Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a plant protection device that is capable of providing a means to protect a new grown plant from insects, worms, birds and animals by covering the plant and maintain proper water and air facilities for the plant to ensure proper growth of the plant in order to maintain the plant growth.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Plant plays a crucial role in maintaining the balance of ecosystems by absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen through photosynthesis. Additionally, the plants provide habitats for various organisms and help prevent soil erosion. Furthermore, plants contribute to the water cycle by releasing water vapour through transpiration, which helps in the formation of clouds and precipitation. Overall, plants are essential for sustaining life on Earth and supporting biodiversity. Without plants, the survival of many species, including humans, would be at risk. It is important to recognize and protect the vital role that plants play in our environment. Plants also helps in regulating the Earth's climate by helping to maintain the balance of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.

[0003] Traditionally, the user uses tools that includes the physical barriers such as fencing or netting to keep out pests, as well as organic pesticides and insecticidal soaps to control harmful insects. Additionally, using companion planting techniques helps to deter pests and promote healthy growth by attracting beneficial insects to the garden. Crop rotation is another effective method to prevent the build-up of pests and diseases in the soil. By alternating the types of plants grown in specific areas each season, the risk of infestations is being minimized. Another strategy is implementing proper watering and fertilization practices also strengthen plants and make them more resilient to potential threats but requires the user’s effort in carry out such implementations for protecting the plants.

[0004] EP1681916B1 discloses a protection device characterised in that it has the form of a tube consisting at least of one parchmentized or vulcanized fibrous support in the form of a sheet, the device being biodegradable. Although, EP’916 provides ways to protect the plant by using a form of a tube consisting at least of one parchmentized or vulcanized fibrous support in the form of a sheet, however lacks in detecting nutrient level of the soil and amount of pesticides and fertilizers needed for the plants.

[0005] Conventionally, many devices are disclosed in prior art that provides way to protect the plant by proper barricading of the plant and supplying proper water to the plants but requires the physical efforts in operating such devices for protection along with the fertilizers and pesticides for the plants without evaluating amount required to dispense around the plants.

[0006] In order to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks, there exists a need in the art to develop a device that is capable of protecting plants from insects, worms, birds and animals by proper barricading the plant and supplying proper air, water and fertilizers and pesticides to the plants without any requirement of physical efforts in maintain proper growth of the plant.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

[0007] The principal object of the present invention is to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art.

[0008] An object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of protecting a new grown plant from insects, worms, birds and animals by covering the plant and maintain proper water from rain and air facilities for the plant to ensure proper growth of the plant.

[0009] Another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of detecting nutrient level of the soil and accordingly evaluates an amount of pesticides and fertilizers needed for the plants to ensure proper growth by dispensing the evaluated amount of the pesticides and fertilizers around the plant.

[0010] Yet another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of detecting direction of sun to receive optimum amount of sunlight in for ensuring proper growth of the plant.

[0011] 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

[0012] The present invention relates to a plant protection device that is capable of protecting the new grown plant by maintain proper growth of the plant with proper application of air, water from the rain, sunlight, and pesticides and fertilizers for the plants to maintain growth of the plant in appropriate manner.

[0013] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a plant protection device, comprises of a hollow cone shaped frame configured with a handle that is gripped by a user to handle the frame as per requirement to get positioned over a newly grown plant, in order to protect the plant from insects, worms, birds and animals, a push button integrated on the frame that is pressed by the user to activate the device, an inbuilt microcontroller linked with the button, an ultrasonic anemometer integrated in the frame to monitor wind speed in surrounding, multiple pneumatic pins integrated underneath base of the frame, to extend and gets penetrated in soil of the ground surface, in order to provide stability to the frame on the surface, multiple iris pores integrated on surface of the to get opened and maintain oxygen level inside the frame to ensure proper growth of the plant, a rain sensor is integrated on the frame to detect presence of rain in surrounding, a sun sensor integrated on the frame to monitor direction of sun, a temperature sensor is integrated on the frame to monitor temperature in surrounding, a sliding gate arrangement installed on a top portion of the frame, for allowing dripping of the rain water inside the frame.

[0014] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the proposed device further comprises of, a NPK sensor integrated in the frame to monitor nutrient level of the soil, an electronically controlled nozzle integrated with each of multiple chambers housed in the frame to dispense evaluated amount of pesticides and fertilizers stored in the chambers, around the plant, to ensure proper growth of the plant, a weight sensor integrated in each the chamber to detect quantity of pesticides and fertilizers remaining in the chambers, a computing unit of the user, wirelessly linked with the microcontroller for reminding the user to refill the chambers, a thermal imaging unit is installed on the frame to detect presence of any insects, worms or birds, an ultrasonic emitter integrated on the frame to deter the birds or insects, and battery associated with the device for supplying power to electrical and electronically operated components associated with the device.

[0015] 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

[0016] 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 plant protection device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0017] 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.

[0018] 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.

[0019] 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.

[0020] The present invention relates to a plant protection device that is capable of protecting the plant from extreme wind condition, animals, and birds by barricading the plants along with proper facilities of air, rain water, and sunlight to ensure proper growth of the plant.

[0021] Referring to Figure 1, an isometric view of a plant protection device is illustrated, comprising a hollow cone shaped frame 101 configured with a handle 102, a push button 103 integrated on the frame 101, multiple of pneumatic pins 104 integrated underneath base of the frame 101, multiple iris pores 105 integrated on surface of the frame 101, a sliding gate arrangement 106 installed on a top portion of the frame 101, a thermal imaging unit 107 installed on the frame 101, and an ultrasonic emitter 108 integrated on the frame 101.

[0022] The proposed device comprises of a hollow cone shaped frame 101 developed to be positioned over a newly grown plant, wherein the frame 101 is encased with various components associated with the device arranged in sequential manner that aids in protecting the plant from insects, worms, birds and animals. Upon positioning the device over the plant by a user via gripping a handle 102 integrated with the frame 101, the user now requires to activate the device manually by pressing a button 103 associated with the device and assembled with the frame 101. The button 103 is type of a switch that is internally connected with the device via multiple circuits that upon pressing by the user, the circuits get closed and starts conduction of electricity that tends to activate the device and vice versa. After activating of the device by the user, a microcontroller associated with the device generates a commands to operate the device accordingly.

[0023] Upon activation of the device, the microcontroller actuates a pneumatic unit associated with multiple pins 104 integrated underneath base of the frame 101 to extend and insert in the soil of the ground surface to provide stability to the frame 101 on the surface. The pneumatic unit comprises of an air compressor, air cylinder, air valves i.e. Inlet and outlet valve and piston that works in collaboration to aid extension and retraction of the pins 104. The air compressor is coupled with a motor that gets activated by the microcontroller to compress the air from surroundings upon entering from the inlet valve to compressed and pumped out via the outlet valve.

[0024] The air valve allows entry or exit of the compressed air from the compressor. Furthermore, the valve opens and the compressed air enters inside the cylinder thereby increasing the air pressure of the cylinder. The piston is connected to the cylinder and due to the increase in the air pressure, the piston extends. And upon closing of the valve, the compressed air exit out from the cylinder thereby decreasing the air pressure of the cylinder.

[0025] The increasing and decreasing of the air pressure from the cylinder aids in extension and retraction of the piston that turns in aiding extension and retraction of the pins 104 to get inserted in the soil of the ground surface and provide stability to the frame 101 on the surface. During insertion of the pins 104, an ultrasonic anemometer assembled in the frame 101 detects wind speed in surrounding. The anemometer detect wind speeds by detecting time difference in ultrasonic pulse generated by the anemometer. The detected wind speeds is further calibrated in the voltage which is transmitted to the microcontroller. After that the microcontroller analyses the data to detect the wind speed of the surrounding along with the direction. After then the microcontroller compares the detected wind speed with a threshold limit Upon matching, if the detected wind speed exceeds the threshold limit, then the microcontroller regulates actuation of the pins 104 to insert inside the soil and get penetrated more in the soil to reduce instability of frame 101 due to extreme wind condition.

[0026] Simultaneously, the microcontroller actuates multiple iris pores 105 assembled with surface of the frame 101 to open in order to maintain oxygen level inside the frame 101. The pores 105 are similar to the iris lid that comprises of a ring and blades having multiple protrusion. The ring is constructed with multiple grooves that are linked with the protrusion of the blade. The ring is attached with groove to pull the protrusion within the grooves by the rotation of the ring. The pulling of the protrusions provide movement to the blades for opening and closing of the pores 105. The ring is installed with the motor that is actuated by the microcontroller for rotating the ring with a specified speed. On the actuation, the ring regulates the opening and closing the pores 105 to maintain oxygen level inside the frame 101 and ensure proper growth of the plant.

[0027] Additionally, a rain sensor integrated with the frame 101 detect presence of the rains in surrounding. The rain sensor working principle involves the use of optical or capacitive technology to detect the presence of raindrops in the surrounding. When raindrops fall on the sensor, the sensor disrupt infrared light beam, triggering a signal indicating the presence of rain in the surrounding. After that the senor transmitted the detected data to the microcontroller where it analyses to detect the presence of rain in surroundings. Based on detecting the rain, the microcontroller actuates a sliding gate arrangement 106 integrated on a top portion of the frame 101 for dripping the rain water inside the frame 101. The arrangement 106 is linked with a motor that is activated by the microcontroller to open shutter associated with the arrangement 106 to open for dripping the rain water inside the frame 101.

[0028] During dripping to the rain water, a sun sensor integrated with the frame 101 detects direction of sun. The sun sensor works based on the principle of detecting changes in light intensity. When the sunlight is obstructed, the amount of light reaching the sensor decreases, triggering a response. This allows for accurate detection and measurement of the direction of the sun. The detected data is then transmitted to the microcontroller where it analyses to detect the direction of the sun. After that the microcontroller accordingly regulates the actuation of the sliding gate arrangement 106 and iris lids for receiving an optimum amount of sunlight in the frame 101 for proper growth of the plant.

[0029] Additionally, a temperature sensor integrated with the frame 101 detects temperature in surrounding. The temperature sensor operates based on the principle of detecting infrared radiation emitted by the surrounding. The contactless temperature sensor comprises crucial components such as an infrared sensor, an optical arrangement, and a detector. It functions on the principle of detecting infrared radiation emitted by the surrounding. When the surrounding’s temperature exceeds absolute zero, it emits infrared radiation.

[0030] The sensor captures this radiation using its optical arrangement, directing it onto a detector. Common detectors, like thermopiles or pyroelectric sensors, then convert the received infrared energy into an electrical signal. This signal undergoes processing by electronic components, translating it into a temperature reading of the surrounding. The sensor then transmitted the detected data to the microcontroller where it analyses to detect the temperature of the surrounding. After that the microcontroller accordingly regulates the actuation of the sliding gate arrangement 106 and iris lids for receiving an optimum amount of sunlight in the frame 101 for proper growth of the plant.

[0031] During growth of the plant, a NPK (Nitrogen, Phosphorous and Potassium) sensor integrated with the frame 101 detects nutrient level of the soil. The NPK sensor‘s working principle is based on measuring the electrical conductivity of the soil solution, which is directly related to the concentration of NPK ions present. This information is then be used to determine the nutrient levels in the soil and transmitted to the microcontroller to analyse and detect the nutrient level of the soil. Upon detecting the nutrient levels in the sol, the microcontroller accesses a memory unit linked with the microcontroller to retrieve an amount of pesticides and fertilizers needed in the oil for proper growth of the plants.

[0032] After the evolution of the amount of the pesticides and fertilizers, the microcontroller actuates an electronically controlled nozzles integrated with each of multiple chambers housed in the frame 101 for dispensing the evaluated amount of pesticides and fertilizers stored in the chambers around the plant. The nozzle includes solenoids, piezoelectric actuators, or motor-driven mechanisms that converts electrical signals into mechanical motion.

[0033] The nozzle is controlled by a control unit that sends electrical signals to the actuation mechanism. The control unit includes a pulse width modulation (PWM) or analog voltage control. The primary function of the nozzle is to control the opening and closing of the nozzle’s orifice or aperture. Upon receiving the appropriate electrical signal by the actuation mechanism, it initiates the motion that opens or closes the nozzle. This action controls the flow of the pesticides and fertilizers through the nozzle. The nozzle allows precise control over the flow rate and direction of the solution.

[0034] By modulating the actuation mechanism according to the desired parameters, the nozzle is capable to regulate the flow and provide accurate dispensing of the pesticides and fertilizers around the plants for proper growth of the plants. During dispensing of the pesticides and fertilizers, a weight senor integrated with each of the chambers detects quantity of pesticides and fertilizers remaining in the chambers. The weight sensor comprises a weight transducer that convert weight of the pesticides and fertilizers into an electrical signal that exert a downward force on the weight sensor. Within load cell of the sensor, there are strain gauges that deform slightly due to weight. The deformation causes changes in electrical resistance within the strain gauges. The sensor then calibrates the resistance to detect weight of the pesticides and fertilizers in the chamber.

[0035] Upon detecting the weight, if the detected weight exceeds a threshold limit pre-fed in database of the microcontroller, the microcontroller sends a notification on a computing unit of the user to notify the user to refill the chambers. The computing unit herein includes but not limited to a mobile and laptop that comprises a processor where the alert received from the microcontroller is stored to process and retrieve the output data in order to display in the computing unit.

[0036] The microcontroller is wirelessly linked with the computing unit via a communication module which includes but not limited to Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity) module, Bluetooth module. GSM (Global System for Mobile communication). The communication module acts as a medium between various electronic unit for establishing communication between the computing unit and device to display the alert for notifying the user to re-fill the chambers.

[0037] Additionally, a thermal imaging unit 107 integrated with the fame detects presence of any insects, worms or birds in the surroundings. The thermal imaging unit 107 detects infrared energy emitted by the insects, worms or birds in the surroundings. On the basis of temperature of the detected infrared energy, the thermal imaging unit 107 determines presence of the insects, worms or birds in the surroundings and sends the acquired data to the microcontroller. Further, the microcontroller compares the insects, worms or birds in the surroundings due to temperature pattern variation in image generated by the thermal imaging unit 107 to detect the presence of the insects, worms or birds in the surroundings.

[0038] After that the microcontroller actuates an ultrasonic emitter 108 fabricated with the frame 101 to deter the birds or insects. The ultrasonic emitter 108 operates by converting electrical energy into high-frequency sound waves that are beyond the range of human hearing. These sound waves are produced by a piezoelectric crystal or transducer, which vibrates rapidly when an electric current is applied to it. The vibrations of the crystal create mechanical pressure waves in the surrounding medium, such as air or water, which propagate as ultrasonic waves to repel the birds or insects.

[0039] A battery (not shown in figure) is associated with the device to offer power to all electrical and electronic components necessary for their correct operation. The battery is linked to the microcontroller and provides (DC) Direct Current to the microcontroller. And then, based on the order of operations, the microcontroller sends that current to those specific electrical or electronic components so they effectively carry out their appropriate functions.

[0040] The present invention works best in following manner where the hollow cone shaped frame 101 configured with a handle 102 that is gripped by a user to handle 102 the frame 101 as per requirement developed to be positioned over a newly grown plant, in order to protect the plant from insects, worms, birds and animals. Herein, the push button 103 integrated on the frame 101 that is pressed by the user to activate the device based on that the inbuilt microcontroller linked with the button 103, actuates the pneumatic pins 104 to extend and gets penetrated in soil of the ground surface, in order to provide stability to the frame 101 on the surface. After that the iris pores 105 re actuated by the microcontroller to be opened and maintain oxygen level inside the frame 101 to ensure proper growth of the plant. Also, the rain sensor detects presence of rain in surrounding in accordance to which the microcontroller actuates the sliding gate for allowing dripping of the rain water inside the frame 101 . Herein, the sun sensor detects direction of sun and in accordance to which the microcontroller regulates functionality of the sliding gate arrangement 106 and iris lids to receive optimum amount of sunlight in the frame 101 to ensure proper growth of the plant. Also the temperature sensor detects temperature in surrounding and in accordance to which the microcontroller regulates functionality of the sliding gate arrangement 106 and iris lids to receive optimum amount of sunlight in the frame 101 to ensure proper growth of the plant. Additionally, the NPK sensor detects nutrient level of the soil and in accordance to which the microcontroller evaluates an amount of pesticides and fertilizers needed. After that the microcontroller actuates the nozzles to dispense the evaluated amount of pesticides and fertilizers stored in the chambers, around the plant, to ensure proper growth of the plant.

[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 persons skilled in the art upon reference to the description of the invention. , Claims:1) A plant protection device, comprising:

i) a hollow cone shaped frame 101 configured with a handle 102 that is gripped by a user to handle 102 said frame 101 as per requirement, wherein said frame 101 is developed to be positioned over a newly grown plant, in order to protect said plant from insects, worms, birds and animals;
ii) a push button 103 integrated on said frame 101 that is pressed by said user to activate said device, wherein an inbuilt microcontroller linked with said button 103, actuates plurality of pneumatic pins 104 integrated underneath base of said frame 101 , to extend and gets penetrated in soil of said ground surface, in order to provide stability to said frame 101 on said surface;
iii) plurality of iris pores 105 integrated on surface of said frame 101 that are actuated by said microcontroller to open and allow passage of air in order to maintain oxygen level inside said frame 101 to ensure proper growth of said plant, wherein a rain sensor is integrated on said frame 101 to detect presence of rain in surrounding;
iv) a sliding gate arrangement 106 installed on a top portion of said frame 101 that is actuated by said microcontroller on detecting rain, for allowing dripping of said rain water inside said frame 101 via said gate, wherein a NPK ( Nitrogen, Phosphorous, and Potassium) sensor is integrated in said frame 101 to monitor nutrient level of said soil and in accordance to which said microcontroller evaluates an amount of pesticides and fertilizers needed; and
v) Plurality of chambers housed in said frame 101 and each configured with an electronically controlled nozzles that are actuated by said microcontroller to dispense evaluated amount of pesticides and fertilizers stored in said chambers, around said plant, to ensure proper growth of said plant.

2) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a sun sensor is integrated on said frame 101 to monitor direction of sun and in accordance to which said microcontroller regulates functionality of said sliding gate arrangement 106 and iris lids to receive optimum amount of sunlight in said frame 101 to ensure proper growth of said plant.

3) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a temperature sensor is integrated on said frame 101 to monitor temperature in surrounding and in accordance to which said microcontroller regulates functionality of said sliding gate arrangement 106 and iris lids to receive optimum amount of sunlight in said frame 101 to ensure proper growth of said plant.

4) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a weight sensor is integrated in each said chamber to detect quantity of pesticides and fertilizers remaining in said chambers and in case of receding beyond a threshold limit, said microcontroller sends a notification on a computing unit of said user, wirelessly linked with said microcontroller for reminding said user to refill said chambers.

5) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein an ultrasonic anemometer is integrated in said frame 101 to monitor wind speed in surrounding and in case of exceeding of said wind speed beyond a threshold range, said microcontroller directs said pins 104 to extend and get penetrated more in said soil to reduce instability of frame 101 due to extreme wind condition.

6) The device as claimed in claim 1, a thermal imaging unit 107 is installed on said frame 101 to detect presence of any insects, worms or birds and in case of detection of said insects, worms or birds said microcontroller actuates an ultrasonic emitter 108 integrated on said frame 101 to deter said birds or insects.

7) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said pneumatic pins 104 are powered by a pneumatic unit that includes an air compressor, air cylinder, air valves and piston which works in collaboration to aid in extension and retraction of said pins 104.

8) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a battery is associated with said device for supplying power to electrical and electronically operated components associated with said device.