Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a plant cutting assistive device that is capable of assisting users in precisely cutting plant leaves to meet specific requirements. Additionally, the device is developed to cut plant stems into manageable chunks, ensuring the plant is stored securely for further utilization such as re-growing into multiple plants.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Trimming plant leaves and cutting stems are essential practices in gardening and horticulture for promoting plant health, managing growth, and ensuring aesthetic appeal. Regular leaf trimming helps remove dead or damaged foliage, preventing the spread of disease and encouraging new growth. Additionally, it allows for better air circulation and light penetration, both critical for a plant's overall vitality. For certain plants, shaping and cutting leaves is also necessary to control size and maintain a desired form, especially for ornamental plants or those grown in confined spaces. Cutting stems, on the other hand, serves multiple purposes, such as facilitating propagation through cuttings, encouraging bushier growth, and managing plant height. Stems are trimmed to remove woody, non-productive portions, improving the plant's overall structure and making it more resilient. In some cases, cutting stems into smaller sections aids in the preservation and storage of plants, particularly for herbs, flowers, or crops meant for later use. The ability to efficiently trim and cut plant leaves and stems is crucial for gardeners and agricultural professionals to maximize yield, maintain plant health, and enhance the aesthetic qualities of plants. Thus, tools designed to carry out these tasks effectively are invaluable in both domestic and commercial horticulture.

[0003] When trimming plant leaves and cutting stems, gardeners typically use various tools like pruning shears, hedge trimmers, and garden scissors. Pruning shears are the most common tool for cutting stems, with bypass and anvil styles catering to different plant types. Hedge trimmers, both manual and electric, are used for shaping and cutting larger sections of plants, especially shrubs. Garden scissors, lightweight and precise, are ideal for trimming delicate leaves or small stems. Pruning shears causes damage if the blades are not sharp enough, leading to jagged cuts that harms the plant and create entry points for pests and diseases. Hedge trimmers, while effective for larger plants, are too aggressive, potentially stripping leaves and damaging the plant structure. Electric trimmers are heavy and are challenging to maneuver in tight spaces, making them less suitable for precision work. Garden scissors, while precise, requires frequent sharpening and are cumbersome for thicker stems. Overall, while each tool is essential for specific tasks, improper use or lack of maintenance lead to plant injury, slowing growth or even causing long-term damage.

[0004] CN208783287U discloses a plant trimming means, set up in the intra ductal lifter of cover including sleeve pipe and mobile, fixed being provided with regulation mount pad is provided with the ratchet in adjusting the mount pad on the sheathed tube lateral part, the lateral part of lifter be provided with with the ratchet bar of ratchet looks adaptation, the fixed knob that is provided with on the ratchet, the articulated pendulum rod that is provided with in adjusting the mount pad is provided with the pawl at the other end of pendulum rod. Be provided with trimming device at the top of lifter, trimming device is provided with the piston rod including setting up in the piston at lifter top on the piston, is provided with the horizontal pole perpendicularly at the top of piston rod, at the both ends of the horizontal pole articulated hinge bar that is provided with respectively, is provided with the arm lock in that the other end of hinge bar is articulated, still is provided with the fixed arm on the piston, is provided with the scissors at the top of arm lock. The plant trimming means of this structure can increase the plant and prune efficiency the suitability is more extensive simultaneously.

[0005] CN109258166A discloses a round plant trimming device. The round plant trimming device is characterized in that one ends of a plurality of telescopic supporting rods are installed on a bottom plate at intervals, the other ends of the telescopic supporting rods are installed on a top plate at intervals, micro servo motors are arranged on the telescopic supporting rods at intervals, cutting knives are connected to the micro servo motors, a trimming handle connected through a magnet is arranged between any two adjacent telescopic supporting rods, the bottom plate comprises a left bottom plate body and a right bottom plate body, one ends of the left bottom plate body and the right bottom plate body are connected through a hinge, and the other ends of the left bottom plate body and the right bottom plate body are connected through a magnet. The round plant trimming device is scientific and reasonable in structural design, the trimming device can be adjusted according to the size of round plants, automatic trimming is facilitated, the trimming neatness is high, the working efficiency is improved, labor is saved, and the round plant trimming device is wide in application range.

[0006] Conventionally, many devices have been developed in order to cut plant, however the devices mentioned in the prior arts have limitations pertaining to a self-sharpening cutting feature for ensuring smooth and efficient operation throughout the usage of cutting plant stems and leaves.

[0007] In order to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks, there exists a need in the art to develop a device that allows users to accurately cut plant leaves as needed, as well as slice plant stems into smaller portions for safe storage for further utilization such as re-growing through stems. The device also includes a self-sharpening cutting feature, ensuring smooth and efficient operation throughout the usage.

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 assisting a user in cutting of plant leaves in accordance to user requirement.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of cutting stem of plants into multiple chunks to store the plant securely, for further utilization such as re-growing into multiple plants.

[0011] Yet another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of self-sharpening cutting means for 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 a plant cutting assistive device that is capable of helping users to cut plant leaves with precision based on user preferences and also features a mechanism to slice plant stems into segments for secure storage for varied application such as re-growing plants through stems.

[0014] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a plant cutting assistive device comprises of a cuboidal housing having first and second portion developed to be positioned over a ground surface and the first portion is installed with a C-shaped plate for accommodating a plant that is to be cut, a microphone mounted on the housing for receiving voice command of a user regarding cutting of leaves of the plant that is positioned manually by the user over the plate, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit paired mounted on the housing for detecting dimensions of the plant, wherein based on the detected dimension, a motorized drawer arrangement integrated in the plate to provide required extension/retraction to the plate, thus securely accommodating the plant, multiple telescopically operated rods installed on inner sides of the housing, each equipped with a sharp-edged blade to cut the plant leaves, and a proximity sensor embedded within the first portion for detecting presence of the detected plant on the plate and based on the detected presence.

[0015] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the proposed invention further comprises of a flap installed in between the first and second portion of the housing by means of a motorized sliding unit on each sides, wherein post cutting of the leaves of the plant, a circular plate equipped with a plurality of cutting units installed within second portion by means of a telescopically operated link arranged from ceiling portion of the second portion, an ultrasonic sensor embedded within the second portion for detecting distance between the plant and the cutting unit and based on the detected distance, the microcontroller actuates the link to extend and position the cutting units over the plant, followed by actuation of the cutting unit for properly cutting the plant into multiple chunks, thus storing the plant securely.

[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 plant cutting assistive device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0018] The following description includes the preferred best mode of one embodiment of the present invention. It will be clear from this description of the invention that the invention is not limited to these illustrated embodiments but that the invention also includes a variety of modifications and embodiments thereto. Therefore, the present description should be seen as illustrative and not limiting. While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative constructions, it should be understood, that there is no intention to limit the invention to the specific form disclosed, but, on the contrary, the invention is to cover all modifications, alternative constructions, and equivalents falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the claims.

[0019] In any embodiment described herein, the open-ended terms "comprising," "comprises,” and the like (which are synonymous with "including," "having” and "characterized by") may be replaced by the respective partially closed phrases "consisting essentially of," consists essentially of," and the like or the respective closed phrases "consisting of," "consists of, the like.

[0020] As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” designate both the singular and the plural, unless expressly stated to designate the singular only.

[0021] The present invention relates to a plant cutting assistive device that is capable of helping user in trimming plant leaves according to specific needs. Furthermore, the device facilitates cutting of plant stems into smaller pieces for safe storage to be useful for further application such as re-growing of plants.

[0022] Referring to Figure 1, an isometric view of a plant cutting assistive device is illustrated, comprises of a cuboidal housing 101 having first and second portion 102, 103, the first portion 102 is installed with a C-shaped plate 104, a microphone 105 mounted on the housing 101, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 106 mounted on the housing 101, multiple telescopically operated rods 107 installed on inner sides of the housing 101, each equipped with a sharp-edged blade 108, a flap 109 installed in between the first and second portion 102, 103, of the housing 101 by means of a motorized sliding unit 110 on each sides, a circular plate 111 equipped with a plurality of cutting units 112 installed within second portion 103 by means of a telescopically operated link 113 arranged from ceiling portion of the second portion 103, and a roller 114 fabricated with a sandpaper installed in the first portion 102 via a telescopically operated bar 115.

[0023] The proposed invention includes a housing 101 preferably in portable cuboidal shape incorporating various components associated with the device, developed to be positioned on a ground surface. The housing 101 is configured with first and second portion 102, 103. A C-shaped plate 104 is installed on the first portion 102 for accommodating a plant that is to be cut. The housing 101 is made up of any material selected from but not limited to metal or alloy that ensures rigidity of the housing 101 for longevity of the device.

[0024] A user is required to access and presses a switch button arranged on the housing 101 to activate the device for associated processes of the device. The switch button when pressed by the user, closes an electrical circuit and allows currents to flow for powering an associated microcontroller of the device for operating of all the linked components for performing their respective functions upon actuation.

[0025] The microcontroller, mentioned herein, is preferably an Arduino microcontroller. The Arduino microcontroller used herein controls the overall functionality of the components linked to it.

[0026] After the activation of the device, the user is enabled to provide voice command via a microphone 105 mounted on the housing 101 regarding cutting of leaves of the plant that is positioned manually by the user over the plate 104. The microphone 105 turns the sound energy emitted by the user into electrical energy. The sound waves created by the user carry energy towards the microphone 105. Inside the microphone 105, a diaphragm, made of plastic, is present and moves back and forth when the sound wave hits the diaphragm. The coil attached to the diaphragm also moves in same way. The magnetic field produced by the permanent magnet cuts through the coil. As the coil moves, the electric current flows. The electric current from coil flows to an amplifier which convert the sound into electrical signal. The microcontroller linked to the microphone 105 recognize the voice and perform the operations according to the command given by the user regarding cutting of leaves of the plant.

[0027] Upon receiving of the user input, the microcontroller generates a command to activate an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 106 integrated on the housing 101 for capturing multiple images of the plant for detecting dimensions of the plant. The imaging unit 106 incorporates a processor that is encrypted with an artificial intelligence protocol. The artificial intelligence protocol operates by following a set of predefined instructions to process data and perform tasks autonomously. Initially, data is collected and input into a database, which then employs protocol to analyze and interpret the captured images. The processor of the imaging unit 106 via the artificial intelligence protocol processes the captured images and sent the signal to the microcontroller for detecting dimensions of the plant.

[0028] In accordance to the detected dimension, the microcontroller actuates a motorized drawer arrangement integrated in the plate 104 for adjustment of the size of the plate 104. The drawer arrangement consists of a motor, hollow compartment and multiple compartments that are connected with sliders. After actuating by the microcontroller, an electric current pass through the motor of the drawer mechanism and energized the motor. The energized motor further actuates the compartments which are initially at the stowed condition to move in a successive manner within the hollow compartment and extends length of the compartments. Simultaneously, each of the compartments having a fixed groove track, wherein upon actuation of the slider, the motor of the slider gets energized and provides a movement to the compartment to move in a linear direction on the groove track of the successive compartment as directed by the microcontroller and extends length of the plate 104, thus securely accommodating the plant.

[0029] The inner sides of the housing 101 are equipped with multiple telescopically operated rods 107. The rods 107 are powered by a pneumatic arrangement associated with the device for providing extension/retraction of the rods 107 as per requirement. Each of the rods 107 are integrated with a sharp-edged blade 108 to cut the plant leaves.

[0030] The presence of the plant for cutting is detected by a proximity sensor embedded within the first portion 102. The proximity sensor emits infrared rays towards the plant and receives the bounced back rays from the plant and convert the detected data into an electric signal that is sent to the microcontroller. The microcontroller processes the received signal from the proximity sensor in order to presence of the plant.

[0031] In accordance to the detected presence of the plant, the microcontroller actuates the microcontroller actuates an air compressor and air valve associated with the pneumatic arrangement consisting of an air cylinder, air valve and piston which works in collaboration to aid in extension and retraction of the rods 107. The air valve allows entry/exit of compressed air from the compressor. Then, the valve opens and the compressed air enters inside the cylinder thereby increasing the air pressure of the cylinder. The piston is connected to the rods 107 and due to the increase in the air pressure, the piston extends. For the retraction of the piston, air is released from the cylinder to the air compressor via the valve. Thus, providing the required extension/retraction of the rods 107 for positioning the blade 108 in proximity to the leaves. All the pneumatically operated components associated with the device comprises of the same type of pneumatic arrangement.

[0032] Post positioning of the blade 108 in contact with the plant, the microcontroller actuates the blades 108 for cutting the leaves of the plants. The microcontroller transmits electric signal to the motor of the blade 108 and the electromotive force induced by the currents flow into the inductive coil of the motor of the blades 108 rotate the output shaft onto which blades 108 are connected. Thus, rotation of the output shaft of the motor blade 108, rotates the connected blade 108 by which blades 108 cut the leaves when comes in contact with the leaves.

[0033] A motorized sliding unit 110 is integrated with the housing 101, positioned on first and second portion 102, 103 of the housing 101. A flap 109 is integrated on the sliding units 110. Post cutting of the leaves, the microcontroller actuates the sliding unit 110 for transferring the plant.

[0034] The sliding unit 110 consists of a pair of sliding rails fabricated with grooves in which the wheel of a slider is positioned that is further connected with a bi-directional motor via a shaft. The microcontroller actuates the bi-directional motor to rotate in a clockwise and anti-clockwise direction that aids in the rotation of the shaft, wherein the shaft converts the electrical energy into rotational energy for allowing movement of the wheel to translate over the sliding rail by a firm grip on the grooves. The movement of the sliding unit 110 results in the translational movement of the plant to translate the flap 109 upwards for transferring the plant to the second portion 103.

[0035] The ceiling portion of the second portion 103 is configured with a circular plate 111 by means of a telescopically operated link. Multiple cutting units 112 are equipped on the plate 111. The link 113 is powered by the pneumatic arrangement such that provides extension/retraction of the link 113 as per requirement. The working of the link 113 is similar to the working of the rods 107 as mentioned above.

[0036] The distance of the plant and the cutting unit 112 is monitored by an ultrasonic sensor embedded within the second portion 103. The ultrasonic sensor disclosed herein, consists of an emitter and a receiver that acts as a transducer. The emitter emits ultrasonic sound waves towards plant. Then, the radiation strike to the plant and reflect back which are captured by the receiver. The signal is sent to the microcontroller. The microcontroller processes the received signal from the ultrasonic sensor and on the basis of time lapse in between the sent and received radiations, the microcontroller determines the distance between the plant and the cutting unit.

[0037] In accordance to the detected distance, the microcontroller actuates the link 113 via the pneumatic arrangement to extend and position the plate 111 over the plant. A first motorized ball and socket joint is installed in between the plate 111 and the housing 101 for providing required movement to the plate 111 during cutting process and transferring the plant into second portion 103.

[0038] The first ball and socket joint provides a 360-degree rotation to the plate 111 for aiding the plate 111 to turn at a desired angle. The first ball and socket joint is a coupling consisting of a ball joint securely locked within a socket joint, where the ball joint is able to move in a 360-dgree rotation within the socket thus, providing the required rotational motion to the plate 111. The first ball and socket joint is powered by a DC (direct current) motor that is actuated by the microcontroller thus providing multidirectional movement to the plate 111.

[0039] Post positioning of the cutting units, the microcontroller actuates the cutting units 112 for properly cutting the plant into multiple chunks. The working of the cutting units 112 is similar to the working of the blades 108 as mentioned above. The chunks make storage of the plant easier and in secured manner.

[0040] The articulated movement to the plate 111 for cutting the plant into chunks is provided by a second ball and socket installed in between the link 113 and the second portion 103 of the housing 101. The working of the second ball and socket joint is similar to the working of the first ball and socket joint as mentioned above, such that facilitates efficient cutting of the plants into chunks, for further utilization such as re-growing into multiple plants.

[0041] In addition, the thickness and sharpness of the blades 108 is monitored by an optical sensor incorporated in the housing 101. The optical sensor disclosed herein, contains a light emitter and a light detector. On actuation of the optical sensor, the emitter emits a beam of light which travels through the air until it hit the blades 108. The light beam refracts after striking to the surface of blades 108, which causes the intensity of the light to decrease. The light detector then detects the decrease in light intensity and sends a signal to the microcontroller. The microcontroller, after processing the signal, detect the thickness and sharpness of the blades 108.

[0042] The first portion 102 is installed with a roller 114 fabricated with a sandpaper. The roller 114 is arranged with the first portion 102 via a telescopically operated bar. The bar 115 is powered by the pneumatic arrangement such that provides extension/retraction of the bar 115 as per requirement. The working of the bar 115 is similar to the working of the rods 107 as mentioned above.

[0043] In case the detected thickness or sharpness recedes a threshold value, the microcontroller actuates the bar 115 via the pneumatic arrangement to position the roller 114 over the blade 108. Post positioning of the roller, the microcontroller actuates the roller 114 to effectively sharpen edges of the blades 108. The motorized roller 114 is integrated with a hub motor in its hub powered by a direct current (DC) motor that rotates the roller 114 for providing grinding action over the blades 108 such that restoring the cutting performance of the blades 108 by sharpening the edge of the blades 108.

[0044] A battery (not shown in figure) is associated with the device to supply power to electrically powered components which are employed herein. The battery is comprised of a pair of electrodes named as a cathode and an anode. The battery uses a chemical reaction of oxidation/reduction to do work on charge and produce a voltage between their anode and cathode and thus produces electrical energy that is used to do work in the device.

[0045] The present invention works best in the following manner, where the proposed invention features positioning of the cuboidal housing 101 having first and second portions 102, 103 over the ground surface. The first portion 102 features the C-shaped plate 104 where the plant is manually placed for cutting. The microphone 105 on the housing 101 receives user voice commands regarding the plant's leaf cutting. The microcontroller processes these commands and activates the imaging unit 106 to capture and analyze the plant's dimensions. Based on this data, the microcontroller adjusts the plate’s 104 position via the motorized drawer to securely accommodate the plant. Telescoping rods 107 with sharp-edged blades 108, activated by proximity sensors, extend to cut the plant’s leaves. After the leaves are cut, the motorized sliding unit 110 moves the flap 109 to transfer the plant to the second portion 103 of the housing 101. The circular plate 111 with cutting units 112 in the second portion 103, controlled by the ultrasonic sensor, positions the cutting units 112 over the plant based on detected distance and cuts the plant into chunks. The device includes motorized joints for smooth movement, the optical sensor for blade 108 sharpness, and pneumatic units for extension and retraction of rods 107 and links.

[0046] Although the field of the invention has been described herein with limited reference to specific embodiments, this description is not meant to be construed in a limiting sense. Various modifications of the disclosed embodiments, as well as alternate embodiments of the invention, will become apparent to persons skilled in the art upon reference to the description of the invention. , Claims:1) A plant cutting assistive device, comprising:

i) a cuboidal housing 101 having first and second portion 102, 103 developed to be positioned over a ground surface and said first portion 102 is installed with a C-shaped plate 104 for accommodating a plant that is to be cut, wherein a microphone 105 mounted on said housing 101 for receiving voice command of a user regarding cutting of leaves of said plant that is positioned manually by said user over said plate 104;
ii) an inbuilt microcontroller linked with said microphone 105 processes said voice commands and activates an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 106 paired with a processor mounted on said housing 101 for capturing and processing multiple images of said plant for detecting dimensions of said plant, wherein based on said detected dimension, said microcontroller actuates a motorized drawer arrangement integrated in said plate 104 to provide required extension/retraction to said plate 104, thus securely accommodating said plant;
iii) multiple telescopically operated rods 107 installed on inner sides of said housing 101, each equipped with a sharp-edged blade 108 to cut said plant leaves, wherein a proximity sensor embedded within said first portion 102 for detecting presence of said detected plant on said plate 104 and based on said detected presence, said microcontroller actuates said rods 107 to extend and position said blade 108 in proximity to said leaves, followed by actuation of said blades 108 to cut said leaves of said plants;
iv) a flap 109 installed in between said first and second portion 102, 103, of said housing 101 by means of a motorized sliding unit 110 on each sides, wherein post cutting of said leaves of said plant, said microcontroller actuates said sliding unit 110 to translate said flap 109 upwards for transferring said plant to said second portion 103; and
v) a circular plate 111 equipped with a plurality of cutting units 112 installed within second portion 103 by means of a telescopically operated link 113 arranged from ceiling portion of said second portion 103, wherein an ultrasonic sensor embedded within said second portion 103 for detecting distance between said plant and said cutting unit 112 and based on said detected distance, said microcontroller actuates said link 113 to extend and position said cutting units 112 over said plant, followed by actuation of said cutting unit 112 for properly cutting said plant into multiple chunks, thus storing said plant securely.

2) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a first motorized ball and socket joint installed in between said plate 111 and said housing 101 for providing required movement to said plate 111 during cutting process and transferring said plant into second portion 103.

3) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein an optical sensor incorporated in said housing 101 for detecting thickness and sharpness of said blades 108, and in case said detected thickness or sharpness recedes a threshold value, said microcontroller actuates a roller 114 fabricated with a sandpaper installed in said first portion 102 via a telescopically operated bar 115 that is actuated by said microcontroller to extend and positon said roller 114 over said blade 108, followed by actuation of said roller 114 to effectively sharpen edges of said blades 108, thus restoring cutting performance of said blade 108.

4) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a second ball and socket joint installed in between said link 113 and said second portion 103 of said housing 101 for providing required movement to said link 113 for cutting said plant into multiple chunks.

5) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said telescopically operated rod, link 113 and telescopically operated bar 115 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 rod, link 113 and bar.

6) 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.