CROP REAPING MACHINE

Abstract

The present invention discloses a compact, semi-automatic crop reaping machine (1) designed for efficient harvesting of cereal crops. The machine includes a harvester blade arrangement (11) with dual blades (12, 17), where a motor (22) and cam mechanism (24) convert rotational motion into oscillating action for precise, scissoring-style cutting. A camera (41) and control unit (51) monitor the cutting area, detecting obstacles and transmitting alerts to a display unit (31) to assist the operator. Adjustable handles (4a, 4b) on rods (3a, 3b) enhance control, while a power supply within a protective cover (7) provides continuous power to the motor, control unit, camera, and display. This invention improves harvesting speed, safety, and ease, reducing manual effort in diverse agricultural settings.

Specification

Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[001] The present invention relates to agricultural machinery, specifically to a semi-automatic crop cutting machine designed for efficient cutting of stems or bast in cereal crops. This machine integrates a motor, a harvester scissor blade arrangement, a camera, and a display unit, allowing for precise crop cutting operations.

BACKGROUND OF THE ART
[002] In conventional agricultural practices, the harvesting of cereal crops, such as wheat, rice, and barley, is often carried out manually by farmers using basic tools like sickles. This labour-intensive process requires significant physical effort and time, as farmers must cut each stalk individually or in small clusters. Manual harvesting also exposes workers to potential risks, such as repetitive strain injuries and prolonged exposure to environmental elements. Additionally, this method is susceptible to inconsistency in cutting, leading to potential yield losses and reduced efficiency. These challenges have led to an increased demand for mechanized solutions that can alleviate the burden of manual labour in crop harvesting.

[003] Several tools and conventional methods currently assist farmers in harvesting cereal crops, including handheld sickles, scythes, and basic motorized machines like reapers and combine harvesters. While reapers can automate part of the cutting process, they often lack precision, and their high cost restricts accessibility for small-scale farmers. Combine harvesters, though efficient, are primarily designed for large-scale operations, requiring substantial capital investment and operating costs. Consequently, small and medium-scale farmers are left with limited mechanized options that cater specifically to their needs, underscoring the necessity for an accessible, semi-automatic crop-cutting device tailored to improve harvesting efficiency and safety.

[004] Farmers encounter several challenges during the harvesting of cereal crops, many of which are exacerbated by manual labour. The physical demands of bending, cutting, and gathering crops over extended periods can lead to fatigue, musculoskeletal disorders, and decreased productivity. Additionally, manual harvesting is time-consuming and vulnerable to delays due to unfavourable weather conditions, which can adversely affect crop quality and yield. Inconsistent cutting heights and crop losses are also common issues that reduce overall efficiency and profitability. Limited access to affordable mechanized solutions further hinders small and medium-scale farmers from overcoming these difficulties, highlighting a pressing need for a practical and accessible harvesting device.

[005] Various types crop cutting machines and weed removal machines have been developed and available in the existing art. For example, one prior art is a Japanese Patent Application JP2012170404, which discloses a mechanized device for harvesting cereal crops. This invention describes a crop-cutting apparatus equipped with a motor-driven blade system designed to automate the cutting process, thereby reducing the labor involved in manual harvesting. However, a significant disadvantage of this device is its lack of adaptability to varying crop heights and densities, which results in inconsistent cutting levels and potential crop damage. This limitation reduces the device's efficiency and may lead to yield loss, especially for small and medium-scale farmers requiring precision in harvesting.

[006] Another prior art is PCT Application WO2022190832, which discloses a harvesting device positioned at the front end of a fuselage for cutting crops. This invention features a protruding portion extending from at least one end face of the harvester in a left-right direction, as well as a light-emitting device that projects light forward from this end surface. The light-emitting device is mounted above the protruding portion, creating a specific gap between the two in the vertical direction to assist in guiding the harvest. However, a disadvantage of this design is that the reliance on a fixed light-emitting device and protruding portion can limit adaptability to different crop densities and heights, potentially resulting in uneven cutting and decreased harvest efficiency. This lack of flexibility may reduce the practicality of the device for farmers dealing with variable crop conditions.

[007] Yet another prior art is Chinese Patent Application CN205249818, which discloses a compact crop reaping apparatus classified within the field of agricultural appliances. This device includes an "L"-shaped trolley shoe with an hourglass-shaped mouth at the upper end, which is connected to a guide mechanism. The guide mechanism consists of a drop guide with a rectangular material inlet on one side and a pointed cutting component on the other, with a sloped material discharge section positioned between the inlet and the cutting part. A horizontally aligned linear electric motor is mounted at the bottom of the trolley shoe, connected to the drop guide to facilitate reaping operations. Additionally, an auxiliary assembly with a sloped guide part and a matching cutting groove enhances the alignment and cutting precision. While the structural design of this device integrates reaping and material collection, a disadvantage is its complex configuration, which may complicate maintenance and limit ease of use for small-scale farmers seeking a straightforward, low-maintenance solution for crop harvesting.

[008] To address the disadvantages associated with conventional harvesting methods and existing devices, the present invention introduces a mini semi-automatic reaper machine. This innovative solution is designed to enhance efficiency and adaptability in the harvesting process. The present invention is aimed to reduce the physical demands placed on farmers in particular for small and medium-scale agricultural operations.

OBJECTIVE OF THE PRESENT INVENTION
[009] Main aim of the present invention is to provide a crop reaping machine to minimize the physical strain on farmers by decreasing the manual labour required in the harvesting process, making it more accessible for small and medium-scale agricultural operations.

[010] Another objective of the present invention is to develop a mini semi-automatic crop reaper machine that increases the speed and efficiency of harvesting cereal crops compared to manual methods.

[011] Another objective of the present invention is to provide a motor-driven cam arrangement and a camera system in the reaping machine, to accurately assess crop type and stem thickness for optimal cutting performance.

[012] Yet another objective of the present invention is to design a harvesting device that can easily adapt to different crop types and growth conditions, ensuring consistent and effective cutting across a variety of cereal crops.

[013] Still another objective of the present invention is to develop a cost-effective solution that offers small and medium-scale farmers a practical alternative to expensive, large-scale harvesting machinery, enhancing their productivity and profitability.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[014] The following presents a simplified summary of the invention in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the invention. This summary is not an extensive overview of the present invention or delineates the scope of the invention. Its sole purpose is to present some concept of the invention in a simplified form as a prelude to a more detailed description of the invention presented later.

[015] The present invention addresses the need for an efficient and adaptable harvesting solution, especially suited for small and medium-scale farmers. By utilizing a motor-driven cam arrangement, it powers harvester scissors for precise, reliable crop cutting. A mounted camera provides real-time analysis of crop type and stem thickness, ensuring optimal cutting adjustments tailored to specific crop characteristics. This feature enhances harvesting accuracy, minimizes crop damage, and reduces manual labour, thereby offering farmers a practical, semi-automatic device that improves yield quality and operational efficiency.

[016] The present invention provides a crop reaping machine designed to enhance efficiency and ease in harvesting cereal crops. This innovative machine incorporates a harvester blade arrangement with dual blades, where one blade remains stationary while the other oscillates, simulating a scissoring motion to achieve precise crop cutting. The driving arrangement comprises a motor connected to a cam mechanism, which converts rotational motor motion into oscillatory movement for the lower blade, enabling efficient stem cutting.

[017] This semi-automatic reaper is equipped with a display unit and a camera linked to a control unit. The camera captures real-time images of the cutting area, which the control unit processes to detect obstacles. If an obstacle is identified, the control unit signals the display unit to alert the operator with an image, allowing for timely adjustments to avoid interruptions or damage during reaping.

[018] Further, the machine includes an adjustable handle system, enhancing user comfort and control, and a power supply unit housed within a protective cover to provide continuous power to all electronic components, including the motor, control unit, camera, and display. This crop reaping machine is compact, user-friendly, and efficient, significantly reducing the manual effort and time required for crop harvesting while providing enhanced safety and control through its semi-automatic features.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[019] The above and other aspects, features, and advantages of certain exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be more apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:
[020] Fig - 1A illustrates an isometric view of the crop reaping machine according to the present invention.

[021] Fig - 1B illustrates the side view of the crop reaping machine according to the present invention.

[022] Fig - 2 illustrates the bottom view of the crop reaping machine according to the present invention.

[023] Fig - 3A and 3B illustrates the exploded view of the crop reaping machine according to the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[024] The terms and words used in the following description and claims are not limited to the bibliographical meanings, but, are merely used by the inventor to enable a clear and consistent understanding of the invention. Accordingly, it should be apparent to those skilled in the art that the following description of exemplary embodiments of the present invention are provided for illustration purposes only and not for the purpose of limiting the invention as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

[025] FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B depict a crop reaping machine (1) according to the present invention. The crop reaping machine (1) includes a harvester blade arrangement (11), a driving arrangement (21), a display unit (31), and a camera (41), all connected to a control unit (51). The machine (1) is built on a metal platform (2), on which a pair of rods (3a, 3b) is mounted. The upper sections of the rods (3a, 3b) are equipped with adjustable and movable handles (4a, 4b), providing operational control. The driving arrangement (21), housed on the platform (2) and protected by a cover (7) with a lid (8), supports the harvester blade arrangement (11). The blades within this arrangement are operated by a cam integrated within the driving arrangement (21).

[026] FIG. 2 shows the bottom view of the crop reaping machine (1). A set of drive wheels (6) is mounted on a support (5) located on the underside of the platform (2), allowing ease of movement. The control unit (51) is also located on the platform's lower portion for operational stability and accessibility.

[027] FIG. 3A and FIG. 3B present the driving arrangement (21) and the harvester blade arrangement (11) in further detail. The harvester blade arrangement (11) comprises an upper cutter blade (12) and a lower cutter blade (17). The upper blade (12) has multiple teeth (13) at one end, with two mounting plates (15a, 15b) positioned at the other end. These plates (15a, 15b) secure the upper blade (12) to the platform (2) by fastening them to extended plates (16a, 16b) located on the platform's lower surface. The lower cutter blade (17) is mounted in a way that allows it to move beneath the upper cutter blade (12). The lower blade (17) also has multiple teeth (18) on one end, while a connecting plate (20) at the other end (19) links it to the driving arrangement (21).

[028] Referring specifically to FIG. 3B, the driving arrangement (21) includes a drive motor (22) mounted on the platform (2). A cam (24) is affixed to the motor shaft (23) with a pin (25) positioned eccentrically on the cam (24). This pin (25) fits operably into a slot (20a) on the connecting plate (20). A fulcrum pin (26) is located on the platform (2) and serves as a pivot for the connecting plate (20), which is linked via slot (20b). When the motor (22) is activated, it rotates the cam (24), converting rotational motion into oscillatory motion through the pin (25), which causes the lower cutter blade (17) to oscillate. This oscillating action of the lower blade (17) achieves a scissoring effect, effectively cutting crop stems.

[029] In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, a display unit (31) and a camera (41) are integrated into the crop reaping machine (1) and are connected to the control unit (51). A battery (not shown) located inside the cover (7) powers the motor, control unit, camera, and display unit. The camera (41) monitors the cutting process, transmitting footage to the control unit. Upon detecting an obstacle, the control unit analyzes its nature and sends a warning signal along with an image to the display unit, alerting the operator.

[030] The mini semi-automatic reaping machine disclosed in the present invention offers significant advantages over existing reaping machines. Its motor-driven cam system ensures precise, efficient cutting with minimal manual effort. The integrated camera and control unit provide real-time analysis and obstacle detection, enhancing safety and accuracy. Additionally, the compact and accessible design is user-friendly, suitable for small and medium-scale operations, and promotes ease of maintenance. Overall, this invention provides an economical and practical solution for enhancing agricultural productivity.
, Claims:WE CLAIM:
1. A crop reaping machine, comprising:
- a platform (2);
- a harvester blade arrangement (11) mounted on the platform (2), the harvester blade arrangement (11) including an upper cutter blade (12) and a lower cutter blade (17), wherein the upper cutter blade (12) is fixedly mounted and includes a plurality of teeth (13), and the lower cutter blade (17) is movably mounted beneath the upper cutter blade (12) and includes a plurality of teeth (18);
- a driving arrangement (21) mounted on the platform (2) and operably connected to the lower cutter blade (17) to provide oscillatory motion for cutting crops, the driving arrangement (21) comprising a drive motor (22) mounted on the platform (2), a cam (24) mounted on a motor shaft (23) of the drive motor (22), and a pin (25) eccentrically mounted on the cam (24) to convert the rotational motion of the motor into oscillatory motion of the lower cutter blade (17);
- a pair of handles (4a, 4b) adjustably mounted on rods (3a, 3b) extending from the platform (2);
- a display unit (31) and a camera (41) connected to a control unit (51) mounted on the platform (2), the camera (41) configured to capture images of the cutting process and transmit signals to the control unit (51) for real-time monitoring and obstacle detection; and
- a power supply unit housed within a cover (7) on the platform (2) to supply power to the motor (22), control unit (51), camera (41), and display unit (31).

2. The crop reaping machine as claimed in claim 1, wherein the platform (2) further comprises a set of drive wheels (6) mounted on a support (5) at the bottom of the platform (2) to facilitate mobility of the machine.

3. The crop reaping machine as claimed in claim 1, wherein the upper cutter blade (12) further includes mounting plates (15a, 15b) that are fastened to extended plates (16a, 16b) on the platform (2) to provide a fixed positioning for the upper cutter blade (12).

4. The crop reaping machine as claimed in claim 1, wherein the lower cutter blade (17) includes a connecting plate (20) that is operably mounted to the driving arrangement (21) through a slot (20a) for converting oscillatory motion to the blade.

5. The crop reaping machine as claimed in claim 1, wherein the driving arrangement (21) further comprises a fulcrum pin (26) positioned on the platform (2) to pivotally support the connecting plate (20) in cooperation with the cam (24) to generate the oscillating motion of the lower cutter blade (17).

6. The crop reaping machine as claimed in claim 1, wherein the camera (41) is positioned to capture images of the crop-cutting area, and the control unit (51) is programmed to analyse the images for obstacles in the crop reaping path.

7. The crop reaping machine as claimed in claim 1, wherein the power supply unit is a battery positioned within the cover (7) to supply uninterrupted power to the motor (22), control unit (51), camera (41), and display unit (31).

8. The crop reaping machine as claimed in claim 1, wherein the handles (4a, 4b) are configured to be movably adjustable on the rods (3a, 3b), allowing customization of handle positioning for ease of operation by the user.

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