AUTOMATED GRASS/ BUSH SHREDDING DEVICE

Abstract

An automated grass/ bush shredding device, comprises of a platform 1 having a first and second portion configured with multiple motorized wheels to maneuver the platform 1 over a ground surface, a telescopically operated rod to stabilize the platform 1 over the surface, an imaging unit 2 to detect presence and dimensions of the bush/ grass, plurality of robotic arm to extend for positioning a C-shaped extendable member in proximity to the bush/ grass, a motorized drawer arrangement for enclosing the grass/ bush within the member, a motorized slider for translating the robotic arms 3 resulting in movement of the gripped bush/ grass towards a motorized roller, plurality of motorized horizontal blades attached with the roller each via a hinge joint for shredding the grass/ bush, and a detachable box for storing the shredded grass/ bush.

Specification

Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to an automated grass/ bush shredding device that is capable of detecting the dimensions of grass/ bush and automatically performs shredding operation on said grass/ bush in order to shred the grass/ bush and aid a user in utilizing said shredded grass/ bush in multiple activities.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] People generally shred bushes to clear land and make it usable for different purposes. Shredding bushes helps in removing thick vegetation that might block paths, hinder construction or pose fire hazards. People use to perform the operation manually via using some handheld tools like brush axes, machetes and scythes, as these tools provides an assistance for the person in carrying out shredding of bush in an efficient manner. However, these tools are limited to precision as well as requires manual efforts of the person in the overall process. So, people use an equipment that perform shredding of bush/grass in an automated manner, thus saves time as well as manual efforts of the user in the overall process.

[0003] Conventionally, some ways were used by people for performing shredding of bush/grass. People use to perform the operation manually via using some handheld tools like brush axes, machetes and scythes, as these tools provides an assistance for the person in carrying out shredding of bush in an efficient manner. However, these tools are limited to precision as well as requires manual efforts of the person in the overall process. Therefore, they also use some machines like bush shredding machines as these machines perform the shredding operation effectively and reduces manual efforts of the person. But these machines needs maintenance at a regular interval of time, also a skilled worker is required for operating such machines efficiently.

[0004] RU2204239C1 discloses about an invention that includes FIELD: agricultural engineering. SUBSTANCE: berry bush grinding tool has shaft and succession of saws mounted on shaft through bushings at opposite angles with respect to one another and to shaft axis. One saw of paired saws is rigidly fixed on shaft and other saw is mounted on bushing for free rotation with respect to shaft. Compensation spring is located inside bushing and counterweight is put on saw disk. Saw bushings are spaced by adjusting washers. EFFECT: increased quality of bush grinding due to rotational speed difference of adjacent saws and provision for additional grinding of bushes into fractions of various length.

[0005] TW200914134A discloses about an invention that includes an apparatus for shredding and extracting long fibers from oil palm residues. The apparatus comprising housing, two coaxially arranged circumferentially spaced circular drums within the housing, the inner drum being mounted for rotation within static outer drum, outer drum having an inlet hopper for feeding the oil palm residues, an outlet for shredded oil palm residues and the apparatus is further improved with at least one serrated blade is securely mounted at housing wall through the outer palm with a predetermined length with defines a gap between the blade and the cutter. The inner drum is a solid drum with plurality of extended fin cutters arranged in a chevron configuration which rotates in a cylindrical area to shred and cut the EFB in an alternating sequence of motion. A plurality tip of three adjacent extended fins is bonded with plurality of triangular blade known as cutter blade which the tips of the blades are coated with tungsten carbide. The triangular blades on the tip of the extended fins form a chevron configuration. As the inner drum rotates, the extended fins will run through the serrated blades and shears the oil palm residues into partially empty oil palm residues and fibers. The inner drum also does cutting and shredding of the fibers simultaneously. Finally, this process converts the EFB into long fibers. Lengths of the long fibers are between 0.0508 m and 0.2032 m.

[0006] Conventionally, many devices have been developed that are capable of performing shredding operation on the grass/ bush. However, these devices are incapable of detecting the dimensions of grass/ bush and fails in performing shredding operation on the grass/ bush for utilizing the shredded grass/ bush in multiple activities. Additionally, these existing devices also lack in detecting the hardness of the accommodated grass/ bush and are insufficient in cutting the grass/ bush into multiple pieces with ease.

[0007] In order to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks, there exists a need in the art to develop a device that is capable of providing a means for detecting the dimensions of grass/ bush and accordingly performs shredding operation on the grass/ bush in order to aid a user in utilizing the shredded grass/ bush in multiple activities. In addition, the developed device should also detect the hardness of the accommodated grass/ bush and accordingly regulates the shredding operation on said grass/ bush for cutting said grass/ bush into multiple pieces with ease.

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 detecting the dimensions of grass/ bush and automatically performs shredding operation on said grass/ bush in order to shred the grass/ bush and aid a user in utilizing said shredded grass/ bush in multiple activities.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of detecting the hardness of the accommodated grass/ bush and accordingly regulates the shredding operation on said grass/ bush for cutting said grass/ bush into multiple pieces with ease.

[0011] Another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is reliable and portable in nature.

[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 grass/ bush shredding device that detect the dimensions of grass/ bush and accordingly performs shredding operation on the grass/ bush in order to aid a user in utilizing the shredded grass/ bush in multiple activities. Additionally, the proposed device also provides reliability and are portable in nature.

[0014] According to an embodiment of the present invention, an automated grass/ bush shredding device comprises of, a platform having a first and second portion associated with the device to accommodate bushes and grass, configured with multiple motorized wheels to maneuver the platform over a ground surface, a laser sensor is installed over the platform to determine level of the surface, a telescopically operated rod attached in between each of the wheels and platform to stabilize the platform over the surface, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit installed on the platform to detect presence and dimensions of the bush and grass over the platform, plurality of robotic gripper installed on first portion of the platform to extend for positioning a C-shaped extendable member attached with each of the robotic arm in proximity to the bush/ grass, a motorized drawer arrangement integrated in the member to extend/ retract for enclosing the grass/ bush within the member, and a motorized slider installed in between the platform and robotic arms for translating the robotic arms, resulting in movement of the gripped bush/ grass.

[0015] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the proposed device further comprises of, a motorized roller installed on second portion of the platform to rotate with an optimum speed in view of shredding the bush/ grass into pieces, plurality of motorized horizontal blades attached with the roller, each via a hinge joint, a tactile sensor is installed on the blades to detect hardness of the bush/ grass, a detachable box is configured on back portion of the roller for receiving the shredded grass/ bush that is further utilized by the user to utilize the shred grass into multiple activities like gardening, firewood, and a 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 grass/ bush shredding 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 automated grass/ bush shredding device that is capable of providing a means for detecting the dimensions of grass/ bush and accordingly performs shredding operation on the grass/ bush in order to aid a user in utilizing the shredded grass/ bush in multiple activities. In addition, the proposed device also detects the hardness of the accommodated grass/ bush and accordingly regulates the shredding operation on said grass/ bush for cutting said grass/ bush into multiple pieces with ease.

[0022] Referring to Figure 1, an isometric view of an automated grass/ bush shredding device is illustrated, comprising a platform 1, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 2 installed on the platform 1, plurality of robotic arms 3 installed on first portion of the platform 1.

[0023] The device disclosed herein comprises of a platform 1 having a first and second portion associated with said device and developed to accommodate bushes and grasses over said platform 1. The platform 1 is made of durable and corrosion-resistant materials like stainless steel or heavy-duty plastic ensuring longevity and stability. These materials not only make the platform 1 robust but also resistant to corrosion, which is essential for long long-lasting platform 1. The bush/ grass accommodation area is designed to accommodate a bunch of bush/ grass.

[0024] The platform 1 is configured with multiple motorized wheels that maneuver the platform 1 over the ground surface. The motorized wheels configured underneath help the platform 1 to move independently on the ground surface without changing the orientation of the wheels. The rollers and smaller wheels create a lateral force that allows the wheel to move in a direction perpendicular to the axis of rotation. The motorized wheel's design enables the platform 1 to move in any type of terrain with high agility and versatility.

[0025] The platform 1 discussed above is further installed with a laser sensor that determines the level of the platform 1 with respect to the ground surface. After successfully acquiring the relevant data the laser sensor sends the data to a microcontroller which activates a telescopically operated rod attached in between the motorized wheels and the platform 1 in order to stabilize the platform 1 over the ground surface.

[0026] The sensor emits a laser beam toward the ground surface. This laser beam is usually in the form of a focused, collimated light beam that hits the ground surface, it gets reflected back towards the sensors. The time it takes for the laser beam to travel from the sensor to the ground and back is measured. The sensor precisely measures the time it takes for the laser beam to travel to the ground and return. Using the speed of light as a constant the sensor calculates the distance between itself and the ground surface. This distance represents the height between the sensor and the ground surface.

[0027] After successfully calibrating the height the level sensor sends the acquired data to the microcontroller. The microcontroller analyzes the height of the platform 1 from the ground surface and accordingly actuates the telescopically operated rods attached in between the motorized wheels and the platform 1 to stabilize the platform 1 over the ground surface. The telescopically operated rods basically consist of multiple cylindrical sections with one section sliding inside the other. The sections are basically made of materials that may include but are not limited to metals and lightweight alloys. The telescopically operated rods as mentioned herein are powered by a pneumatic unit that utilizes compressed air to extend and retract the rods. The process begins with an air compressor which compresses atmospheric air to a higher pressure.

[0028] The air cylinder of the pneumatic unit contains a piston that moves back and forth within the cylinder. The cylinder is connected to one end of the telescopic rods. The piston is attached to the telescopically operated rods and its movement is controlled by the flow of compressed air. To extend the telescopic rods the piston activates the air valve to allow compressed air to flow into the chamber behind the piston. As the pressure increases in the chamber, the piston pushes the telescopic rods to the desired length. By controlling the flow of compressed air and the position of the piston, the telescopic rod's length is adjusted. An artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 2 installed on said platform 1 and paired with a processor for capturing and processing multiple images of surroundings.

[0029] The artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 2 consists of multiple high-resolution cameras placed strategically to capture detailed images from different angles and perspectives and provide comprehensive coverage of the grass/ bush placed over the platform 1. After capturing multiple images, the quality of images is enhanced by adjusting parameters such as brightness, contrast, and color balance to optimize the analysis. The artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 2 is integrated with a processor that processes the above data and determines various aspects and dimensions of the grass/ bush.

[0030] Once the grass/ bush is detected, the artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 2 uses Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs) to detect the grass/ bush dimensions in the image. The artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 2 extracts relevant features from the isolated image. These features might include measurements of the grass/ bush diameter, width, and other geometric characteristics. Based on the extracted features the artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 2 calculates the dimensions of the accommodated grass/ bush. For instance, the artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 2 calculates the distance between two points on the grass/ bush to measure the width at a specific location.

[0031] The artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 2 after successfully calculating the dimensions of the grass/ bush sends the acquired data to the microcontroller which actuates plurality of robotic arms 3 installed on first portion of said platform 1 to extend for positioning a C-shaped extendable member attached with each of said robotic arm in proximity to said bush/ grass. The robotic arm is equipped with multiple joints and actuators that allows the robotic arm to move in multiple dimensions and orient the member with great precision. Once the robotic arms 3 positions the members in close proximity to the grass/ bush, the microcontroller actuates a motorized drawer arrangement integrated within each of said members to extend/ retract for enclosing said grass/ bush within said member.

[0032] The drawer arrangement consists of a drawer that typically slides on the rails inside the member. These rails provide a smooth and stable path for the compression and expansion of the member. The microcontroller actuates the drawer arrangement for expanding/compressing in order to increase or decrease the size of the member and perfectly enclose the grass/ bush within said member. When the microcontroller actuates the drawer arrangement, the motor starts rotating and the rotational motion is converted into linear motion through the use of gears. As the motor rotates, the drawer moves either outward or inward along the sliding rails. This expansion and compression increase and decreases the size of the member and helps to grip the bush/ grass.

[0033] Upon gripping said bush/ grass, the microcontroller actuates a motorized slider installed in between the platform 1 and robotic arms 3 for translating the robotic arms 3, resulting in movement of the gripped bush/ grass towards a motorized roller installed on second portion of the platform 1. The motorized slider consists of a motor, and a rail unit integrated with ball bearings to allow smooth linear movement. The microcontroller actuates the slider to provide movement to the robotic arms 3 towards the roller. As the motor rotates the rotational motion of the motor is converted into linear motion through a pair of belts and linkages.

[0034] This linear motion provides a stable track and allows the robotic arm along with the member to move said gripped bush/ grass towards the roller for initiating shredding operation. Plurality of motorized horizontal blades are attached with the roller, each via a hinge joint for cutting said bush/ grass. The microcontroller synchronously activates a tactile sensor mapped on said blades to detect hardness of said bush/ grass. The tactile sensor employs various sensing units, such as resistive, capacitive, or piezoelectric, to detect changes in pressure or force applied to the sensor. The tactile sensor is designed with a flexible and deformable structure to conform to the contours of the grass/ bush. This flexibility allows the sensor to make effective contact with the surface, ensuring accurate readings.

[0035] Multiple sensing elements are arranged in an array to provide spatial information about the applied pressure across the sensor surface by the workpiece. This array allows for more detailed and nuanced readings, especially on irregular surfaces. The microcontroller converts this force into an electrical signal, typically resistance or capacitance, which is proportional to the applied force. The raw data collected by the sensor is processed by the microcontroller to extract meaningful information about the hardness of the grass/ bush. Based on the detected hardness of the grass/ bush, the microcontroller actuates said roller to rotate with an optimum speed in view of cutting said grass/ bush into multiple pieces.

[0036] The blade is equipped with a sharp cutting tool, such as a blade or a rotary cutter, which is driven by an electric motor. The roller is equipped with multiple joints and actuators that allows the roller to rotate and orient the blades with great precision. The blade makes a precise and controlled cut, shredding the grass/ bush into multiple pieces that are further collected in a detachable box configured on back portion of the roller, thereby facilitating the user to utilize the shred grass into multiple activities like gardening, firewood.

[0037] In the device discussed above, there is a battery associated with the device that supplies current to all the components that need electric power to perform their functions and operation in an efficient manner. The battery utilized here is generally a dry battery which is made up of Lithium-ion material that gives the device a long-lasting as well as an efficient DC (Direct Current) current which helps every component to function properly in an efficient manner. The device is battery-operated and does not need any electrical voltage to function. Hence the presence of the battery leads to the portability of the device i.e., the user is able to place as well as move the device from one place to another as per the requirements.

[0038] The present invention works best in the following manner, where the platform 1 as disclosed in the invention is configured with multiple motorized wheels for maneuvering the platform 1 over ground surface. The laser sensor detects the level the surface and accordingly the microcontroller actuates the rods for stabilizing the platform 1 over the surface. The imaging unit 2 detects the presence and dimensions of bush/ grass accommodated by the user over the platform 1 based on which the microcontroller actuates plurality of robotic arms 3 to extend for positioning the C-shaped extendable member in proximity to said bush/ grass. The motorized drawer arrangement is actuated by the microcontroller to extend/ retract for enclosing the grass/ bush within said member, followed by actuation of the slider for translating the robotic arms 3, resulting in movement of the gripped bush/ grass towards the roller. Upon positioning of the bush/ grass said microcontroller activates the tactile sensor to detect hardness of the bush/ grass, based on which the microcontroller actuates the roller to rotate with an optimum speed in view of shredding the bush/ grass into pieces via the blades.

[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 individuals skilled in the art upon reference to the description of the invention. , Claims:1) An automated grass/ bush shredding device, comprising:

i) a platform 1 having a first and second portion associated with said device to accommodate bushes and grass, configured with multiple motorized wheels to maneuver said platform 1 over a ground surface, wherein an laser sensor is installed over said platform 1 to determine level of said surface and sends acquired data to a microcontroller linked with said laser sensor that in turn activates a telescopically operated rod attached in between each of said wheels and platform 1 to stabilize said platform 1 over said surface;
ii) an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 2 installed on said platform 1 and paired with a processor for capturing and processing multiple images of surroundings, respectively to detect presence and dimensions of said bush and grass over said platform 1, wherein based on which an inbuilt microcontroller actuates plurality of robotic gripper installed on first portion of said platform 1 to extend for positioning a C-shaped extendable member attached with each of said robotic arm in proximity to said bush/ grass;
iii) a motorized drawer arrangement integrated within said member that is actuated by said microcontroller to extend/ retract for enclosing said grass/ bush within said member, followed by actuation of a motorized slider installed in between said platform 1 and robotic arms 3 for translating said robotic arms 3, resulting in movement of said gripped bush/ grass towards a motorized roller installed on second portion of said platform 1; and
iv) plurality of motorized horizontal blades attached with said roller, each via a hinge joint, wherein a tactile sensor is installed on said blades to detect hardness of said bush/ grass, based on which said microcontroller actuates said roller to rotate with an optimum speed in view of shredding said bush/ grass into pieces.

2) The device as claimed in claim 1, a detachable box is configured on back portion of said roller for receiving said shredded grass/ bush that is further utilized by said user to utilize said shred grass into multiple activities like gardening, firewood.

3) 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.

Documents