DEVICE FOR CUTTING LEAVES FROM ONIONS

Abstract

A device for cutting leaves comprises of a cuboidal frame 1 having four motorized omnidirectional wheels underneath the frame 1, for a locomotion of the frame 1, a cutting blade 2 attached to an upper end of the frame 1 by a pair of primary sliders, a sensing module provided on the frame 1, detects a length of the leaves of the onions in the frame 1, to trigger a microcontroller to actuate the primary sliders to move the cutting blade 2 across said frame 1 to cut an excess length of the leaves, if the detected length is higher than a threshold length.

Specification

Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a device for cutting leaves from onions that is capable of cutting an excess length of a leaves of onions by detecting length of the leaves of the onions in an automated manner, thereby handling the whole process with minimal human intervention.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Harvested onions have long leaves on the top side of the onion body, and it is necessary to cut the leaves at the base of the leaves at the time of shipment. Conventionally, the onion leaves are usually cut one by one with scissors. The current situation is that it is done manually. By the way, at the time of onion shipment, it is necessary to perform a large amount of onion leaf excision work in a short period of time, and the above-mentioned leaf excision work by scissors (manual operation) has a very poor work efficiency and the excision work It will be very tiring work to continue for a long time. So there is the need of the invention which is able to provide the solution of the problem in an automated manner with minimal human intervention.

[0003] Traditional methods which are used for cutting leaves are scissors, blades, etc. but these methods are not relevant for cutting leaves from onions because these methods work in manual way and take more efforts of the user and require skilled person in cutting process. The existing traditional methods are lack in monitoring length of the leaves of the onions and fails in handling the whole process in an automated manner.

[0004] JP2015186459A To provide a leaf cutter for onions, the leaf cutter capable of cutting off the root part of onion leaves with a clean cut area. The leaf cutter includes: a leafed onion transfer device which can send leafed onions T back with the leaves Tb hanging downward; and a leaf cutting device which cuts the root part of the leafed onions T at a position near the terminal end of the leafed onion transfer device. Near the upper part of the leaf cutting device, there is installed a delivery device which delivers the leafed onions to the rear part of the leaf cutting device while holding the onion body a of the leafed onions discharged from the terminal end of the leafed onion transfer device. Also, a posture changing device is installed which changes a tilted posture to a perpendicular posture of the leafed onions with roots T that are delivered to the part of the leaf cutting device of a leaf removal unit. As a result, the leaf cutter is capable of cleanly cutting off the root part of the leaves (cutting at right angled to the axial line of the onion bodies).

[0005] US20040216441A1 An orientation system for vegetables includes a plurality of rotating rollers that both pull the vegetable into an inverted position, with leafy top down, and advance the vegetable along the length of the rollers to deliver the vegetables to a cutting system. The orientation system may be included in a vegetable harvester and topper or may be used separate from the harvester vehicle. The orientation system preferably has a plurality of orientation roller pairs, made up of first and second counter-rotating orientation rollers. These rollers may include strips of elastomeric fingers or other protrusions that engage the leafy top and pull it downward. Preferably, one of the rollers may also have a vegetable advancing spiral that moves the vegetables in "auger-style" by pushing the vegetables along in front of the rotating spiral. These rollers deliver the vegetables to the cutting system in the inverted position, so that the leafy top, when cut off, falls down to a trash removal system and the vegetable roots/bulbs' momentum carries them past the cutting system into another portion of the harvester for further processing or collection.

[0006] Conventionally, many devices have been developed for cutting leaves that are capable of removing leaves from the onions. However, these existing devices are incapable of providing a means to cut an excess length of a leaves of onions by monitoring length of the leaves of the onions, thereby handling the whole process in an automated manner. Additionally, the existing devices are insufficient in determining stale onion and accordingly compressing the onions with cut leaves to make space for cutting of more the onions.

[0007] In order to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks, there exists a need in the art to develop a device that is capable of cutting an excess length of a leaves of onions by detecting length of the leaves of the onions in an automated manner, thereby handling the whole process with minimal human intervention.

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 providing a means to cut an excess length of a leaves of onions by monitoring length of the leaves of the onions, thereby handling the whole process in an automated manner.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of determining stale onion and accordingly compressing the onions with cut leaves to make space for cutting of more the onions.

[0011] Another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is reliable 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 a device for cutting leaves that is capable of providing a means to cut an excess length of a leaves of onions by monitoring length of the leaves of the onions, thereby handling the whole process in an automated manner.

[0014] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a device for cutting leaves comprises of a cuboidal frame having four motorized omnidirectional wheels underneath the frame, for a locomotion of the frame, a cutting blade attached to an upper end of the frame by a pair of primary sliders, a sensing module provided on the frame, detects a length of the leaves of the onions in the frame, to trigger a microcontroller to actuate the primary sliders to move the cutting blade across said frame to cut an excess length of the leaves, if the detected length is higher than a threshold length.

[0015] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the proposed device further comprises of multiple of vertical rectangular flaps attached within the frame by secondary sliders, a flap is moved by its respective secondary sliders to compress the onions with cut leaves against a side of the frame, to make space for cutting of more the onions, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit installed on the frame and integrated with a processor for recording and processing images in a vicinity of the frame, to determine a stale onion to trigger a speaker provided on the frame to generate an audio alert for a user regarding a removal of the stale onion, 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 a device for cutting leaves from onions.

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 a device for cutting leaves from onions that is capable of cutting an excess length of a leaves of onions by detecting length of the leaves of the onions in an automated manner, thereby handling the whole process with minimal human intervention.

[0022] Referring to Figure 1, an isometric view of a device for cutting leaves from onions illustrated, comprising a cuboidal frame 1, a cutting blade 2 attached to an upper end of the frame 1 and an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 3 installed on the frame 1.

[0023] The device disclosed herein, comprises of a cuboidal frame 1 having four motorized omnidirectional wheels underneath the frame 1, for a locomotion of the frame 1. The wheels actuated by an inbuilt microcontroller or a locomotion of the frame 1. The wheels move independently on the 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 it to move on any type of surface with high agility and versatility.

[0024] Further, a laser sensor installed on the frame 1 that is actuated by the microcontroller detecting a length of the leaves of the onions in the frame 1. The laser sensor activates and emits a focused and narrow beam toward the mouth portion of leaves. When the laser beam strikes the surface of the leaves, it gets reflected back towards the sensor. The receiver of the laser sensor captures the reflected light and employs a time-of-flight measurement principle to determine the length of the leaves of the onions.

[0025] If the detected length is higher than a threshold length, a cutting blade 2 attached to an upper end of said frame 1 via a pair of primary sliders that is actuated by the microcontroller to move the cutting blade 2 across the frame 1 to cut an excess length of the leaves. The slider consists of a motor, and a rail unit integrated with ball bearings to allow smooth linear movement. As the motor rotates the rotational motion of the motor is converted into linear motion through a pair of belts and linkages. This linear motion provides a stable track and allows the cutting blade 2 to move across the frame 1 to cut an excess length of the leaves.

[0026] At the same instant of time, plurality of vertical rectangular flaps attached within the frame 1 by secondary sliders, wherein a flap is moved by its respective secondary sliders to compress the onions with cut leaves against a side of the frame 1, to make space for cutting of more the onions. The secondary sliders mentioned herein works by using the same working method as primary sliders to compress the onions with cut leaves to make space for cutting of more the onions.

[0027] Simultaneously, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 3 installed on the frame 1 that is actuated by an inbuilt microcontroller for multiple images in a vicinity of the frame 1 to determine a stale onion. The artificial intelligence based imaging unit 3 is constructed with a camera lens and a processor, wherein the camera lens is adapted to capture a series of images of the surrounding present in proximity to the frame 1.

[0028] The processor carries out a sequence of image processing operations including pre-processing, feature extraction, and classification. The image captured by the imaging unit 3 is real-time images of the frame 1's surrounding. The artificial intelligence based imaging unit 3 transmits the captured image signal in the form of digital bits to the microcontroller. The microcontroller upon receiving the image signals compares the received image signal with the pre-fed data stored in a database and constantly determines a stale onion.

[0029] Based on determined stale onion, the microcontroller activates a speaker provided on the frame 1 to generate an audio alert for a user regarding a removal of the stale onion. The speaker is capable of producing clear and natural sound and is capable of adjusting its volume based on ambient noise levels. The speaker consists of audio information, which is in the form of recorded voice, synthesized voice, or other sounds, generated or stored as digital data. This data is often in the form of an audio file.

[0030] The digital audio data is sent to a digital-to-analog converter (DAC). The DAC converts the digital data into analog electrical signals. The analog signal is often weak and needs to be amplified. An amplifier boosts the strength to a level so that the speaker drives it effectively. The amplified audio signal is then sent to the speaker. The core of the speaker is an electromagnet attached to a flexible cone. These sound waves travel through the air as pressure waves and are picked by the user's ear.

[0031] Further, a microphone, linked with the microcontroller, provided on the frame 1 for receiving an audio command from the user. The microphone plays a crucial role by converting spoken words or commands into electrical signals which are then processed and analyzed to trigger specific actions. When the user speaks or commands, their vocal cords vibrate, creating sound waves. These sound waves travel through the air as variations in air pressure. The microphone mentioned herein is a transducer that converts these variations in air into electric signals. The analog electrical signal is converted into digital form which is done by an analog-to-digital converter (ADC). The digital signal is then subjected to various signal processing techniques to enhance voice quality and eliminate noise.

[0032] A battery is associated with the device to supply power to electrically powered components which are employed herein. The battery is comprised of a pair of electrode named as a cathode and an anode. The battery use a chemical reaction of oxidation/reduction to do work on charge and produce a voltage between their anode and cathode and thus produces electrical energy that is used to do work in the device.

[0033] The present invention works well in following manner, where the proposed device for cutting leaves comprises of the cuboidal frame 1 having four motorized omnidirectional wheels, for the locomotion of the frame 1, the cutting blade 2 attached to the upper end of the frame 1 by the pair of primary sliders, the sensing module, detects the length of the leaves of the onions in the frame 1, to trigger the microcontroller to actuate the primary sliders to move the cutting blade 2 across said frame 1 to cut the excess length of the leaves, if the detected length is higher than the threshold length. Further, multiple of vertical rectangular flaps by secondary sliders, the flap with secondary sliders to compress the onions with cut leaves against the side of the frame 1, to make space for cutting of more the onions, the artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 3 for recording and processing images in the vicinity of the frame 1, to determine the stale onion to trigger the speaker to generate the audio alert for the user regarding the removal of the stale onion, the battery for powering up electrical and electronically operated components associated with the device.

[0034] Although the field of the invention has been described herein with limited reference to specific embodiments, this description is not meant to be construed in a limiting sense. Various modifications of the disclosed embodiments, as well as alternate embodiments of the invention, will become apparent to persons skilled in the art upon reference to the description of the invention. , Claims:1) A device for cutting leaves from onions, comprising:

i) a cuboidal frame 1 having four motorized omnidirectional wheels underneath said frame 1, for a locomotion of said frame 1;
ii) a cutting blade 2 attached to an upper end of said frame 1 by a pair of primary sliders, wherein, a sensing module provided on said frame 1, detects a length of said leaves of said onions in said frame 1, to trigger a microcontroller to actuate said primary sliders to move said cutting blade 2 across said frame 1 to cut an excess length of said leaves, if said detected length is higher than a threshold length;
iii) plurality of vertical rectangular flaps attached within said frame 1 by secondary sliders, wherein a flap is moved by its respective secondary sliders to compress said onions with cut leaves against a side of said frame 1, to make space for cutting of more said onions; and
iv) an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 3 installed on said frame 1 and integrated with a processor for recording and processing images in a vicinity of said frame 1, to determine a stale onion to trigger a speaker provided on said frame 1 to generate an audio alert for a user regarding a removal of said stale onion.

2) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said sensing module comprises a laser sensor for detecting said length of said leaves.

3) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a microphone, linked with said microcontroller, provided on said frame 1 for receiving an audio command from said user to trigger said microcontroller to actuate said primary sliders and said secondary sliders in view of operating said device.

4) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a wi-fi module, linked with said microcontroller, is provided on said frame 1 for enabling said user to remotely trigger said microcontroller to actuate said primary sliders and said secondary sliders in view of operating said device by connecting with a computing unit.

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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