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Automated Fruit Cutting And Packaging Device

Abstract: An automated fruit cutting and packaging device, comprising a housing 101 equipped with a chamber 102 having multiple slots for storing fruits in a segregated manner, a display panel 103 for user commands to activate an imaging unit 104 to identify fruit types, a telescopic gripper 105 transfers fruits to a cleaning container 106, a clamping unit 107 with suction cups for secure handling during cleaning and peeling, an electronic nozzle 108 for water dispensing, while a slider-crank mechanism operates a blade 113 to peel fruit skins, a color sensor detects waste parts, an L-shaped telescopic bar 125 positions a circular ring 126 with a drawer arrangement and robotic links 128 to cut waste sections, an odor sensor evaluates fruit freshness, ensuring only fresh fruits proceed to the packaging container 122, and a food vacuum sealer 116 installed for sealing the plastic bag filled with fruit slices.

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Patent Information

Application #
Filing Date
02 December 2024
Publication Number
1/2025
Publication Type
INA
Invention Field
MECHANICAL ENGINEERING
Status
Email
Parent Application

Applicants

Marwadi University
Rajkot – Morbi Road, Rajkot 360003 Gujarat, India.

Inventors

1. Dr. Nikhilkumar Jagjivan Chotai
Department of Mechanical Engineering, Marwadi University, Rajkot – Morbi Road, Rajkot 360003 Gujarat, India.

Specification

Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to an automated fruit cutting and packaging device that is capable of providing a means to automate the entire fruit processing cycle, including storage, cleaning, peeling, cutting, waste removal, and packaging to optimize fruit preservation by monitoring water content and freshness with minimal waste that extends the shelf life of the fruit.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The processing of fruits involves several time-consuming and labour-intensive steps, including sorting, cleaning, peeling, cutting, and packaging. These processes are critical to ensure that the fruits maintain their quality, freshness, and nutritional value throughout their shelf life. Improper handling during these stages can lead to fruit damage, contamination, and accelerated spoilage, negatively impacting both the appearance and nutritional content of the fruits. Moreover, traditional manual methods are prone to human error, inconsistent results, and excessive waste, further complicating the production process. Additionally, the need for skilled labor, especially in tasks like peeling and cutting, increases operational costs and reduces scalability for large-scale fruit processing operations.

[0003] Traditional methods of fruit handling often require significant manual labor, lead to inconsistent results, and can cause damage to the fruits, impacting both the product quality and yield. These manual processes can result in varying levels of precision, leading to uneven cuts, bruising, and contamination. Furthermore, the reliance on human labor for tasks such as sorting, cleaning, and peeling can slow down production, especially in large-scale operations, increasing costs and reducing throughput. In addition, the potential for human error during handling can lead to inconsistent fruit quality, which may result in customer dissatisfaction and increased waste due to unsellable products.

[0004] CN201677328U discloses a fruit cutter is characterized in that a plastic ring is connected with a cutter blade, a cutter blade, a handle and a handle, and the fruit cutter is applicable to fruits in different sizes.

[0005] CN103 314818A discloses a handheld fruit bagging machine comprises a framework, a bag bin mechanism and a bag closing mechanism. The handheld fruit bagging machine is characterized in that the framework is of a support structure, the bag bin mechanism is arranged at the rear of the upper side of the framework, and the bag closing mechanism is arranged at the front of the upper side of the framework. The handheld fruit bagging machine has the advantages that a series of working procedures for fetching bags, opening the bags, sealing the bags and the like can be implemented, positions of bag bins can be automatically detected, and the machine can be truly intelligently operate.

[0006] Conventionally, many devices are disclosed in prior art that provides way to process fruits by cutting, peeling and packing but often lacks in efficiency, precision, and full automation that cause inconsistent results, fruit damage, and fail to preserve freshness effectively. Additionally, such devices lack in monitoring factors like water content or spoilage as a result, such devices fall short of optimizing fruit processing while minimizing waste and ensuring high product quality.

[0007] In order to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks, there exists a need in the art to develop a device that is capable of automating the fruit processing cycle, ensuring efficient and precise cutting, peeling, and packaging by monitoring freshness, water content, and spoilage, while minimizing fruit damage and waste. Additionally, the device should also provide streamlined operation, reduce labor costs, and maintain consistent throughout the entire process.

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 to automate the entire fruit processing cycle, including storage, cleaning, peeling, cutting, waste removal, and packaging to optimize fruit preservation by monitoring water content and freshness with minimal waste that extends the shelf life of the fruit.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of enhancing the efficiency and accuracy of fruit processing aims to reduce manual intervention, minimize fruit damage, and ensure consistent quality and freshness throughout the entire process.

[0011] Yet another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of sorting and cleaning to peeling, cutting, and packaging, while ensuring optimal preservation of the fruit’s quality, freshness, and shelf life to improve the overall efficiency and consistency of the fruit processing process.

[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 an automated fruit cutting and packaging device that is capable of sorting, cleaning, peeling, cutting, and packaging fruits with minimal manual intervention, ensuring optimal freshness, quality, and reduced waste throughout the process.

[0014] According to an embodiment of the present invention, an automated fruit cutting and packaging device, comprises of a cuboidal housing developed to be positioned on a ground surface and installed with a chamber having multiple slots installed inside the housing for storing multiple fruits over the slots in a segregated manner, a touch interactive display panel is mounted on outer surface of the housing that is accessed by the user for providing input commands regarding packaging of fruit, a microcontroller linked with the display panel upon receiving the user’s commands activates an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit installed inside the housing to detect types of fruit stored inside the slots, a telescopically operated gripper mounted inside the housing to grip a fruit from the slots and position inside a cleaning container installed inside the housing, a pair of motorized clamping units attached on inner top and bottom ends of the cleaning container, with suction cups fixed to outer edges of the clamping units to securely hold fruits in place during cleaning and peeling process, an electronic nozzle connected with a vessel mounted inside the cleaning to dispense water over the fruit, in view of cleaning the fruit, multiple links mounted on inner upper side of the cleaning container are connected to U-shaped member via slider crank arrangement to drives a blade attached between the member forward and backward, allowing the blade to remove layers of fruit skin, a cutting container arranged inside the housing for storing the peeled fruits that is placed by the gripper, a color sensor is installed inside the cutting container to detect presence of waste part on the fruit, an inverted L-shaped telescopic bar assembled inside the cutting container for placing a circular shaped ring over the fruit, a drawer arrangement integrated with the ring for expanding or compressing to properly accommodate the fruit, multiple robotic links assembled on the ring for cutting the waste part by means of a blade attached with each of the links, a cuboidal body connected via an extendable pole, and a pair of L-shaped rods are attached to sides of the cuboidal body, with blade fins mounted between rods, to remove fruit seeds, via a first suction unit integrated with the body, an odor sensor integrated inside the body that detects the odor emitted by the fruit, identifying whether fruit is fresh or stale and place the fruits in the packaging container.

[0015] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the proposed device further comprises of a first robotic arm with a motorized clamp at its tip is installed inside the packaging container, to automatically retrieve appropriate plastic bag from box and inside the packaging container, facilitating precise bag placement for packaging, food vacuum sealer installed within the packaging container via a second robotic arm for sealing the plastic bag filled with fruit slices, preserving fruit freshness, and optimizing packaging process, and the user via an opening carved on front portion of housing collects the packaged fruits

[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 an automated fruit cutting and packaging 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 an automated fruit cutting and packaging device that is capable automating the entire fruit processing cycle, including storage, cleaning, peeling, cutting, waste removal, and packaging, while optimizing fruit preservation by monitoring water content and freshness. Additionally, the developed device aims to enhance efficiency, reduce manual intervention, minimize fruit damage, and ensure consistent quality and freshness, thereby extending the shelf life of the fruit.

[0022] Referring to Figure 1, an isometric view of an automated fruit cutting and packaging device is illustrated, comprising a cuboidal housing 101 installed with a chamber 102 installed inside the housing 101, a touch interactive display panel 103 mounted on outer surface of the housing 101, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 104 installed inside the housing 101, a telescopically operated gripper 105 mounted inside the housing 101, a cleaning container 106 installed inside the housing 101, a pair of motorized clamping units 107 attached on inner top and bottom ends of the cleaning container 106, an electronic nozzle 108 connected with a vessel 109, multiple links 110 mounted on inner upper side of the cleaning container 106 connected to U-shaped member 111 via slider crank arrangement 112, a blade 113 attached between the member 111, a cutting container 114 arranged inside the housing 101.

[0023] The Figure 1 further comprises of a cuboidal body 118 integrated inside the cutting container 114, connected via an extendable pole 119, and a pair of L-shaped rods 120 attached to sides of the cuboidal body 118, blade fins 121 mounted between rods 120, a packaging container 122 installed inside the housing 101, a box 123 provided inside the packaging container 122, a first robotic arm 115 installed inside the packaging container 122, a food vacuum sealer 116 installed within the packaging compartment via a second robotic arm 117, and a waste receptacle 124 installed inside the housing 101, and an inverted L-shaped telescopic bar 125 assembled inside the cutting container 114 having a circular shaped ring 126, and multiple robotic links 128 integrated with the ring 126 equipped with a blade 127.

[0024] The proposed device comprises a cuboidal housing 101 made of materials including, but not limited to, metallic substances, alloys, or similar materials that withstand the loads produced during the cutting and packaging of fruits. The housing 101 contains a chamber 102 equipped with multiple slots for storing fruits in a segregated manner. The housing 101 is encased with various components associated with the device, arranged sequentially to aid in the cutting and packaging process. When the housing 101 is placed on a ground surface, the user activates the device manually by pressing a switch button integrated into the housing 101. This button, which functions as a type of switch, is internally connected to the device via multiple circuits. When pressed by the user, the circuits close and conduct electricity, activating the device and vice versa.

[0025] Once the user activates the device, a microcontroller associated with the device generates a commands to operate the device accordingly. After the activation of the device, the microcontroller powers a touch interactive display panel 103 integrated with the housing 101 to allow the user to input commands regarding packaging of fruit(s). The display panel 103 works by using LCD (liquid crystal Display) that are manipulated by electric currents to control the passage of light through the display panel 103. When an electric current is applied, the liquid crystals align in a way that either allows light to pass through or blocks the light, creating the images and colors that is being visible in the LCD of the display panel 103 regarding the packing of the fruits. When the user touches the display panel 103, it registers the input by detecting changes in the electric charge at the touch location. This input is then stored in the microcontroller for processing.

[0026] Upon processing the user’s input, the microcontroller activates an artificial intelligence based imaging unit 104 integrated into the housing 101 to detect the presence and type of fruit stored in the designated slots. This imaging unit 104 consists of a camera and a processor that work collaboratively to capture and analyse images of the surrounding. The camera captures multiple images of the interior, utilizing its components, including a body, electronic shutter, lens, lens aperture, image sensor, and imaging processor. These components function sequentially, ensuring precise image capture for further processing and identification by the AI (Artificial Intelligence) unit.

[0027] Once the image is captured, the camera's shutter automatically opens, allowing the reflected light from the surroundings to pass through the lens aperture. The light beam then travels to the image sensor, which analyses it to extract signals. These signals are calibrated by the sensor to convert the light into electronic signals, effectively capturing the image. The imaging processor processes these electronic signals and converts them into a digital image. Following image capture, the processor in the imaging unit 104 utilizes an AI protocol to analyse the digital image and extract data in the form of digital signals. This data is transmitted to the microcontroller, which uses it to identify and classify the types of fruits stored in the slots.

[0028] Based on the detected fruit types, the microcontroller activates a pneumatic unit integrated with a telescopically operated gripper 105 housed within the device. This gripper 105 extends and retracts to grip a fruit from the slots using its jaw portion. The pneumatic unit comprises an air compressor, air cylinder, inlet and outlet air valves, and a piston, which work together to control the gripper’s movement. The air compressor, powered by a motor activated by the microcontroller, draws air from the surroundings through the inlet valve, compresses it, and pumps it out via the outlet valve.

[0029] The air valves regulate the flow of compressed air into and out of the cylinder. When the valve opens, compressed air enters the cylinder, increasing the internal air pressure and causing the piston to move. As the valve closes, the compressed air exits the cylinder, reducing air pressure and reversing the piston's movement. This cyclical increase and decrease in air pressure drive the piston in a to-and-fro motion, enabling the gripper 105 to extend and retract. The gripper’s jaw portion grabs the fruit from the slots and transfers it to a cleaning container 106 installed within the housing 101.

[0030] Once the fruit is placed in the cleaning container 106, the microcontroller activates a pair of motorized clamping units 107 positioned at the inner top and bottom ends of the container 106. The clamping units 107 are equipped with a hinge mechanism that provides back-and-forth movement to secure the fruit. Suction cups attached to the outer edges of the clamping units 107 create negative pressure, allowing the fruit to adhere securely during the cleaning and peeling process. Once the fruit is firmly gripped, the microcontroller activates an electronic nozzle 108 connected to a vessel 109 inside the cleaning container 106. The nozzle 108 dispenses water over the fruit to ensure thorough cleaning.

[0031] The nozzle 108 mentioned herein includes solenoids, piezoelectric actuators, or motor-driven mechanisms that converts electrical signals into mechanical motion. The nozzle 108 is controlled by a control unit that sends electrical signals to the actuation mechanism. The control unit a pulse width modulation (PWM) or analog voltage control. The primary function of the nozzle 108 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 108. This action controls the flow of the water through the nozzle 108. The nozzle 108 allows precise control over the flow rate and direction of the water. By modulating the actuation mechanism according to the desired parameters, the nozzle 108 is capable to regulate the flow and provide accurate dispensing of the water over the fruit for cleaning the fruit.

[0032] The inner upper side of the cleaning container 106 is equipped with multiple links 110, each connected to a U-shaped member 111 via a slider-crank mechanism controlled by the microcontroller. The slider-crank mechanism drives a blade 113 positioned between the U-shaped member 111 in a forward and backward motion to effectively remove layers of fruit skin. The slider-crank arrangement 112 consists of a crank, a connecting rod, and a slider. A motor controlled by the microcontroller rotates the crank, and this rotational motion is transmitted to the connecting rod. The connecting rod converts the rotation into linear motion, which drives the slider. The slider, in turn, moves the blade 113 back and forth, enabling precise peeling of the fruit's skin.

[0033] For effective peeling of the fruits, a motorized ball-and-socket joint is integrated at point of attachment between clamping unit 107 and cleaning container 106 aids the clamping unit 107 to spin the griped fruits for ensuring even and efficient removal of layers from fruits surface. The ball and socket joint is actuated by the microcontroller to provide 360-degree orientation to the clamping unit 107 to spin he fruits ensuring even and efficient removal of layers from fruits surface.

[0034] Once, the peeling of the fruit is done, the microcontroller actuates the gripper 105 to pick the peeled fruit and place in a cutting container 114 arranged inside the housing 101. Herein, a color sensor is installed inside the cutting container 114 synced with the imaging unit 104 detect presence of waste part on the fruit. The color sensor works by emitting light onto the fruit's surface and measuring the reflected light's wavelength and intensity. The color sensor identifies different colors based on the detected wavelength and compares with predefined values in the microcontroller's database to distinguish between the edible portion and waste parts of the fruit.

[0035] Based on detecting the waste part of the fruit, the microcontroller actuates another pneumatic unit integrated with an inverted L-shaped telescopic bar 125 assembled inside the cutting container 114 for placing a circular shaped ring 126 over the fruit. Herein, multiple second suction units provided on a bottom portion of the cutting container 114, to securely hold fruits in place during cutting process. Upon placing of the circular shaped ring 126 over the fruit, the microcontroller actuates a drawer arrangement integrated with the ring 126 for expanding or compressing to accommodate the fruit properly.

[0036] The drawer arrangement mentioned herein comprises of a carriage assembly and a DC (direct current) motor that works in collaboration to extend and retract the ring 126. The carriage assembly fitted with two rails that are used for sliding the block up and down. The block opening located at the end of the rail and have two clips that are used to secure the ring with the ring 126. To extend the drawer, the drawer is pushed to open and the carriage assembly slide outward. This creates an opening to allow extension and retraction of the arrangement to aid adjustment in size of the ring 126 to accommodate the fruit within the ring 126.

[0037] Once the fruit is securely accommodated within the ring 126, the microcontroller activates multiple robotic links 128 mounted on the ring 126 to cut away the waste portion of the fruit. Each link is equipped with a blade 127 that comes into contact with the fruit for precise cutting. These robotic links 128 function similarly to robotic arms, comprising a series of interconnected joints, actuators, and sensors. Each joint offers either rotational or linear motion, powered by motors or pneumatic actuators under the microcontroller's control. To ensure precision, the links 128 are equipped with position and force sensors, which allow for accurate movement and alignment of the blade 127 with the waste portion of the fruit. The microcontroller synchronizes the movements of the robotic links 128, enabling the blade 127 to remove the waste part cleanly and efficiently, without causing damage to the edible portion of the fruit.

[0038] After cutting of the waste part, the microcontroller activates another pneumatic unit integrated with an extendable pole 119. The pole 119 moves a pair of L-shaped rods 120, which, in turn, move blade fins 121 mounted between the rods 120 over the fruit, slicing it into segments. Simultaneously, the microcontroller actuates a first suction unit housed within a cuboidal body 118 inside the cutting container 114 to extract seeds from the fruit. The suction unit operates by creating a vacuum within the cuboidal body 118, achieved using a motorized pump controlled by the microcontroller. Upon activation, the pump reduces the air pressure inside the unit, generating suction through an inlet positioned near the fruit. This suction force effectively removes the seeds and directs them into the cuboidal body 118. Additionally, the peeled skin is transferred to a waste receptacle 124 installed within the device, collected by the gripper 105 for disposal.

[0039] Once, the seeds withdrawn from the fruits, an odor sensor integrated inside the body 118 that detects the odor emitted by the fruit, identifying whether fruit is fresh or stale. The odor sensor works by analysing the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) released by the fruit. These compounds vary depending on the fruit's freshness and its stage of decomposition. The odor sensor uses advanced chemical detection technology, such as metal oxide semiconductors, electrochemical sensors, or gas chromatography, to identify the specific VOC patterns associated with fresh or stale fruit.

[0040] When the fruit is fresh, it emits a distinct combination of sweet and fruity VOCs, indicating ripeness. Conversely, stale or spoiled fruit produces higher concentrations of compounds like ethanol, acetone, or ammonia, which signal decomposition. The sensor processes these data and sends to the microcontroller to process and detect the odor of the fruit correspondence to fresh or stale. Based on the detection, the microcontroller actuates the gripper 105 to position the cut fruit pieces inside a packaging container 122 located within the housing 101. This packaging container 122 is designed as a box 123 containing plastic bags of varying sizes for efficient fruit packaging. A first robotic arm 115, equipped with a motorized clamp at its tip and assembled inside the packaging container 122, is activated by the microcontroller to automatically retrieve an appropriately sized plastic bag from the box 123.

[0041] The robotic arm 115 ensures precise bag placement for efficient fruit packaging. The robotic arm 115 consists of a shoulder, elbow, and wrist, all configured and controlled by the microcontroller. The elbow, located at the mid-section of the arm 115, allows the upper portion to move the lower section independently. At the tip of the upper arm 115, the wrist is attached to the end effector, functioning like a hand to provide back-and-forth movement to the clamp. This movement enables the clamp to retrieve the appropriate plastic bag from the box 123 and position it precisely for packaging. Once the fruit slices are packed in the plastic bag, the microcontroller activates a second robotic arm 117 installed within the packaging compartment, wherein the second arm 117 assists a food vacuum sealer 116 linked with the arm 117 in sealing the plastic bag, ensuring the fruit slices are securely packaged.

[0042] The vacuum sealer 116 works by removing air from the bag, creating a vacuum environment that slows oxidation and microbial growth, which helps preserve the freshness of the fruit slices. The robotic arm 115 positions the bag inside the sealer 116, where a pump extracts the air. Once the air is removed, a heat-sealing mechanism securely seals the bag, ensuring it remains airtight. The microcontroller oversees the entire process, ensuring that optimal vacuum levels and seal integrity are maintained. This process extends the shelf life of the fruit slices. For ease of collection, the packaged fruits are retrieved through an opening carved on the front portion of the housing 101. During transportation, the vacuum sealer 116 ensures the bag remains tightly sealed, preserving the fruit's freshness and minimizing spoilage throughout storage and transport.

[0043] Additionally, to optimize various processes like cutting, peeling, and packaging, a moisture sensor is integrated with the cleaning, cutting, and packaging containers 122 to continuously monitor the water content of the fruits during processing. The moisture sensor works by detecting and measuring the water content of the fruit through the analysis of the electrical properties of its tissues. It operates using a method called dielectric spectroscopy, where an electromagnetic signal is sent into the fruit, and the sensor measures the signal's response. The amount of water in the fruit affects its dielectric constant, which is used to calculate the moisture level. Based on this data, the microcontroller adjusts the cutting, peeling, and packaging processes to ensure optimal storage conditions for the fruits, improving their freshness and shelf life.

[0044] 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 the user effectively carry out their appropriate functions.

[0045] The present invention works best in following manner that includes the cuboidal housing 101 developed to be positioned on a ground surface and installed with the chamber 102 having multiple slots store multiple fruits over the slots in a segregated manner. Herein, the touch interactive display panel 103 is accessed by the user for providing input commands regarding packaging of fruit(s). Based on that the microcontroller linked with the display panel 103 upon receiving the user’s commands activates the artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 104 detect types of fruit stored inside the slots, based on which the microcontroller regulates actuation of the telescopically operated gripper 105 to grip a fruit from the slots and position inside the cleaning container 106. Also, the motorized clamping units 107 with suction cups fixed to outer edges of the clamping unit 107 to securely hold fruits in place during cleaning and peeling process. After that the electronic nozzle 108 is actuated by the microcontroller to dispense water over the fruit, in view of cleaning the fruit.

[0046] In continuation, the slider crank arrangement 112 is actuated by the microcontroller, which in turn drives the blade 113 attached between the member 111 forward and backward, allowing the blade 113 to remove layers of fruit skin effectively while preventing damage to fruit’s flesh; Herein, the color sensor that works in collaboration with the imaging unit 104 to detect presence of waste part on the fruit and accordingly the microcontroller actuates the inverted L-shaped telescopic bar 125 for placing a circular shaped ring 126 over the fruit, followed by actuation of the drawer arrangement for expanding or compressing to properly accommodate the fruit. Also the blade fins 121 mounted between rods 120, that are dynamically actuated by the microcontroller to remove fruit seeds, via the first suction unit. Herein, the odor sensor that detects the odor emitted by the fruit, identifying whether fruit is fresh or stale, and post successful detection the microcontroller actuates the gripper 105 for positioning the cut fruit pieces inside a packaging container 122 installed inside the housing 101. Also the first robotic arm 115 with the motorized clamp at its tip is automatically retrieve appropriate plastic bag from box 123 and inside the packaging container 122, facilitating precise bag placement for packaging. Once fill of the fruits in the bag, , the microcontroller actuates the second robotic arm 117 and vacuum sealer 116 to work in collaboration for sealing the plastic bag filled with fruit slices, preserving fruit freshness, and optimizing packaging process, and the user via the opening of housing 101 collects the packaged fruits.

[0047] 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) An automated fruit cutting and packaging device, comprising:
i) a cuboidal housing 101 developed to be positioned on a ground surface and installed with a chamber 102 having multiple slots installed inside said housing 101 for enabling a user to store multiple fruits over said slots in a segregated manner, wherein a touch interactive display panel 103 is mounted on outer surface of said housing 101 that is accessed by said user for providing input commands regarding packaging of fruit(s);
ii) a microcontroller linked with said display panel 103 upon receiving said user’s commands activates an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 104 installed inside said housing 101 and paired with a processor for capturing and processing multiple images of surroundings, respectively, to detect types of fruit stored inside said slots, based on which said microcontroller regulates actuation of a telescopically operated gripper 105 mounted inside said housing 101 to grip a fruit from said slots and position inside a cleaning container 106 installed inside said housing 101;
iii) a pair of motorized clamping units 107 attached installed within said cleaning container 106, with suction cups fixed to outer edges of said clamping unit 107 to securely hold fruits in place during cleaning and peeling process, wherein an electronic nozzle 108 connected with a vessel 109 stored with water and mounted inside said cleaning container 106 is actuated by said microcontroller to dispense water over said fruit, in view of cleaning said fruit;
iv) plurality of links 110 mounted on inner upper side of said cleaning container 106, said links 110 are connected to U-shaped member 111 via slider crank arrangement 112, wherein said slider crank arrangement 112 is actuated by said microcontroller, which in turn drives a blade 113 attached between said member 111 forward and backward, allowing said blade 113 to remove layers of fruit skin effectively while preventing damage to fruit’s flesh;
v) a cutting container 114 arranged inside said housing 101 for storing said peeled fruits that is placed by said gripper 105, wherein a color sensor is installed inside said cutting container 114 that works in collaboration with said imaging unit 104 to detect presence of waste part on said fruit and accordingly said microcontroller actuates an inverted L-shaped telescopic bar 125 assembled inside said cutting container 114 for placing a circular shaped ring 126 over said fruit, followed by actuation of drawer arrangement integrated with said ring 126 for expanding or compressing to properly accommodate said fruit;
vi) multiple robotic links 128 assembled on said ring 126 for cutting said waste part by means of a blade 127 attached with each of said links 128 , wherein a cuboidal body 118 is integrated inside said cutting container 114, connected via an extendable pole 119, and a pair of L-shaped rods 120 are attached to sides of said cuboidal body 118, with blade fins 121 mounted between rods 120, that are dynamically actuated by said microcontroller to remove fruit seeds, via a first suction unit integrated with said body 118;
vii) an odor sensor integrated inside said body 118 that detects the odor emitted by said fruit, identifying whether fruit is fresh or stale, and post successful detection said microcontroller actuates said gripper 105 for positioning said cut fruit pieces inside a packaging container 122 installed inside said housing 101;
viii) a box 123 stored with plastic bags of varying sizes is provided inside said packaging container 122, wherein a first robotic arm 115 with a motorized clamp at its tip is installed inside said packaging container 122, to automatically retrieve appropriate plastic bag from box 123 and inside said packaging container 122, facilitating precise bag placement for packaging; and
ix) a food vacuum sealer 116 installed within said packaging container 122 via a second robotic arm 117, wherein post filled of bag with fruit, said microcontroller actuates said second robotic arm 117 and vacuum sealer 116 to work in collaboration for sealing said plastic bag filled with fruit slices, preserving fruit freshness, and optimizing packaging process, and said user via an opening carved on front portion of housing 101 collects said packaged fruits.

2) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a motorized ball-and-socket joint is integrated at point of attachment between clamping unit 107 and cleaning container 106, enabling rotational movement of clamping unit 107, thereby allowing fruits to be spun, ensuring even and efficient removal of layers from fruits surface.

3) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a moisture sensor is integrated with said cleaning, cutting and packaging container 122 to continuously monitors water content of fruits during processing, to optimize various processes like cutting, peeling, and packaging.

4) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein secondary multiple second suctions units are provided on a bottom portion of said cutting container 114, to securely hold fruits in place during cutting process.

5) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said vacuum sealer 116 operates to remove air from the bag and create a tight seal around said contents, ensuring fruit remains fresh and minimizing spoilage during storage and transportation.

6) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a waste receptacle 124 is installed inside said housing 101 for storing peeled skin, seeds inside said receptacle 124, said waste being collected by said gripper 105 and first suction unit.

Documents

Application Documents

# Name Date
1 202421094818-STATEMENT OF UNDERTAKING (FORM 3) [02-12-2024(online)].pdf 2024-12-02
2 202421094818-REQUEST FOR EXAMINATION (FORM-18) [02-12-2024(online)].pdf 2024-12-02
3 202421094818-REQUEST FOR EARLY PUBLICATION(FORM-9) [02-12-2024(online)].pdf 2024-12-02
4 202421094818-POWER OF AUTHORITY [02-12-2024(online)].pdf 2024-12-02
5 202421094818-FORM-9 [02-12-2024(online)].pdf 2024-12-02
6 202421094818-FORM FOR SMALL ENTITY(FORM-28) [02-12-2024(online)].pdf 2024-12-02
7 202421094818-FORM 18 [02-12-2024(online)].pdf 2024-12-02
8 202421094818-FORM 1 [02-12-2024(online)].pdf 2024-12-02
9 202421094818-FIGURE OF ABSTRACT [02-12-2024(online)].pdf 2024-12-02
10 202421094818-EVIDENCE FOR REGISTRATION UNDER SSI(FORM-28) [02-12-2024(online)].pdf 2024-12-02
11 202421094818-EVIDENCE FOR REGISTRATION UNDER SSI [02-12-2024(online)].pdf 2024-12-02
12 202421094818-EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTION(S) [02-12-2024(online)].pdf 2024-12-02
13 202421094818-DRAWINGS [02-12-2024(online)].pdf 2024-12-02
14 202421094818-DECLARATION OF INVENTORSHIP (FORM 5) [02-12-2024(online)].pdf 2024-12-02
15 202421094818-COMPLETE SPECIFICATION [02-12-2024(online)].pdf 2024-12-02
16 Abstract.jpg 2024-12-30
17 202421094818-FORM-26 [03-06-2025(online)].pdf 2025-06-03