tray. The touch interactive display panel 104 as disclosed herein is comprises of small wires that complete the circuit when the user touches the panel for giving input which is further change the electric charge at the location of touch and registered as input in the panel.

[0029] After that the input commands regarding select a portion of the enclosure where the user desires to arrange eggs over an egg tray and number of eggs the user desires to accommodate over the egg tray is stored in a database of the microcontroller linked with the panel to process the input. Upon processing the input given by the user, the microcontroller actuates a pair of motorized hinge joints 105 arranged on the platform 101 for providing movement to a pair of inverted L-shaped telescopic bars 106 arranged on the platform 101.

[0030] The pair of motorized hinge joints 105 arranged on the platform 101 for providing movement to a pair of inverted L-shaped telescopic bars 106 arranged on the platform 101. The motorized hinge joints 105 typically refers to a mechanical joint that allows rotational movement around a fixed axis using a motor or actuator which provides the rotational force required to move the joint. The motor is typically controlled by an electronic control unit that regulates its speed and direction. The motorized hinge joints 105 consists of a hinge mechanism that enables rotation around a fixed axis. It usually consists of two parts: a stationary component and a moving component. The stationary component is securely attached to the platform 101, while the moving component is connected to the pair of inverted L-shaped telescopic bars 106 that provides movement to the pair of inverted L-shaped telescopic bars 106 to position a lifting arrangement 201 attached with the bars 106, over the detected eggs.

[0031] Afterwards, a LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) sensor installed on the platform 101 for detecting dimension of the eggs. The LiDAR sensor sends out rapid laser pulses in a sweeping motion towards eggs for detecting dimension of the eggs. These pulses travel through the air and interact with the eggs. When the laser pulses encounter the eggs, the laser bounces off from the surface of the eggs.

[0032] The LiDAR sensor precisely measures the time it takes for these laser pulses to travel to the surface of the eggs and back to the sensor and calculations is performed by the sensor based on the time interval between the sending signal and receiving echo in order to detecting dimension of the eggs. Based on the detected dimension, the microcontroller actuates a motorized sliding unit 107 integrated within the arrangement for arranging multiple horizontally and vertically arranged link rods 202.

[0033] The motorized sliding unit 107 as disclosed herein is consists of a rail unit that provides a guided path for linear movement. The rail unit usually includes a pair of parallel rails or tracks, along which the sliding unit 107 moves. The sliding unit 107 carriage, also called a stage or platform 101 equipped with a mechanism to minimize friction and ensure smooth motion. This involves the use of ball bearings. The sliding unit 107 incorporates a motor and a drive mechanism to generate linear motion.

[0034] The motor is connected to a drive mechanism such as a belt, lead screw, or ball screw. The drive mechanism converts the rotational motion of the motor into linear motion, propelling the sliding unit 107 carriage along the rail unit to arrange multiple horizontally and vertically arranged link rods 202 for placement of eggs over the egg tray, followed by actuation of bars 106 for extending to position the arrangement over the eggs.

[0035] The pair of inverted L-shaped telescopic bars 106 arranged on the platform 101 for extending to position the arrangement over the eggs. The L-shaped telescopic bars 106 as disclosed herein is powered by pneumatic unit comprises of an air compressor, air cylinder, air valves and piston. The air valve that allows entry or exit of the 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 extending to position the arrangement over the eggs.

[0036] Upon positioning the arrangement over the eggs, the inbuilt microcontroller actuates multiple suction units 108 ranging between 4 to 6 in numbers installed on the multiple horizontally and vertically arranged link rods 202 that are actuated by the microcontroller for affixing with the at least one of the eggs. The suction unit herein disclosed is consists of a suction pump, conduit, and suction catheter for affixing with the at least one of the eggs. The pump generates negative pressure, creating a vacuum in the unit. The suction catheter is used to reach the desired area for affixing with the at least one of the eggs. Upon action of the suction unit by the microcontroller, the pump creates a pressure differential, enabling the pump to flow through the conduit. Thus, enables controlled and efficient affixing of link rods 202 with the at least one of the eggs.

[0037] After gripping aid eggs, the microcontroller actuates the hinge joints 105 for providing movement to the bars 106 in a manner that aids in positioning of the gripped eggs in alignment with rows and columns of the egg tray. The hinge joints 105 as disclosed herein is typically refers to a mechanical joint that allows rotational movement around a fixed axis using a motor that provides the rotational force required to move the hinge joints 105, herein the motor is integrated with the hinge joints 105 that regulates hinge joint's speed and direction in order to providing movement to the bars 106 in a manner that aids in positioning of the gripped eggs in alignment with rows and columns of the egg tray, followed by actuation of the pair of inverted L-shaped telescopic bars 106 for extending to position the eggs over the egg tray.

[0038] The pair of inverted L-shaped telescopic bars 106 arranged on the platform 101 to extend for positioning the eggs over the egg tray. The pair of inverted L-shaped telescopic bars 106 herein disclosed are powered by pneumatic unit comprises of an air compressor, air cylinder, air valves and piston. The air valve that allows entry or exit of the 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 positioning of the eggs over the tray.

[0039] Lastly, a battery (not shown in figure) is associated with the device to offer power to all electrical and electronic components necessary for their correct operation. The battery is linked to the microcontroller and provides (DC) Direct Current to the microcontroller. And then, based on the order of operations, the microcontroller sends that current to those specific electrical or electronic components so they effectively carry out their appropriate functions.

[0040] The present invention works best in the following manner, where the platform 101 as disclosed herein is developed to be configured on the ground surface and positioned inside the enclosure, herein the multiple motorized wheels 102 provides movement to the platform 101 on the surface. Further, the artificial intelligence based imaging unit 103 captures and processes multiple images of inner surroundings of the enclosure. Based on the processed images, the inbuilt microcontroller evaluates the 3D mapping of the inner surroundings as well as determine presence of eggs present in proximity to the platform 101. Afterwards, the touch interactive display panel 104 displays the evaluated mapping and also enabling the user to select the portion of the enclosure where the user desires to arrange eggs over an egg tray present in proximity to the platform 101. Along with this, the touch interactive display panel 104 is also accessed by the user to input details regarding number of eggs the user desires to accommodate over the egg tray.

[0041] In continuation, the present invention works best in following manner, where the microcontroller actuates the pair of motorized hinge joints 105 that provides movement to the pair of inverted L-shaped telescopic bars 106 for positioning the lifting arrangement 201 attached with the bars 106, over the detected eggs. Upon positioning the lifting arrangement 201 over the eggs, the inbuilt microcontroller actuates the LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) sensor that detects dimension of the eggs. Based on the detected dimension, the microcontroller actuates the motorized sliding unit 107 that arranges multiple horizontally and vertically arranged link rods 202 integrated within the arrangement according to user-specified details regarding placement of eggs over the egg tray. Followed by actuation of the bars 106 for extending to position the arrangement over the eggs. Upon positioning the arrangement over the eggs, the microcontroller actuates the multiple suction units 108 for gripping the eggs. In synchronization, the microcontroller actuates the hinge joints 105 that provides movement to the bars 106 in the manner that aids in positioning of the gripped eggs in alignment with rows and columns of the egg tray, followed by actuation of the bars 106 for extending to position the eggs over the egg tray.

[0042] In another embodiment of the present invention, the proposed device may be installed with a pressure sensor for detecting applied pressure over the egg and accordingly regulates applied pressure while gripping of eggs by multiple suction units 108 .

[0043] 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 individuals skilled in the art upon reference to the description of the invention. , Claims:1) An automated eggs handling device, comprising:

i) a platform 101 developed to be positioned on a ground surface and inside an enclosure, wherein multiple motorized wheels 102 are arranged underneath said platform 101 for providing movement to said platform 101 on said surface;
ii) an artificial intelligence based imaging unit 103 mounted on said platform 101 and integrated with a processor for capturing and processing images of inner surroundings of said enclosure, wherein based on said processed images, an inbuilt microcontroller evaluates a 3D mapping of said inner surroundings as well as determine presence of eggs present in proximity to said platform 101;
iii) a touch interactive display panel 104 mapped on said platform 101 for displaying said evaluated mapping and also enabling said user to select a portion of said enclosure where said user desires to arrange eggs over an egg tray present in proximity to said platform 101, wherein based on user specified details, said microcontroller actuates a pair of motorized hinge joints 105 arranged on said platform 101 for providing movement to a pair of inverted L-shaped telescopic bars 106 arranged on said platform 101 to position a lifting arrangement 201 attached with said bars 106, over said detected eggs;
iv) a LiDAR (Light Detection And Ranging) sensor installed on said platform 101 for detecting dimension of said eggs, wherein based on said detected dimension, said microcontroller actuates a motorized sliding unit 107 integrated within said arrangement for arranging multiple horizontally and vertically arranged link rods 202 integrated within said arrangement according to user-specified details regarding placement of eggs over said egg tray, followed by actuation of said bars 106 for extending to position said arrangement over said eggs; and
v) multiple suction units 108 installed on said link rods 202 that are actuated by said microcontroller for affixing with said at least one of said eggs, wherein after gripping said eggs, said microcontroller actuates said hinge joints 105 for providing movement to said bars 106 in a manner that aids in positioning of said gripped eggs in alignment with rows and columns of said egg tray, followed by actuation of said bars 106 for extending to position said eggs over said egg tray.

2) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said display panel 104 is also accessed by said user to input details regarding number of eggs said user desires to accommodate over said egg tray.

3) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said telescopic bars 106 are linked to a pneumatic unit, including an air compressor, air cylinders, air valves and piston which works in collaboration to aid in extension and retraction of said bars 106.

4) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a battery is associated with said device for powering up electrical and electronically operated components associated with said device.

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