Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a produce storage device that is capable of segregating and cleaning the products and then storing the products into the storage bin thereby maintaining fresh and clean produce for consumption. The present invention is also capable of detecting and indicating the presence of the spoiled produce among the segregated produce and taking the necessary steps for separating the spoiled produce for preventing the user from consuming the spoiled produce.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The need and importance of storing perishable produce, such as vegetables and fruits, lie in maintaining their freshness, quality, and nutritional value for a longer period. Proper storage helps prevent spoilage, reduce waste, and ensure a steady supply of produce for consumers and markets. The storage of produce also allows for better planning and availability of seasonal items throughout the year. Additionally, effective storage methods help preserve the taste, texture, and appearance of edibles, making them more appealing and safe to consume. Overall, storing produce properly is essential for reducing economic losses, ensuring food security, and promoting healthy eating habits.

[0003] Traditional methods of storing produce include drying, salting, pickling, and storing in cool, dark places like cellars or underground pits. These techniques help preserve fruits and vegetables by reducing moisture, inhibiting bacterial growth, and preventing spoilage. Such methods have been used for generations to extend the shelf life of produce, especially before modern refrigeration, ensuring food availability during off-seasons and maintaining nutritional value. Traditional methods of storing produce, such as drying, salting, and pickling, have several drawbacks. These techniques alter the natural taste, texture, and nutritional value of the produce, making them less appealing. They also require significant time and effort, and improper storage lead to mold, fermentation, or spoilage. Additionally, some methods, like salting and pickling, introduce excess salt or preservatives, which are not suitable for all consumers. Overall, while useful historically, these methods have limitations in preserving produce efficiently and safely in modern times.

[0004] CN214630989U discloses a fruit and vegetable storage device, which comprises a storage box, wherein a lifting structure is arranged in the storage box, a placing structure is arranged on the lifting structure, an auxiliary hoisting structure is arranged on the upper wall surface of the inner side of the storage box, a bump-proof structure is arranged on the bottom surface of the inner side of the storage box, and two air exchange structures are arranged on the side wall surface of the storage box; the elevation structure includes: the utility model has the advantages of back type frame, four threaded rods, four lifters, first motor, four band pulleys, belt and two connecting rods, the beneficial effects of the utility model are that, deposit the case and partly hide in the underground, reduced area, improved space utilization, deposit the incasement and be equipped with elevation structure, rise the fruit vegetables to subaerial or fall to subaerial automatically, be convenient for deposit and take of fruit vegetables, improved the availability factor, improved factor of safety, be equipped with the structure of taking a breath, improved air velocity, the messenger deposits incasement ventilation effect and is good, has guaranteed the storage quality of fruit vegetables.

[0005] CN112673822A discloses a fruit and vegetable storage device for agricultural production, which comprises a storage box, wherein a lifting structure is arranged in the storage box, a placing structure is arranged on the lifting structure, an auxiliary hoisting structure is arranged on the upper wall surface of the inner side of the storage box, a collision prevention structure is arranged on the bottom surface of the inner side of the storage box, and two air exchange structures are arranged on the side wall surface of the storage box; the elevation structure includes: the fruit and vegetable storage box has the advantages that the storage box is half hidden underground, the floor area is reduced, the space utilization rate is improved, the lifting structure is arranged in the storage box, fruits and vegetables are automatically lifted to the ground or lowered to the ground, the fruits and vegetables are conveniently stored and taken, the use efficiency is improved, the safety coefficient is improved, the ventilation structure is arranged, the air flow speed is improved, the ventilation effect in the storage box is good, and the storage quality of the fruits and vegetables is guaranteed.

[0006] Conventionally, many devices have been developed for storing the produce but they lack in segregating and cleaning the produce for storing the produce into the storage bin for maintaining fresh and clean produce for consumption. They also lack in detecting and indicating the presence of the spoiled produce among the segregated produce for separating the spoiled produce for preventing the user from consuming the spoiled produce.

[0007] In order to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks, there exists a need in the art to develop a device that requires to be capable of segregating and cleaning the produce for storing the produce into the storage bin for maintaining fresh and clean produce for consumption. Additionally, the device that requires to be capable of detecting and indicating the presence of the spoiled produce among the segregated produce for separating the spoiled produce for preventing the user from consuming the spoiled produce.

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 segregating and cleaning the produce and then storing the produce into the storage bin thereby maintaining fresh and clean produce for consumption.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of detecting and indicating the presence of the spoiled produce among the segregated produce and taking the necessary steps for separating the spoiled produce for preventing the user from consuming the spoiled produce.

[0011] Yet another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of detecting the ripeness of the produce and accordingly placing the ripened fruit towards the accessible portion of the storage bin, thereby maintaining the easy access of the ripened fruit for consumption.

[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 produce storage device that is capable of detecting and indicating the presence of the spoiled produce among the segregated produce and taking the necessary steps for separating the spoiled produce for preventing the user from consuming the spoiled produce.

[0014] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a produce storage device is disclosed comprises of a frame configured with a plurality of racks within the frame for a segregated storage of produce, a container mounted on top of a platform provided on the frame wherein the produce is fed for segregating, a sorting conveyor integrated on the platform to receive the produce from the container via a sliding door formed in the container to sort the produce in compartments provided on the platform, an artificial intelligence based camera installed with the platform, to capture produce being placed onto the conveyor from the container, a cleaning receptacle provided on the platform for cleaning of produce, the receptacle receives individual produce from the compartments via conveyor belts provided on the platform, a water tank attached with the receptacle to supply water into the receptacle to clean the produce, a motorised agitator provided in the receptacle agitates the produce in the water for cleaning, a motorised brush provided within the receptacle by means of an articulated L-shaped telescopic bar to scrub the produce while cleaning.

[0015] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the device further comprises of a box connected with the receptacle to receive waste water after cleaning of produce, an articulated L-shaped telescopic gripper installed with the frame by means of a sliding unit to grip cleaned produce from the receptacle to place in designated racks, a plurality of partitions provided in each of the racks for segregating produce as per ripeness, a classification module is trained to classify produce is configured with the camera enables the categorisation of the produce, a weight sensor is embedded in each of the partitions of the racks to track a quantity of produce being stored, a touch-enabled display panel attached with the frame to display weight of the produce stored in each partition of the racks, a mesh layer is provided within the receptacle to create a separation between the produce and the agitator to prevent damage to the produce, a multi-section box stored with cleaning agents, connected with the receptacle to add the cleaning agents into the water during cleaning, a Peltier unit is integrated with the tank to heat the water used to clean the produce, a gas sensor is embedded in each of the partitions of the racks detects ethylene gas concentration in the rack above a threshold concentration to determine ripeness of the produce.

[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 produce storage device.
Figure 2 illustrates an internal view of the cleaning receptacle of a produce storage 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 produce storage device that is capable of detecting the ripeness of the produce and accordingly placing the ripened fruit towards the accessible portion of the storage bin, thereby maintaining the easy access of the ripened fruit for consumption.

[0022] Referring to Figure 1, an isometric view of a produce storage device is illustrated, comprising a frame 101 configured with a plurality of racks 102, a container 103 mounted on top of a platform 104, a sorting conveyor 105 integrated on the platform 104, a sliding door 106 formed in the container 103, an artificial intelligence based camera 107 installed with the platform 104, a cleaning receptacle 108 provided on the platform 104, conveyor belts 109 provided on the platform 104, a water tank 110 attached with the receptacle 108, a box 111 connected with the receptacle 108, an articulated L-shaped telescopic gripper 112 installed with the frame 101 by means of a sliding unit 113, a touch-enabled display panel 114 attached with the frame 101, an articulated extendable gripper 115 mounted on the platform 104, a recess 116 provided on the platform 104, a multi-section box 117 connected with the receptacle 108, compartments 118 provided on the platform.

[0023] Referring to Figure 2, an internal view of the cleaning receptacle 108 of a produce storage device is illustrated, comprising a motorised agitator 201 provided in the receptacle 108, a motorised brush 202 provided within the receptacle 108 by means of an articulated L-shaped telescopic bar 203, a mesh layer 204 is provided within the receptacle 108.

[0024] The device disclosed herein employs a frame 101. The frame is made up of any shape, preferably in a cuboidal shape. This frame 101 is typically constructed from material that include but not limited to high-strength materials such as reinforced steel or durable aluminum alloys, which provide a robust and resilient enclosure capable of withstanding physical impacts and environmental stressors. A plurality of racks 102 is configured within the frame 101 for a segregated storage of produce. The produce generally refers to fresh fruits and vegetables intended to be eaten by humans, although other food products such as dairy products or nuts are sometimes included.

[0025] For activating the device, the user needs to press a push button which is arranged on the frame 101 which in turn activates all the related components for performing the desired task. After pressing the button, a closed electrical circuit is formed and current starts to flow that powers an inbuilt microcontroller to allow all the linked components to perform their respective task upon actuation.

[0026] On the top of a platform 104 provided on the frame 101, a container 103 is mounted. The produce is fed into the container 103 for segregation. A sorting conveyor 105 is integrated on the platform 104 to receive the produce from the container 103 via a sliding door 106 formed in the container 103 to sort the produce in compartments 118 provided on the platform 104. The sliding door 106 functions as an automated barrier that controls the transfer of produce from the container 103 to the conveyor 105. During the time of unloading, the door 106 slides horizontally along the tracks to open a passageway between the container 103 and the conveyor 105. The conveyor 105 involves a motor-driven belt arrangement, which receives produce directly from the container 103 through the sliding door 106. When the door 106 opens, produce flows onto the conveyor's loading zone. The conveyor 105, powered by an electric motor, moves the produce steadily along the length towards designated compartments 118.

[0027] For capturing the produce being placed onto the conveyor 105 from the container 103, an artificial intelligence-based camera 107 is positioned on the platform 104 which further actuates the conveyor 105 to position the produce in one of the designated compartments 118. The camera 107 comprises of an image capturing arrangement including a set of lenses that captures multiple images in vicinity of the platform 104, and the captured images are stored within a memory of the camera 107 in form of an optical data. The camera 107 also comprises of the processor that is integrated with artificial intelligence protocols, such that the processor processes the optical data and extracts the required data from the captured images. The extracted data is further converted into digital pulses and bits and are further transmitted to the microcontroller. The microcontroller processes the received data and captures the produce being placed onto the conveyor 105 from the container 103.

[0028] For cleaning the produce, a cleaning receptacle 108 is provided on the platform 104. The receptacle 108 receives individual produce from the compartments 118 via conveyor belts 109 provided on the platform 104. The conveyor belt works in the similar manner as the sorting conveyor 105 explained above. A water tank 110 is attached with the receptacle 108 to supply water into the receptacle 108 to clean the produce.

[0029] A motorised agitator 201 provided in the receptacle 108 agitates the produce in the water for cleaning. The motorized agitator 201 functions by converting electrical energy into mechanical motion to produce agitation of the water and produce. The agitator 201 typically consists of a motor mounted within the receptacle's structure, connected to a shaft with attached blades. When activated, the motor drives the shaft, causing the blades to rotate within the water. This movement creates turbulent water flow, which help dislodge dirt, debris, and unwanted particles from the produce surfaces. The speed and direction of agitation is controlled via the motor's settings to optimize cleaning efficiency without damaging delicate produce.

[0030] For heating the water used to clean the produce, a Peltier unit is integrated with the tank 110. The Peltier unit provides a heating effect using the thermoelectric principle based on the Peltier effect. The Peltier unit consists of a thermoelectric module (TEM) made of semiconductor materials arranged between two ceramic plates. When the electric current flows through the module, it creates a temperature difference, causing one side to absorb heat (cooling effect) while the other side releases heat (heating effect). The heating side is used to provide heat to the water for cleaning the produce.

[0031] While cleaning the produce, the produce is scrubbed through a motorised brush 202 that is provided within the receptacle 108 by means of an articulated L-shaped telescopic bar 203. The telescopic bar 203 extends and retracts by using nested sections that slide within each other, driven by pneumatic unit. The pneumatic unit for extension and retraction operates using compressed air to drive a piston inside a cylinder. When air is supplied to one side of the piston, it creates pressure that pushes the piston rod outward, causing extension. To retract, air is supplied to the opposite side while the initial chamber is vented, pulling the piston rod back. The motorised brush 202, connected to the telescopic bar 203 operates by using an electric motor to drive the movement of the brush 202, ensuring consistent and efficient cleaning application. When powered on, the motor rotates the brush 202 head, enabling uniform cleaning of the produce by scrubbing.

[0032] After cleaning of the produce, the waste water is received into a box 111 that is connected with the receptacle 108. For gripping the cleaned produce from the receptacle 108 to place in designated racks 102, an articulated L-shaped telescopic gripper 112 is configured with the frame 101 by means of a sliding unit 113. The articulated L-shaped telescopic gripper 112 operates through a combination of mechanical linkages, that allows the gripper 112 to extend and retract to grasp and transfer produce efficiently. The L-shaped body of the gripper 112 is composed of multiple telescopic segments that extend outward or retract inward, controlled by the pneumatic unit, providing adjustable reach. When positioned over the produce in the receptacle 108, the gripper 112 extends the telescopic body to securely grasp the produce using the gripping end, which features clamp for a firm hold. Once the produce is securely gripped, the articulated joints allow for precise angular movement to orient the produce for transfer.

[0033] The sliding unit 113 that is installed on the frame 101 consists of a sliding rail and a motorized slidable member connected to the sliding rail. The motorized slidable member is attached to the frame 101 and sliding rail on both sides to make the gripper 112 slide. The slidable member is attached to a motor which provides movement to the member in a bi-directional manner.

[0034] A plurality of partitions is provided in each of the racks 102 for segregating produce as per ripeness. A classification module is trained to classify produce is configured with the camera 107 enables the categorisation of the produce. The classification module operates by utilizing a trained machine learning model integrated with the camera 107 to categorize produce based on visual features. When produce is positioned within the camera's field of view, the camera 107 captures high-resolution images, which are then processed by the classification module. The module extracts relevant features such as shape, size, color, texture, and surface patterns from the images using image processing protocols. These features are fed into the trained model, which analyzes the data to determine the category or quality class of the produce such as ripe, unripe, damaged, or specific produce types.

[0035] For tracking a quantity of produce being stored, a weight sensor is embedded in each of the partitions of the racks 102. The weight sensor functions by continuously monitoring the load applied to their respective compartments 118. These sensors typically operate based on principles such as strain gauge, where the sensor consists of metallic resistors arranged in a Wheatstone bridge configuration, when the produce is placed on the partition, the mechanical deformation caused by the weight alters the resistance values. This change in resistance leads to a measurable voltage variation, which the sensor's circuitry converts into an electrical signal proportional to the weight. The signals from multiple sensors are transmitted to the microcontroller, which calibrates and interprets the data to determine the precise weight of the produce in each partition.

[0036] A touch-enabled display panel 114 is attached with the frame 101 to display the weight of the produce stored in each partition of the racks 102. The display panel 114 operates by receiving processed data from the microcontroller regarding the weight of the produce stored in each partition of the racks 102. This data is converted into a digital format and transmitted to the display via an integrated driver circuit. The panel 114, typically an LCD or LED screen, uses pixels controlled by electrical signals to visually represent the weight of the produce stored in each partition of the racks 102.

[0037] Based on visuals from the camera 107, the classification module detects the spoiled produce in the compartments 118 to actuate the display panel 114 to indicate the presence of the spoiled produce and actuate an articulated extendable gripper 115 that is mounted on the platform 104 to position the spoiled produce in a recess 116 provided on the platform 104. This extendable gripper 115 works in the similar manner as the articulated L-shaped telescopic gripper 112 explained above for positioning the spoiled produce in the recess 116.

[0038] For creating a separation between the produce and the agitator 201, a mesh layer 204 is provided within the receptacle 108 which prevents the damage to the produce. The mesh layer 204 functions as a protective barrier that separates the produce from the agitator 201, preventing potential damage during the agitation process. The mesh is designed with a fine, tightly woven structure that allows for the free passage of air, liquids, or smaller particles while physically blocking larger or fragile produce from coming into direct contact with the agitator 201 components. During operation, as the agitator 201 moves to process the produce, the mesh layer 204 ensures that only the intended motion is transmitted to the produce, thereby absorbing and dispersing mechanical stresses.

[0039] A multi-section box 117 is stored with cleaning agents and connected with the receptacle 108 to add the cleaning agents into the water during cleaning. A gas sensor is embedded in each of the partitions of the racks 102 which detects ethylene gas concentration in the rack 102 above a threshold concentration to determine the ripeness of the produce. The gas sensor functions by detecting the concentration of ethylene gas, a natural ripening hormone emitted by produce as the produce matures. When the ethylene levels in the partition reach above a predefined threshold, the sensor's internal detection arrangement, such as an electrochemical cell which responds by generating an electrical signal proportional to the gas concentration.

[0040] The electrochemical sensor, produce a current signal when ethylene interacts with a sensing electrode. The sensor's circuitry continuously monitors these signals and compares the ethylene concentration against the threshold value. When the threshold is exceeded, the arrangement interprets this as an indication that the produce has reached a ripeness stage. Further, the sliding unit 113 and the gripper 112 is actuated to position the ripe fruits towards accessible partitions of the rack 102.

[0041] The present invention works best in the following manner, where the frame 101 is configured with multiple racks 102 for a segregated storage of produce. The container 103 is mounted on top of a platform 104 where the produce is fed for segregating. The sorting conveyor 105 is to receive the produce from the container 103 via the sliding door 106 to sort the produce in compartments 118 provided on the platform 104. The artificial intelligence based camera 107 is to capture produce being placed onto the conveyor 105 from the container 103 to actuate the conveyor 105 to position the produce in one of the designated compartments 118. The cleaning receptacle 108 is for cleaning of produce where the receptacle 108 receives individual produce from the compartments 118 via conveyor belts 109. The water tank 110 is to supply water into the receptacle 108 to clean the produce where the motorised agitator 201 is provided in the receptacle 108 agitates the produce in the water for cleaning. The motorised brush 202 provided within the receptacle 108 by means of an articulated L-shaped telescopic bar 203 to scrub the produce while cleaning. The box 111 is to receive waste water after cleaning of produce. The articulated L-shaped telescopic gripper 112 installed with the frame 101 by means of a sliding unit 113 to grip cleaned produce from the receptacle 108 to place in designated racks 102.

[0042] In continuation, the plurality of partitions is for segregating the produce as per ripeness. The classification module is trained to classify produce is configured with the camera 107 enables the categorisation of the produce. The weight sensor is to track the quantity of produce being stored. The touch-enabled display panel 114 is to display weight of the produce stored in each partition of the racks 102. The classification module, based on visuals from the camera 107, detects spoiled produce in the compartments 118 to actuate the display panel 114 to indicate presence of the spoiled produce and actuate an articulated extendable gripper 115 to position the spoiled produce in a recess 116 provided on the platform 104. The mesh layer 204 is provided within the receptacle 108 is to create a separation between the produce and the agitator 201 to prevent damage to the produce. The multi-section box 117 stored with cleaning agents is to add the cleaning agents into the water during cleaning. The Peltier unit is to heat the water used to clean the produce. The gas sensor detects ethylene gas concentration in the rack 102 to determine ripeness of the produce to actuate the sliding unit 113 and the gripper 112 to position ripe fruits towards accessible partitions of the rack 102.

[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. , C , Claims:1) A produce storage device, comprising:

i) a frame 101 configured with a plurality of racks 102 within the frame 101 for a segregated storage of produce;
ii) a container 103 mounted on top of a platform 104 provided on the frame 101 wherein the produce is fed for segregating;
iii) a sorting conveyor 105 integrated on the platform 104 to receive the produce from the container 103 via a sliding door 106 formed in the container 103 to sort the produce in compartments 118 provided on the platform 104;
iv) an artificial intelligence based camera 107 installed with the platform 104, to capture produce being placed onto the conveyor 105 from the container 103, to actuate the conveyor 105 to position the produce in one of the designated compartments 118;
v) a cleaning receptacle 108 provided on the platform 104, for cleaning of produce, wherein the receptacle 108 receives individual produce from the receptacle 108 via conveyor belts 109 provided on the platform 104;
vi) a water tank 110 attached with the receptacle 108 to supply water into the receptacle 108 to clean the produce wherein a motorised agitator 201 provided in the receptacle 108 agitates the produce in the water for cleaning;
vii) a motorised brush 202 provided within the receptacle 108 by means of an articulated L-shaped telescopic bar 203 is to scrub the produce while cleaning;
viii) a box 111 connected with the receptacle 108 is to receive waste water after cleaning of produce;
ix) an articulated L-shaped telescopic gripper 112 installed with the frame 101 by means of a sliding unit 113, to grip cleaned produce from the receptacle 108 a place in designated racks 102; and
x) a plurality of partitions provided in each of the racks 102 for segregating produce as per ripeness.

2) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a classification module is trained to classify produce configured with the camera 107 enables the categorisation of the produce.

3) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a weight sensor is embedded in each of the partitions of the racks 102 to track a quantity of produce being stored.

4) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a touch-enabled display panel 114 attached with the frame 101 to display weight of the produce stored in each partition of the racks 102.

5) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the classification module, based on visuals from the camera 107, detects spoiled produce in the compartments 118 to actuate the display panel 114 to indicate presence of the spoiled produce and actuate an articulated extendable gripper 115 mounted on the platform 104 to give position the spoiled produce in a recess 116 provided on the platform 104.

6) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a mesh layer 204 is provided within the receptacle 108 to create a separation between the produce and the agitator 201 to prevent damage to the produce.

7) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a multi-section box 117 stored with cleaning agents, is connected with the receptacle 108 to add the cleaning agents into the water during cleaning.

8) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a Peltier unit is integrated with the tank 110 to heat the water used to clean the produce.

9) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a gas sensor is embedded in each of the partitions of the racks 102 detects ethylene gas concentration in the rack 102 above a threshold concentration to determine ripeness of the produce, to actuate the sliding unit 113 and the gripper 112 to position ripe fruits towards accessible partitions of the rack 102.