AUTOMATED GRAINS COLLECTION AND PACKAGING DEVICE

Abstract

An automated grains collection and packaging device, comprising a platform 101 positioned on a ground surface, an inverted handle 102 configured with the platform 101 to maneuver the platform 101, a pair of hydraulic rods 103 configured on the platform 101 attached with a prism-shaped structure 104 for storing grains, an imaging unit 105 installed on the platform 101 to detect location of grain heap, a rectangular plate 106 configured with the structure 104 for scooping grains, a speaker 107 mounted on the platform 101 notifying user to maneuver platform 101, a cylindrical body 108 configured on the platform 101 for packaging grains, a display panel 109 mapped on the platform 101 for enabling user input commands, a multi-sectioned chamber 110 configured on the body 108 storing multiple sacks and a pair of robotic grippers 111 installed on the platform 101 to grip and insert sack within the body 108.

Specification

Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to an automated grains collection and packaging device that is capable of detecting location and dimensions of the grain heap to store the grain heap and further packaging the grains as per the amount of grain required by a user in an efficient and automated manner.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Grain packaging refers to the process of carefully enclosing grains into containers, typically sacks or bags, for storage, transport, or sale.
Grain packaging is a meticulous process vital for safeguarding grains during storage, transit, and sale. By encapsulating grains within containers like sacks or bags, packaging shields them from detrimental factors such as moisture, pests, and physical harm. This protective layer ensures grains maintain their quality, freshness, and nutritional value, ultimately guaranteeing that consumers receive grains in pristine condition, ready for consumption or further processing.

[0003] Traditionally, grain packaging has been done manually, with workers scooping grains into sacks and manually sealing them. However, this manual process is labour-intensive and prone to inconsistencies, leading to variations in the quantity and quality of packaged grains. Additionally, manual packaging may result in contamination from dust, dirt, and other impurities, compromising the quality of the grains. In order to address these challenges, there is a need to develop an automated grain packaging solutions that use various technologies for the packaging process, improve accuracy, and enhance efficiency.

[0004] CN203937923U discloses a kind of grain compress, comprise wrapping machine, packing apparatus and belt conveyor, described wrapping machine comprises charging ladle, rotating table, S. A., spring spindle and rotating table drive motor, spring spindle is arranged at the bottom of described charging ladle, described charging ladle correspondence is above balance time, spring spindle below it contacts with balance, described rotating table drive motor drives rotating table by S. A., described packing apparatus comprises bracing frame, weighing machine, sack closer, control housing and vertical bag conveyer, weighing machine is installed on support frame as described above, sack closer, control housing and vertical bag conveyer, the mouth of described belt conveyor is provided with laying down mechanism, described belt conveyor is provided with baffle plate away from a side of wrapping machine main frame, the convergence part of described belt conveyor and connecting gear is for being provided with slide plate, this grain compress is simple and reasonable, cost is lower, the feature that degree of automation is high. Although, CN'923 discloses a grain compressor that integrates a wrapping machine, packing apparatus, and belt conveyor to facilitate the compression and packaging of grains, the grain compressor involves manual intervention for handling, processing, and packaging of the grains which becomes inconvenient for the user.
CN110626556A
[0005] CN110626556A discloses about a packing device for vacuum packaging of grains, which comprises a base frame, a box opening mechanism, a loading mechanism and a box sealing mechanism. The unpacking mechanism is arranged at one end of the base frame and used for opening and folding the packing box so as to form a goods placing space for placing grain vacuum packages in the packing box, thereby completing the unpacking procedure. The loading mechanism is positioned on one side of the box opening mechanism and used for pushing vacuum-packaged grains into the packaging box so as to finish the box packaging process. The box sealing mechanism is arranged at the other end of the base frame and used for sealing the packaging box filled with the grain vacuum package, so that the box sealing process is completed. The invention has the advantage of improving the packing efficiency. Although, CN'556 discloses a packing device for vacuum packaging of grains that performs packaging of grains, however the device involves manual intervention for handling, processing, and packaging of the grains which becomes inconvenient for the user.

[0006] Conventionally, many devices have been developed for grain handling, processing, and packaging, however these conventional devices often rely on manual labour and lack advanced automation and precision as compared to the present invention.

[0007] In order to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks, there exists a need in the art to develop a device that improve overall operational efficiency and product quality compared to conventional methods by automating tasks such as grain collection, storage, packaging, and quality control, therefore enhances efficiency, accuracy, and productivity while reducing reliance on manual labour.

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 detect location and dimensions of the grain heap to store the grain heap and further packaging the grains as per the amount of grain required by a user in an efficient and automated manner.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to develop a device that monitor weight changes during grain transfer, enabling precise measurement and ensuring that the desired quantity of grains are packaged.

[0011] Another object of the present invention is to develop a device that provide a means for effectively removing impurities including dust, sand, and bran from the grains.

[0012] Yet another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is reliable, user-friendly and easy-to-operate.

[0013] 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

[0014] The present invention relates to an automated grains collection and packaging device that efficiently collect grains from a heap and further packaging the grains as per a user-desired grain dimensions with minimal manual intervention.

[0015] According to an embodiment of the present invention, an automated grains collection and packaging device comprises of a platform developed to be positioned on a ground surface in proximity to a heap of grains and configured with plurality of wheels to maneuver the platform on the surface, an inverted U-shaped handle is configured with the platform for allowing the user to maneuver the platform, a pair of hydraulic rods configured on the platform and attached with a hollow a prism-shaped structure via a U-shaped supporting link, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit is installed on the platform to detect exact location of the grain heap, along with dimensions of the heap, in accordance an inbuilt microcontroller actuates the frame to rods to extend/ retract for positioning the structure at an optimum height for facilitating storage of the grains within the structure, a rectangular plate configured with bottom portion of the structure via a pair of motorized hinge joint, a speaker mounted on the platform to notify the user to move the body, resulting in collection of the grains within the structure, and synchronously the microcontroller actuates the hinge joints for providing movement to the plate in view of scooping the grains inside the structure, a hollow cylindrical body configured on middle portion of the platform and a touch interactive display panel mapped on the platform to input commands regarding packaging of the grains, along with specifying amount of grains that is to be filled, a multi-sectioned chamber configured on the body, each section stored with sacks of varying dimensions, a pair of robotic grippers installed on the platform to grip a sack from the chamber and insert the sack within the body, multiple clippers installed in mouth portion of the body to grip the sack for opening mouth of the sack.

[0016] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the proposed device further comprises of a cylindrical member configured on the supporting link and attached with the structure via an opening carved on the structure, wherein the microcontroller actuates a motorized pin joint configured in between each of the rod and ends of link for providing tilting the structure in view of transferring the grains within the sack via the member, a weight sensor configured with the structure for monitoring change in weight of the grains while transferrin the grains, a motorized iris lid configured within the member to close for preventing further transfer of the grains within the sack, a motorized lid is configured with the structure that is actuated by the microcontroller to close opening of the structure upon successful collection of the grains from the heap, plurality of motorized air blowers are arranged on the platform for removing impurities including dust, sand, and bran from the grains and a battery is associated with the device for powering up electrical and electronically operated components associated with the device.

[0017] 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

[0018] 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 a perspective view of an automated grains collection and packaging device; and
Figure 2 illustrates a rear view of a hollow prism-shaped structure associated with the proposed device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0019] 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.

[0020] 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.

[0021] 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.

[0022] The present invention relates to an automated grains collection and packaging device that is capable of detecting location and dimensions of the grain heap to store the grain heap and further packaging the grains as per the amount of grain required by a user in an efficient and automated manner.

[0023] Referring to Figure 1 and 2, a perspective view of an automated grains collection and packaging device and a rear view of a hollow prism-shaped structure associated with the proposed device are illustrated, respectively comprising a platform 101 developed to be positioned on a ground surface, an inverted U-shaped handle 102 configured with the platform 101, a pair of hydraulic rods 103 configured on the platform 101 and attached with a hollow prism-shaped structure 104, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 105 installed on the platform 101, a rectangular plate 106 configured with the structure 104, a speaker 107 mounted on the platform 101, a hollow cylindrical body 108 configured on the platform 101, a touch interactive display panel 109 mapped on the platform 101, a multi-sectioned chamber 110 configured on the body 108, a pair of robotic grippers 111 installed on the platform 101, multiple clippers 112 installed on the body 108, a cylindrical member 113 attached with the structure 104 and plurality of motorized air blowers 114 arranged on the platform 101.

[0024] The proposed device herein comprises of a platform 101 developed to be positioned on a ground surface in proximity to a heap of grains, where the platform 101 is made up of durable material to provide sufficient strength to withstand the weight of the components and accommodate all the components required to perform the specified operation. The platform 101 is configured with plurality of wheels (preferably four wheels) to maneuver the platform 101 on the surface, wherein an inverted U-shaped handle 102 is configured with the platform 101 for allowing the user to maneuver the platform 101 as per preferences. The wheels are powered by a DC (direct current) motor that is capable of converting the electric current provided from an external force into mechanical force for providing the required power to the wheels for manoeuvring the platform 101 as per preferences.

[0025] A pair of hydraulic rods 103 is configured on the platform 101 and attached with a hollow a prism-shaped structure 104 via a U-shaped supporting link, wherein an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 105 is installed on the platform 101 to detect exact location of the grain heap, along with dimensions of the heap. The imaging unit 105 comprises of an image capturing arrangement including a set of lenses that captures multiple images of the surroundings, and the captured images are stored within a memory of the imaging unit 105 in form of an optical data. The imaging unit 105 also comprises of a processor that is integrated with artificial intelligence protocols, such that the processor processes the optical data and extracts the required data from the captured images. The extracted data is further converted into digital pulses and bits and are further transmitted to an inbuilt microcontroller associated with the device. The microcontroller processes the received data and detect exact location of the grain heap, along with dimensions of the heap.

[0026] In accordance to which the microcontroller actuates the hydraulic rods 103 to extend/ retract for positioning the structure 104 at an optimum height for facilitating storage of the grains within the structure 104. The hydraulic rods 103 are powered by a hydraulic unit consisting of a hydraulic cylinder, hydraulic compressor, hydraulic valve and piston that work in collaboration for providing the required extension/retraction to the rod 103. Such that the microcontroller actuates the valve to allow passage of hydraulic fluid from the compressor within the cylinder, the hydraulic fluid further develops pressure against the piston and results in pushing and extending the piston. The piston is connected with the rod 103 and due to applied pressure the rod 103 extends and similarly, the microcontroller retracts the rod 103 by closing the valve resulting in retraction of the piston. The microcontroller regulates the extension/retraction of the rod 103 for positioning the structure 104 at an optimum height for facilitating storage of the grains within the structure 104.

[0027] A rectangular plate 106 is configured with bottom portion of the structure 104 via a pair of motorized hinge joint, wherein the microcontroller activates a speaker 107 mounted on the platform 101 to notify the user to move the platform 101, resulting in collection of the grains within the structure 104, and synchronously the microcontroller actuates the hinge joints for providing movement to the plate 106 in view of scooping the grains inside the structure 104.

[0028] The motorized hinge joint comprises of a pair of leaf that is screwed with the surfaces of the plate 106. The leaf are connected with each other by means of a cylindrical member 113 integrated with a shaft coupled with a DC (Direct Current) motor to provide required movement to the hinge joint. The rotation of the shaft in clockwise and anti-clockwise aids in opening and closing of the hinge joint respectively. Hence the microcontroller actuates the hinge joint that in turn provides movement to the plate 106 for scooping the grains inside the structure 104.

[0029] A hollow cylindrical body 108 is configured on middle portion of the platform 101 and a touch interactive display panel 109 mapped on the platform 101 that is accessed by the user to input commands regarding packaging of the grains, along with specifying amount of grains that is to be filled. The display panel 109 consists of tiny wires that complete a circuit when connected by the touch of the user while providing the input data. The input data is registered within a database of the microcontroller for processing the input data given by the user.

[0030] A multi-sectioned chamber 110 configured on the body 108, each section stored with sacks of varying dimensions, wherein based on user-specified dimension of grain that is to be packaged, the microcontroller actuates a pair of robotic grippers 111 installed on the platform 101 to grip a sack from the chamber 110. The robotic grippers 111 are able to perform the designated task with high efficiency and accuracy, wherein the microcontroller actuates the grippers 111 to extend towards the chamber 110 for gripping the sack and inserting the sack within the body 108.

[0031] The microcontroller then actuates multiple clippers 112 (preferably two clippers) installed in mouth portion of the body 108 to grip the sack for opening mouth of the sack. The clippers 112 are powered by a DC (direct current) motor that is actuated by the microcontroller by providing required electric current to the motor. The motor comprises of a coil that converts the received electric current into mechanical force by generating magnetic field, thus the mechanical force provides the required power to the clippers 112 for grip the sack in order to open the mouth of the sack.

[0032] A cylindrical member 113 is configured on the supporting link and attached with the structure 104 via an opening carved on the structure 104, wherein the microcontroller actuates a motorized pin joint configured in between each of the rod 103 and ends of link for providing tilting of the structure 104 in view of transferring the grains within the sack via the member 113.

[0033] A weight sensor is configured with the structure 104 for monitoring change in weight of the grains while transferrin the grains. The weight sensor consists of a load cell typically comprises a metallic body to which strain gauges are affixed. Strain gauges are conductive elements that undergo deformation when subjected to force or weight. As the grains are placed on the load cell, the strain gauges experience either stretching or compression, altering their electrical resistance. This change in resistance is then measured and converted into an electrical signal proportional to the applied weight. The sensor then send signal to the microcontroller based on which the microcontroller monitor the change in weight of the grains while transferrin the grains in accordance to which the microcontroller decodes amount of grains dispensed in the sack, and as soon as the detected weight matches the user-specified weight, the microcontroller actuates a motorized iris lid configured within the member 113 to close for preventing further transfer of the grains within the sack.

[0034] The motorized iris lid comprises of a ring and a blade with multiple protrusions. The ring is fabricated with multiple grooves. The ring is installed with the motor that is actuated by the microcontroller for rotating the ring with a specified speed to regulate the opening and closing of the lid as per preference, thus closing the member 113 for preventing further transfer of the grains within the sack. Further, a motorized lid is configured with the structure 104 that is actuated by the microcontroller to close opening of the structure 104 upon successful collection of the grains from the heap. Upon transferring the user-specified amount of grains within the sack, the microcontroller activates the speaker 107 to notify the user to collect the sack filled with grains from the body 108.

[0035] Plurality of motorized air blowers 114 (at least two air blowers) are arranged on the platform 101 that are actuated by the microcontroller during transferring the grains from the member 113 towards the body 108 in view of removing impurities including dust, sand, and bran from the grains. The air blower 114 consists of a fan or impeller which creates a high-speed airflow, wherein the generated high-speed airflow from the blower 114 is directed towards the grains for removing impurities including dust, sand, and bran from the grains.

[0036] The device is associated with a battery for providing the required power to the electronically and electrically operated components including the microcontroller, electrically powered sensors, motorized components and alike of the device. The battery within the device is preferably a lithium-ion-battery which is a rechargeable battery and recharges by deriving the required power from an external power source. The derived power is further stored in form of chemical energy within the battery, which when required by the components of the device derive the required energy in the form of electric current for ensuring smooth and proper functioning of the device.

[0037] The present invention works best in the following manner, where the platform 101 developed to be positioned on a ground surface in proximity to a heap of grains, where the pair of hydraulic rods 103 is configured on the platform 101 and attached with a hollow a prism-shaped structure 104 via a U-shaped supporting link. The artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 105 is installed on the platform 101 to detect exact location of the grain heap, along with dimensions of the heap in accordance to which the microcontroller actuates the hydraulic rods 103 to extend/ retract for positioning the structure 104 at an optimum height for facilitating storage of the grains within the structure 104. The microcontroller activates the speaker 107 to notify the user to move the platform 101, resulting in collection of the grains within the structure 104, and synchronously the microcontroller actuates the hinge joints for providing movement to the plate 106 in view of scooping the grains inside the structure 104. The hollow cylindrical body 108 is configured on middle portion of the platform 101 and the touch interactive display panel 109 is accessed by the user to input commands regarding packaging of the grains, along with specifying amount of grains that is to be filled. The multi-sectioned chamber 110 is configured on the body 108, each section stored with sacks of varying dimensions, wherein based on user-specified dimension of grain that is to be packaged, the microcontroller actuates the pair of robotic grippers 111 installed on the platform 101 to grip a sack from the chamber 110. The microcontroller then actuates multiple clippers 112 installed in mouth portion of the body 108 to grip the sack for opening mouth of the sack. The cylindrical member 113 is configured on the supporting link and attached with the structure 104 via an opening carved on the structure 104, wherein the microcontroller actuates a motorized pin joint configured in between each of the rod 103 and ends of link for providing tilting of the structure 104 in view of transferring the grains within the sack via the member 113. The weight sensor is configured with the structure 104 for monitoring change in weight of the grains while transferrin the grains and the microcontroller actuates the motorized iris lid configured within the member 113 to close for preventing further transfer of the grains within the sack. Plurality of motorized air blowers 114 are actuated by the microcontroller during transferring the grains from the member 113 towards the body 108 in view of removing impurities including dust, sand, and bran from the grains.

[0038] 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 grains collection and packaging device, comprising:

i) a platform 101 developed to be positioned on a ground surface in proximity to a heap of grains and configured with plurality of wheels to maneuver said platform 101 on said surface, wherein an inverted U-shaped handle 102 is configured with said platform 101 for allowing said user to maneuver said platform 101 as per preferences;
ii) a pair of hydraulic rods 103 configured on said platform 101 and attached with a hollow prism-shaped structure 104 via a U-shaped supporting link, wherein an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 105 is installed on said platform 101 and paired with a processor for capturing and processing multiple images of surroundings, respectively to detect exact location of said grain heap, along with dimensions of said heap, in accordance an inbuilt microcontroller actuates said frame to rods 103 to extend/ retract for positioning said structure 104 at an optimum height for facilitating storage of said grains within said structure 104;
iii) a rectangular plate 106 configured with bottom portion of said structure 104 via a pair of motorized hinge joint, wherein said microcontroller activates a speaker 107 mounted on said platform 101 to notify said user to move said platform 101, resulting in collection of said grains within said structure 104, and synchronously said microcontroller actuates said hinge joints for providing movement to said plate 106 in view of scooping said grains inside said structure 104;
iv) a hollow cylindrical body 108 configured on middle portion of said platform 101 and a touch interactive display panel 109 mapped on said platform 101 that is accessed by said user to input commands regarding packaging of said grains, along with specifying amount of grains that is to be filled;
v) a multi-sectioned chamber 110 configured on said body 108, each section stored with sacks of varying dimensions, wherein based on user-specified dimension of grain that is to be packaged, said microcontroller actuates a pair of robotic grippers 111 installed on said platform 101 to grip a sack from said chamber 110 and insert said sack within said body 108, followed by actuation of multiple clippers 112 installed in mouth portion of said body 108 to grip said sack for opening mouth of said sack;
vi) a cylindrical member 113 configured on said supporting link and attached with said structure 104 via an opening carved on said structure 104, wherein said microcontroller actuates a motorized pin joint configured in between each of said rod 103 and ends of link for providing tilting said structure 104 in view of transferring said grains within said sack via said member 113; and
vii) a weight sensor configured with said structure 104 for monitoring change in weight of said grains while transferrin said grains, in accordance to which said microcontroller decodes amount of grains dispensed in said sack, and as soon as said detected weight matches said user-specified weight, said microcontroller actuates a motorized iris lid configured within said member 113 to close for preventing further transfer of said grains within said sack.

2) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a motorized lid is configured with said structure 104 that is actuated by said microcontroller to close opening of said structure 104 upon successful collection of said grains from said heap.

3) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein plurality of motorized air blowers 114 are arranged on said platform 101 that are actuated by said microcontroller during transferring said grains from said member 113 towards said body 108 in view of removing impurities including dust, sand, and bran from said grains.

4) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein upon transferring said user-specified amount of grains within said sack, said microcontroller activates said speaker 107 to notify said user to collect said sack filled with grains from said body 108.

5) 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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