Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a multi-utility banana fruit storage and eating assistive device that is capable of providing a suitable and safe storage space for storing bananas and also offer peeled off banana to the user for eating purpose.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Bananas are popular fruit worldwide and is known for its sweet taste and health benefits. The edible inner flesh of the banana is covered with a yellow outer covering when ripe called as peel. The peel acts as a protective layer and is removed or peeled off by the user before eating the banana. Bananas are susceptible to bruising and ripening quickly, especially when stored incorrectly. Bananas release ethylene gas as they ripen, and a proper storage space with air circulation helps dissipate this gas, preventing over ripening.

[0003] Traditionally, the bananas are placed in a fruit bowl in a bunch. Some people hang bananas on a hook or banana hanger. In some cases, bananas are individually wrapped in paper, such as newspaper or brown paper bags. This helps to protect them from bruising and also absorb excess moisture. While these traditional methods offer some benefits but they also pose several challenges and drawbacks. Traditional methods rely on room temperature storage, which is not suitable in warmer climates or during hot weather. High temperature cause bananas to ripen too quickly and spoil faster. Hanging bananas or storing them individually require more space, which might not be practical for everyone.

[0004] US6612440B1 discloses about an invention which includes a container having a first cover member and a second cover member being hingedly attached to the first cover member and being adapted to store a banana therein; and also includes pad members being securely disposed upon the first and second cover members for protecting and cushioning the banana; and further includes fastening members being attached to the first and second cover members for fastenably closing the first and second cover members together. Although US’440 discloses about an invention that relates to a banana guard and more particularly pertains to a new banana protective device for storing and transporting a banana carefully. However, the cited invention lacks in maintaining an optimum temperature level of the stored bananas, and fails in maintaining freshness of the stored bananas for long time.

[0005] CN217397175U discloses about an invention which includes a cover, a box and a plurality of spraying assemblies. The cover is arranged above the box body; two water grooves are formed in the box body, a fruit groove is formed between the two water grooves, and a plurality of clamping plates are arranged in the fruit groove; and the plurality of spraying assemblies are respectively arranged in the box body and are used for spraying water in the water tank into the fruit tank. According to the invention, the humidity of the surfaces of bananas can be kept for a long time, a banana placing mode is provided, and the situation that the quality is damaged due to mutual extrusion of the bananas and the storage and eating are influenced is avoided. Although CN’175 discloses about an invention that relates to a banana storage and fresh-keeping device. However, the cited invention lacks in peeling off the bananas as per the depth of phloem of the banana and fails in reducing manual efforts required in peeling the bananas.

[0006] Conventionally, many devices have been developed that are capable of providing a storage space for bananas. However, these existing devices are incapable of maintaining an optimum temperature level of the stored bananas, and fails in maintaining freshness of the stored bananas for long time. Additionally, these existing devices also lack in peeling off the banana as per the dimensions of the stored bananas.

[0007] In order to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks, there exists a need in the art to develop a device that is capable of safely storing bananas and maintaining freshness of the stored bananas by providing an optimum temperature level. In addition, the developed device should also peel of the banana as per the depth of phloem of the banana.

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 providing a suitable and safe storage space to store bananas according to the number of bananas, thereby preventing bananas from getting pressed due to external weight.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of peeling of the banana as per the depth of phloem of the banana, thereby preventing the pulp of the banana from getting damaged during peeling.

[0011] Yet another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of maintaining an optimum temperature level of the stored bananas, thereby maintaining freshness of the stored bananas for long time.

[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 multi-utility banana fruit storage and eating assistive device that is capable of providing a suitable and safe storage space for storing bananas according to the number of bananas. Additionally, the proposed device also maintains an optimum temperature level of the stored bananas in order to maintain freshness of the stored bananas for longer duration.

[0014] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a multi-utility banana fruit storage and eating assistive device comprises of a cylindrical frame having a pair of curved vertical plates developed to accommodate bananas, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit is installed on the frame and integrated with a processor to determine number of banana fruits a user present in proximity to the frame is holding, a drawer arrangement integrated on the plates for extending the plate in a manner that the bananas are enclosed by the frame, plurality of electromagnets are integrated at ends of the plates to establish the frame around the accommodated bananas, plurality of pneumatic pushers assembled on inner periphery of the plates and integrated with cushioned padding to synchronously extend towards the bananas for properly gripping the bananas inside the frame and an optical sensor is installed on the frame and synced with the imaging unit to detect alignment of the bananas.

[0015] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the proposed device further comprises of plurality of pop-out balls installed on the inner portion of the plates to provide movement of the stored bananas for facilitating proper storage of bananas inside the frame, a temperature sensor is installed on the frame to detect temperature of surroundings, a Peltier unit configured inside the frame to maintain an optimum temperature level inside the frame in view of maintaining freshness of the stored bananas, a microphone configured on the frame for receiving voice commands of the user regarding peeling of the bananas, a motorized cutting blade attached on inner portion of the frame perform cutting operation over the stored banana, resulting in removal of peel of the banana, a depth sensor installed on the blade to monitor phloem depth of the banana, a motorized C-shaped extendable clamp installed on the frame to extend and grip the peeled banana for aiding the user to properly eat the banana, a motorized clipper installed on the frame for gripping phloem of the banana, and a battery associated with the device for powering up electrical and 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 of a multi-utility banana fruit storage and eating assistive device.
Figure 2 illustrates an internal view of the proposed 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 multi-utility banana fruit storage and eating assistive device that is capable of storing bananas by adjusting its size as per the number of bananas. Additionally, the proposed device is capable to peel of the banana without damaging the pulp of the banana.

[0022] Referring to Figure 1 and 2, an isometric view of a multi-utility banana fruit storage and eating assistive device and an internal view of a multi-utility banana fruit storage and eating assistive device are illustrated, comprising a cylindrical frame 101 having a pair of curved vertical plates 102, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 103 is installed on the frame 101, a drawer arrangement 104 integrated on the plates 102, plurality of electromagnets 105 are integrated at ends of the plates 102, plurality of pneumatic pushers 106 assembled on inner periphery of the plates 102, a microphone 107 configured on the frame 101, a motorized cutting blade 108 attached on inner portion of the frame 101, a motorized C-shaped extendable clamp 109 installed on the frame 101, plurality of pop-out balls 201 installed on the inner portion of the plates 102 and a motorized clipper 110 installed on the frame 101.

[0023] The device disclosed herein comprises of a cylindrical frame 101 having a pair of curved vertical plates 102 developed to accommodate bananas. The plates 102 used herein serves as a housing for the banana storage and is made from strong and lightweight materials which includes but not limited to hard fiber, steel, wood, and composite materials. The outer surface of the plates 102 is coated with material like Teflon or other low-friction coatings to improve wear resistance and reduce friction.

[0024] The frame 101 is installed with an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 103 integrated with a processor, that is activated by an inbuilt microcontroller for capturing and processing multiple images in vicinity of the frame 101. The microcontroller is pre-fed with the instructions required to control the operation of various components associated with the proposed device. The artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 103 comprises of a high-resolution camera lens, digital camera sensor and a processor. On activation, the lens captures multiple images from different angles and perspectives in vicinity of the frame 101 with the help of digital camera sensor for providing comprehensive coverage of the surroundings in vicinity of the frame 101.

[0025] The captured images then go through pre-processing steps by the processor integrated with the camera. The processor carries out a sequence of image processing operation including pre-processing, feature extraction and classification in order to enhance the image quality, which includes adjusting brightness and contrast and removing any distortion or noise. The pre-processed images are transmitted to the microcontroller linked with the processor in the form of electrical signals.

[0026] The microcontroller processes the received signals in order to determine the number of banana fruits a user present in proximity to the frame 101 is holding. Based on the determined number of bananas, the microcontroller actuates a drawer arrangement 104 integrated on the plates 102 for extending the plate in a manner that the bananas are enclosed by the frame 101. The drawer arrangement 104 consists of multiple plates 102 that are overlapped to each other with a sliding unit. The sliding unit contains a motor and a wheel coupled to the motor via a shaft. On actuation of the drawer arrangement 104 by the microcontroller, the motor in the sliding unit extract electrical energy from an external source and convert it into mechanical torque that is transferred to the wheel through the shaft for rotating the wheel in clockwise/anticlockwise direction, providing a movement to the slider in the drawer arrangement 104 to extend the plate in a manner that the bananas are enclosed by the frame 101.

[0027] After the banana are enclosed, the microcontroller energizes multiple electromagnets 105 ranging from six to ten in numbers that are integrated at ends of the plates 102 for securely locking and establishing the frame 101 around the accommodated bananas. The electromagnets 105 used herein are magnets in which magnetic field is produced by an electric current. It consists of a coil of wire wrapped around a core of ferromagnetic material, such as iron. On actuation by the microcontroller, an electric current flows through the coil, that generates a magnetic field around the coil, which magnetizes the core of the electromagnets 105 integrated at ends of both the plates 102 to act as a magnet and attract each other for properly establishing the frame 101 around the accommodated bananas.

[0028] Upon successful accommodation of the bananas inside the frame 101, the microcontroller actuates multiple pneumatic pushers 106 ranging from six to eight in numbers assembled on inner periphery of the plates 102 and integrated with cushioned padding to synchronously extend towards the bananas for properly gripping the bananas inside the frame 101. The extension of the pushers 106 is powered by a pneumatic unit associated with the device that includes an air compressor, air valves, and a 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.

[0029] The air compressor is consisting of two main parts including a motor and a pump. The motor powers the compressor pump which uses the energy from the motor drive to draw in 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 pushers 106 towards the bananas for properly gripping the bananas inside the frame 101. The cushioned padding provided on the pusher provide a soft and comfortable surface between the banana and the pusher and helps to distribute the pressure applied by the pusher over the banana.

[0030] Further, the microcontroller activates an optical sensor installed on the frame 101 to work in sync with the imaging unit 103 to detect alignment of the bananas. The optical sensor works by using light to detect the alignment of the bananas. The optical sensor contains a light emitter and a light detector. On actuation, the emitter emits a beam of light which travels through the air until it hits the bananas. If there is a misalignment, then the light beam gets refracted, which causes the intensity of the light to decrease. The light detector then detects the decrease in light intensity and sends a signal to the microcontroller.

[0031] The microcontroller, after processing the signal, detect the alignment of the bananas and in case misalignment of banana is detected, the microcontroller actuates plurality of pop-out balls 201 installed on the inner portion of the plates 102 to provide movement of the stored bananas. The pop-out balls 201 used herein are ranging from 4 to 6 in numbers and works on a roller simple mechanism that are powered by a direct current (DC) motor that is activated by the microcontroller. Upon getting actuation command from the microcontroller, the motor starts rotating in clockwise and anticlockwise direction producing rotational motion. This force is then transmitted to the mechanism that forces the ball out of its compartment, providing movement to the stored bananas for removing the misalignment and facilitating proper storage of bananas inside the frame 101.

[0032] Upon proper alignment of the bananas inside the frame 101, the microcontroller activates a temperature sensor installed on the frame 101 to detect temperature of surroundings. The temperature sensor used herein is preferably a non-contact temperature sensor that detect the temperature by optical analysis of the infrared radiation present in the surroundings. On activation, the sensor employs a lens to focus the infrared radiation emitting from the surroundings onto a detector known as a thermopile. When the infrared radiation falls on the thermopile surface, it gets absorbed and converts into heat. Voltage output is produced in proportion to the incident infrared energy. The detector uses this output to detect the temperature of surroundings. The measured temperature is then converted into electrical signal which is received by the microcontroller.

[0033] The microcontroller further processes the signal to determine the temperature of surroundings and accordingly actuates a Peltier unit configured inside the frame 101 to maintain an optimum temperature level inside the frame 101. The Peltier unit is a thermoelectric cooler that uses the Peltier effect to transfer heat from one side of the unit to the other when an electrical current is passed. The Peltier unit consists of two semiconductor materials connected in a sandwich-like fashion. These materials are typically made of bismuth telluride and one side of the Peltier unit is called the hot side and the other is the cold side.

[0034] When a direct current is applied to the Peltier unit, electrodes within the semiconductor material start moving from one side to the other. The Peltier effect occurs as a result of electron movement. When electrons flow from the cold side to the hot side, they carry heat with them. This leads to one side of the Peltier unit becoming colder, and the other side becoming hooter. This effect allows the Peltier unit to effectively transfer heat from one side to the other, creating a temperature gradient in order to maintain an optimum temperature level inside the frame 101 for maintaining freshness of the stored bananas.

[0035] Furthermore, a microphone 107 is configured on the frame 101 for receiving voice commands of the user regarding peeling of the bananas. The microphone 107 receives the user voice commands and converts the sound energy emitted by the user into electrical energy. Inside the microphone 107, a diaphragm made of plastic is present that moves back and forth when the sound wave hits the diaphragm, which then moves a coil attached to the diaphragm in the same way in order to generate an electrical signal proportional to the sound. The electric signal from coil flows to an amplifier which amplifies the electrical signal. The amplified electrical signal is then sent to the microcontroller linked to the microphone 107.

[0036] Upon receiving and processing the signal from the microphone 107, the microcontroller recognizes the user’s input voice command regarding peeling of the bananas and simultaneously actuates a motorized cutting blade 108 attached on inner portion of the frame 101 to perform cutting operation over the stored banana according to the phloem depth of the banana as monitored by a depth sensor installed on the blade 108. On actuation, the depth sensor emits ultrasonic waves through the bananas, the waves travel through the phloem of the banana until they encounter the pulp of the banana. When the waves reach the pulp, they are partially reflected back to the sensor. By measuring the time, it takes for these waves to bounce back after hitting the pulp, the sensor calculates the phloem depth of the banana.

[0037] Based on the determined depth, the microcontroller regulates actuation of the blade 108 to peel off phloem of the banana without damaging the pulp. The cutting blade 108 used herein is powered by an electric motor and is made of high-quality steel or carbide and is designed for cutting specific materials such as fruits and vegetables. On actuation, the motor generates rotational motion, which is transferred to the cutting blade 108 through a spindle, resulting in movement of the blade 108 in order to perform cutting operation over the stored banana to peel off phloem of the banana without damaging the pulp.

[0038] Simultaneously, during peeling of the banana, the microcontroller actuates a motorized clipper 110 installed on the frame 101 for gripping phloem of the banana. The motorized clippers 110 used herein are driven by a direct current motor which rotates and makes the blades of clippers 110 to oscillate in order to grip the phloem of the banana during peeling of the banana for proper peeling of the banana without damaging the pulp.

[0039] Upon successful peeling of the banana as detected by the imaging unit 103, the microcontroller actuates the electromagnets 105 to get de-energized for opening the frame 101, and simultaneously the microcontroller actuates a motorized C-shaped extendable clamp 109 installed on the frame 101 to extend and grip the peeled banana. The C-shaped extendable clamp 109 has an open side and a curved side, forming a partial circle or a half-moon shape. At the open side of the C-shaped extendable clamp 109, there is a screw mechanism which includes a threaded screw or spindle and an electric motor. As the motor rotates it causes the screw to move in or out, which in turn adjusts the width of the C-shaped extendable clamp 109’s opening and eventually applies the required force to grip the peeled banana. The curved side of the C-shaped extendable clamp 109 that grips the peeled banana is lined with non-marring materials like rubber or plastic for securely gripping the banana in a secured manner and aiding the user to properly eat the banana.

[0040] 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 electrode 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.

[0041] The proposed invention works well in the following manner, where the cylindrical frame 101 having the pair of curved vertical plates 102 is positioned near the user holding bananas. Further the microcontroller actuates the imaging unit 103 to determine number of banana fruits the user is holding and based on that the microcontroller actuates the drawer arrangement 104 for extending the plate so that bananas are enclosed by the frame 101. After which multiple electromagnets 105 are energized by the microcontroller to establish the frame 101 around the accommodated bananas. Synchronously multiple pneumatic pushers 106 extend for properly gripping the bananas inside the frame 101. The optical sensor detects alignment of the bananas, and in case of misalignment, the microcontroller actuates plurality of pop-out balls 201 to provide movement of the stored bananas for proper storage of bananas inside the frame 101. Further the temperature sensor detects temperature of surroundings and accordingly the microcontroller actuate the Peltier unit to maintain an optimum temperature level inside the frame 101. Thereafter, the user access the microphone 107 to give voice commands regarding peeling of the bananas, based on which the microcontroller actuates the motorized cutting blade 108 to perform cutting operation over the stored banana as per the depth of the phloem as monitored by the depth sensor, resulting in peeling off the banana. Upon successful peeling of the banana, the microcontroller deactivates the electromagnets 105 for opening the frame 101 and simultaneously the microcontroller actuates the motorized C-shaped extendable clamp 109 to extend and grip the peeled banana for aiding the user to properly eat the banana.

[0042] 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 multi-utility banana fruit storage and eating assistive device, comprising:

i) a cylindrical frame 101 having a pair of curved vertical plates 102 developed to accommodate bananas, wherein an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 103 is installed on said frame 101 and integrated with a processor for capturing and processing multiple images in vicinity of said frame 101, respectively to determine number of banana fruits a user present in proximity to said frame 101 is holding;

ii) a drawer arrangement 104 integrated on said plates 102 that are actuated by an inbuilt microcontroller for extending said plates 102 in a manner that said bananas are enclosed by said frame 101, wherein plurality of electromagnets 105 are integrated at ends of said plates 102 that are energized by said microcontroller to establish said frame 101 around said accommodated bananas;

iii) plurality of pneumatic pushers 106 assembled on inner periphery of said plates 102 and integrated with cushioned padding, wherein upon successful accommodation of said bananas inside said frame 101, said microcontroller actuates said pushers 106 to synchronously extend towards said bananas for properly gripping said bananas inside said frame 101;

iv) a microphone 107 configured on said frame 101 for receiving voice commands of said user regarding peeling of said bananas, wherein said microcontroller upon processing said user’s commands, actuates a motorized cutting blade 108 attached on inner portion of said frame 101 to perform cutting operation over said stored banana, resulting in removal of peel of said banana; and

v) a motorized C-shaped extendable clamp 109 installed on said frame 101, wherein upon successful peeling of said banana as detected via said imaging unit 103, said microcontroller actuates said electromagnets 105 to get de-energized for opening said frame 101, and simultaneously said microcontroller actuates said clamp 109 to extend and grip said peeled banana, for aiding said user to properly eat the banana.

2) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein an optical sensor is installed on said frame 101 and synced with said imaging unit 103 to detect alignment of said bananas with respect to said frame 101, and in case misalignment of banana is detected, said microcontroller actuates plurality of pop-out balls 201 installed on said inner portion of said plates 102 to provide movement of said stored bananas for facilitating proper storage of bananas inside said frame 101.

3) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a temperature sensor is installed on said frame 101 to detect temperature of surroundings, in accordance to which said microcontroller regulates actuation of a Peltier unit configured inside said frame 101 to maintain an optimum temperature level inside said frame 101 in view of maintaining freshness of said stored bananas.

4) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a motorized clipper 110 is installed on said frame 101 that is actuated by said microcontroller during peeling of said banana for gripping phloem of said banana in view of ensuring proper peeling of said banana.

5) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a depth sensor is installed on said blade 108 to monitor phloem depth of said banana, and accordingly said microcontroller regulates actuation of said blade 108 to peel off phloem of said banana without damaging the pulp.

6) 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.