NOVEL PORTABLE MOBILE POST-HARVEST PROCESSING UNITS FOR APPLE CROP

Abstract

This invention presents a mobile, solar-powered unit for on-site apple processing, designed to wash, grade, dry, wax, and package apples at the farm. With a water recycling system and AI-based sorting, the unit reduces post-harvest losses, improves apple quality, and supports eco-friendly practices by providing smallholder and remote farmers access to modern post-harvest technologies.

Specification

Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to post-harvest agricultural technology, specifically a mobile unit designed for the on-site processing, grading, sorting, cleaning, drying, waxing, and packaging of apple crops. It operates using renewable energy, enabling farmers to perform post-harvest activities directly at the farm, reducing transport requirements, preserving apple quality, and minimizing post-harvest losses.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Apple crops are highly perishable and prone to quality degradation due to improper handling, storage, and transport. Traditional post-harvest practices require transporting apples to centralized processing facilities, resulting in bruising, spoilage, and a decline in quality due to delays and exposure to unfavorable conditions. This is particularly challenging for apple farmers in remote or hilly regions, where transportation infrastructure is limited.
Current processing systems for apples often lack mobility, accessibility, and sustainable energy solutions, making them inaccessible for smallholder and remote farmers. Existing solutions fail to address on-site processing needs for apples, requiring significant resources for transport and leading to high rates of post-harvest loss. Therefore, there is a critical need for a portable, energy-efficient post-harvest processing unit tailored for apple crops that provides functionalities such as washing, grading, drying, waxing, and packaging at the source.
This invention provides a mobile post-harvest processing unit that operates primarily on solar power, integrates multiple processing functionalities, and offers a modular design that can be customized to meet specific needs. By enabling immediate on-site processing, this unit minimizes handling delays, preserves fruit quality, and supports sustainable agricultural practices.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts, in a simplified format, that are further described in the detailed description of the invention.
This summary is neither intended to identify key or essential inventive concepts of the invention and nor is it intended for determining the scope of the invention.
To further clarify advantages and features of the present invention, a more particular description of the invention will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof, which is illustrated in the appended drawings. It is appreciated that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope. The invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail with the accompanying drawings.
The invention presents a portable, solar-powered mobile post-harvest processing unit for apple crops, designed to perform washing, grading, sorting, drying, waxing, and packaging directly at the farm. The unit features a lightweight frame, water recycling, AI-based grading, and an optional cold storage compartment for prolonged freshness. This on-site processing unit reduces post-harvest losses, improves apple quality, and enables small-scale and remote farmers to access premium markets without relying on centralized facilities.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The illustrated embodiments of the subject matter will be understood by reference to the drawings, wherein like parts are designated by like numerals throughout. The following description is intended only by way of example, and simply illustrates certain selected embodiments of devices, systems, and methods that are consistent with the subject matter as claimed herein, wherein:
FIGURE 1: DEMONSTRATES THE APPLE PROCESSING WORKFLOW, INCLUDING WASHING, GRADING, SORTING, DRYING, WAXING, AND PACKAGING STATIONS.
The figures depict embodiments of the present subject matter for the purposes of illustration only. A person skilled in the art will easily recognize from the following description that alternative embodiments of the structures and methods illustrated herein may be employed without departing from the principles of the disclosure described herein.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The detailed description of various exemplary embodiments of the disclosure is described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that the embodiments are described herein in such details as to clearly communicate the disclosure. However, the amount of details provided herein is not intended to limit the anticipated variations of embodiments; on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.
It is also to be understood that various arrangements may be devised that, although not explicitly described or shown herein, embody the principles of the present disclosure. Moreover, all statements herein reciting principles, aspects, and embodiments of the present disclosure, as well as specific examples, are intended to encompass equivalents thereof.
The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of example embodiments. As used herein, the singular forms "a"," "an" and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms "comprises," "comprising," "includes" and/or "including," when used herein, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components and/or groups thereof.
It should also be noted that in some alternative implementations, the functions/acts noted may occur out of the order noted in the figures. For example, two figures shown in succession may, in fact, be executed concurrently or may sometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon the functionality/acts involved.
In addition, the descriptions of "first", "second", "third", and the like in the present invention are used for the purpose of description only, and are not to be construed as indicating or implying their relative importance or implicitly indicating the number of technical features indicated. Thus, features defining "first" and "second" may include at least one of the features, either explicitly or implicitly.
Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which example embodiments belong. It will be further understood that terms, e.g., those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.
The Novel Portable Mobile Post-Harvest Processing Unit is a mobile platform mounted on a trailer or vehicle chassis, allowing it to be transported directly to apple orchards. The mobile frame and chassis are constructed from lightweight materials that are durable enough to withstand agricultural field conditions, with a compact size optimized for navigating narrow paths typically found in orchards.
The unit is powered by high-efficiency solar panels mounted on its roof, which generate electricity to power each processing component. The solar power system includes a battery backup that stores excess energy, ensuring uninterrupted operation during low-light conditions or nighttime. This renewable energy source reduces operational costs and makes the unit suitable for off-grid areas.
The water recycling system collects and filters water used in the washing station, reducing overall water consumption. A built-in filtration system recycles water back into the washing process, and optional UV or ozone treatments ensure microbial safety.
The processing workflow includes the following key components:
1. Washing Station: Apples enter the unit through an automated conveyor system, where they are cleaned using water jets and an optional UV sanitization system. Adjustable water pressure ensures gentle handling, preventing damage to the fruit.
2. Grading and Sorting Station: Equipped with machine vision and AI algorithms, this station inspects apples for size, color, shape, and defects. Infrared or hyperspectral imaging detects internal quality, classifying apples into market-ready categories.
3. Drying Station: Low-energy fans gently remove surface moisture from the apples post-washing, preparing them for further processing.
4. Waxing Station (Optional): A food-grade, organic wax coating can be applied for apples intended for export, extending shelf life by reducing moisture loss. A polishing brush enhances appearance, making apples more marketable.
5. Packaging Station: This automated station packages apples in biodegradable or recyclable materials, with customizable options for bulk or individual packaging.
6. Cold Storage Compartment (Optional): Maintains optimal temperature and humidity levels for apple preservation, reducing spoilage and extending freshness.
The control system is operated through a touchscreen interface, allowing farmers to monitor and adjust processing parameters. The unit is equipped with IoT sensors for real-time monitoring of temperature, energy consumption, and processing speed, accessible remotely via a mobile app. Data analytics provide insights into apple quality and processing efficiency, supporting improved post-harvest practices.
, Claims:1. A portable, solar-powered post-harvest processing unit for apples, comprising a mobile frame, water recycling system, and modular processing stations for washing, grading, drying, waxing, and packaging.
2. The unit as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the solar power system with a battery backup provides continuous energy for off-grid operation.
3. The unit as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the water recycling system includes a filtration mechanism to reduce water waste in the washing station.
4. The unit as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the grading and sorting station utilizes AI-based sensors to classify apples based on size, color, shape, and internal quality.
5. The unit as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the waxing station applies an organic, food-grade wax to prolong shelf life and enhance appearance.
6. The unit as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the packaging station provides options for biodegradable or recyclable materials suited for market-specific packaging needs.
7. The unit as claimed in Claim 1, wherein an optional cold storage compartment regulates temperature and humidity for prolonged apple freshness.
8. The unit as claimed in Claim 1, wherein a touchscreen interface and IoT sensors allow real-time monitoring and remote access to processing data.
9. A method of post-harvest apple processing as claimed in Claim 1, involving on-site washing, grading, drying, waxing, and packaging for immediate market readiness.

10. The unit as claimed in Claim 1, wherein it reduces post-harvest losses and improves apple quality by enabling on-site processing at the farm level.
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