DESC:FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The invention pertains generally to a sensing and adaptable level finding device. More specifically, the invention supporting for harvesting the tender tea shoots.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Harvesting is the operation in which the tender tea shoots are picked, which generally called as “plucking”. A tea shoot at the correct maturity is very essential for manufacturing high-quality tea.

Generally, the bush is divided into two regions; one is a top and another one is a bottom region. The tender tea shoots appear in the top region and hard stem appears below the tender tea shoots. During the harvesting process, the tender tea shoots alone plucked from the tea bush.

Therefore, it is very essential to ensure the correct maturity of tea shoots as it determines the quality and the quantity of the made tea and hence, the profitability of the tea plantations.

Now, the manual way of tea Leaves Harvesting has been carrying out in most places. It requires a huge number of Man Power throughout the year and the Plants also should be trimmed in a regular interval of time. From the above reasons, many of the tea plantations the tea harvesting process is suffered due to changes in the climatic conditions and manpower limitations.

To overcome these difficulties and to improve the Production, tea plucking machines are introduced.
For example: The prior art 759/KOL/2013 discloses about a manually operated tea plucking device, the prior art invention provides a mechanical tea plucker device which is operated simply by pushing like a trolley having well lubricated wheels that easily move with operative connection with a set of rotating helical cutting blades to pluck tea leaves from top of tea plants as it moves over the tea plantation field with specified height and spacing of plantation of tea bushes, making the system easy to be operable in the tea garden/field, even by a fragile tea-garden worker including a woman. Importantly, the movement of the trolley by an operator is the driving force that generates energy to rotate the blade mechanism at a fast rate, enough to pluck the tea shoots automatically and get collected in a bucket for transportation to processing unit ensuring improved productivity in a cost-effective manner. The prior art also suffered from some constraints, it needs manpower to move the trolley, requires skilled manpower to select the tender tea shoots and restrictions in transporting required quantities due to space constraints and manual pulling force.

So, there is a need for a device to automatically sense the level of the tender tea shoots and keeps the level until the end of the harvesting process irrespective of the movement of the vehicle.

The proposed invention can achieve the above requirements.

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION
An object of the invention is to sense tender tea shoot's top surface level automatically.

Another object of the invention is to provide an adaptable configuration for mounting the device on the Vehicle.

Another object of the invention is to provide a self-levelling mechanism for accurately sensing and maintaining the level of tender tea shoot's irrespective of the position of the Vehicles.

Another object of the invention is to provide an auto-sensing and adjusting mechanism for ensuring the safe plucking of the tender tea shoots alone from the tea bush.

Yet another object of the invention is to select the tender tea shoots via cost-
effective mechanical sensing assembly.

Yet another object of the invention is to provide a stabilization device for automatically adjusting the level of shoots during the static and movable condition.

Yet another object of the invention is to arrest the vibration during the harvesting period.
A further object of the invention is to provide a positioner unit to place the harvesting chamber at the sensed position.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an adaptable level finding device. More specifically, the invention supporting for harvesting tender tea shoots. The device senses tender tea shoot's top surface level automatically. The device includes an adaptable configuration for mounting the device on the vehicle and a self-levelling mechanism for accurately sensing and maintaining the level of tender tea shoot's irrespective of the position of the Vehicles.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

S.NO
PART NAME
PART NO

1.
Self-levelling device
1

2
Vehicle 2

3

Rollable soft level sensing unit
3

3.
Active Stabilization unit
4

4.
Counterweight
5

5.
Harvesting chamber for the harvesting chamber
6

7.
Collection chamber
7

8.
Hinged arm
8

9.
Actuator
9

10.
Mounting frame
10

Figure 1A illustrates the block diagram of an existing system which shows the deviation in required cutting level and actual cutting level in normal terrain condition, due to the absence of level sensing units.

Figure 1B illustrates the block diagram of the existing system, which shows the deviation in required cutting level and actual cutting level in variable terrain condition due to the absence of level stabilizing units.

Figure 2A illustrates the block diagram of the present system which shows nill deviation required cutting level and actual cutting level in normal terrain condition, due to the presence of level soft rollable sensing units.

Figure 2B illustrates the block diagram of the present system, which shows the nil deviation in required cutting level and actual cutting level in variable terrain condition due to the presence of level stabilizing units.

Figure 3 illustrates the configuration of the present invention.

Figure 4 illustrates the configuration of the rollable soft sensing unit.

The above drawing illustrates the details given and will be provided with respect to certain specific embodiments. It is to be understood that the scope of the disclosure should not be limited to such embodiments but that the same is provided simply for enablement and best mode purposes. The breadth and spirit of the present disclosure are broader than the embodiments specifically disclosed and encompassed within the claims eventually appended hereto.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
One of the preferred embodiment of the invention discloses about an adaptable self-levelling device (1) for plucking tender tea shoots consisting of a mounting frame (10), a vehicle (2), stabilizing unit (4), harvesting chamber (6), rollable soft sensing unit(3), counterweights (5) and collection chamber (7). The rollable soft sensing unit (3) being attached prior to the harvesting chamber (6) to set the accurate harvesting level of tender tea shoots. The harvesting chamber (6) being attached with the vehicle (2) by means of the stabilizing unit (4). Wherein the counter weights (5) aids the stabilizing unit (4) to control the harvesting chamber (6) with respect to variable centre of gravity during the harvesting. The collection chamber (7) being attached with the prime mover to store the harvested tender tea shoots. Wherein the device enables the harvesting of the tender tea shoots by means of the rollable soft sensing unit (3) and harvesting chamber (6), and the fixed level being maintained by the stabilizing unit (4) irrespective of terrain condition thereby tender tea shoots alone being plucked and stored.

Another embodiment of the invention discloses about the vehicle, the vehicle capable of being an all-terrain manual driven or autonomous vehicle.

Yet another embodiment of the invention discloses about the stabilising unit (4) includes a control unit, plurality of sensors, multiple hinged arms (8) and actuator (9). Wherein the actuator capable of being a geared motor.

In another aspect, the plurality of sensors provided in the rollable soft sensing means (3) configured to sense and send the real time sensed data to the control unit thereby keeping the harvesting chamber in the initial sensed position irrespective of terrain condition.

Yet another embodiment of the invention discloses about a method being performed in a stabilizing unit (4) having a plurality of sensors, multiple hinged arms (8), actuator (9), control unit, rollable soft sensing means (3), harvesting chamber(6), vehicle (10) and counter weight (5), the method comprises the steps of;

Step 1: sensing an initial position of the rollable soft sensing means (3) through a plurality of sensors and fixing the actuator (9) by means of the control unit,

Step 2: dynamically sensing the position of the rollable soft sensing means (3),

Step 3: adjusting the actuator (9) in real time until obtain the initial set position and keeping the actuator (9) in the final adjusted position,
wherein, if the prime mover being initiated, step 1 will be followed,
wherein, if the prime mover being in running condition, step 2 will be followed,
wherein, if the sensed level of step 2 is changed, step 2 will be repeated followed by step 3,

Yet another preferred embodiment of the invention discloses about an adaptable self-levelling device (1) for plucking tender tea shoots. The device consisting of a mounting frame (10) which is configured to adapt on a vehicle (2). The mounting frame (10) capable of adapting a stabilizing unit (4), harvesting chamber (6), rollable soft sensing unit(3), counterweights (5) and collection chamber (7) thereby forming the movable and adaptable self- levelling device.

Yet another embodiment of the invention discloses about a rollable soft sensing unit (3) which is attached prior to the harvesting chamber (6). The essential purpose of the rollable soft sensing unit (3) is,

• To support the harvesting chamber to set its accurate harvesting level for plucking only the tender tea shoots. All the existing systems are struggling to set the above level. Figure 1A and 2A clearly illustrate the necessity of the rollable soft sensing unit (3) and also compares the difference between the rollable soft sensing unit available and non-available plucking devices.

• To support the exact selection of level which determines maximum plucking of tender tea shoots. This unit (3) more particularly select the region above the stem and below the tender tea shoot. The exact selection of harvesting level will determine the quality and quantity of the made tea thereby achieving the technical advancement as well as economic significance.

• To reduce or eliminate the deviation in accurate plucking level. This can be achieved with a present configuration of the rollable soft sensing unit (3). Figure 1A and 2A illustrate the same in detail.

Yet another embodiment of the invention discloses about the primary need of the stabilizing unit (4). This unit also involved in improving the harvesting efficiency of the device(1). The above embodiment describes the advantages of elimination of deviation level due to the position of the harvesting chamber (6) by using rollable soft sensing means (3). This embodiment describes the advantages of elimination of angular deviation during the harvesting process due to variable terrain conditions. Generally, most of the harvesting chamber aligned with the plane of the prime mover. In normal terrain condition, it should not affect the harvesting efficiency but in slope or variable terrain condition, it will affect the harvesting efficiency due to angular deviation in the harvesting level. To avoid this drawback, the stabilizing unit was introduced in the levelling device (1) thereby making the normal levelling device into a self-levelling device which capable of eliminating the angular deviation and keeping the sensing unit and harvesting chamber in the initial set level or required level irrespective of position of vehicle (2) in the variable terrain conditions.

Yet another embodiment of the invention discloses about the configuration of the rollable soft sensing unit (3) which includes at least one sensor provided either side of a soft cylindrical roller configured to sense the level and sends the sensed level data to the stabilizing unit (4). The soft cylindrical configuration is alone capable to engage itself physically in the exact tender tea shoot’s plucking region irrespective of position of the prime mover (either horizontal or tilted), the same can be considered for setting the level of the harvesting chamber (6) throughout the harvesting process, even any changes occurred in the vehicle’s (2) position, the initial sensed position will be retained with the help of stabilising unit (4).

Yet another embodiment of the invention discloses about the configuration of the stabilising unit (4) which consisting of multiple hinged arms (8) and actuator (9). The stabilizing unit (4) attached with the mounting frame (10) and holds the harvesting chamber (6) along with the rollable soft sensing unit (3) in one end and counterweights (5) in other end to stabilize the entire device (1) with prime mover (2) during the static and dynamic conditions. further The stabilising unit (4) acquires initial level information from the rollable soft sensing unit (3) and actuates the actuator (9) in real time to keep the position of the harvesting chamber (6) irrespective of the terrain condition as well as the position of the vehicle (2).

Yet another embodiment of the invention discloses about an actuator (9). The actuator capable of being a solenoid or motorized actuator or combination thereof. The stabilizing unit controls the actuator (9) with respect to input from the rollable soft sensing means (3).

Yet another embodiment of the invention discloses about the prime mover (2). The prime mover configured to assist the transportation of the device (1) from one place to another among the tea bushes. The vehicle (2) capable of being any moving vehicle or all-terrain vehicle or self-propelling moving means or motorized moving means or combination thereof.

Further embodiment of the invention discloses about the hinged arm (8) in the stabilizing unit (4). More than one hinged arm (8) and actuator (9) combine to form the stabilising unit (4). The formed unit is capable to retain or move the attached units to desired positions. Figure 1B and 2B illustrates, how the stabilizing unit supports to retain the position of the harvesting chamber in the fixed level.

ADVANTAGES:
• Sensing the tender tea shoot’s level automatically.
• Providing an adaptable configuration for mounting the device on the vehicle.
• Providing a self-levelling mechanism for accurately sensing and maintaining the level of tender tea shoot irrespective of the position of the vehicle.
• Providing an auto-sensing and adjusting mechanism for ensuring the safe plucking of the tender tea shoots alone from the tea bush.
• Selecting the tender tea shoots via cost-effective mechanical sensing assembly.
• Providing a stabilization device for automatically adjusting the level of shoots during the static and movable condition.
• Keeping the position of the harvesting chamber irrespective of the terrain condition as well as the position of the prime mover.

So that the manner in which the features, advantages and objects of the invention, as well as others which will become apparent, may be understood in more detail, more particular description of the invention briefly summarized above may be had by reference to the embodiment thereof which is illustrated in the appended drawings, which form a part of this specification. It is to be noted, however, that the drawings illustrate only a preferred embodiment of the invention and is therefore not to be considered limiting of the invention’s scope as it may admit to other equally effective embodiments.
,CLAIMS:I CLAIM
1. An adaptable self-levelling device (1) for plucking tender tea shoots consisting of a mounting frame (10), a vehicle (2), stabilizing unit (4), harvesting chamber (6), rollable soft sensing unit(3), counterweights (5) and collection chamber (7),
• the rollable soft sensing unit (3) being attached prior to the harvesting chamber (6) to set the accurate harvesting level of tender tea shoots,
• the harvesting chamber (6) being attached with the prime mover (2) by means of the stabilizing unit (4),
• wherein the counter weights (5) aids the stabilizing unit (4) to control the harvesting chamber (6) with respect to variable centre of gravity during the harvesting,
• the collection chamber (7) being attached with the prime mover to store the harvested tender tea shoots,
• wherein the device enables the harvesting of the tender tea shoots by means of the rollable soft sensing unit (3) and harvesting chamber (6), and the fixed level being maintained by the stabilizing unit (4) irrespective of terrain condition thereby tender tea shoots alone being plucked and stored.

2. The adaptable self-levelling device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the vehicle capable of being an all-terrain manual driven or autonomous vehicle.

3. The adaptable self-levelling device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the stabilising unit (4) includes a control unit, plurality of sensors, multiple hinged arms (8) and actuator (9).

4. The adaptable self-levelling device as claimed in claim 1 and 3, wherein the actuator capable of being a geared motor.

5. The adaptable self-levelling device as claimed in claim 1 and 3, wherein the plurality of sensors provided in the rollable soft sensing means (3) configured to sense and send the real time sensed data to the control unit thereby keeping the harvesting chamber in the initial sensed position irrespective of terrain condition.

6. A method being performed in a stabilizing unit (4) having a plurality of sensors, multiple hinged arms (8), actuator (9), control unit, rollable soft sensing means (3), harvesting chamber(6), prime mover (10) and counter weight (5), the method comprises the steps of;

Step 1: sensing an initial position of the rollable soft sensing means (3) through a plurality of sensors and fixing the actuator (9) by means of the control unit,

Step 2: dynamically sensing the position of the rollable soft sensing means (3),

Step 3: adjusting the actuator (9) in real time until obtain the initial set position and keeping the actuator (9) in the final adjusted position,

wherein, if the prime mover being initiated, step 1 will be followed,

wherein, if the prime mover being in running condition, step 2 will be followed,

wherein, if the sensed level of step 2 is changed, step 2 will be repeated followed by step 3.