Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to an automated cow dung cakes manufacturing device that is capable in automating the manufacturing process of cow dung cakes by streamlining the entire manufacturing process, including dispensing, mixing, and shaping, ensuring that each cow dung cake, thereby uniformly producing with minimal human effort thus leading to increased efficiency and consistency in the manufacturing process.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Various challenges faced during cow dung cake making process that reduce productivity and lower quality, achieving consistent proportions of cow dung and binding materials like straw is difficult, leading to variations in density, size, and combustion properties. Environmental factors such as humidity, rain, and uneven sunlight during drying further impact the quality and extend drying times. Additionally, monitoring and adjusting moisture levels in the mixture rely on human judgment, which is prone to errors and inconsistencies. This manual approach often results in suboptimal cakes that crack, crumble, or fail to burn effectively. Furthermore, the time-intensive nature of the process reduces productivity and scalability, making it challenging to meet higher demands. These issues collectively highlight the need for a solution to improve efficiency, consistency, and overall production quality.

[0003] Traditionally, cow dung cakes are made by hand, where cow dung is mixed with straw or other organic materials and shaped into cakes manually. The drying process is carried out under natural sunlight, which makes the process highly dependent on weather conditions. Variations in the proportions of ingredients and inconsistent shaping techniques lead to variability in the quality of the final product. Additionally, the drying process is slow and inefficient, often resulting in uneven moisture removal and potential degradation of the cakes.

[0004] CN104057636A provides a household cow dung forming machine, belonging to the field of cow dung processing forming equipment. mechanism is arranged in the machine body shell and consists of a first roller and a second roller, at least one of the first roller and the second roller is provided with a forming groove, the squeezing device is provided with a squeezing discharge hole corresponding to a forming feeding hole formed in the rolling type forming mechanism, and the machine body shell is provided with a formed-product outlet corresponding to a forming discharge hole formed in the rolling type forming mechanism. The household cow dung forming machine is provided with the squeezing device for squeezing cow dung and the rolling type forming mechanism for forming the cow dung, so the cow dung is squeezed by the squeezing device and is pressed into the rolling type forming mechanism to be formed; the household cow dung forming machine can be used for forming a small amount of cow dung and is particularly suitable for households.

[0005] CN1663420A The invention relates to a cow dung and toxic cake biological feedstuff and its preparation, wherein the fodder comprises cattle manure 4000-6000 containing composite microbiological bacterium liquid, cattle manure leaven 10-15, toxic bean cake powder 100-450, the preparation process comprises mixing proportionally, stirring homogeneously, hermetically sealing by compacting in fermentation apparatus, placing under the temperature of 24-28 deg. C, fermenting completely within 4-8 days. The fodder can improve the immunity for various animals and adjust ecological balance in intestinal tract.

[0006] Conventionally, many devices have been developed to assist in the production of cow dung cakes to reduce some manual effort but they do not address key challenges such as ensuring consistent ingredient mixing, precise control of moisture content, or uniform shaping and drying. Furthermore, these tools lack monitoring and adjusting production parameters, leaving the process reliant on human intervention and prone to inefficiencies.

[0007] In order to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks, there exists a need in the art to develop a device that requires to offer an effective means for manufacturing cow dung cakes by restructuring the entire manufacturing process, including mixing, and shaping as well as contributing to both material efficiency and product quality.

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 automating the process of preparing cow dung cakes by streamlining the entire manufacturing process, including dispensing, mixing, and shaping, ensuring that each cow dung cake is uniformly produced with minimal human effort, leading to increased efficiency and consistency.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of automating the process of preparing cow dung cakes by allowing the user to input specific dimensions for the cow dung cakes thereby ensuring the size and thickness of the cakes to the desired specifications, meeting varying production thus ensuring that each cow dung cake is uniformly produced with minimal human effort.

[0011] Yet another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of that is capable in adapting automated methods for manufacturing the cow dung cakes by ensuring the precise and consistent shaping, thickness, and compaction of the cow dung cakes by providing thumping motion for producing solid, durable cakes thereby increasing the efficiency of the manufacturing 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 cow dung cakes manufacturing device that is capable in automating the manufacturing process in accordance to the required dimension and shaped, thereby ensuring the size and thickness of the cakes in a consistent manner thus leading to better quality and uniformity of the final product and increased the efficiency of the cow dung manufacturing process.

[0014] According to an embodiment of the present invention, an automated cow dung cakes manufacturing device comprises of a housing positioned over a ground surface and configured with plurality of motorized wheels arranged beneath the housing that provides translation to the housing as per requirement, a multi-sectioned chamber is provided inside the housing, each section stored with various biomaterials include cow dung, saw dust, ash, and water, a touch interactive display panel is mounted on the housing that is accessed by a user to provide input details regarding preparation of cow dung cake, along with specifying the dimension of cow dung cake that is to be prepared, based on user-specified input details, the microcontroller actuates an iris lid installed with each of the section to dispense a regulated amount of the biomaterials within a mixing container integrated inside the housing and connected with the sections via a plurality conduit, a motorized stirrer installed within the container and actuated by the microcontroller to mix the dispensed biomaterial to produce a mixture, a viscosity sensor is installed within the container to monitor viscosity of the mixture and as soon the monitored viscosity matches with a threshold viscosity, the microcontroller actuates an electronically controlled valve arranged beneath the container to dispense the mortar mixture in a pipe lined with the container and transfer over a hollow cylindrical member attached on base portion of the housing.

[0015] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the invention further includes a hydraulic actuator configured in between the base portion and member, post successful transfer of an optimum amount of biomaterial mixture inside the member the microcontroller regulates actuation of the actuator to extend/retract in a repetitive manner, in view of providing thumping movement to the member, and synchronously the microcontroller regulates actuation of a motorized sliding gate configured with free-end of the member to open, for dumping a circular-shaped cow dung cake on ground, a weight sensor is installed with the container to monitor weight of the dispensed biomaterials and as soon as the monitored weight matches with the evaluated amount, the microcontroller deactivates the iris lids, based on user-specified dimensions of cow dung cake, the microcontroller regulates actuation of an expansion pulley mechanism integrated with the member to expand/ contract for precise manufacturing of cow dung cakes, an extendable flap is integrated at the bottom section of the housing to remove dust and debris during spreading of cow dung cake, a battery is associated with the device for powering up electrical and electronically operated components associated with the device.

[0016] While the invention has been described and shown with particular reference to the preferred embodiment, it will be apparent that variations might be possible that would fall within the scope of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with regard to the following description, appended claims, and accompanying drawings where:
Figure 1 illustrates an isometric view of an automated cow dung cakes manufacturing 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 cow dung cakes manufacturing device that is capable of offering an effective automated method for manufacturing cow dung cakes by restructuring the entire manufacturing process, including mixing, and shaping, ensuring that each cow dung cake thereby ensuring that the correct quantities are used in each cycle, thus contributing to both material efficiency and product quality.

[0022] Referring to Figure 1, an isometric view of an automated cow dung cakes manufacturing device is illustrated, comprising a housing 101 positioned over a ground surface, plurality of motorized wheels 102 arranged beneath the housing 101, a multi-sectioned chamber 103 is provided inside the housing 101, a touch interactive display panel 104 is mounted on the housing 101, an iris lid 105 installed with each of the section, a mixing container 106 integrated inside the housing 101 and connected with the sections via a plurality conduit 107, a motorized stirrer 108 installed within the container 106, an electronically controlled valve 109 arranged beneath the container 106, a pipe 110 lined with the container 106, a hollow cylindrical member 111 attached on base portion of the housing 101, a hydraulic actuator 112 configured in between the base portion and member 111, a motorized sliding gate 113 configured with free-end of the member 111, an expansion pulley 114 mechanism integrated with the member 111, an extendable flap 115 is integrated at the bottom section of the housing 101.

[0023] The device disclosed herein comprises of a housing 101 positioned over a ground surface. The housing 101 is equipped with plurality of wheels 102 arranged beneath the housing 101 that provides translation to the housing 101 as per requirement. Further the housing 101 includes a multi-sectioned chamber 103 is provided inside the housing 101, where each section stored with various biomaterials. the biomaterials used herein include cow dung, saw dust, ash, and water. The multi-sectioned chamber 103 used herein for storing biomaterials that gives storage solution designed to maintain optimal conditions for various materials. Each section operates independently, allowing precise temperature, humidity, and environmental control.

[0024] The plurality of wheels 102 used herein facilitates smooth and controlled movement across the surface. Each wheel is mounted on a swiveling axle, allowing for 360-degree rotation, which enables the platform to navigate easily around obstacles and uneven surface. The users are able to steer the platform by applying gentle force, and place the platform in the required area as per requirement.

[0025] The user activates the device through a push button associated with the device. The push button has an outer casing and an inner mechanism, including a spring and metal contacts. When the button is pressed, which pushes down on the spring-loaded mechanism inside. In the default state, the internal contacts are apart, so the circuit is open and no electricity flows. Pressing the button makes the contacts touch each other, closing the circuit and allowing electricity to flow and activate the device. The device in turn activates an inbuilt microcontroller that is pre-fed with a defined set of instructions to perform various functions. When the button is released, the spring pushes back to the original position.

[0026] Upon activation of the device the microcontroller activates a touch interactive display panel 104 is mounted on the housing 101 that is accessed by a user to provide input details regarding preparation of cow dung cake, along with the allowing the user to specify the dimension of cow dung cake that is to be prepared. The touch interactive display panel 104 as mentioned herein is typically an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) screen that presents output in a visible form. The screen is equipped with touch-sensitive technology, allowing the user to interact directly with the display using their fingers.

[0027] A touch controller IC (Integrated Circuit) is responsible for processing the analogue signals generated when the user inputs details regarding preparation of cow dung cake, along with the allowing the user to specify the dimension of cow dung cake that is to be prepared. The touch controller is typically connected to the microcontroller through various interfaces which may include but are not limited to SPI (Serial Peripheral Interface) or I2C (Inter-Integrated Circuit)

[0028] After processing the input commands, the microcontroller actuates an iris lid 105 installed with each of the sections to dispense a regulated amount of the biomaterials within a mixing container 106 integrated inside the housing 101 and connected with the sections via plurality conduit 107. The motorized iris lid 105 used herein uses a stepper motor to control the movement of overlapping segments arranged in a circular pattern. When the motor rotates, which drives a gear mechanism, causing the segments to slide over one another.

[0029] This action adjusts the aperture size, allowing precise control over the amount of biomaterial dispensed. The motor's incremental movements provide fine adjustments, ensuring consistent operation. This design enables smooth, controlled dispensing and is ideal for applications requiring regulated material flow of the biomaterials within the mixing container 106 integrated inside the housing 101 and connected with the sections via the plurality conduit 107.

[0030] Additionally, the device includes a weight sensor that is activated by the microcontroller. The weight sensor is installed with the container 106 to monitor weight of the dispensed biomaterials. The weight sensor used herein typically a load cell, measures the weight of dispensed biomaterials by converting mechanical force into an electrical signal. The load cell consists of a metal element with strain gauges attached to it.

[0031] When weight is applied, the element deforms slightly, causing a change in the resistance of the strain gauges. This resistance change is proportional to the force applied. The sensor’s output is sent to an amplifier and then processed by the microcontroller, which converts the electrical signal into a weight measurement. As soon as the monitored weight matches with the evaluated amount, the microcontroller deactivates the iris lids 105

[0032] Further, the microcontroller activates a motorized stirrer 108 installed within the container 106 to mix the dispensed biomaterial to produce a mixture. The motorized stirrer 108 used herein works herein works by uses a rotating magnetic field to mix biomaterials. The stirrer 108 consists of a motorized base housing 101. When the motor rotates, it drives a magnet beneath the container 106, which, in turn, rotates the magnetic stir bar. This action creates a vortex, efficiently mixing the contents. The speed of the motor can be adjusted to control the intensity of mixing that helps in to producing the mixture.

[0033] Upon mixing the dispensed material, the microcontroller activates a viscosity sensor is installed within the container 106 to monitor viscosity of the mixture. The viscosity sensor used herein is a rotational viscosity sensor measures viscosity by quantifying the torque required to rotate a spindle or disk within the fluid. The spindle is connected to a motor, and as rotates at a constant speed, the fluid's resistance generates a drag force. This resistance is proportional to the fluid's viscosity. The torque is measured by a calibrated sensor, and the viscosity is calculated using the spindle’s geometry and rotational speed which monitors the viscosity of the mixture.

[0034] As soon the monitored viscosity matches with a threshold viscosity, the microcontroller actuates an electronically controlled valve 109 arranged beneath the container 106 to dispense the mortar mixture. The electronically controlled valve 109 used herein is a solenoid valve 109 operates by using an electromagnetic coil to control the flow of the mortar mixture. When an electrical current passes through the coil, which generates a magnetic field that pulls a plunger inside the valve 109 body.

[0035] This movement opens or closes the valve 109, allowing or stopping the flow of the mixture. The solenoid's response is quick and precise, making it ideal for applications requiring accurate dispensing mortar mixture in a pipe 110 lined with the container 106 and transfer to a hollow cylindrical member 111 attached on base portion of the housing 101.

[0036] Upon transferring the mortar in the hollow cylindrical member 111 attached on base portion of the housing 101 the microcontroller activates a expansion pulley mechanism . The hollow cylindrical member 111 mentioned works through an expansion pulley 114 mechanism integrated with the member 111 to expand/ contract for manufacturing the cow dung cakes. The expansion pulley mechanism mentioned herein consists of two main components an outer pulley shell and an inner core. The inner core is mounted on a shaft and is capable of moving axially within the outer shell.

[0037] By changing the position of the inner core relative to the outer shell, the effective diameter of the member 111 is increased/decreased. When the core moves towards the centre of the shell, the member 111 is retracted and when the core moves away the diameter increases. For manufacturing cow dung cakes, which regulates the motion of forming or pressing tools, ensuring consistent shaping and thickness of the cakes.

[0038] Post successful transfer of an optimum amount of biomaterial mixture inside the member 111, the microcontroller regulates the actuation of a hydraulic actuator 112 configured in between the base portion and member 111 to extend/retract in a repetitive manner, in view of providing thumping movement to the member 111. The hydraulic actuator 112 used herein provides repetitive extension and retraction by a hydraulic pump in which fluid moves from a reservoir into the hydraulic cylinder. The hydraulic cylinder is a sealed tube with a piston inside. When the pump sends fluid into the cylinder, it fills one side of the piston. The fluid pressure pushes against the piston, causing it to move. Because the piston is attached to the hydraulic actuator 112 , this movement extends the rod outward from the cylinder.

[0039] The actuator 112 continues to extend as long as fluid is being pumped into the cylinder. When the actuator 112 reaches the desired height, the pump stops, and the fluid remain in the cylinder for holding the actuator 112 in place.. The repetitive motion is achieved by continuously cycling the control valve between the two chambers. The actuator's speed and force are determined by the fluid pressure and flow rate, which can be precisely adjusted. This mechanism is ideal for providing a rhythmic thumping motion, which ensures consistent, high-force output suitable for applications like compacting, pressing, manufacturing processes in view of providing thumping movement to the member 111.

[0040] Further, the microcontroller activates a motorized sliding gate 113 configured with free-end of the member 111 to open, for dumping a circular-shaped cow dung cake on ground. The motorized sliding gate 113 used herein is a gear-driven that works by utilizing an electric motor connected to a gear and rack mechanism. The motor's rotational motion is transferred to a gear that engages with a linear rack mounted on the gate 113.

[0041] As the motor rotates, the gear moves along the rack, causing the gate 113 to slide open or closed along a guided track. The movement is precise, with limit switches controlling the gate’s stopping positions. The motor’s speed and torque are adjusted to control the gate’s opening force and travel distance, ensuring accurate and reliable dumping for dumping the circular-shaped cow dung cake on ground.

[0042] Additionally, the device incorporates an extendable flap 115 integrated at the bottom section of the housing 101 to remove dust and debris during spreading of cow dung cake. The extendable plate mentioned herein works by a drawer arrangement operates using a sliding mechanism, typically composed of rails, tracks, and rollers. The drawer is mounted on these rails, allowing it to smoothly slide in and out of the housing 101. When extended, the drawer provides access to the contents inside, such as a plate for debris collection.

[0043] The mechanism is motor-driven, with a locking mechanism to hold the drawer in place when fully extended or retracted. The sliding motion is controlled by either friction or ball bearings within the tracks, ensuring smooth and stable movement. The arrangement allows easy removal and insertion of components, ensuring efficient functionality during tasks like debris removal during spreading of cow dung cake.

[0044] Lastly, a battery is installed within the device which is connected to the microcontroller that supplies current to all the electrically powered components that needs an amount of electric power to perform their functions and operation in an efficient manner. The battery utilized here, is generally a dry battery which is made up of Lithium-ion material that gives the device a long-lasting as well as an efficient DC (Direct Current) current which helps every component to function properly in an efficient manner. As the device is battery operated and do not need any electrical voltage for functioning. Hence the presence of battery leads to the portability of the device i.e., user is able to place as well as moves the device from one place to another as per the requirements.

[0045] The present invention works best in the following manner, where the device comprises of the the housing 101 positioned over the ground surface, equipped with a plurality of motorized wheels 102 beneath to provide translation. The housing 101 contains the multi-sectioned chamber 103, each section storing various biomaterials such as cow dung, sawdust, ash, and water, with precise control over temperature, humidity, and environmental conditions. The user activates the device through the push button, which closes the circuit, activating the microcontroller. The microcontroller then controls the motorized wheels 102, translating the housing 101 as needed. The user inputs details through the touch interactive display panel 104, with the touch controller processing the signals. The microcontroller actuates the motorized iris lid 105 to dispense regulated amounts of biomaterials into the mixing container 106. The magnetic stirrer 108 mixes the dispensed biomaterials, while the rotational viscosity sensor monitors the mixture’s viscosity. When the desired viscosity is achieved, the microcontroller activates the solenoid valve 109 to dispense the mortar mixture through the pipe 110 to the hollow cylindrical member 111. The expansion pulley 114 mechanism controls the diameter of the pulley 114 to adjust speed and torque, ensuring consistent shaping and thickness of the cow dung cakes. The hydraulic actuator 112 provides repetitive extension and retraction, creating the thumping movement for compaction. The motorized sliding gate 113, activated by the microcontroller, opens to dump the circular-shaped cow dung cake. The weight sensor, also controlled by the microcontroller, ensures the correct amount of biomaterial is dispensed before deactivating the iris lid 105. The extendable plate in the drawer arrangement removes dust and debris during the spreading process.

[0048] 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 cow dung cakes manufacturing device, comprising:

i) a housing 101 positioned over a ground surface and configured with plurality of wheels 102 arranged beneath said housing 101 that provides translation to said housing 101 as per requirement, wherein a multi-sectioned chamber 103 is provided inside said housing 101, each section stored with various biomaterials;
ii) a touch interactive display panel 104 is mounted on said housing 101 that is accessed by a user to provide input details regarding preparation of cow dung cake, along with specifying the dimension of cow dung cake that is to be prepared, wherein based on user-specified input details, said microcontroller actuates an iris lid 105 installed with each of said section to dispense a regulated amount of said biomaterials within a mixing container 106 installed inside said housing 101 and connected with said sections via a plurality of conduit 107;
iii) a motorized stirrer 108 installed within said container 106 and actuated by said microcontroller to mix said dispensed biomaterial to produce a mixture, wherein a viscosity sensor is installed within said container 106 to monitor viscosity of said mixture and as soon said monitored viscosity matches with a threshold viscosity, said microcontroller actuates an electronically controlled valve 109 arranged beneath said container 106 to dispense said mortar mixture in a pipe 110 lined with said container 106 and transfer to a hollow cylindrical member 111 attached on base portion of said housing 101; and
iv) a hydraulic actuator 112 configured in between said base portion and member 111, wherein post successful transfer of an optimum amount of biomaterial mixture inside said member 111 said microcontroller regulates actuation of said actuator 112 to extend/retract in a repetitive manner, in view of providing thumping movement to said member 111, and synchronously said microcontroller regulates actuation of a motorized sliding gate 113 configured with free-end of said member 111 to open, for dumping a circular-shaped cow dung cake on ground, thereby manufacturing said cow dung cake.

2) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a weight sensor is installed with said container 106 to monitor weight of said dispensed biomaterials and as soon as said monitored weight matches with said evaluated amount, said microcontroller deactivates said iris lids 105.

3) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said biomaterials include cow dung, saw dust, ash, and water.

4) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein based on user-specified dimensions of cow dung cake, said microcontroller regulates actuation of an expansion pulley mechanism 114 integrated with said member 111 to expand/ contract for precise manufacturing of cow dung cakes.

5) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein an extendable flap 115 is integrated at the bottom section of said housing 101 to remove dust and debris during spreading of cow dung cake.

6) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a battery is associated with said device for powering up electrical and electronically operated components associated with said device.