Abstract: An automated stump grinding and root removal device, comprises of a body 101 configured with a plurality of motorized omnidirectional wheels, a touch interactive display panel 103 to provide input command, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 104 to generate a three-dimensional mapping of surroundings, a sensing module 106 for detecting the stump’s characteristics, a motorized cutting unit 107 to precisely cut the stump, a GPR (Ground Penetrating Radar) sensor for determining depth of the stump in the ground surface, a motorized helical digger for drilling base surface around the stump, a suction unit 110 to extract the cut pieces, an ultrasonic sensor for identifying filling of a chamber 112 with collected pieces, a hydraulic pusher 113 for compressing the pieces to maximize storage space, a vibrating unit 117 to dislodge soil particles from the cut pieces, a solar panel 118 for efficient harnessing of solar energy.
Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to an automated stump grinding and root removal device that is capable of providing an automated means for efficient tree stump and root removal with minimal human effort and efficiently completes the task, thereby improving productivity.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Stump grinding is a process that grinds a tree stump into wood chips. Stump grinding and root removal are essential processes in land clearing, landscaping, and forestry management. Traditional methods for stump grinding and root removal such as manual digging, chemical treatments, or using basic mechanical grinders, can be time-consuming, labour-intensive, and inefficient. Leftover stumps and roots not only create obstacles in land development but can also attract pests, promote fungal growth, and cause potential hazards. Additionally, deep or widespread roots can interfere with underground utilities, making their removal necessary for construction projects and maintaining infrastructure safety. This creates a pressing need for a device that can aid in improving efficiency, precision, and safety in stump grinding and root removal. Automation can enhance the grinding process by integrating advanced cutting mechanisms, robotic control, and real-time depth adjustments, reducing the need for extensive manual labour. Additionally, automated machines can work faster and with greater consistency, ensuring complete root removal while reducing environmental impact. With growing demands for efficient land clearing and eco-friendly landscaping solutions.
[0003] Traditionally, various equipment is used for stump grinding and root removal, including stump grinders, excavators, root rakes, and mulchers. Stump grinders, available in handheld, walk-behind, and large industrial models, use rotating cutting discs to break down stumps into wood chips. Excavators equipped with specialized attachments like stump shears or hydraulic grinders can remove both stumps and deep root systems. Root rakes help clear out remaining roots and debris, while mulchers shred stumps and roots into fine particles for easier disposal or soil enrichment. Root rakes may leave behind smaller root fragments, leading to potential regrowth. Mulchers, although useful, may not fully extract deeply embedded roots, requiring additional manual work. Furthermore, operating heavy machinery poses safety risks, including flying debris and accidental damage to underground utilities. These challenges highlight the need for more efficient, environmentally friendly, and user-friendly stump grinding and root removal solutions.
[0004] CN215789079 discloses a stump grinding and cleaning device which comprises a shell, a protective shell is fixedly connected to the top of the shell, an electric push rod is fixedly connected to the top of the inner wall of the protective shell, a compaction plate is fixedly connected to the bottom end of the electric push rod, and the two sides of the compaction plate are slidably connected to the inner wall of the shell. A groove is formed in the shell, a servo motor and a bearing are fixedly connected to the top and the bottom of the inner wall of the groove respectively, a screw rod is fixedly connected to an output shaft of the servo motor, and a rotating shaft is fixedly connected to the bottom end of the screw rod. The stump grinding and cleaning device has the beneficial effects that the electric push rod is arranged, and along with extension or shortening of the electric push rod, a compaction plate can be driven to move up and down, so that the purpose of driving the compaction plate to compact collected wood chips can be achieved, and then the shell can contain more wood chips; and the space utilization efficiency of the device is improved.
[0005] US20240224896 discloses a tree stump and root removal attachment assembly for use on a hydraulic work vehicle. In one embodiment, the attachment assembly comprises a tree stump removal device, comprising an elongated single fork portion for piercingly engaging the ground under tree stump and to push at least a portion thereof out of the ground, and a vertically oriented cutting blade positioned at a designated distance from an end of the single fork portion, the cutting blade comprising a concavely shaped sharp cutting edge bounded at two ends thereof by substantially pointed ends. The assembly further comprises a hydraulic ram mechanically coupled to the cutting blade, to move the cutting blade up and down to cut the least a portion of the tree stump; and a mounting plate removably attachable to the arms of the work vehicle for removably securing the tree stump removal device thereto.
[0006] Conventionally, many devices are available for stump grinding and root removal. However, the cited inventions lack automation, precision, and adaptability, resulting in inefficient cutting, excessive wear on components, and high manual effort. Additionally, these existing devices also lack adjustment to stump hardness, moisture levels, or obstacles, leading to uneven grinding, soil displacement issues, and frequent maintenance requirements.
[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 providing an automated device that requires to efficiently remove tree stumps and their roots from the ground with minimal human effort. In addition, the developed device also needs to be capable of of analysing and determining characteristics of a tree stump, such as its size, depth, and material properties, to optimize the removal process.
OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
[0008] The principal object of the present invention is to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art.
[0009] An object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of provide an automated device that efficiently removes tree stumps and their roots from the ground with minimal human effort.
[0010] Another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of analyzing and determining characteristics of a tree stump, such as its size, depth, and material properties, to optimize the removal process.
[0011] Yet another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of integrating a mechanism which collects and manages debris generated during the stump removal process, thereby ensuring a clean and efficient operation.
[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 stump grinding and root removal device that is capable of that provides an automated means for stump removal by identifying and removing stumps with high precision along with efficiently managing collected debris, thus enhancing overall user experience
[0014] According to an embodiment of the present invention, an automated stump grinding and root removal device, comprises of a body configured with a plurality of motorized omnidirectional wheels for providing mobility to the body over a ground surface, a touch interactive display panel is mounted on the body for enabling a user to provide input commands for removal of a stump from the surface, artificial intelligence-based imaging unit installed on the body and paired with a processor for capturing and processing multiple images in vicinity of the body, respectively to generate a three-dimensional mapping of surroundings, a sensing module installed on an L-shaped extendable pole, mounted on the body for detecting the stump’s characteristics including but not limited to wood type, hardness and moisture levels of the stump, a motorized cutting unit installed on the free-end of pole for rotating at an optimum speed to precisely cut the stump, a GPR (Ground Penetrating Radar) sensor coupled with a depth sensor, is installed on the body for determining depth of the stump in the ground surface, a motorized helical digger mounted with a L-shaped extendable rod on the platform, for drilling base surface around the stump, to allow ground penetrated portion of the stump to also get removed, a suction unit mounted on the body by means of an extendable hollow cylindrical member, to extract the cut pieces that are transferred to a chamber installed in the body through the member, for collecting the cut pieces into the chamber, an ultrasonic sensor installed in the chamber and synced with the imaging unit for identifying filling of the chamber with collected pieces, a hydraulic pusher installed at a ceiling portion of the chamber, for pushing a plate arranged with the pusher against the collected pieces in view of compressing the pieces to maximize storage space within the chamber for efficient collection of the cut pieces.
[0015] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the proposed device further comprises of a robotic link to provide controlled movement to the plate for redistributing soil around dug hole left on the stump’s position, in view of finishing the surface, thereby facilitating in efficient removal of the stump from the surface, a vibrating unit is integrated in the member for generating vibrational sensations to dislodge soil particles from the cut pieces that are collected at the bottom of the chamber, and a solar panel is positioned on the body via an extendable bar with a motorized ball-and-socket joint that adjusts angle of the panel based on sun radiation detected by a sun sensor installed on the body, for efficient harnessing of solar energy that is further converted to electrical energy stored in a battery 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 stump grinding and root removal 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 automated stump grinding and root removal device that that is capable of efficiently removing stumps from a ground by involving a series of steps like sensing, cutting, and suction to perform precise stump grinding and root removal, thus optimizing energy use and minimizing human effort.
[0022] Referring to Figure 1, an isometric view of an automated stump grinding and root removal device is illustrated, comprises of a body 101, configured with a plurality of motorized omnidirectional wheels 102, a touch interactive display panel 103 is mounted on the body 101, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 104 installed on the body 101, an L-shaped extendable pole 105, mounted on the body 101, a sensing module 106 installed on the L-shaped extendable pole, a motorized cutting unit 107 installed on the free-end of pole, a motorized helical digger 108 mounted with a L-shaped extendable rod 109 on the platform.
[0023] Figure 1 further comprises of a suction unit 110 mounted on the body 101 by means of an extendable hollow cylindrical member 111, a chamber 112 installed in the body 101, a hydraulic pusher 113 installed at a ceiling portion of the chamber 112, a plate 114 arranged with the pusher, a flap 115 installed on the body 101 via a robotic link 116, a vibrating unit 117 is integrated in the member, a solar panel 118 is positioned on the body 101 via an extendable bar 119 with a motorized ball-and-socket joint 120
[0024] The proposed device comprises of a body 101 configured with a plurality of motorized omnidirectional wheels 102for providing mobility to the body 101 over a ground surface. 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, it 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 it back to its original position
[0025] Post activation of the device, the microcontroller activates a touch interactive display panel 103 is mounted on the body 101 for enabling a user to provide input commands for removal of a stump from the surface. 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.
[0026] A touch controller IC (Integrated Circuit) is responsible for processing the analog signals generated when the user inputs details regarding for removal of the stump from the surface A 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)
[0027] After processing the input commands, the microcontroller activates an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 104 installed on the body 101 and paired with a processor for capturing and processing multiple images in vicinity of the body 101, respectively to generate a three-dimensional map of surroundings, the generated mapping are displayed onto the display panel 103 for allowing the user to select a desired stump that is to be removed.
[0028] The imaging unit 104 comprises of an image capturing arrangement including a set of lenses that captures multiple images of the body 101 and the captured images are stored within a memory of the imaging unit 104 in form of an optical data. The imaging unit 104 also comprises of a 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.
[0029] 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 to generate a three-dimensional mapping of surroundings, wherein the generated mapping are displayed onto the display panel 103 for allowing the user to select a desired stump that is to be removed.
[0030] Based on desired stump that is to be removed which the microcontroller actuates the wheels to provide movement to the body 101 in proximity to the selected stump. The motorized omnidirectional wheels 102 facilitate 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 process begins when the motor receives electrical power from a power source which is converted into mechanical energy by the motor, which generates rotational force. When the motor is activated, the motor's shaft starts to rotate, causing the wheel to spin to provide movement to the body 101 in proximity to the selected stump
[0031] Upon positioning the body 101 in proximity to the selected stump. The microcontroller activates an L-shaped extendable pole, mounted on the body 101 to extend/retract for positioning a free-end of the pole over the stump. The L-shaped extendable pole 105 is powered by a pneumatic unit that embodies an air compressor, air cylinder, air valves, and piston which work in collaboration to perform the extension and retraction of the pole. The pole comprises a nested tube arrangement that contains multiple hollow tubes connected concentrically.
[0032] The air cylinder is attached to the bottom of the nested tube arrangement and further consists of an air piston attached to the topmost part of the nested tube arrangement from the inside. The air cylinder is integrated with one inlet and one outlet valve that is connected to an air compressor. The air compressor draws air from the surroundings and compresses it to form pressurized air which enters the inlet valve and creates a force that pushes the piston in the forward direction. As the piston moves in the forward direction, it leads to the sequential opening of the concentrically connected tubes from the top toward the bottom. This leads to the extension of the pole for positioning the free-end of the pole over the stump.
[0033] Post positioning the free-end of the pole over the stump, the microcontroller activates a sensing module 106 installed on the L-shaped extendable pole 105 for detecting the stump’s characteristics including but not limited to wood type, hardness and moisture levels of the stump. The sensing module 106 analyzes a stump’s characteristics using a combination of sensors. A near-infrared (NIR) spectrometer detects wood type by analyzing light absorption patterns unique to different species.
[0034] A durometer measures hardness by assessing resistance to indentation or sound wave propagation. A moisture sensor, using capacitance or resistance measurement, determines water content by detecting changes in electrical properties. Data from these sensors is processed by the microcontroller, which applies pre-trained module for detecting the stump’s characteristics including but not limited to wood type, hardness and moisture levels of the stump
[0035] Post detecting the stump’s characteristics, the microcontroller activates a motorized cutting unit 107 installed on the free-end of pole for rotating at an optimum speed to precisely cut the stump. the cutting unit 107 includes a plurality of blades installed at peripheral portion of a disc, via a motorized hinge joint that adjusts angle of the blades for precise alignment over the stump’s surface. The motorized hinge joint used herein comprises of two parts, one part of the hinge has a cylindrical shape, while the other part has a corresponding groove to fit the first part over it.
[0036] This configuration allows the hinge to pivot around a fixed axis. The joint is powered by a motor to provide a rotational force that is transmitted through a mechanical linkage that to the hinge joint. This might involve gears, belts, or direct coupling. The transmission mechanism converts the motor’s rotational force into movement of the hinge joint which allows the joint to rotate around its axis, guided by the motor’s movement that adjusts angle of the blades for precise alignment over the stump’s surface
[0037] Further the microcontroller activates motorized cutting unit 107 installed on the free-end of pole for rotating at an optimum speed to precisely cut the stump the. The motorized cutting unit 107 operates by using an electric motor to drive a spinning blade for cutting the stump. When the cutter is actuated, electricity flows into the motor, which converts this electrical energy into rotational motion. This spinning motion is then transferred to the cutting blade, causing it to turn rapidly. As the blade spins, the sharp edge slices through the stump to to precisely cut the stump.
[0038] After cutting the stump the microcontroller activates a GPR (Ground Penetrating Radar) sensor coupled with a depth sensor, is installed on the body 101 for determining depth of the stump in the ground surface. The ground penetrating radar (GPR) sensor coupled with a depth sensor determines the depth of a stump by transmitting high-frequency electromagnetic waves into the ground. When these waves encounter a boundary between different materials, such as soil and wood, a portion of the signal reflects to the receiver.
[0039] The GPR records the time delay between transmission and reception, which is processed to estimate depth. A depth sensor, such as LiDAR sensor, enhances accuracy by measuring surface elevation variations. The combined data is processed using signal analysis protocols to filter noise and adjust for soil composition. By integrating both sensors, the module provides precise depth measurements, for determining depth of the stump in the ground surface.
[0040] Post determining the depth of the stump in the ground surface, the microcontroller activates a L-shaped extendable rod 109 on the platform for extending a motorized helical digger. The extendable rod mentioned herein works same as L-shaped extendable pole. Upon positioning the motorized helical digger attached on the pole, that is actuated by the microcontroller for drilling base surface around the stump, to allow ground penetrated portion of the stump to also get removed.
[0041] The motorized helical digger operates by rotating a helical auger blade powered by an electric motor. As the auger rotates, its cutting edges penetrate the base surface, breaking and displacing soil. The helical structure facilitates continuous lifting of loosened soil to the surface, preventing clogging and ensuring efficient excavation. Torque and rotational speed are controlled to adapt to soil hardness and density. The auger’s depth increases progressively, ensuring thorough drilling around the stump. Once the base is sufficiently drilled, the loosened ground allows easier removal of the stump’s underground portion, to allow ground penetrated portion of the stump to also get removed
[0042] After penetrating the stump, the microcontroller activates an extendable hollow cylindrical member 111 for extending to position a suction unit 110 mounted on the member. The extendable hollow cylindrical member 111 used herein works same as above mentioned working of L-shaped extendable bar. Upon positioning the suction unit 110 in proximity to the cut stump, the microcontroller a suction unit 110 to extract the cut pieces that are transferred to a chamber 112 installed in the body 101 through the member, for collecting the cut pieces into the chamber 112.
[0043] The suction unit 110 consists of a pump that operates by creating a vacuum to surface. The pump is activated for drawing the air in through an intake. Inside the pump, a rotating impeller moves to reduce the pressure within the pump chamber 112. This reduction in pressure creates a vacuum effect, which generates suction and to extract the cut pieces that are transferred to the chamber 112 installed in the body 101 through the member, for collecting the cut pieces into the chamber 112.
[0044] Upon collecting the cut pieces into the chamber 112, the microcontroller activates an ultrasonic sensor installed in the chamber 112 and synced with the imaging unit 104 for identifying filling of the chamber 112 with collected pieces. The ultrasonic sensor emits high-frequency sound waves inside the chamber 112 and measures the time taken for the reflected waves to return from the collected pieces. As the chamber 112 fills, the distance between the sensor and the material decreases, altering the reflection time. The imaging unit 104 processes this data by syncing it with visual inputs to verify material accumulation levels. When the detected level reaches a predefined threshold, the microcontroller triggers an alert or stops further collection.
[0045] Based on identifying filling of the chamber 112 with collected pieces, the microcontroller activates a hydraulic pusher 113 installed at a ceiling portion of the chamber 112, for pushing a plate 114 arranged with the pusher against the collected pieces in view of compressing the pieces to maximize storage space within the chamber 112 for efficient collection of the cut pieces.
[0046] The hydraulic pusher 113 used herein is powered by a hydraulic unit consisting of a hydraulic cylinder, hydraulic compressor, hydraulic valve and piston that work in collaboration for providing the required extension/retraction to the rod. The microcontroller actuates the valve to allow passage of hydraulic fluid from the compressor within the cylinder, the hydraulic fluid further develops pressure against the piston and results in pushing and extending the piston. The piston is connected with the pusher and due to applied pressure the pusher extends for pushing the plate 114 against the collected pieces in view of compressing the pieces to maximize storage space within the chamber 112 for efficient collection of the cut pieces.
[0047] Upon successful removal of stump and cut pieces, the microcontroller activates a robotic link 116 to provide controlled movement to the flap 115 installed on link to provide controlled movement to the plate 114 for redistributing soil around dug hole left on the stump’s position, in view of finishing the surface, thereby facilitating in efficient removal of the stump from the surface. The robotic link 116 contains an end effector and several segments that are attached together by motorized joints also referred to as axes.
[0048] Each joints of the segments contains a step motor that rotates and allows the robotic arm to complete a specific motion in translating the equipped end effector. The end effector further comprises of the flap 115 hinged with each other by means of a bi-directional step motorto provide controlled movement to the plate 114 for redistributing soil around dug hole left on the stump’s position, in view of finishing the surface, thereby facilitating in efficient removal of the stump from the surface.
[0049] Additionally, the device includes a vibrating unit 117 is integrated in the member for generating vibrational sensations to dislodge soil particles from the cut pieces that are collected at the bottom of the chamber 112. The vibrating unit 117 generates controlled vibrations using an eccentric rotating mass (ERM) powered by an electric motor. When activated, the unbalanced mass rotates or oscillates, creating mechanical vibrations that transfer energy to the collected cut pieces. These vibrations disrupt adhesion forces between soil particles and the surface of the pieces, causing the loose particles to detach. The vibration intensity and frequency are optimized based on soil composition and particle size.
[0050] The device incorporates a sun sensor installed on the body 101 to detects radiation. The sun sensor detects the sun's position consists of a combination of light sensors such as photodiodes that are strategically placed to detect the intensity of sunlight from different directions. These sensors continuously measure the angle and strength of incoming light, allowing the sensor to determine the sun's position relative to the platform. The microcontroller processes this data and calculate the intensity of sunlight.
[0051] Once detected, the microcontroller activates an extendable bar 119 with a motorized ball-and-socket joint 120 that adjusts angle of a solar panel 118 is positioned on motorized ball-and-socket joint. The extendable bar 119 mentioned herein works same as mentioned above working of L-shaped extendable pole. Further the motorized ball and socket joint allows for smooth, adjustable movement in various directions. The joint has a ball-shaped part that fits into a cup-like socket. A motor controls this ball, making the ball move around inside the socket. Actuators adjust the ball’s position to ensure it moves accurately and flexibly, enabling precise control and positioning in multiple directions that adjusts angle of the panel.
[0052] Upon adjusting the microcontroller activates the solar panel 118 attached on the ball and socket joint where solar energy that is further converted to electrical energy. The solar energy is converted into electrical energy through photovoltaic (PV) cells made of semiconductor materials like silicon. When sunlight strikes the PV cell, photons excite electrons, creating an electric field that generates direct current (DC) electricity. This DC electricity flows through conductive layers and is regulated by a charge controller to prevent overcharging. An inverter then converts the DC into alternating current (AC) for powering electrical devices.
[0053] The extra energy harnessed by the solar panel is stored in a battery that is installed within the device which is connected to the microcontroller. The battery 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.
[0054] The present invention works best in the following manner, where the body 101 as disclosed in the invention is configured with the plurality of motorized omnidirectional wheels 102 for mobility over the ground surface. The device is activated through the push button, which engages the microcontroller pre-fed with instructions. Post activation, the microcontroller enables the touch interactive display panel 103 for user input regarding stump removal. The artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 104 captures images, generating a three-dimensional mapping displayed on the panel for stump selection. Upon selection, the microcontroller actuates the motorized omnidirectional wheels 102 to position the body 101 near the stump. The L-shaped extendable pole, powered by the pneumatic unit, extends to position its free-end over the stump. The sensing module 106 on the pole detects the stump’s characteristics, including wood type, hardness, and moisture levels.
[0055] In continuation, based on this data, the microcontroller activates the motorized cutting unit 107 with a motorized hinge joint to align and cut the stump precisely. The GPR sensor coupled with the depth sensor determines stump depth. The motorized helical digger, mounted on the L-shaped extendable rod, drills the base around the stump to facilitate removal. The suction unit, positioned via the extendable hollow cylindrical member, extracts and transfers cut pieces into the chamber 112. The ultrasonic sensor, synced with the imaging unit, monitors chamber 112 filling. The hydraulic pusher 113 compresses cut pieces for space optimization. The robotic link 116 and flap 115 redistribute soil, restoring surface integrity. The vibrating unit 117 dislodges soil particles from collected pieces. The sun sensor detects solar radiation, adjusting the solar panel 118 via the motorized ball-and-socket joint 120 for optimal energy conversion into electricity through photovoltaic cells.
[0056] 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 stump grinding and root removal device, comprising:
i) a body 101 configured with a plurality of motorized omnidirectional wheels 102 for providing mobility to said body 101 over a ground surface, wherein a touch interactive display panel 103 is mounted on said body 101 for enabling a user to provide input commands for removal of a stump from said surface;
ii) a microcontroller linked with said display panel 103 for processing said commands to activate an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 104 installed on said body 101 and paired with a processor for capturing and processing multiple images in vicinity of said body 101, respectively to generate a three-dimensional mapping of surroundings, wherein said generated mapping are displayed onto said display panel 103 for allowing said user to select a desired stump that is to be removed, based on which said microcontroller actuates said wheels to provide movement to said body 101 in proximity to said selected stump;
iii) a sensing module 106 installed on an L-shaped extendable pole, mounted on said body 101, wherein said imaging unit 104 determines dimensions of said stamp, based on which, said microcontroller actuates said pole to extend/retract for positioning a free-end of said pole over said stump, followed by activation of said sensing module 106 for detecting said stump’s characteristics including but not limited to wood type, hardness and moisture levels of said stump;
iv) a motorized cutting unit 107 installed on said free-end of pole for rotating at an optimum speed to precisely cut said stump, wherein a GPR (Ground Penetrating Radar) sensor coupled with a depth sensor, is installed on said body 101 for determining depth of said stump in said ground surface, based on which said microcontroller actuates a motorized helical digger mounted with a L-shaped extendable rod 109 on said platform, for drilling base surface around said stump, to allow ground penetrated portion of said stump to also get removed;
v) a suction unit 110 mounted on said body 101 by means of an extendable hollow cylindrical member 111 for extending to position said suction unit 110 in proximity to said cut stump, wherein said microcontroller actuates said suction unit 110 to extract said cut pieces that are transferred to a chamber 112 installed in said body 101 through said member, for collecting said cut pieces into said chamber 112;
vi) an ultrasonic sensor installed in said chamber 112 and synced with said imaging unit 104 for identifying filling of said chamber 112 with collected pieces, based on which said microcontroller actuates a hydraulic pusher 113 installed at a ceiling portion of said chamber 112, for pushing a plate 114 arranged with said pusher against said collected pieces in view of compressing said pieces to maximize storage space within said chamber 112 for efficient collection of said cut pieces; and
vii) a flap 115 installed on said body 101 via a robotic link, wherein upon successful removal of stump and cut pieces, said microcontroller actuates said robotic link 116 to provide controlled movement to said plate 114 for redistributing soil around dug hole left on said stump’s position, in view of finishing said surface, thereby facilitating in efficient removal of said stump from said surface.
2) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a vibrating unit 117 is integrated in said member for generating vibrational sensations to dislodge soil particles from said cut pieces that are collected at the bottom of said chamber 112.
3) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said cutting unit 107 includes a plurality of blades installed at peripheral portion of a disc, via a motorized hinge joint that adjusts angle of said blades for precise alignment over said stump’s surface.
4) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a solar panel 118 is positioned on said body 101 via an extendable bar 119 with a motorized ball-and-socket joint 120 that adjusts angle of said panel based on sun radiation detected by a sun sensor installed on said body 101, for efficient harnessing of solar energy that is further converted to electrical energy stored in a battery associated with said device for powering up electrical and electronically operated components associated with said device.
| # | Name | Date |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 202541036128-STATEMENT OF UNDERTAKING (FORM 3) [14-04-2025(online)].pdf | 2025-04-14 |
| 2 | 202541036128-REQUEST FOR EXAMINATION (FORM-18) [14-04-2025(online)].pdf | 2025-04-14 |
| 3 | 202541036128-REQUEST FOR EARLY PUBLICATION(FORM-9) [14-04-2025(online)].pdf | 2025-04-14 |
| 4 | 202541036128-PROOF OF RIGHT [14-04-2025(online)].pdf | 2025-04-14 |
| 5 | 202541036128-POWER OF AUTHORITY [14-04-2025(online)].pdf | 2025-04-14 |
| 6 | 202541036128-FORM-9 [14-04-2025(online)].pdf | 2025-04-14 |
| 7 | 202541036128-FORM FOR SMALL ENTITY(FORM-28) [14-04-2025(online)].pdf | 2025-04-14 |
| 8 | 202541036128-FORM 18 [14-04-2025(online)].pdf | 2025-04-14 |
| 9 | 202541036128-FORM 1 [14-04-2025(online)].pdf | 2025-04-14 |
| 10 | 202541036128-FIGURE OF ABSTRACT [14-04-2025(online)].pdf | 2025-04-14 |
| 11 | 202541036128-EVIDENCE FOR REGISTRATION UNDER SSI(FORM-28) [14-04-2025(online)].pdf | 2025-04-14 |
| 12 | 202541036128-EVIDENCE FOR REGISTRATION UNDER SSI [14-04-2025(online)].pdf | 2025-04-14 |
| 13 | 202541036128-EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTION(S) [14-04-2025(online)].pdf | 2025-04-14 |
| 14 | 202541036128-DRAWINGS [14-04-2025(online)].pdf | 2025-04-14 |
| 15 | 202541036128-DECLARATION OF INVENTORSHIP (FORM 5) [14-04-2025(online)].pdf | 2025-04-14 |
| 16 | 202541036128-COMPLETE SPECIFICATION [14-04-2025(online)].pdf | 2025-04-14 |