STONES/ PEBBLES REMOVAL ASSISTIVE DEVICE

Abstract

A stones/ pebbles removal assistive device, comprising a semi-cylindrical shaped body 1 positioned over a ground surface to collect stones/ pebbles from the surface, an elongated rod 2 equipped with a clamping unit 3 configured with the body 1 for securing the body 1 with an auxiliary vehicle, an imaging unit 4 installed on the body 1 to determine type of surface, two drawer arrangement installed within the body 1 to expand the body 1 to initiate stones/pebbles collection, multiple perforations 5 crafted over the body 1 to sieve surface, a plate 7 installed with base portion of the body 1 to collect pebbles/ stones present over the surface, a hydraulic plunger 8 installed on the body 1 to extend and retract for providing thumping movement to the plunger 8 that is transferred on the boulder, resulting in breaking of the boulder into multiple smaller pieces.

Specification

Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a stones/pebbles removal assistive device which is capable of assisting a user in removing the stones/pebbles from a surface according to the type of surface by sieving the surface to reduce the manual labor and also helps in breaking of boulders/ large rocks into multiple smaller pieces, and facilitating is smooth and proper removal of stones/pebbles from the surface, thereby saves time and resource of the user.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Rocks in the soil block plant roots from reaching water and nutrient sources. This makes the soil harder over time and deprives the plants of growing space. Rocks can also pose a safety issue while mowing the lawn, by either damaging the equipment or causing injury on throwing a rock by the mower.

[0003] Generally, the small stones or pebbles are removed by using hand raking method that is time consuming as well as requires lot of physical efforts of the user. However, the large boulders or rocks are removed by sing mechanical tools to break them into smaller pieces then uses hand raking method to removes smaller stones or pebbles that are formed after breaking of large stone or pebbles.

[0004] US4548275A discloses about an invention that provides a device for separating clods and stones from the soil includes a frame adapted to be drawn or carried across the land and one or more elements carried by the frame for raising the surface layer of material from the land and passing it to a first conveyor having apertures there through to permit material on the conveyor to pass through the conveyor and to be returned to the land, there being disposed above the conveyor a surface adapted to bear against material on the conveyor so as to crush and/or abrade material on the conveyor and thereby reduce its particle size to permit it to pass through the apertures. The first conveyor is adapted to discharge particles of material retained thereon to a device for returning those particles to the land on either or both sides of the device. The surface and/or the first conveyor are adapted to move apart from one another to permit the passage there between of resistant material.

[0005] CN205408436U discloses about an invention that provides a farmland stone collector, include frame, drive wheel, pick up stone device and collection stone case, drive arrangement is installed through the backup pad to the frame front end, and the drive wheel installs in the below of backup pad, drive arrangement's output and drive wheel with pick up the braking of stone device and be connected, it includes the gauge wheel and pulls out the stone tooth to pick up the stone device, the central point that the gauge wheel was installed in the frame puts, pull out the stone tooth and set up a plurality ofly, and pull out and be provided with shovel slab stone between the stone tooth, it sets up the periphery at the gauge wheel to pull out the stone tooth to with gauge wheel fixed connection, the rear in the gauge wheel rotation direction is installed to collection stone case to surround the rear of gauge wheel, collection stone bottom of the case portion all installs from the driving wheel on the both sides limit to through installing the handspike from the driving wheel. This farmland stone collector simple structure easily operates, to the farmland soil disturbance is little, to pick up stone efficient.

[0006] Conventionally, many devices have been developed that are capable of assisting a user in removing stones or pebbles from a surface. However, these devices are incapable of removing large boulder or rocks from the surface by breaking them into smaller pieces. Additionally, these devices fail to determine moisture of the surface in order to dig the surface accordingly to properly remove the pebble without misbalancing itself on the surface.

[0007] In order to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks, there exists a need in the art to develop a device that is capable of detecting boulders or large rocks over the surface and accordingly breaks the boulder into multiple smaller pieces to facilitate in smooth and proper removal of stones or pebbles from the surface. In addition, the proposed device determines moisture of the surface and accordingly dig the surface to properly remove the pebble without misbalancing itself on the surface.

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 which is capable of assisting a user in removing the stones/pebbles from a surface according to the type of surface by sieving the surface to reduce the manual labor.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to develop a device which is capable of detecting boulders/large rocks over the surface and accordingly breaks the boulder into multiple smaller pieces to facilitate in smooth and proper removal of stones/pebbles from the surface.

[0011] Yet another object of the present invention is to develop a device which is reliable in nature and is capable of determining moisture of the surface and accordingly dig the surface to properly remove the pebble without misbalancing itself on the surface.

[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 stones/ pebbles removal assistive device that is capable of assisting a user to remove the stones or pebbles from a surface after detecting the type of surface by sieving the surface. The proposed device is capable of breaking the large boulder or rocks into smaller pieces to facilitate the removal of stones or pebbles from the surface.

[0014] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a stones/ pebbles removal assistive device comprises of a semi-cylindrical shaped extendable body positioned over a ground surface developed to collect stones or pebbles from the surface, an elongated rod is configured with the body attached with a motorized clamping unit for securing the body with rear portion of an auxiliary vehicle, an artificial intelligence based imaging unit installed on the body integrated with a processor for capturing as well as processing images of surroundings determines type of surface, a pair of motorized drawer arrangement installed within the body to provide expansion to the body in order to initiate stones or pebbles collection, plurality of perforations crafted over periphery of the body to sieve surface, the user maneuvers the vehicle over the surface body to initiate sieving of the surface for removing stones or pebbles from the surface, a microphone installed over the body to receive voice input of the user regarding sieving of the pebbles or stone, a vibration unit installed with the body to produce vibrations of a pre-set intensity that are transmitted to the body for aiding in sieving of the surface thereby separating pebbles or stones from the surface that is collected within the body, a moisture sensor installed over the body to determine moisture level of the surface, plurality of pneumatic pins installed over base portion of the body to extend in order to dig into the surface for aiding in transferring of the stones or pebbles within the body, a plate installed with base portion of the body to extend in order to collect pebbles or stones present over the surface and a motorized hinge joint is installed between the body or plate to provide rotation to the plate in view of transferring the pebbles or stones within the body.

[0015] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the proposed device further comprises of an ultrasonic sensor installed on the body in synchronization with the imaging unit to detect presence of boulders or large rocks over the surface in path of the body, a hydraulic plunger installed on the body to extend as well as retract for providing thumping movement to the plunger that is transferred on the boulder resulting in breaking of the boulder into multiple smaller pieces, as well as facilitating proper removal of stones or pebbles from the surface, a ball or socket joint is installed between the body or rod to provide multidirectional movement to the rod as per requirement, a display panel is installed over the rod to display real time video of surroundings of the body to assist in collecting stones or pebbles from the surfaces accordingly and a battery is associated with the device for powering up electrical or 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 a stones/pebbles removal assistive 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 a stones/ pebbles removal assistive device that is capable of assisting a user in removing the stones or pebbles from a surface according to the type of surface by sieving the surface to reduce the manual labor and also helps in breaking of boulders or large rocks into multiple smaller pieces, and facilitating is smooth and proper removal of stones or pebbles from the surface, thereby saves time and resource of the user.

[0022] Referring to Figure 1, an isometric view a stones/ pebbles removal assistive device is illustrated, comprising a semi-cylindrical shaped body 1 positioned over a ground surface, an elongated rod 2 equipped with a clamping unit 3 configured with the body 1, an imaging unit 4 installed on the body 1, multiple perforations 5 crafted over the body 1, multiple pneumatic pins 6 installed over base portion of the body 1, a plate 7 installed with base portion of the body 1 and a hydraulic plunger 8 installed on the body 1.

[0023] The proposed device comprises of a semi-cylindrical shaped extendable body 1 positioned over a ground surface and is developed to collect stones/pebbles from the surface. Herein, an elongated rod 2 is configured with the body 1 and is attached with a motorized clamping unit 3 that is actuated by an inbuilt microcontroller for securing the body 1 with rear portion of an auxiliary vehicle.

[0024] The clamping unit 3 holds or secures the body 1 with rear portion of the auxiliary vehicle tightly together to prevent movement or separation through the application of inward pressure and is connected to a bi-directional direct current motor that is capable of converting direct current into mechanical work by following the principle of Lorentz Law which states that, the current carrying conduction when placed in magnetic or electrical field experiences a force. Such that, the motor converts the electrical current derived from an external source into a mechanical torque for providing the required power to the clamping unit 3 for securing the body 1 with rear portion of the auxiliary vehicle.

[0025] The rod is connected with the body 1 via a ball and socket joint is installed between the body 1 and rod to provide multidirectional movement to the rod as per requirement. The ball and socket joint provides a rotation to the rod to turn at a desired angle. The ball and socket joint is a coupling consisting of a ball joint securely locked within a socket joint, where the ball joint is able to move in a 360-dgree rotation within the socket thus, providing the required rotational motion to the rod. The ball and socket joint is powered by a DC (direct current) motor that is actuated by the microcontroller thus providing multidirectional movement to the to the rod as per requirement for securing the body 1 with rear portion of the auxiliary vehicle with the help of the clamping unit 3.

[0026] Upon securing the body 1 with rear portion of the auxiliary vehicle, an artificial intelligence based imaging unit 4 is installed on the body 1 and is integrated with a processor for capturing and processing images of surroundings, based on which the microcontroller linked with the processor, determines type of surface. The artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 4 used herein incorporates AI protocols to enhance its functionality and capabilities to enables immediate responses and faster decision-making. The imaging unit 4 captures images or records videos of surroundings by the help of specialized lenses. The captured data is pre-processed and is fed into AI protocols for analysis which utilizes machine learning techniques, such as deep learning neural networks, to extract meaningful information from the visual data. This acquired data is processed by the processor and then the microcontroller analysed the processed data to determine type of surface.

[0027] The microcontroller accordingly actuates a pair of motorized drawer arrangement installed within the body 1 to provide expansion to the body 1 in order to initiate stones/pebbles collection. The extension of the body 1 is operated by the microcontroller by employing the drawer arrangement installed within the body 1. The drawer arrangement consists of multiple plate 7 s that are overlapped to each other with a sliding unit, wherein upon actuation of the drawer arrangement by the microcontroller, the motor in the sliding unit starts rotating a wheel coupled via a shaft in clockwise/anticlockwise direction providing a movement to the slider in the drawer arrangement to extend body 1 in order to initiate stones/pebbles collection.

[0028] Further, multiple perforations 5 are crafted over periphery of the body 1 to sieve surface, wherein the user maneuvers the vehicle over the surface, resulting in maneuvering the body 1 over the surface and initiating sieving of the surface for removing stones/pebbles from the surface. The perforations 5 allowed only small particles to pass from the perforations 5 while preventing the little large particles that are pebbles and stones and hence, results in initiating the sieving of the surface for removing stones/pebbles from the surface.

[0029] Furthermore, the user accessed a microphone installed over the body 1 to receive voice input of the user regarding sieving of the pebbles/ stone. The microphone converts sound of given voice command into electronic signal for further processing. The microphone is constructed with a small magnet that oscillates inside a coil attached to the diaphragm. When user gives a voice command regarding sieving of the pebbles/ stone, a sound wave produces and the waves causes the diaphragm of the microphone to vibrate. The relative motion of the magnet and coil changes the given sieving voice command in an electrical signal by magnetic induction which is sent to the microcontroller. The microcontroller processes the acquired data and interprets the user's voice command.

[0030] Based on the user's voice input, the microcontroller actuates a vibration unit installed with the body 1, to produce vibrations of a pre-set intensity that are transmitted to the body 1 for aiding in sieving of the surface. The vibration unit consists a motor that is not correctly balanced. This unbalancing force causes the motor to shake due to its high-speed dislocation that gets regulated by the microcontroller. The attached weight mass, the distance to the shaft, and the speed at which the spinning of the motor gets adjusted. The centrifugal force created by the uneven weight rotation causes the body 1 to throb in two axes and generates the vibration of a pre-set intensity that are transmitted to the body 1 for aiding in sieving of the surface thereby separating pebbles/stones from the surface, that is collected within the body 1.

[0031] While collecting the pebbles/stones within the body 1, a moisture sensor is installed over the body 1 to determine moisture level of the surface. The moisture sensor comprises a couple of conductive probes used for measuring moisture content in the surface. The probes are electrodes capable of conducting charge and corresponding electrical resistance is measured by the sensor. As the water content is present in the surface, the resistance through probes increases and the corresponding signal is received by the microcontroller. The microcontroller upon receiving the signal compares the received signal with a pre-fed data stored in the database and consequentially determines the determine moisture level of the surface.

[0032] In case the determined moisture level exceeds a threshold value, the microcontroller actuates plurality of pneumatic pins 6 installed over base portion of the body 1 to extend in order to dig into the surface for aiding in transferring of the stones/ pebbles within the body 1. The pins are powered by a pneumatic unit which includes an air compressor, air cylinder, air valves and piston. The air compressor used herein extract the air from surrounding and increases the pressure of the air by reducing the volume of the air. The air compressor draws atmospheric air and compress to elevated pressure. The compressed air is then sent through a discharge tube into the cylinder across the valve. The compressed air in the cylinder tends to pushes out the piston to extend which extends the pins in order to dig into the surface for aiding in transferring of the stones/ pebbles within the body 1.

[0033] Simultaneously, a plate 7 is installed with base portion of the body 1 that is actuated by the microcontroller to extend in order to collect pebbles/stones present over the surface. The plate 7 is powered by the same pneumatic unit with which the pneumatic pins 6 work. Thus, upon getting actuation command from the microcontroller, the pneumatic unit starts working and provide the required power to the plate 7. Thus, the plate 7 extends in order to collect pebbles/stones present over the surface.

[0034] After collecting the pebbles/stones on the plate 7, a motorized hinge joint is installed between the body 1 and plate 7 that is actuated by the microcontroller upon extension of the plate 7 to provide rotation to the plate 7 in view of transferring the pebbles/stones within the body 1. The motorized hinge joint comprises of a pair of leaf that is screwed with the surfaces of the body 1 and plate 7. The leafs 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. The rotation of the shaft in clockwise and anti-clockwise aids in opening and closing of the hinge respectively. Hence, the microcontroller actuates the hinge that in turn provides movement to the plate 7 which uses this movement for transferring the pebbles/stones within the body 1.

[0035] Additionally, an ultrasonic sensor is installed on the body 1 that works in sync with the imaging unit 4 to detect presence of boulders/ large rocks over the surface in path of the body 1. The ultrasonic sensor works by emitting ultrasonic waves and then measuring the time taken by these waves to bounce back after hitting the surface in path of the body 1 and includes two main parts that are a transmitter and receiver. The transmitter sends short ultrasonic pulses towards the surface which propagates through the air at the speed of sound and reflects back as an echo to the transmitter as the pulse hits the surface. The transmitter then detects the reflected echo from the surface and performed the calculation based on the time interval between the sending signal and receiving echo. The determined data is sent to the microcontroller in a signal form. The microcontroller processed the acquired data and determines the presence of boulders/large rocks over the surface in path of the body 1.

[0036] Based on presence of boulders/large, the microcontroller actuates a hydraulic plunger 8 installed on the body 1 to extend and retract for providing thumping movement to the plunger 8 that is transferred on the boulder, resulting in breaking of the boulder into multiple smaller pieces. The hydraulic plunger 8 is powered by a hydraulic unit consisting of a hydraulic cylinder, hydraulic compressor, hydraulic valve and piston that work in collaboration for providing the required extension/retraction to the plunger 8.

[0037] The microcontroller actuates the valve to allow passage of hydraulic fluid from the compressor within the cylinder, the hydraulic fluid further develops pressure against the piston and results in pushing and extending the piston. The piston is connected with the plunger 8 and due to applied pressure the plunger 8 extends and similarly, the microcontroller retracts the plunger 8 by closing the valve resulting in retraction of the piston. The microcontroller regulates the extension/retraction of the plunger 8 for breaking the boulder into multiple smaller pieces and facilitating in smooth and proper removal of stones/pebbles from the surface.

[0038] Moreover, a display panel is installed over the rod that is actuated by the microcontroller based on output of the imaging unit 4 to display real time video of surroundings of the body 1 to assist in collecting stones/ pebbles from the surfaces accordingly. The display panel used herein is preferably an OLED (Organic Light-Emitting Diodes) display panel comprises of a polymer display screen on which electroluminescent organic semiconductor is fabricated, ribbon cable and driven board that is attached with a power supply unit. Upon actuation of the display panel, the driven board regulates the illumination of the electroluminescent organic semiconductor in order to display real time video of surroundings of the body 1 to assist in collecting stones/ pebbles from the surfaces accordingly.

[0039] Lastly, 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 electrodes named as a cathode and an anode. The battery uses 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.

[0040] The present invention works best in the following manner, where the semi-cylindrical shaped extendable body 1 as disclosed in the invention is positioned over the ground surface and is developed to collect stones/ pebbles from the surface. Herein, the elongated rod 2 is configured with the body 1 and is attached with the motorized clamping unit 3 that is actuated by the microcontroller for securing the body 1 with rear portion of the auxiliary vehicle. Upon securing the body 1 with rear portion of the auxiliary vehicle, the imaging unit 4 captures and processes images of surroundings to determine type of surface. Accordingly, the microcontroller actuates the pair of motorized drawer arrangement to provide expansion to the body 1 1 in order to initiate stones/pebbles collection. Further, multiple perforations 5 are crafted over periphery of the body 1 to sieve surface, wherein the user maneuvers the vehicle over the surface, resulting in maneuvering the body 1 over the surface and initiating sieving of the surface for removing stones/pebbles from the surface. Then, the user accessed the microphone to receive voice input of the user regarding sieving of the pebbles/ stone. Based on the user's voice input, the microcontroller actuates the vibration unit to produce vibrations of the pre-set intensity that are transmitted to the body 1 for aiding in sieving of the surface, thereby separating pebbles/ stones from the surface, that is collected within the body 1. While collecting the pebbles/stones within the body 1, the moisture sensor to determine the moisture level of the surface. In case the determined moisture level exceeds a threshold value, the microcontroller actuates plurality of pneumatic pins 6 installed over base portion of the body 1 to extend in order to dig into the surface for aiding in transferring of the stones/pebbles within the body 1. Simultaneously, the plate 7 is actuated by the microcontroller to extend in order to collect pebbles/stones present over the surface. After collecting the pebbles/stones on the plate 7, the motorized hinge joint provides rotation to the plate 7 in view of transferring the pebbles/stones within the body 1. Additionally, the ultrasonic sensor works in sync with the imaging unit 4 to detect presence of boulders/large rocks over the surface in path of the body 1. Based on presence of boulders/large, the microcontroller actuates the hydraulic plunger 8 to extend and retract for providing thumping movement to the plunger 8 that is transferred on the boulder, resulting in breaking of the boulder into multiple smaller pieces and facilitates in smooth and proper removal of stones/pebbles from the surface. Moreover, the display panel is actuated by the microcontroller based on output of the imaging unit 4 to display real time video of surroundings of the body 1 to assist in collecting stones/pebbles from the surfaces accordingly.

[0041] 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 stones/pebbles removal assistive device, comprising:

i) a semi-cylindrical shaped extendable body 1 positioned over a ground surface and developed to collect stones/ pebbles from said surface, wherein an elongated rod 2 is configured with said body 1 and attached with a motorized clamping unit 3 that is actuated by an inbuilt microcontroller for securing said body 1 with rear portion of an auxiliary vehicle;
ii) an artificial intelligence based imaging unit 4 installed on said body 1 and integrated with a processor for capturing and processing images of surroundings, based on which said microcontroller linked with said processor determines type of surface and accordingly actuates a pair of motorized drawer arrangement installed within said body 1 to provide expansion to said body 1 in order to initiate stones/pebbles collection;
iii) plurality of perforations 5 crafted over periphery of said body 1 to sieve surface, wherein said user maneuvers said vehicle over said surface, resulting in maneuvering said body 1 over said surface and initiating sieving of said surface for removing stones/ pebbles from said surface;
iv) a microphone installed over said body 1 to receive voice input of said user regarding sieving of said pebbles/stone, wherein based on said user's voice input, said microcontroller actuates a vibration unit installed with said body 1, to produce vibrations of a pre-set intensity that are transmitted to said body 1 for aiding in sieving of said surface, thereby separating pebbles/stones from said surface, that is collected within said body 1;
v) a moisture sensor installed over said body 1 to determine moisture level of said surface, wherein in case said determined moisture level exceeds a threshold value, said microcontroller actuates plurality of pneumatic pins 6 installed over base portion of said body 1 to extend in order to dig into said surface for aiding in transferring of said stones/pebbles within said body 1;
vi) a plate 7 installed with base portion of said body 1 that is actuated by said microcontroller to extend in order to collect pebbles/ stones present over said surface, wherein a motorized hinge joint is installed between said body 1 and plate 7 that is actuated by said microcontroller upon extension of said plate 7 to provide rotation to said plate 7 in view of transferring said pebbles/stones within said body 1; and
vii) an ultrasonic sensor installed on said body 1 and synced with said imaging unit 4 to detect presence of boulders/ large rocks over said surface in path of said body 1, wherein based on which said microcontroller actuates a hydraulic plunger 8 installed on said body 1 to extend and retract for providing thumping movement to said plunger 8 that is transferred on said boulder, resulting in breaking of said boulder into multiple smaller pieces, and facilitating is smooth and proper removal of stones/pebbles from said surface.

2) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a ball and socket joint is installed between said body 1 and rod to provide multidirectional movement to said rod as per requirement.

3) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a display panel is installed over said rod that is actuated by said microcontroller based on output of said imaging unit 4 to display real time video of surroundings of said body 1 to assist in collecting stones/pebbles from said surfaces accordingly.

4) 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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