HAND-HELD FRUIT SLICE EXTRACTING DEVICE

Abstract

A hand-held fruit slice extracting device, comprising a body 101 having a U-shaped handle 102 accessed by a user for gripping the body 101, a hollow cylindrical member 103 arranged on the body 101 positioned in proximity to a fruit, a microphone 104 configured with the body 101 for receiving users voice commands, an imaging unit 105 mapped within the body 101 to detect dimensions and type of fruit, a holographic projection unit 106 mapped within the body 101 for guiding the user to position the body 101 in contact with the fruit, a tactile sensor 107 mapped on the member 103 to detect fruit hardness, plurality of electromagnetic springs 108 configured between the body 101 and member 103 for inserting the member 103 within the fruit via sharp-edged blade 109 fabricated with the member 103 and a speaker 110 mounted on the body 101 for notifying the user.

Specification

Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a hand-held fruit slice extracting device that is capable of extracting fruit slice in accordance with a user-desired shape by applying an optimal pressure on the fruit slice in an appropriate and precise manner.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Slicing fruits involves cutting them into smaller, more manageable pieces, such as slices or wedges. This process is essential for facilitating consumption, as it makes fruits easier to eat without the need for additional preparation like peeling or coring. Sliced fruits are also visually appealing and can be arranged attractively on plates or platters, enhancing the presentation of dishes. Furthermore, slicing promotes portion control by allowing individuals to monitor their intake more effectively. Additionally, it enhances the texture and flavor of fruits, making them more palatable, and opens up opportunities for using them in various culinary applications. Overall, slicing fruits plays a crucial role in making them more accessible, visually appealing, flavorful, and versatile for consumption and culinary creativity.

[0003] Traditional methods for slicing fruits typically involve the use of a sharp knife and cutting board, where fruits are manually sliced into desired shapes and sizes. Alternatively, handheld tools such as peelers, corers, and slicers may be utilized for specific fruits like apples, pineapples, or melons. These methods offer flexibility and precision, allowing individuals to customize slices according to preference. Traditional fruit slicing methods, reliant on knives and handheld tools like peelers and corers, offer flexibility and precision but come with limitations such as manual labour, safety concerns, and limited versatility. Thus, there is a need to develop a device that optimizes the slicing process, ensuring precise, consistent, and safe slicing of fruits while also accommodating a wide range of fruit varieties and shapes, thereby enhancing efficiency and user experience.

[0004] US6058610A discloses a simplified cutter for providing decorative pieces to enhance the visual appearance of various dishes. The cutter comprises a hallow cylindrical member secured to a disk shaped lip member. A series of shaped cutter elements are secured to the inside surface of the cylindrical member. In operation, the cutter is positioned on the top portion of the item being cut, such as carrots, and the user presses down on the lip, or collar, portion. The vertically extending cutter surfaces cut the item along the length of the item, remainder of the item having a center portion with the circumference having a shape corresponding to the mirror image of the cutter surface. Although, US'610 provides simplified cutter for providing decorative pieces to enhance the visual appearance of various dishes, however the cutter is restricted in cutting only a particular shape on the dishes and so the cutter lacks in cutting the dishes as per the user-desired dimensions.

[0005] US20160044928A1 discloses a food cutter has a cutting portion and a movable portion that is movable between a first position in which the movable portion is raised relative to the cutting portion and a second position in which the movable position is lowered relative to the cutting portion. The cutting portion comprises an upstanding wall with a blade formed on a distal end of the upstanding wall. The movable portion is arranged generally traverse to the upstanding wall. A biasing member extends continuously from the upstanding wall to the movable portion. The biasing member urges the movable portion to the first position when the movable portion is moved to the second position. Although US'928 provides a food cutter for cutting food substance e.g., fruit, however the cutter is limited in cutting the food substance as per the dimensions of the food substance that the user desires.

[0006] Conventionally, many devices have been developed for cutting fruit however these devices do not perform cutting of the fruit as per the shape and dimensions the user desires, resulting in limitations such as inconsistent slicing and the inability to achieve customized shapes or sizes of the fruit.

[0007] In order to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks, there exists a need in the art to develop a device that allows precise and customizable cutting of fruit, thereby allowing the user to achieve desired shapes and dimensions with ease and accuracy.

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 extract fruit slice in accordance with a user-desired shape by applying an optimal pressure on the fruit slice in an appropriate and precise manner.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to develop a device that detect hardness of the fruit to evaluate a proper amount of pressure that is to be applied for extracting slices from the fruit.

[0011] Another object of the present invention is to develop a device that provide audible notification to the user to provide an optimum amount of pressure for extracting slice from the fruit.

[0012] Yet another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is light-in-weight, 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 a hand-held fruit slice extracting device that detect hardness of a fruit and accordingly evaluating a proper amount of pressure that is to be applied for extracting slices from the fruit.

[0015] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a hand-held fruit slice extracting device comprises of a body having an inverted U-shaped handle that is accessed by a user for acquiring a grip over the body, wherein a free end of the body is arranged with a hollow cylindrical member via a bowl-shaped structure that is positioned by a user in proximity to a fruit, a microphone configured with the body for receiving voice commands of a user regarding a specific shape and design of slice that the user desires to extract from the fruit, wherein an inbuilt microcontroller actuates plurality of motorized hinge joints integrated within the member to modulate shape of the member for acquiring the user-specified shape, an artificial intelligence based imaging unit mapped within the body in sync with an optical sensor configured on the body to detect dimensions and type of the fruit, a holographic projection unit mapped within the body to project a holographic image for guiding the user to position the body in contact with the fruit, a tactile sensor mapped on the member to detect hardness of the fruit.

[0016] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the proposed device further comprises of plurality of electromagnetic springs configured in between the body and structure to energize the springs to extend for inserting the member within the fruit via sharp-edged blade fabricated in bottom portion of the member, a speaker mounted on the body for notifying the user to provide an optimum amount of pressure on the body for extracting slice from the fruit, a pressure sensor embedded on the member for detecting pressure applied by the user, a cushioned pad is fabricated in the handle for providing a comfortable gripping experience to the user while handling the body 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 a hand-held fruit slice extracting device; and
Figure 2 illustrates an isometric view of an inner portion of a hollow cylindrical member 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 a hand-held fruit slice extracting device that is capable of extracting fruit slice from fruit by evaluating an optimal pressure that is to be applied on the fruit for extracting the portion as per the requirement of a user in a precise manner.

[0023] Referring to Figure 1 and Figure 2, a perspective view of a hand-held fruit slice extracting device and an isometric view of an inner portion of a hollow cylindrical member associated with the proposed device are illustrated, respectively comprising a body 101 having an inverted U-shaped handle 102 accessed by a user for gripping the body 101, a hollow cylindrical member 103 arranged at free end of the body 101, a microphone 104 configured with the body 101, an artificial intelligence based imaging unit 105 mapped within the body 101, a holographic projection unit 106 mapped within the body 101, a tactile sensor 107 mapped on the member 103 to, plurality of electromagnetic springs 108 configured in between the body 101 and member 103, a sharp-edged blade 109 fabricated in bottom portion of the member 103, a speaker 110 mounted on the body 101 and plurality of motorized hinge joints 201 integrated within the member 103.

[0024] The proposed device herein comprises of a body 101 having an inverted U-shaped handle 102 that is accessed by a user for acquiring a grip over the body 101, wherein a free end of the body 101 is arranged with a hollow cylindrical member 103 via a bowl-shaped structure that is positioned by a user in proximity to a fruit. The body 101 is constructed using durable and lightweight materials such as high-grade plastic polymers, reinforced with elements like fiberglass for strength and rigidity. A cushioned pad is fabricated in the handle 102 for providing a comfortable gripping experience to the user while handling the body 101.

[0025] A microphone 104 is configured with the body 101 for receiving voice commands of a user regarding a specific shape and design of slice that the user desires to extract from the fruit. The microphone 104 works as a transducer that converts sound waves into audio signal. The microphone 104 on receiving the input from the user converts the input signal into electrical signal and sends it to an inbuilt microcontroller associated with the device.

[0026] The microcontroller on processing the user-specified voice commands and actuates plurality of motorized hinge joints 201 (at least two hinge joints) integrated within the member 103 to modulate shape of the member 103 for acquiring the user-specified shape. The motorized hinge joint 201 comprises of a pair of leaf that is screwed with the surfaces of the member 103. The leaf are connected with each other by means of a cylindrical member integrated with a shaft coupled with a DC (Direct Current) motor to provide required movement to the hinge joint 201. The rotation of the shaft in clockwise and anti-clockwise aids in opening and closing of the hinge joint 201 respectively. Hence the microcontroller actuates the hinge joint 201 that in turn provides movement to the member 103 for acquiring the user-specified shape.

[0027] An artificial intelligence based imaging unit 105 is mapped within the body 101 in sync with an optical sensor configured on the body 101 that is actuated by the microcontroller to detect dimensions and type of the fruit. 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 the microcontroller.

[0028] The microcontroller simultaneously actuates the optical sensor configured on the body 101 to detect dimensions and type of the fruit. The optical sensor operates consists of a light source, a photodetector, and associated circuitry. When light interacts with the target material, it undergoes changes in reflection, absorption, or scattering, depending on the material's properties. The optical sensor emits light from its source onto the fruit and measures the reflected or transmitted light using the photodetector. This photodetector converts the light signal into an electrical signal, which is then processed by the sensor's circuitry to extract relevant information, such as dimensions, color, or surface characteristics of the target material. By analyzing these variations in light intensity or wavelength, the optical sensor sends signal to the microcontroller which processes both the signals received from the imaging unit 105 and the optical sensor for determining dimensions and type of the fruit and accordingly evaluating an optimal place where slices are to be extracted from the fruit.

[0029] A holographic projection unit 106 is mapped within the body 101 that is actuated by the microcontroller to project a holographic image for guiding the user to position the body 101 in contact with the fruit. The holographic projection unit 106 is a three-dimensional (3D) display that projects a hologram in three dimensions. It is a kind of projector that forms a 3D image using a laser, which is seen from different angles. The holographic projection unit 106 results from combining a laser beam, a lens, and a piece of glass. The hologram is formed when the laser hits the glass, and the beam bounces back again. When the light hits the glass, it is split into two polarized beams, one right and one left. Thus, the projection unit 106 projects holographic image for guiding the user to position the body 101 in contact with the fruit.

[0030] The microcontroller then activates a tactile sensor 107 mapped on the member 103 to detect hardness of the fruit. The tactile sensor 107 detects the hardness of the fruit by measuring the force of contact between the sensor and the fruit. The sensor is typically a small, flat component that is placed against the fruit and then pressed down. As the force of contact increases, the sensor measures the amount of pressure being applied and sends a signal to the microcontroller. The microcontroller then interprets the signal and determines the hardness of the fruit based on which the microcontroller evaluates a proper amount of pressure that is to be applied for extracting slices from the fruit.

[0031] Plurality of electromagnetic springs 108 (at least four electromagnetic springs) are configured in between the body 101 and member 103 that is actuated by the microcontroller to energize the springs 108 to extend for inserting the member 103 within the fruit via sharp-edged blade 109 fabricated in bottom portion of the member 103. The electromagnetic springs 108 consists of electromagnetic coils where upon the passing of current the coil generates a magnetic field and the coil is magnetized that generates a magnetic force. The magnetic force creates electromagnetic attraction leading to expanding and compressing of springs 108 that extends for inserting the member 103 within the fruit via sharp-edged blade 109 fabricated in bottom portion of the member 103.

[0032] A speaker 110 is mounted on the body 101 and activated by the microcontroller for notifying the user to provide an optimum amount of pressure on the body 101 for detecting pressure applied by the user. The pressure sensor includes a transducer, such extracting slice from the fruit. Further, a pressure sensor is embedded on the member 103 for that when the user positions the body 101 on the fruit, then force is applied by the user. The exerted force causes deflection within a diaphragm inside the transducer. The deflection is monitored by the transducer and is further converted into an electric signal that is received by the microcontroller. The microcontroller processes the received pressure and detects the pressure applied by the user. In case the detected pressure applied by the user mismatches with the evaluated pressure, the microcontroller directs the speaker 110 to guide the user in order to extract slice from the fruit in an effective manner.

[0033] 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.

[0034] The present invention works best in the following manner, where the body 101 having an inverted U-shaped handle 102 accessed by a user for acquiring a grip over the body 101, wherein a free end of the body 101 is arranged with a hollow cylindrical member 103 via a bowl-shaped structure that is positioned by a user in proximity to a fruit. The microphone 104 is configured with the body 101 for receiving voice commands of a user regarding a specific shape and design of slice that the user desires to extract from the fruit. The imaging unit 105 in sync with an optical sensor configured on the body 101 to detect dimensions and type of the fruit. The holographic projection unit 106 project a holographic image for guiding the user to position the body 101 in contact with the fruit. The microcontroller then activates the tactile sensor 107 to detect hardness of the fruit. Plurality of electromagnetic springs 108 are configured in between the body 101 and member 103 that is actuated by the microcontroller to energize the springs 108 to extend for inserting the member 103 within the fruit via sharp-edged blade 109 fabricated in bottom portion of the member 103. The speaker 110 notifying the user to provide an optimum amount of pressure on the body 101 for detecting pressure applied by the user and in case the detected pressure applied by the user mismatches with the evaluated pressure, the microcontroller directs the speaker 110 to guide the user in order to extract slice from the fruit in an effective manner.

[0035] 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) A hand-held fruit slice extracting device, comprising:

i) a body 101 having an inverted U-shaped handle 102 that is accessed by a user for acquiring a grip over said body 101, wherein a free end of said body 101 is arranged with a hollow cylindrical member 103 via a bowl-shaped structure that is positioned by a user in proximity to a fruit;
ii) a microphone 104 configured with said body 101 for receiving voice commands of a user regarding a specific shape and design of slice that said user desires to extract from said fruit, wherein an inbuilt microcontroller processes said user-specified voice commands and actuates plurality of motorized hinge joints 201 integrated within said member 103 to modulate shape of said member 103 for acquiring said user-specified shape;
iii) an artificial intelligence based imaging unit 105 mapped within said body 101 and paired with a processor for capturing and processing multiple images of surroundings, respectively in sync with an optical sensor configured on said body 101 to detect dimensions and type of said fruit, in accordance to which said microcontroller evaluates an optimal place where slices are to be extracted from said fruit;
iv) a holographic projection unit 106 mapped within said body 101 that is actuated by said microcontroller to project a holographic image for guiding said user to position said body 101 in contact with said fruit, followed by activation of a tactile sensor 107 mapped on said member 103 to detect hardness of said fruit based on which said microcontroller evaluates a proper amount of pressure that is to be applied for extracting slices from said fruit;
v) plurality of electromagnetic springs 108 configured in between said body 101 and member 103 that is actuated by said microcontroller to energize said springs 108 to extend for inserting said member 103 within said fruit via sharp-edged blade 109 fabricated in bottom portion of said member 103; and
vi) a speaker 110 mounted on said body 101 and activated by said microcontroller for notifying said user to provide an optimum amount of pressure on said body 101 for extracting slice from said fruit, wherein a pressure sensor is embedded on said member 103 for detecting pressure applied by said user, and in case said detected pressure mismatches with said evaluated pressure, said microcontroller directs said speaker 110 to guide said user in order to extract slice from said fruit in an effective manner.

2) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a cushioned pad is fabricated in said handle 102 for providing a comfortable gripping experience to said user while handling said body 101.

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.

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