Device for harvesting pigeon peas

Abstract

A device for harvesting pigeon peas, comprising: i) a rectangular base 101 with four telescopic poles 102 with motorized all-round wheels 103 at the ends for moving the base 101; ii) a rigid U-shaped element 104 with a padded coating attached to the base 101 to allow a user to obtain a grip on the base 101 for maneuvering the base 101; iii) an L-shaped telescopic arm 105 which is attached to the base 101 by a hinge, the arm 105 having a motorized cutting wheel 106 at its end for cutting the pigeon pea; iv) an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 107, installed on the base 101 and integrated with a processor for recording and processing images near the base 101 to determine the position of pigeon peas, to trigger an integrated microcontroller to actuate the telescopic poles 102 and the motorized wheels 103 to position the base 101 near the pigeon peas on crops and to actuate the telescopic arm 105 to cut the pigeon peas; v) a storage chamber 108 attached to the base 101 for storing the cut pigeon peas in the chamber 108, wherein a motorized rotary flap 201 is provided in the chamber 108 for separating the peas from the pods; vi) a rectangular gate 202, which is fitted below chamber 108 by means of a drawer mechanism to allow the cut pigeon peas to fall into a processing container 109, which is fitted below chamber 108 by means of a sliding unit, the processing container 109 comprising a pair of plates 110 which are fitted to opposite surfaces inside the container 109 by means of pneumatic pushers for pressing broken pigeon peas; vii) a bottom surface of the processing container 109, which is a grid so that the dust on the pigeon peas can fall over the grid; viii) A moisture sensor provided inside tank 109 detects moisture in the pigeon peas in order to trigger the microcontroller to operate a heating unit provided inside tank 109 to heat the pigeon peas in order to remove the moisture when the detected moisture exceeds a moisture threshold; and ix) a container 111 connected to the processing container 109 for storing the leaves separated from the pigeon peas.

Description

AREA OF INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a device for harvesting pigeon peas, which is able to harvest the pigeon peas by providing a small, precise and portable harvesting model to eliminate the additional work of lifting and transporting the machine, as well as removing the dust particles from the harvested peas and thereby cleaning the peas through vibration. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The pigeon pea, commonly known as toor dal in the local dialect, is widely used by large segments of society and requires harvesting. Its small size and high density present a challenge for efficient harvesting. Pigeon peas are widely consumed due to their numerous health benefits, including maintaining blood pressure, increasing protein intake, and thus boosting metabolic rate.

[0003] Traditionally, pigeon peas were harvested by hand or with the help of larger machines. The manual harvesting process requires a great deal of time and energy. Larger machines were not practical for everyone, as they could easily be moved to crowded or smaller fields, thus offering limited assistance to the user. Therefore, there is a need for a smaller invention that eliminates the need for manual intervention.

[0004] CN211129691U discloses an invention which, in the utility model, discloses a device for harvesting fresh peas. The filter comprises a frame structure and a filter screen, wherein the frame structure includes side surface structures, a bottom surface structure, suspension eyelets, and a water passage tube.The filter screen is firmly attached to the side and bottom surfaces of the frame; the diameter of the filter holes in the screen is smaller than that of the pea kernels; one end of the bottom surface is hinged to the bottom of the side surface; the suspension eyelet is firmly attached to the top of the side surface; the water passage tube is firmly positioned in the center of the bottom surface; a water outlet hole is formed in the side of the water passage tube; an upper opening of the water passage tube is located in the upper part of the side surface; and the water passage tube is simple in design and convenient to use. While the CN'691 is capable of harvesting fresh peas with the help of the filter, the device is not able to remove the dust particles from the peas that remain after harvesting.

[0005] CN209749168U discloses an invention which provides a simple manual harvesting device for pea pods. The simple manual harvesting device comprises a load plate, a contact head, a pressure groove, an anti-slip mat, a connector, a clamping piece, an inner rod, and an anti-slip piece, wherein the main body has a hollow structure, the rear end of the main body is connected to a collection bag by a connector, a plurality of uniformly arranged anti-slip lines are arranged on the outside of the rear part of the main body, and the two ends of the base of a contact head are inserted into the lateral grooves.The inner part is made of iron, and its base is firmly connected to the lower part of the contact head at the bottom of the main body. The main body is used for embedding pea pods. Due to its hollow structure, the pea pods can be collected through the main body into the collection bag during harvesting. The pea pods can be inserted into the hollow structure of the main body and harvested and removed through the movable part. Lateral grooves of the arched structure are formed on both sides of the front end of the main body. While the CN'168 can easily harvest and clean the peas manually, it is not capable of detecting and removing moisture from the harvested peas.

[0006] Conventionally, there are many devices on the market, as revealed in the prior art, that help the user in harvesting the pigeon peas, but are unable to remove the dust particles from the peas that are present after harvesting, and also to detect and remove the moisture from the harvested peas.

[0007] To overcome the aforementioned disadvantages, there is a need in engineering to develop a device capable of removing dust particles from peas after harvesting. Furthermore, the proposed device is also capable of detecting and removing moisture from the harvested peas, thus eliminating the risk of spoilage. OBJECTS OF INVENTION

[0008] The main objective of the present invention is to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art.

[0009] One objective of the present invention is to develop a device capable of harvesting pigeon peas by providing a small, precise and portable harvesting model, thereby avoiding the manual effort required to lift the harvesting machine.

[0010] Another objective of the present invention is to develop a device that is able to detect and remove the presence of moisture in the harvested pigeon peas, thereby protecting the peas from spoilage.

[0011] Another objective of the present invention is to develop a device that is able to remove the dust particles from the harvested peas and thereby clean the peas through vibration sensations.

[0012] Another objective of the present invention is to develop a device that is portable and reliable in nature.

[0013] The foregoing and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become readily apparent upon closer examination 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 device for harvesting pigeon peas, which is able to harvest the pigeon peas by providing a small, precise and portable harvesting model that does not require any additional manual intervention when lifting the machine, as well as removing the dust particles from the harvested peas and thereby cleaning the peas through vibration sensations.

[0015] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a device for harvesting pigeon peas comprises a rectangular base with four telescopic poles having motorized omnidirectional wheels at the ends for moving the base, a rigid U-shaped element with a padded coating attached to the base to provide a user with a grip on the base, an L-shaped telescopic arm attached to the base by a hinge and having a motorized cutting wheel at the end for cutting the pigeon pea, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit installed on the base to determine the position of the pigeon peas, a microphone provided on the base to receive an audio command from the user regarding the harvesting of the peas, a storage chamber attached to the base to store the cut pigeon peas in the chamber, and a motorized rotating flap.which is provided in the chamber for separating the peas from the pods.

[0016] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the proposed device further comprises a rectangular gate, which is provided below the chamber by a drawer mechanism, so that the cut pigeon peas can fall into a processing container, which is provided below the chamber by a sliding unit; a vibration unit, which is provided in the processing container, to vibrate the pigeon peas in order to facilitate separation of the peas from the pods; a pair of plates, which are provided on opposite surfaces inside the container by pneumatic pushers, to press the broken pigeon peas; a pair of plates, which are provided on opposite surfaces inside the tank by pneumatic pushers, for pressing broken pigeon peas; and a bottom surface of the processing tank, which is a mesh.so that dust on the pigeon peas can fall through the net, a moisture sensor provided inside the tank that detects moisture in the pigeon peas, a heating unit provided inside the tank for heating the pigeon peas to remove moisture, a container attached to the processing tank for storing leaves separated from the pigeon peas, and a communication module provided on the base to allow the user to remotely control the pigeon pea harvesting device.

[0017] While the invention has been described and shown with particular reference to the preferred embodiment, it will be obvious that variations may be possible which 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 be better understood with reference to the following description, the attached claims and the attached drawings, wherein: Fig. Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a device for harvesting pigeon peas; and Fig. Figure 2 shows an isometric view of the inner part of the chamber attached to the proposed device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0019] The following description contains the preferred best embodiment of an embodiment of the present invention. It will be clear from this description of the invention that the invention is not limited to the embodiments shown, but that the invention also includes a multitude of modifications and embodiments thereof. Therefore, the present description should be regarded as illustrative and not limiting. While the invention is open to various modifications and alternative designs, it should be understood that there is no intention to limit the invention to the specific form disclosed; on the contrary, the invention is intended to cover all modifications, alternative designs, and equivalents that fall within the spirit and scope of the invention, as defined in the claims.

[0020] In each embodiment described herein, the open terms “comprising”, “encompasses” and the like (which are synonymous with “including”, “with” and “characterized by”) can be replaced by the respective partially closed expressions “consists substantially of”, “consists substantially of” and the like, or the respective closed expressions “consists of”, “consists of” and the like.

[0021] As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “die” denote both the singular and the plural unless explicitly stated that only the singular is meant.

[0022] The present invention relates to a device for harvesting pigeon peas, which is capable of harvesting the pigeon peas by providing a small, precise and portable harvesting model that does not require any additional manual intervention when lifting the machine, as well as removing the dust particles from the harvested peas and thereby cleaning the peas through vibration.

[0023] Referring to Fig. 1 and Fig.Figure 2 shows a perspective view of a pigeon pea harvesting device and an isometric view of the inner part of a chamber connected with the proposed device, each comprising a rectangular base 101 with four telescopic rods 102 with motorized omnidirectional wheels 103 at the ends, a rigid U-shaped element 104 attached to the base 101, an L-shaped telescopic arm 105 attached to the base 101 and having a motorized cutting wheel 106 at the end, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 107 installed on the base 101, a storage chamber 108 mounted on the base 101, a motorized rotary flap 201 provided in the chamber 108, a rectangular gate 202 mounted below the chamber 108, a processing container 109 mounted below the chamber 108, and a Pair of records 110,which are attached to opposite surfaces inside the container 109, a container 111 which is connected to the processing container 109, and a microphone 112 which is provided on the base 101.

[0024] The proposed device comprises a rectangular base 101 with four telescopic rods 102, each equipped with motorized omnidirectional wheels 103 at its ends for movement of the base 101. The telescopic rods 102 are driven by a pneumatic unit consisting of a compressed air compressor that controls the extension and retraction of the telescopic rods 102. The pneumatic unit also includes air valves and a piston connected to the telescopic rods 102. The piston is coupled to the telescopic rods 102 and forces the compressed air supplied by the compressor onto them. The valves used are air valves installed between the compressor and the piston. When actuated, they allow the piston to release the compressed air, thus extending and retracting the telescopic rods 102.The endpoint of the telescopic rods 102 used here is connected to the motorized omnidirectional wheels 103 for moving the base 101.

[0025] The motorized omnidirectional wheels 103 are the small discs commonly known as rollers, connected to a motor which in turn is connected to and controlled by a microcontroller. When actuated, the microcontroller regulates the motor's movement to rotate the roller around its circumference, forming a shape perpendicular to the direction of rotation to enable the rectangular base 101 to move. A rigid U-shaped element 104 with a padded coating is attached to the base 101, allowing a user to grasp the base 101 for maneuvering.

[0026] Furthermore, an L-shaped telescopic arm 105 with a hinge is attached to the base 101, at the end of which is a motorized cutting wheel 106 for cutting the pigeon pea. The telescopic arm 105 used here is driven by the pneumatic unit, which assists in extending and retracting the arm 105 to position the motorized cutting wheel 106. The motorized cutting wheel 106 is driven by a DC motor, which is capable of converting electrical energy by rotating the shaft attached to the motor. This provides clockwise and counterclockwise rotational motion when the motor shaft is turned, thus activating the motorized cutting wheel 106 for cutting the pigeon pea.

[0027] Furthermore, an AI-based imaging unit 107 is installed on base 101 and integrated with a processor for capturing and processing images of the area surrounding base 101 to determine the position of pigeon peas. The AI-based imaging unit 107 is constructed with a camera lens and a processor, the camera lens being capable of capturing a series of images of the area surrounding base 101. The processor performs a series of image processing operations, including preprocessing, feature extraction, and classification. The image captured by the AI-based imaging unit 107 is a real-time image of the area surrounding base 101. The AI-based imaging unit 107 transmits the captured image signal in the form of digital bits to the microcontroller.

[0028] Based on the received images in the form of the signal, the microcontroller extracts the images of the pigeon peas and determines the position of the pigeon peas in relation to the base 101 and actuates the telescopic rods 102 and the motorized wheels 103 to position the base 101 next to the pigeon peas in the fields and to actuate the telescopic arm 105 to cut the pigeon peas.

[0029] The base 101 incorporates a microphone 112, which receives an audio command from the user to harvest the peas. The microphone 112 is an electronic unit that converts sound vibrations in the air into an electronic signal and transmits it to the microcontroller. The microphone 112 consists of a diaphragm and a magnet wrapped with a coil. When the user gives voice commands to harvest the peas, the sound wave strikes the diaphragm. This causes the coils to move back and forth within the magnet's field, generating an electric current.The electrical current is transmitted to the microcontroller, which extracts the command to harvest the pigeon peas and actuates the imaging unit 107 to determine the position of the pigeon peas on the crop and causes the microcontroller to actuate the telescopic rods 102 and the motorized wheels 103 to position the base 101 near the pigeon peas and to move the telescopic arm 105 to cut the pigeon peas.

[0030] A storage chamber 108 is attached to the base 101, which the user uses to store the cut pigeon peas. A motorized rotary flap 201 is provided in the chamber 108 for separating the peas from the pods. The motorized rotary flaps 201 used here are also driven by a DC motor, which assists the rotary movement of the flaps for the process of separating the peas from the pods. The rotary movements of the flaps 201 cause a jerk on the pigeon peas, resulting in the separation of the peas from the pods.

[0031] Additionally, a rectangular door 202 is mounted below chamber 108 by a drawer mechanism, allowing the cut pigeon peas to fall into a processing container 109, which is mounted below chamber 108 by a sliding unit. The drawer mechanism comprises movable racks and rails, so that the door 202 is mounted above the racks, which are electronically driven by the microcontroller to move along the rails. In this way, the microcontroller actuates the drawer assembly. The drawer assembly is driven by a DC motor, which is actuated by the microcontroller by supplying the necessary electrical current to the motor.The motor consists of a coil that converts the received electric current into mechanical force by generating a magnetic field, so that the mechanical force provides the necessary power for the rails to provide a sliding movement for the gate 202 to extend and retract the mechanism, in order to provide a translation of the rectangular gate 202 that allows the cut peas to fall into the processing container 109.

[0032] Furthermore, a pair of plates 110 are attached to opposite surfaces inside the container 109 by a pneumatic slide for pressing cracked pigeon peas. The pneumatic slide is driven by the pneumatic unit, which applies pressure by extending it and assists in pressing the cracked pigeon peas. The bottom surface of the processing container 109 consists of a grid through which the dust on the pigeon peas falls. The grid is a woven or knitted fabric with evenly spaced holes through which the dust on the pigeon peas can fall.

[0033] Furthermore, the pigeon peas are vibrated by a vibration unit located in the processing container 109 to facilitate the separation of the peas from the pods. If the peas in the processing container 109 still have pods attached, the vibration unit is activated by the microcontroller to separate the peas from the pods. The vibration unit consists of an eccentric motor coupled to an unbalanced mass, which generates an oscillating motion. When activated by the microcontroller, the unbalanced motor exerts a torque on the unbalanced mass. This imbalance generates vibrations that are efficiently transmitted to the processing container 109, which further vibrates the pigeon peas to separate them from the pods.

[0034] Furthermore, a moisture sensor in tank 109 measures the moisture content of the pigeon peas. The moisture sensor emits infrared light from a wavelength integrated within the sensor. It is possible to evaluate each reflected wavelength by pulsed the light at specific wavelengths onto the peas. The reflected, unabsorbed light is then absorbed and measured by a light-sensitive detector integrated into the sensor. The moisture sensor then determines the amount of reflected light and converts the analog signal into an electronic signal. This electronic signal is then transmitted to the microcontroller.The microcontroller then processes the signal to determine the moisture present on the peas and uses it to control a heating unit provided in tank 109 to warm the pigeon peas in order to remove the moisture if the detected moisture exceeds a threshold.

[0035] The heating unit consists of a coil, which heats up and generates thermal energy when an electric current is passed through it. This thermal energy is transferred to the wire, thus heating the patterned wires. The heating unit is controlled by a microcontroller to regulate its temperature, which is necessary to warm the pigeon peas and remove moisture when the moisture level exceeds a certain threshold.

[0036] In particular, a container 111 connected to the processing tank 109 is used to store the leaves separated from the pigeon peas. The pigeon pea harvesting process is remotely controlled by the user via a wireless communication module connected to the microcontroller located on base 101, which in turn is connected to a computing unit. The computing unit includes, among other things, a mobile phone and a laptop with a processor that stores the alarm received from the microcontroller, processes and retrieves the output data for display on the computing unit. The microcontroller is wirelessly connected to the computing unit via the communication module, which includes, among other things, a Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity) module and a Bluetooth module. GSM (Global Mobile Communication System).The communication module acts as a medium between the user and the device, which processes the user's inputs and instructs the imaging unit 107 to determine a position of pigeon peas on plants, in order to cause the microcontroller to actuate the telescopic poles 102 and the motorized wheels 103 to position the base 101 next to the pigeon peas and to actuate the telescopic arm 105 to cut the pigeon peas.

[0037] Finally, the device contains a battery connected to the microcontroller, which powers all the electrically operated components that require a certain amount of electrical energy to function efficiently. The battery used here is typically a dry-cell lithium-ion battery, providing the device with a long lifespan and an efficient direct current that helps all components function properly and effectively. Because the device is battery-powered, it does not require an external electrical voltage to operate. The presence of a battery also makes the device portable, meaning the user can easily move it from one location to another as needed.

[0038] The present invention works best in the following manner, where the rectangular base 101 is equipped with four telescopic rods 102 with motorized omnidirectional wheels 103, which provide the movement of the base 101. The rigid U-shaped element 104 with the padded coating allows the user to hold onto the base 101 in order to maneuver it. The L-shaped telescopic arm 105 has at its end the motorized cutting wheel 106 for cutting the pigeon pea. The artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 107 determines the position of the pigeon peas and controls the telescopic poles 102 and the motorized wheels 103 to position the base 101 near the pigeon peas in the fields and to operate the telescopic arm 105 to cut the pigeon peas which are stored in the storage chamber 108, with the motorized rotary flaps 201 separating the peas from the pods.The rectangular flap 202, through the drawer mechanism, allows the cut pigeon peas to fall into the processing container 109, which is configured with the sliding unit, the processing container 109 comprising the pair of plates 110 by pneumatic sliders that press the broken pigeon peas.

[0039] Subsequently, the vibration unit facilitates the separation of the peas from their pods by vibrating chamber 108. The bottom of the processing container 109 acts as a sieve, allowing dust on the peas to fall through. The moisture sensor detects the moisture content of the peas and controls the heating unit to remove moisture when the detected moisture exceeds the threshold. All peas separated from their pods are then stored in chamber 108. The microphone 112 is used by the user to issue commands regarding the pea harvesting, while the operation of the device is remotely controlled via the communication module.

[0040] Although the scope of the invention has been described here with limited reference to specific embodiments, this description should not be understood in a restrictive sense. Various modifications of the disclosed embodiments, as well as alternative embodiments of the invention, will be obvious to the person skilled in the art by reference to the description of the invention. QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] CN 211129691U

[0004] CN 209749168U

[0005]

Claims

[1] An apparatus for harvesting pigeon peas, comprising: i) a rectangular base 101 with four telescopic rods 102 with motorized rotating wheels 103 at the ends for moving the base 101; ii) a rigid U-shaped member 104 having a padded coating attached to the base 101 to enable a user to obtain a grip on the base 101 for maneuvering the base 101; iii) an L-shaped telescopic arm 105 hinged to the base 101, the arm 105 having a motorized cutting wheel 106 at the end for cutting the pigeon pea; iv) an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 107 installed on the base 101 and integrated with a processor for recording and processing images near the base 101 to determine a position of pigeon peas, to trigger a built-in microcontroller to operate the telescopic rods 102 and the motorized wheels 103 to position the base 101 near the pigeon peas on crops and to operate the telescopic arm 105 to cut the pigeon peas; v) a storage chamber 108 attached to the base 101 for storing the cut pigeon peas in the chamber 108, a motorized rotary flap 201 being provided in the chamber 108 for separating the peas from the pods; vi) a rectangular gate 202 mounted below the chamber 108 by a drawer mechanism to allow the cut pigeon peas to fall into a processing container 109 mounted below the chamber 108 by a sliding unit, the processing container 109 comprising a pair of plates 110 mounted on opposite surfaces within the container 109 by pneumatic pushers for pressing broken pigeon peas; vii) a bottom surface of the processing container 109 which is a grid to allow the dust on the pigeon peas to fall over the grid; viii) a humidity sensor provided within the tank 109 detects a humidity in the pigeon peas to trigger the microcontroller to operate a heating unit provided within the tank 109 to heat the pigeon peas to remove the humidity when the detected humidity exceeds a humidity threshold; and ix) a container 111 connected to the processing container 109 for storing the leaves separated from the pigeon peas. [2] Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a vibration unit arranged in the processing container 109 vibrates the pigeon peas to facilitate separation of the peas from the pods. [3] Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a microphone 112 connected to the microcontroller is provided on the base 101 to receive an audio command from the user regarding the harvesting of the peas, to trigger the microcontroller to operate the imaging unit 107 to determine a position of pigeon peas on plants, to trigger the microcontroller to operate the telescopic rods 102 and the motorized wheels 103 to position the base 101 next to the pigeon peas and to operate the telescopic arm 105 to cut the pigeon peas. [4] The apparatus of claim 1, wherein a wireless communication module connected to the microcontroller is provided on the base 101 to enable the user to remotely trigger the microcontroller by connecting to a computing unit to operate the imaging unit 107 to determine a position of pigeon peas on crops, to trigger the microcontroller to operate the telescopic rods 102 and the motorized wheels 103 to position the base 101 next to the pigeon peas and to operate the telescopic arm 105 to cut the pigeon peas. [5] The device of claim 1, wherein a battery is connected to the device to power electrical and electronically operated components connected to the device.

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