Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a soil ripping assistive device that is capable of assisting users in ripping soil surfaces with ease and efficiency, while also providing valuable insights into soil conditions, thereby reducing physical strain and effort required for soil preparation.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Soil ripping is a land management technique used to improve soil conditions, particularly in agricultural fields. Soil ripping is an important agricultural and land management practice due to its significant benefits for soil health, crop productivity, and environmental sustainability. Compacted soils often lead to poor water infiltration and increased runoff. By creating channels and breaking up hard layers, soil ripping enhances water movement into the soil, reducing the risk of surface erosion and improving water availability to plants.

[0003] Early forms of soil tillage involved wooden plows drawn by animals. These were rudimentary and effective for loosening topsoil but had limited impact on deeper soil compaction. With the advent of iron and steel, plows became more durable and efficient. The development of the moldboard plow allowed for deeper soil tillage compared to wooden versions, but it still had limitations in breaking through deeply compacted layers. Advances in agricultural machinery led to the development of rippers with multiple tines, which allowed for wider and deeper soil disruption. These were often used in combination with other tillage equipment. Overuse or improper use of modern rippers still lead to negative impacts on soil health, including reduced organic matter and increased erosion risk.

[0004] US8359988B2 discloses an agricultural implement for tilling at least a strip of soil to be planted includes a tillage device for penetrating and tilling a strip of soil and displacing soil and residue upwardly, the tillage device including at least one coulter wheel mounted for rotation about a first axis of rotation and positioned at least in part below the soil, when tilling the strip of soil, such that the coulter wheel is able to cut a slit in the soil, and a depth control device laterally offset from the centerline of the strip of soil and mounted for rotation about a second axis of rotation located rearwardly of the trailing end of the tillage device. The depth control device is positioned to intercept soil and residue displaced upwardly by the tillage device. Multiple tines made of a polymeric material are mounted on the depth control device, extending laterally away from only one side of the depth control device toward the centerline to intercept a portion of the soil and residue displaced upwardly by the tillage device. Though, US’988 is capable of tilling a layer of soil and displaces soil and residue upwardly. However, the above cited disclosure is incapable of preventing damage to surrounding soil or structures by accurately analyzing depth of the soil layer.

[0005] Conventionally, evolution of soil ripping devices has progressed from simple hand tools and animal-drawn plows to sophisticated, hydraulically adjustable rippers. While modern equipment offers greater efficiency and adaptability, it also comes with drawbacks such as high costs, potential for overuse, and impact on soil health.

[0006] In order to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks, there exists a need in the art to develop a device that is capable of facilitating easy and precise ripping of soil without much human labor. Furthermore, the developed device should be capable of providing valuable insights regarding soil conditions, enabling users to work with harder and more compacted soils.

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 making soil ripping easier, faster, and more efficient as well as providing valuable insights into soil conditions, thereby enabling users to work with harder or more compacted soils.

[0009] Another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of preventing damage to surrounding soil or structures by accurately analyzing depth and angle control for consistent results.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of being adjust to varying soil types, moisture levels, and densities for maximizing effectiveness in diverse soil environments.

[0011] Yet another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of providing real-time feedback on optimal force and preventing over-exertion or under-performance.

[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 soil ripping assistive device that is capable of assisting a user in performing ripping soil of an agricultural field without causing any damage to the soil or surrounding structures.

[0014] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a soil ripping assistive device, comprising an elongated body constructed with a first end and second end, wherein the first end equipped with a handle to allow the user to access the device, a push button that is assembled on the handle to activate the device, a touch interactive display panel installed on the body designed to get input commands from the user for ripping the soil, a rectangular frame configured with the second end to get positioned by the user on the ground surface and a speaker arranged on the body to alert the user for applying effort on the handle for inserting multiple pneumatic pins assembled into the soil.

[0015] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the proposed device further comprises of a holographic projection unit assembled on the platform to project the hologram for guiding the user a way to penetrate the pins, an inverted U-shaped member arranged with the second end by means of a drawer arrangement to place a pair of suction cups attached with the member over the surface, an artificial intelligence based imaging unit embedded with the frame determining adhering of the suction cups on the surface along with penetration of the pins in the soil, a sensing module installed on the frame to monitor the moisture content and type of the soil, NPK value of the soil, a motorized slider configured between the pins and frame to move the pins for adjusting gap in between the pins and a pivot joint integrated within the body and member to provide necessary movement to the member.

[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 soil ripping assistive 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 soil ripping assistive device that is capable of assisting users in breaking up compacted soil layers to balance soil structure, thereby promoting better root development and overall soil health.

[0022] Referring to Figure 1, an isometric view of a soil ripping assistive device is illustrated, comprising an elongated body 101 attached with handle 102, a push button 103 integrated on the handle 102, a touch interactive display panel 104 attached with the body 101, the body 101 configured with a rectangular frame 105, a speaker 106 integrated on the body 101, multiple sharp pneumatic pins 107 configured with the frame 105, a holographic projection unit 108 installed on the body 101, an inverted U-shaped member 109 attached with the body 101, a pair of suction cups 110 configured with the member 109, an artificial intelligence based imaging unit 111 installed on the body 101 and a motorized slider 112 integrated between the pins 107 and frame 105.

[0023] The device disclosed herein, comprises of an elongated body 101 developed to be accessed by the user and made of sturdy materials like steel or aluminum, ensuring strength and stability. The body 101 constructed with a first end and second end, wherein the first end equipped with a handle 102 to enable the user to operate the device by acquiring a grip over the handle 102, preventing slippage of the device and reducing chances of accidents.

[0024] After gripping the body 101, the user intended to activate the device by pushing a push button 103 that is assembled on the handle 102. The push button 103 typically consists of a button cap which is the visible rounded part of the button that the user presses. When the user pushes the push button 103, it pushes down a plunger, which is a small rod or a cylinder. Inside the push button 103, there are electrical contacts made of electrical materials like metal.

[0025] When the user presses the push button 103, it completes the electrical circuit, allowing current to flow and triggering an inbuilt microcontroller to allow the device’s further operation. After activation of the device, the microcontroller actuates a touch interactive display panel 104 installed on the body 101 that is designed to get input commands through user regarding ripping of a ground surface. The touch interactive display panel 104 as mentioned herein is typically an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) screen that presents output in a visible form.

[0026] The screen is equipped with touch-sensitive technology, allowing the user to interact directly with the display using their fingers. A touch controller IC (Integrated Circuit) is responsible for processing the analog signals generated when the user inputs details regarding the ripping of the ground surface. A touch controller is typically connected to the microcontroller through various interfaces which may include but are not limited to PI (Serial Peripheral Interface) or I2C (Inter-Integrated Circuit).

[0027] After providing the input details, the user required to position a rectangular frame 105 configured with the second end of the body 101 over the ground surface, where soil is to be ripped. After positioning of the frame 105, the microcontroller actuates a speaker 106 arranged on the body 101 to notify the user as means of applying effort on the handle 102 in such way that multiple pneumatic pins 107 attached with frame 105 gets inserted into the soil. The speaker 106 is capable of producing clear and natural sound and is capable of adjusting its volume based on ambient noise levels. The speaker 106 consists of audio information, which is in the form of recorded voice, synthesized voice, or other sounds, generated or stored as digital data.

[0028] This data is often in the form of an audio file. The digital audio data is sent to a digital-to-analog converter (DAC). The DAC converts the digital data into analog electrical signals. The analog signal is often weak and needs to be amplified. An amplifier boosts the strength to a level so that the speaker 106 drives it effectively. The amplified audio signal is then sent to the speaker 106. The core of the speaker 106 is an electromagnet attached to a flexible cone. These sound waves travel through the air as pressure waves and are picked by the user’s ear to allow user to penetrate the pins 107 into the soil by applying pressure on the handle 102, thereby aids in ripping soil with ease.

[0029] The pins 107 as mentioned herein are powered by a pneumatic unit that utilizes compressed air to extend and retract the pins 107. The process begins with an air compressor which compresses atmospheric air to a higher pressure. The air cylinder of the pneumatic unit contains a piston that moves back and forth within the cylinder. The cylinder is connected to one end of the pins 107. The piston is attached to the telescopically operated rods and its movement is controlled by the flow of compressed air. To extend the pins 107 the piston activates the air valve to allow compressed air to flow into the chamber behind the piston. As the pressure increases in the chamber, the piston pushes the pins 107 to the desired length to get penetrated inside the soil.

[0030] Simultaneously, a holographic projection unit 108 assembled on the platform provides visual guides to the user by projecting hologram to show a way to the user for penetrating the pins 107 into the soil. On actuation of holographic projecting unit by the microcontroller, the light source emits various combination of lights towards the lens which is further portrayed to project the virtual images to show a way where the soil is to be ripped.

[0031] Synchronously, an inverted U-shaped member 109 arranged with the second end by means of a drawer arrangement get actuated by the microcontroller to get extend for positioning a pair of suction cups 110 configured with the member 109 on the surface. The drawer arrangement consists of a drawer that typically slides on the rails inside the member 109. These rails provide a smooth and stable path for the extension or retraction of the member 109.

[0032] When the microcontroller actuates the drawer arrangement, the motor starts rotating and the rotational motion is converted into linear motion through the use of gears. As the motor rotates, the drawer moves either outward or inward along the sliding rails. This extension or retraction increase and decreases the size of the member 109 to position the suction cups 110 on the surface.

[0033] After positioning the suction cups 110 on the surface, the suction cups 110 creates a vacuum seal between the surface and the member 109. When the suction cups 110 are pressed against the surface, the initial contact creates a seal between the cup and the surface, this seals off the area within the suction cup. The suction cup is designed to maintain a relatively airtight seal even if the surface is not perfectly smooth for affixing the member 109 with the surface to enable the user to take support of the member 109.

[0034] After adhering the suction cups 110 on the surface, the microcontroller actuates an artificial intelligence based imaging unit 111 embedded with the frame 105 to capture multiple images of the proximity of the frame 105 from the various angle to monitor adhering of the suction cups 110 on the surface as well penetration of the pins 107 in the soil. The artificial intelligence based imaging unit 111 is constructed with a camera lens and a processor, wherein the camera lens is adapted to capture a series of images of the surrounding present in proximity to the frame 105. The processor carries out a sequence of image processing operations including pre-processing, feature extraction, and classification.

[0035] The image captured by the imaging unit 111 is real-time images of the frame 105’s surrounding. The artificial intelligence based imaging unit 111 transmits the captured image signal in the form of digital bits to the microcontroller. The microcontroller upon receiving the image signals compares the received image signal with the pre-fed data stored in a database and constantly determines affixing of the suction cups 110 on the surface along with insertion of the pins 107 in the soil.

[0036] Based on the detected results, the microcontroller directs the speaker 106 and holographic projection unit 108 synchronously to show a way to user for applying pressure in downward direction on the handle 102 again for lifting the pins 107 as means of loosening the soil of the surface.

[0037] A sensing module installed on the frame 105, which works in synchronization with the imaging unit 111 to monitor the moisture content and type of the soil, NPK value of the soil. The core of the moisture sensor consists of two metal probes that is inserted into the soil that interacts with the soil’s moisture content. Moisture in the soil acts as an electrical conductor. Dry soil has high electrical resistance, while wet has lo electrical resistance due to the presence of ions in the water.

[0038] A low voltage electrical current is applied in the metal probes. One probe serves as the positive electrode and the other serves as the negative electrode. The resistance between the probes is measured which is indicative of the soil’s moisture content. The data interpreted by the sensor is then compared with the threshold level of moisture stored in the database.

[0039] After detecting the moisture content and NPK value of the soil, the microcontroller directs the display panel 104 to display the moisture content and NPK value of the soil on the screen to aware the user about the moisture and NPK value. Based on the moisture content and type of the soil, the microcontroller terminates the actuation of the pins 107 and directs the speaker 106 to alert the user for exerting an ideal pressure for loosening the soil properly.

[0040] A motorized slider 112 configured between the pins 107 and frame 105 get actuated by the microcontroller to move the pins 107 for adjusting gap between the pins 107. The motorized slider 112 consists of a motor, and a rail unit integrated with ball bearings to allow smooth linear movement. As the motor rotates the rotational motion of the motor is converted into linear motion through a pair of belts and linkages. This linear motion provides a stable track and allows the translation of the pins 107 to create gap in between the pins 107 for efficient ripping of the soil.

[0041] The abovementioned body 101 and member 109 having a pivot joint in between them, which allow necessary movement between the body 101 and member 109 while ripping of the soil. The pivot joint typically involves the use of an electric motor to control the movement of the pivot and the connected component. The pivot joint provides the pivot point around which the movement occurs. The motor is the core component responsible for generating the rotational motion. It converts the electrical energy into mechanical energy, producing the necessary torque that drives the pivot joint. As the motor rotates, the pivot joint provides necessary movement to the body 101 and member 109 while ripping soil.

[0042] The present invention works best in following manner, where the elongated body 101 constructed with the first end and second end, the handle 102 allow the user to access the device, the push button 103 to activates the device, the touch interactive display panel 104 designed to get input commands from the user for ripping the soil, the rectangular frame 105 to get positioned by the user on the ground surface, the speaker 106 to alert the user for applying effort on the handle 102 for inserting multiple pneumatic pins 107 into the soil, the holographic projection unit 108 to project the hologram for guiding the user the way to penetrate the pins 107, the inverted U-shaped member 109 with the drawer arrangement places the pair of suction cups 110 over the surface, the artificial intelligence based imaging unit 111 determining adhering of the suction cups 110 on the surface along with penetration of the pins 107 in the soil, the sensing module to monitor the moisture content and type of the soil, NPK value of the soil, the motorized slider 112 to move the pins 107 for adjusting gap in between the pins 107 and the pivot joint to provide necessary movement to the member 109.

[0043] 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 soil ripping assistive device, comprising:

i) an elongated body 101 having a first end attached with handle 102 that is accessed by a user to operate said device, wherein a push button 103 integrated on said handle 102 that is accessed by said user to activate said device;
ii) an inbuilt microcontroller linked with said button, actuates a touch interactive display panel 104 attached with said body 101 to allow said user to provide input command regarding ripping of a ground surface, wherein a second end of said body 101 configured with a rectangular frame 105 that is positioned by said user over said surface where soil is to be ripped;
iii) a speaker 106 integrated on said body 101 that is actuated by said microcontroller to apply effort on said handle 102 in a manner that plurality of sharp pneumatic pins 107 that are configured with said frame 105 gets penetrated in said soil, wherein a holographic projection unit 108 installed on said platform that is actuated by said microcontroller to project a hologram, depicting a way to position said pins 107 into said soil;
iv) an inverted U-shaped member 109 attached with said second end that is actuated by said microcontroller to extend and position a pair of suction cups 110 configured with said member 109, on said surface to get adhered with said surface in order to allow said user to take support of said member 109 on said ground surface, wherein said microcontroller synchronously actuates said pins 107 to extend and gets penetrated in said soil entirely;
v) an artificial intelligence based imaging unit 111 having a processer, installed on said body 101 to capture and process images of vicinity to detect adhering of said suction cups 110 on said surface and penetration of said pins 107 in said soil, wherein on detection said microcontroller again actuates said speaker 106 and holographic projection unit 108 for depicting a way to press said handle 102 in downward direction, in a manner to lift said penetrated pins 107, in view of loosening said soil of said surface; and
vi) a sensing module integrated in said frame 105 and synced with said imaging unit 111 to detect moisture content, type of soil, and NPK value of said soil, wherein based on said moisture content and type of soil said microcontroller regulates extension/retraction of said pins 107, followed by actuation of said speaker 106 to notify said user to apply an optimum effort in view of loosening said soil properly.

2) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a pivot joint integrated between said body 101 and member 109 to allow relative movement between said body 101 and member 109 during ripping.

3) The device as claimed in claim 1, a motorized slider 112 integrated between said pins 107 and frame 105 that is actuated by said microcontroller to receiving command via said panel regarding adjustment in gap between consecutive pins 107, to provide movement to said pins 107 in order to maintain an specified gapping between consecutive pins 107 as per said user’s preference.

4) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said moisture content and NPK value of said soil is displayed on said panel to make said user aware about said moisture and NPK value.

5) 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.