TREE BRANCH SUPPORT DEVICE

Abstract

A tree branch support device comprises of, a frame installed with a first semi-circular ring 1, wherein the first semi-circular ring 1 is installed with an artificial intelligence enabled image capturing module 2 for determining girth of the tree, multiple links configured with the first semi-circular ring 1 arranged in an overlapped manner via motorized hinges 3, to deploy the links, primary motorized pop-out balls 4 to freely move the first semi-circular ring 1 around the trunk as per requirement, multiple L-shaped extendable rods 5 arranged on the first semi-circular ring 1 via motorized ball and socket joints, in view of initiating a stem support operation, a second semi-circular ring 6 mounted on an end of each of the rods 5 that are configured with plurality of secondary motorized pop-out wheels 7 for aiding in accommodation of the second semi-circular ring 6.

Specification

Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a tree branch support device that is capable of being accommodated around a tree trunk in view of initiating a stem support operation to the tree branches, thereby handling the whole process with minimal human intervention.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Fruit trees such as apple, pears, cherry, and citrus rely on sunshine to grow, dry, and warm the branches, leaves and fruit. Additionally, there is need to maintain separation of the branches to ensure both aeration and adequate sunshine reaches the interior of the trees. It is often necessary to prune the trees heavily to ensure that the tree receives enough sunshine and adequate airflow to dry the trees, and to prevent the build-up of frost or ice. However, pruning might lower the yield of the tree and when done incorrectly, can damage the tree. So, people use an equipment that support a tree branch efficiently.

[0003] Conventionally, some ways were used by people for supporting a tree branch. People usually use wooden or metal stakes as commonly used by people to stabilize and support a tree branch, also these stakes anchor the tree branch and prevent it from bending or breaking under its weight. But these stakes are limited to precision, and have high initial cost, also these stakes are quite labor-intensive and sometimes damages the tree.

[0004] CN101541164B discloses about an invention that includes an equipment for supporting branches of fruit trees. The present invention is a supporting equipment for protection of fruit trees in harvest seasons consisting of: the lower section fixable to the ground, the main supporting post extended from the lower prop, The length-adjusting system located at the upper part of the main supporting post which includes a movable ring-type equipment, and the branch holders connected to the upper section. The present invention enables length adjusting according to various tree lengths, and the ring equipment is designed larger than the tree trunk successfully preventing the branches from bending when tied the ring with ropes. The distances between branches are minimized making them tougher against rain and winds. The ring equipment's and the holders can be easily removed and attached to different trees when needed, and adjusting the height of the holders can enable air ventilation and control sun light upgrading the productivity and quality of the harvested fruits, maximizing the profit.

[0005] US20190289793A1 discloses about an invention that includes a method and apparatus for shaping and lifting a plurality of trees of varying heights and denseness using a cost-effective, universal tree shaping system. The apparatus comprises a sprocket having a central aperture and scalloped recesses around a perimeter. The sprocket is mounted to the top portion of a telescoping pole, which may have an implement at the bottom for securing in the ground. The pole is telescoped to lengthen the pole such that the top of the pole is approximately at the top of the tree. The sprocket is located on the top of the pole, providing a fulcrum for each of a plurality of cables. The plurality of cables (ropes, twine, or the like) are passed over the sprocket, where each cable is passed over two diametrically opposed scalloped recesses and secured to first and second tree branches.

[0006] Conventionally, many devices have been developed that are able to accommodate around a tree trunk. However, these devices are incapable of being accommodated around a tree trunk as means of initiating a stem support operation to the tree branches, and fails in handling the whole process in an efficient manner. Additionally, these existing devices also lack in positioning the branches in an orientation as per which the user wants to grow the branches, and are insufficient in performing the operation as per user requirement.

[0007] In order to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks, there exists a need in the art to develop a device that is capable of providing a means for being accommodated around a tree trunk as means of initiating a stem support operation to the tree branches, thereby handling the whole process in an automated manner. In addition, the developed device should also properly position the branches in an orientation as per which the user wants to grow the branches, thereby performing the operation as per user requirement.

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 being accommodated around a tree trunk as means of initiating a stem support operation to the tree branches, 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 properly positioning the branches in an orientation as per which the user wants to grow the branches, thereby performing the operation as per user requirement.

[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 tree branch support device that is capable of being accommodated around a tree trunk as means of initiating a stem support operation to the tree branches, thereby handling the whole process in an automated manner. Additionally, the proposed device also provides reliability and works in an efficient manner.

[0014] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a tree branch support device comprises of, a frame installed with a first semi-circular ring, wherein the first semi-circular ring is installed with an artificial intelligence enabled image capturing module in view of determining girth of the tree, and plurality of links configured with the first semi-circular ring arranged in an overlapped manner via motorized hinges, to deploy the links in a manner that the first semi-circular ring is properly accommodated around the tree trunk and the first semi-circular ring is also configured with multiple primary motorized pop-out balls to freely move the first semi-circular ring around the trunk as per requirement.

[0015] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the proposed device further comprises of, plurality of L-shaped extendable rods arranged on the first semi-circular ring via motorized ball and socket joints, in view of initiating a stem support operation, a second semi-circular ring mounted on an end of each of the rods that are configured with plurality of secondary motorized pop-out wheels for aiding in accommodation of the second semi-circular ring on the branch portions, and a battery is associated with the device that powers all electrical and electronically operated components of 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 tree branch support 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 n a tree branch support device that is capable of providing a means for being accommodated around a tree trunk as means of initiating a stem support operation to the tree branches, thereby handling the whole process in an automated manner. In addition, the proposed device also properly positions the branches in an orientation as per which the user wants to grow the branches, thereby performing the operation as per user requirement.

[0022] Referring to Figure 1, an isometric view of a tree branch support device illustrated, comprising a frame installed with a first semi-circular ring 1, the first semi-circular ring 1 is installed with an artificial intelligence enabled image capturing module 2, and plurality of links configured with the first semi-circular ring 1 arranged in an overlapped manner via motorized hinges 3, multiple primary motorized pop-out balls 4 to freely move the first semi-circular ring 1 around the trunk as per requirement, plurality of L-shaped extendable rods 5 arranged on the first semi-circular ring 1 via motorized ball and socket joints, a second semi-circular ring 6 mounted on an end of each of the rods 5 that are configured with plurality of secondary motorized pop-out wheels 7.

[0023] The device disclosed herein, comprises of a frame installed with a first semi-circular ring 1, wherein the first semi-circular ring 1 is installed with an artificial intelligence enabled image capturing module 2 that is actuated by an inbuilt microcontroller for capturing multiple images of a trunk portion of a tree present in close proximity of the frame in view of determining girth of the tree. The artificial intelligence enabled image capturing module 2 is constructed with a camera lens and a processor, wherein the camera lens is adapted to capture a series of images of the trunk portion of a tree present in close proximity of the frame.

[0024] The processor carries out a sequence of image processing operations including pre-processing, feature extraction, and classification. The image captured by the image capturing module 2 is real-time images of the trunk portion of a tree present in close proximity of the frame. The artificial intelligence enabled image capturing module 2 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 girth of the tree.

[0025] Based on the determined girth, the microcontroller generates a relative command. Further, plurality of links configured with the first semi-circular ring 1 arranged in an overlapped manner via motorized hinges 3, wherein based on the determined girth, the microcontroller directs the hinges 3 to deploy the links in a manner that the first semi-circular ring 1 is properly accommodated around the tree trunk. The hinge joint consist of a pair of leaf that are connected with each other via a rod, wherein the rod is coupled with a motor that is interlinked with the microcontroller to deploy the links in a manner that the first semi-circular ring 1 is properly accommodated around the tree trunk.

[0026] Simultaneously, the first semi-circular ring 1 is also configured with multiple primary motorized pop-out balls 4 that are directed by the microcontroller to freely move the first semi-circular ring 1 around the trunk as per requirement. Further, plurality of L-shaped extendable rods 5 arranged on the first semi-circular ring 1 via motorized ball and socket joints, wherein the microcontroller directs the rods 5 to extend up to branch portions of the tree in view of initiating a stem support operation.

[0027] The rods 5 as mentioned herein are powered by a pneumatic unit that utilizes compressed air to extend and retract the rods 5. The process begins with an air compressor which compresses atmospheric air to a higher pressure. The air cylinder of the pneumatic unit contains a piston that moves back and forth within the cylinder. The cylinder is connected to one end of the rods 5. The piston is attached to the rods 5 and its movement is controlled by the flow of compressed air. To extend the rods 5 the piston activates the air valve to allow compressed air to flow into the chamber behind the piston. As the pressure increases in the chamber, the piston pushes the rods 5 to the desired length for initiating a stem support operation.

[0028] Simultaneously, a second semi-circular ring 6 mounted on an end of each of the rods 5 that are configured with plurality of secondary motorized pop-out wheels 7 which are directed by the microcontroller to actuate for aiding in accommodation of the second semi-circular ring 6 on the branch portions, wherein soon after the second semi-circular ring 6 accommodates the branches, the microcontroller directs the motorized ball and socket joints to give a desired angle to the rods 5 for properly positioning the branches in an orientation as per which the user wants to grow the branches.

[0029] The motorized ball and socket joint consists of a ball-shaped element that fits into a socket, which provides rotational freedom in various directions. The ball is connected to a motor, typically a servo motor which provides the controlled movement. The rods 5 is attached to the socket of the motorized ball and socket joint. The motor responds by adjusting the ball and socket joint and rotates the ball in the desired direction, and this motion is transferred to the socket that holds the rods 5.

[0030] 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.

[0031] The present invention works well in following manner, where the proposed device comprises of, the frame with the first semi-circular ring 1, wherein the first semi-circular ring 1 with the artificial intelligence enabled image capturing module 2 in view of determining girth of the tree, and plurality of links with the first semi-circular ring 1 via motorized hinges 3, to deploy the links in the manner that the first semi-circular ring 1 is properly accommodated around the tree trunk and the first semi-circular ring 1 is also configured with multiple primary motorized pop-out balls 4 to freely move the first semi-circular ring 1 around the trunk as per requirement. plurality of L-shaped extendable rods 5 via motorized ball and socket joints, in view of initiating the stem support operation, the second semi-circular ring 6 that are configured with plurality of secondary motorized pop-out wheels 7 for aiding in accommodation of the second semi-circular ring 6 on the branch portions, and the battery that powers all electrical and electronically operated components of the device.

[0032] 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 tree branch support device, comprising:

i) a frame installed with a first semi-circular ring 1, wherein said first semi-circular ring 1 is installed with an artificial intelligence enabled image capturing module 2 integrated with a processor for capturing and processing multiple images of a trunk portion of a tree present in close proximity of said frame in view of determining girth of said tree and a microcontroller linked with said module 2, based on said determined girth, generates a relative command;
ii) plurality of links configured with said first semi-circular ring 1 arranged in an overlapped manner via motorized hinges 3, wherein based on said determined girth, said microcontroller directs said hinges 3 to deploy said links in a manner that said first semi-circular ring 1 is properly accommodated around said tree trunk and said first semi-circular ring 1 is also configured with multiple primary motorized pop-out balls 4 that are directed by said microcontroller to freely move said first semi-circular ring 1 around said trunk as per requirement;
iii) plurality of L-shaped extendable rods 5 arranged on said first semi-circular ring 1 via motorized ball and socket joints, wherein said microcontroller directs said rods 5 to extend up to branch portions of said tree in view of initiating a stem support operation; and
iv) a second semi-circular ring 6 mounted on an end of each of said rods 5 that are configured with plurality of secondary motorized pop-out wheels 7 which are directed by said microcontroller to actuate for aiding in accommodation of said second semi-circular ring 6 on said branch portions, wherein soon after said second semi-circular ring 6 accommodates said branches, said microcontroller directs said motorized ball and socket joints to give a desired angle to said rods 5 for properly positioning said branches in an orientation as per which said user wants to grow said branches.

2) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein terminal ends of each of said second semi-circular ring 6 are configured electromagnetic locks that are secured by said microcontroller for locking said second semi-circular ring 6.

3) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a battery is associated with said device that powers all electrical and electronically operated components of said device.

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