Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a seed sowing assistive device that is capable of assisting the user in sowing seeds as well as allows users to adjust parameters such as row width and pit diameter for better growth of seeds.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Seed sowing is the process of planting seeds in the soil to grow crops. It is a fundamental agricultural practice that determines the quality and quantity of the harvest. Proper seed sowing ensures optimal plant spacing, depth, and coverage, promoting healthy growth and maximizing yield. The importance of seed sowing lies in its impact on germination rates, crop uniformity, and overall farm productivity. Advantages include increased efficiency, reduced labor costs, better use of resources, and enhanced crop management. Precise seed sowing lead to higher yields, improved soil health, and sustainable farming practices. Traditional tools used for sowing seeds include the dibbler, a pointed stick for making holes; seed drills, which create furrows and drop seeds in rows; and hand-held seeders, which distribute seeds manually. These tools are simple, manually operated, and have been used for centuries to aid in planting.

[0003] Traditional tools are useful, but they have their own limitations. Traditional tools for sowing seeds, such as hand-held seeders, plows, and dibblers, face several limitations. These tools often result in uneven seed distribution and inconsistent planting depths, leading to suboptimal germination and crop yields. Manual operation is labor-intensive and time-consuming, making it difficult to cover large fields efficiently. Traditional methods also lack precision, which lead to seed wastage and increased labor costs. Furthermore, these tools do not account for soil conditions like moisture and depth, which are crucial for successful seed germination and growth. Overall, traditional tools are less efficient and effective compared to modern automated sowing devices.

[0004] CN104137683A discloses about a crop seed sowing and covering device and aims at proving a seed sowing and covering device which is reasonable in one-time seed discharge number, capable of adjusting the land form with pertinence before and after sowing seeds so as to improve the seed covering effect, capable of realizing wind-proof protection in the seed falling process and capable of guaranteeing reasonable seed falling positions. The crop seed sowing and covering device comprises a body, an engine, a speed reducer and a land rolling roller; a handle rod is arranged on the body; a walking powered roller is arranged on the lower part of the body; land leveling wheels are arranged on the side parts of the body; a plurality of seed hoppers are arranged between the walking powered roller and the land rolling roller; each seed hopper comprises a hopper and a seed discharge wheel which is located at the bottom inside the hopper, a plurality of seed discharge holes are formed in the seed discharge wheel, the space between every two adjacent seed discharge holes is equal, and an outer driving wheel set is arranged on the outer side of the hopper and linked with the seed discharge wheel; a soil compression part is arranged on the body; and a slotting shovel is arranged on the lower part of the hopper. The crop seed sowing and covering device has the beneficial effects that even intermittent seed sowing be carried out automatically, the seed falling distribution positions are reasonable, and the sowing accuracy and the stability of the sowing process be improved. US’683 belongs to agricultural mechanical field, relate in particular to a kind of crop and broadcast seed covering device, however the device lacks in collecting data on soil conditions, seed placement, and other relevant metrics to optimize the farming practices.

[0005] CN101982035A discloses about a precision seeder which mainly solves the problem of mechanical seeding of vegetable seeds. The precision seeder comprises a frame, an engine, a transmission case, a front roller, a back roller, a traveling wheel, a furrow opener, a soil covering doctor blade and a seeding machine, wherein the front roller and the back roller are two rotary drums ahead and behind the machine and are respectively installed at the front end and the back end of a stand; the engine and the transmission case are installed on the stand, the engine is connected with the back roller through a chain for carrying out transmission, then the back roller drives the front roller to move, and the front roller drives a gear on the seeding machine through the chain for seeding; and a handrail and two clutch levers (a traveling clutch lever and a seeding clutch lever) are installed above the stand. The precision seeder of the invention finish the processes of flatting by pressing, furrowing, seeding, covering with soil and compacting for one time in the seeding work, a plurality of seeding machines operate together, and the planting distance and the row distance be adjusted. The precision seeder has flexible mechanical transmission, be used conveniently and is suitable for seeding various sizes of seeds, the seeding modes are mainly divided into a direct seeding mode and a hole seeding mode, and the seeding quality and the seeding efficiency are further better than the seeding quality and the seeding efficiency of the traditional manual seeding mode. CN’035 relates to a precision seeder which mainly solves the problem of mechanical seeding of vegetable seeds, however the device lacks in utilizing the advanced practices for precise control over seed placement, ensuring optimal growing conditions and minimizing seed wastage.

[0006] Conventionally, a number of devices related to a precision seeder have been developed. These devices primarily address the issue of mechanically sowing vegetable seeds and, in particular, relate to a type of crop and broadcast seed covering device. However, the device is lacks in gathering information on soil conditions, where to plant seeds, and other pertinent metrics to optimize farming practices. Additionally, the device is lacks in utilizing cutting-edge techniques for exact control over seed placement, ensuring ideal growing conditions, and minimizing seed waste.

[0007] In order to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks, there is a need in the field to create a tool that can gather information on soil characteristics, seed placement, and other pertinent metrics to enhance farming methods. It should also make use of cutting-edge techniques to precisely control seed placement, guaranteeing ideal growing conditions and reducing seed waste.

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 automates the process of sowing seeds by ensuring uniform placement and consistent depth foe sowing the seeds, thereby enhances the agricultural efficiency and crop yield.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of allowing the users to provide input commands such as row width and pit diameter for better growth of seeds.

[0011] Yet another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is automate the process of covering seeds with soil after sowing, thus reduces manual labor and ensures proper seed coverage.

[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 seed sowing assistive device that provides a means to the user to sow seeds. Additionally the device is capable of monitoring the soil conditions in real-time, which includes the moisture of the soil and depth up to which the seeds are to be sown in order to achieve the best results for seed growth.

[0014] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a seed sowing assistive device comprises of a hollow cuboidal body, having an upper portion attached with an elongated L-shaped handle that is accessed by a user to lift/lower/move the body on an agricultural field, a touch interactive display panel installed on the handle accessed by the user to provide input command for sowing seeds in the field along with specifying width between rows of the seeds and diameter of pits to formed, a motorized slider configured between the links and the ceiling portion to provide movement to the disc towards/away from each other in order to maintain the specified distance, an expandable pulley arrangement integrated in the discs to expand/contract in accordance to the specified diameter of the pits followed by actuation of the links to extend and penetrate the discs in soil of the field in order to form a pair of pits in the soil, a pair of chamber storing seeds attached on the body just above the link and each configured with a telescopically operated tubes to extend and gets positioned in the pits, a motorized iris lid configured on joint of the tube with the chamber in order to allow transfer of the seeds into the pits via the tubes.

[0015] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the proposed device comprises of a plurality of sharp edged plate attached with base of the body by means of a motorized hinge to provide to and from motion to the plates in order to drag soil and filling into the pits thereby sowing seeds, a depth sensor is integrated on the body and synced with the imaging unit to detect depth of the pits, a moisture sensor is integrated in the disc to detect moisture content in the soil, a weight sensor is integrated in each the chamber to detect weight of the seeds, a speaker integrated on the body to generate audible instruction to notify the user to refill the chamber, plurality of sharp pins integrated on the plates to ensure dragging of maximum amount of soil for filling in the pits, a battery is associated with the device for supplying power to 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 a seed sowing assistive device; and
Figure 2 illustrates an internal view of a hollow cuboidal body associated with the proposed 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 seed sowing assistive device that assist the user in sowing seeds. Additionally the device promotes sustainable farming practices for the user by ensuring that the seeds are placed with precision as well as reduces the wastage of seed while sowing in ground.

[0022] Referring to Figure 1 and 2, an isometric view of a seed sowing assistive device and illustrates an internal view of a hollow cuboidal body associated with the proposed device is illustrated, comprising of a hollow cuboidal body 101 having an upper portion attached with an elongated L-shaped handle 102, a touch interactive display panel 103 installed on the handle 102, a pair of discs 201 suspended from ceiling of the body 101 each by means of extendable links 202, a motorized slider 203 configured between the links 202 and the ceiling portion, a pair of chamber 204 storing seeds attached on the body 101 just above the link and each configured with a telescopically operated tubes 205, a motorized iris lid 206 configured on joint of the tube, plurality of sharp edged plate 207 attached with base of the body 101 each by means of a motorized hinge 208, a speaker 104 integrated on the body 101, plurality of sharp pins 209 integrated on the plate 207.

[0023] The proposed device comprises of a hollow cuboidal body 101 whose upper portion is configured with an elongated L-shaped handle 102 accessed by a user to lift/lower/move the body 101 on an agricultural field. The body 101 is made up of stainless steel that offers corrosion resistance, strength and durability to the device and is easy to maintain. A push button is integrated in the body 101 for activating or deactivating the device. The user manually pushes the button, when the button is pressed the electrical circuit gets completed, allowing flow of electric current to actuates a microcontroller associated with the device that regulates the working of the device.

[0024] The handle 102 is configured with a touch interactive display panel that allows the user to provide input command regarding sowing seeds in the field. The touch interactive display panel 103 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. A touch controller IC (Integrated Circuit) is responsible for processing the analog signals generated when the user inputs details regarding sowing seeds in the field. A touch controller is typically connected to an inbuilt microcontroller through various interfaces which may include but are not limited to SPI (Serial Peripheral Interface) or I2C (Inter-Integrated Circuit). The microcontroller processes the input command given by the user regarding sowing seeds in the field along with specific width between rows of the seeds and diameter of pits to formed.

[0025] Upon receiving the input command, the microcontroller actuates a motorized slider 203 installed in between the links 202 and the ceiling portion for providing movement to the disc. The motorized slider 203 typically consist of a motorized carriage attached to a rail for enabling the controlled linear movement of the links 202 along with bar towards the sides of the frame. Upon actuation of the motorized slider 203 by the microcontroller, the motor drives the carriage along the rail, facilitating a smooth and precise sliding motion of the disc suspended from ceiling of the body 101 each by means of extendable links 202 towards/away from each other in order to maintain the specified distance.

[0026] Upon maintaining the specified distance, the microcontroller actuates an expandable pulley arrangement configured in the discs 201 to expand/contract as per the specified diameter of the pits. The expandable pulley arrangement 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. By changing the position of the inner core relative to the outer shell, the effective diameter of the rotatable extendable plate 207 is increased/decreased. When the core moves towards the center of the shell, the rotatable extendable plate 207 is retracted and when the core moves away the diameter increases resulting in expanding/contracting of the discs 201 as per specified diameter of the pits. This is followed by actuation of the links 202 which extends and penetrates the discs 201 in soil to form a pair of pits in the soil.

[0027] Upon forming a pair of pits in the soil, the microcontroller actuates a telescopically operated tubes 205 attached with the links 202 having a pair of chamber 204 storing seeds to extend and gets positioned in the pits. The telescopically operated tubes 205 is linked to a pneumatic unit, including an air compressor, air cylinders, air valves and piston which works in collaboration to aid in extension and retraction of the tubes 205.

[0028] The pneumatic unit is operated by the microcontroller, such that the microcontroller actuates valve to allow passage of compressed air from the compressor within the cylinder, the compressed air further develops pressure against the piston and results in pushing and extending the piston. The piston is connected with the tubes 205 and due to applied pressure the tube extends and similarly, the microcontroller retracts the telescopically operated tubes 205 by closing the valve resulting in retraction of the piston. Thus, the microcontroller regulates the extension/retraction of the piston in order extend the tube and get positioned in the pits.

[0029] The moisture sensor configured the disc detects the moisture content in the soil. The moisture sensor integrated with the microcontroller detect the moisture content of the soil. The moisture sensor is one kind of sensor that includes a gauge used for measure volumetric content of water within the soil in accordance to which the microcontroller regulates extension of the links 202 as discussed above.

[0030] A depth sensor configured on the body 101 is synced with the imaging unit for detecting the depth of the pits. The depth sensor operates on the principle of ultrasonic principle. The sensor emits ultrasonic pulses towards the surface of the wall and measures the time it takes for these pulses to travel to the wall and back. The speed of sound in air is a known constant, and by calculating the time of flight, the sensor determines the distance between itself and the pit, thus determines the depth of the pit and in accordance to the detected depth the microcontroller regulates extension of the tubes 205.

[0031] Upon positioning the tube in the pit the microcontroller actuates a motorized iris lid 206 configured on joint of the tube with the chamber 204 to transfer the seeds into the pits via the tubes 205 inserted in the pit. The iris lid 206 typically refers to the iris or aperture mechanism in the camera or optical instruments as it works in a similar manner to that of a human eye for transferring the seeds into the pits. The iris consists several thin and overlapping blades that forms an adjustable opening of the lid. Upon actuation of the iris lid 206 by the microcontroller the blades move apart resulting in the widening of mouth portion, allowing the seed to get transferred into the pit via the tubes 205.

[0032] The chamber 204 is configured with a weight sensor for detecting the weight of the seeds. The weight sensor comprises of a convoluted diaphragm and a sensing module. Due to the weight of the seeds in the container, the size of the diaphragm changes which is detected by the sensing module. The sensing module detects the weight of the seeds and on the basis of the changes in sizes of the diaphragm, the acquired data is forwarded to the microcontroller in the form of a signal for further processing.

[0033] In case the detected weight of the seeds reaches a threshold level, the microcontroller actuates a speaker 104 configured on the body 101 in order to generate audible instruction for notify the user to refill the chamber 204. The speaker 104 works by receiving signals from the microcontroller, converting them into sound waves through a diaphragm’s vibration, and producing audible sounds with the help of amplification and control circuitry in order to notify the user to refill the chamber 204.

[0034] Upon transferring the seed into the pit, the microcontroller actuates plurality of sharp edged plate 207 configured with base of the body 101 by means of a motorized hinge 208 provides to and from motion to the plate 207. The motorized hinge 208 comprises of a pair of leaf that is screwed with the surfaces of the plate 207. The leaf are connected with each other by means of a cylindrical member integrated with a shaft coupled with a DC (Direct Current) motor to provide required movement to the hinge 208.

[0035] The rotation of the shaft in clockwise and anti-clockwise aids in opening and closing of the hinge 208 respectively. Hence the microcontroller actuates the hinge 208 that in turn provides movement to the plate 207 for providing to and from motion to the plate 207 resulting in dragging of soil and filling the pits resulting in sowing of the seeds. The plate 207 are installed with a plurality of sharp pins 209 to maximize soil collection efficiency when filling pits. These sharp pins 209 penetrate deeply into the ground, providing a firm grip on the soil and allowing for effective dragging and gathering as the plate 207 are moved. The multiple pins distribute force evenly, enabling the collection of larger volumes of soil in a single pass.

[0036] 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.

[0037] The present invention works best in the following manner, comprising of the hollow cuboidal body 101. The user handle 102 the device through the L-shaped handle 102. The integrated touch interactive display panel, allows the user to provide input command regarding seed sowing, including the width between rows and the diameter of the pits to be formed. The microcontroller processes these commands and actuates the motorized slider 203, adjusting the position of the pair of discs 201 suspended by extendable links 202. The discs 201, equipped with the expandable pulley arrangement, adjust the diameter according to the specified pit size and penetrate the soil to create pits. Simultaneously, telescopically operated tubes 205, connected to seed chamber 204 extends into the pits and release seeds through motorized iris lid 206. Sharp-edged plate 207 at the base of the device with the help of the motorized hinge 208, drag soil back into the pits to cover the seeds. Depth sensors and moisture ensure precise sowing by adjusting the extension of tubes 205 and links 202 and the weight sensors in the seed chamber 204 alert the user when it's time to refill the seeds.

[0038] 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 seed sowing assistive device, comprising:

i) a hollow cuboidal body 101, having an upper portion attached with an elongated L-shaped handle 102 that is accessed by a user to lift/lower/move said body 101 on an agricultural field, wherein a touch interactive display panel 103 is installed on said handle 102, that is accessed by said user to provide input command for sowing of seeds in said field along with specifying width between rows of said seeds and diameter of pits to be formed;

ii) a pair of discs 201 suspended from ceiling of said body 101 each by means of extendable links 202, wherein an inbuilt microcontroller linked with said panel, processes said command and actuates a motorized slider 203 configured between said links 202 and said ceiling portion, in order to provide movement to said disc towards/away from each other in order to maintain said specified distance;

iii) an expandable pulley arrangement integrated in said discs 201 that are actuated by said microcontroller, to expand/contract in accordance to said specified diameter of said pits, followed by actuation of said links 202 to extend and penetrate said discs 201 in soil of said field, in order to form a pair of pits in said soil;

iv) a pair of chamber 204 storing seeds, attached on said body 101 just above said link and each configured with a telescopically operated tubes 205 that are actuated by said microcontroller to extend and gets positioned in said pits, followed by actuation of a motorized iris lid 206 configured on joint of said tube with said chamber 204, in order to allow transfer of said seeds into said pits via said tubes 205; and

v) plurality of sharp edged plate 207 attached with base of said body 101, each by means of a motorized hinge 208 that are actuated by said microcontroller to provide to and from motion to said plate 207, in order to drag soil and filling into said pits, thereby sowing seeds.

2) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a depth sensor is integrated on said body 101 and synced with said imaging unit to detect depth of said pits and in accordance to said detected depth said microcontroller regulates extension of said tubes 205.

3) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a moisture sensor is integrated in said disc, to detect moisture content in said soil, wherein in accordance to which said microcontroller regulates extension of said links 202.

4) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a weight sensor is integrated in each said chamber 204 to detect weight of said seeds and in case of receding of said detected weight beyond a threshold level, said microcontroller actuates a speaker 104 integrated on said body 101 to generate audible instruction to notify said user to refill said chamber 204.

5) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein plurality of sharp pins 209 integrated on said plate 207, to ensure dragging of maximum amount of soil for filling in said pits.

6) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said telescopically operated tubes 205 and links 202 are powered by a pneumatic unit that includes an air compressor, air cylinder, air valves and piston which works in collaboration to aid in extension and retraction of said tubes 205 and links 202.

7) 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.