WO2023113588A1

WO2023113588A1 - An improved cutter

Info

Publication number: WO2023113588A1
Application number: PCT/MY2022/050070
Authority: WO
Inventors: Girupakaran SIVALINGAM; Tanabaalan VADAMALA; Girish Ramachandran; Harish SUBRAMANIAM; Yama Keng Leong YEO
Original assignee: Irga Sdn. Bhd.
Priority date: 2021-12-17
Filing date: 2022-08-10
Publication date: 2023-06-22

Abstract

An Improved Cutter The present invention relates to a cutter (100) for cutting with improved connectivity capabilities. The cutter (100) comprises a rod (10), a cutting tool arranged on one end of the rod (10) and a motor (20) powering the cutting too. The cutter (100) further comprises sensors for collecting data from the surroundings, wherein the collected data is transmitted to a cloud database which is accessible remotely through a software program.

Description

An Improved Cutter

Technical Field of the Invention

The invention relates to a cutter with connectivity capabilities.

Background of the Invention

The ever-growing human population has created an insatiable demand for agricultural products for food and other purposes. To meet the demand, plantations from all over the world have ballooned in size to increase production. As an example, oil palm plantations have expanded to a few million hectares throughout the years, which causes numerous problems to plantation owners.

As a plantation may be dispersed due to the lack of land availability, it may be difficult for plantation owners to keep track of useful information on their plantation, which in turn makes harvesting an unoptimized task. One issue faced by plantation owners is the monitoring of the harvesters. Due to the vast landscape, it is a herculean task for plantation owners to keep track of the harvesting done by harvesters, as many supervisors will be required which may increase operational costs.

Moreover, due to the difference in topography and geography across a vast area of land, oil palm trees may grow into different heights in different areas of a plantation. This causes issues to the harvesters as it is difficult for them to reach for taller oil palm trees. They may need to adapt their equipment to accommodate trees of different heights or compensate the height difference by reaching for taller trees in an unnatural stance, which may cause chronic pain to the harvesters in the long term. However, traditional equipment does not provide an easy solution to this problem, and harvesters may need to switch out their cutters entirely for different oil palm trees.

Furthermore, traditional harvesting equipment are usually elongated and difficult to transport. Normally, access to remote areas of a plantation is limited to small vehicles such as motorcycles due to narrow paths and tight corners. This creates a potentially dangerous situation with harvesters transporting their harvesting equipment into the remote areas by hanging their equipment to the side of their vehicles. Traditional harvesting equipment typically features a long pole design which may reach up to 9 meters (30 feet) in length, which may latch on to the surrounding trees, causing accidents and loss of life. Other than that, the exposed sharp blades at the end of the pole may cause serious injuries, particularly when being transported haphazardly at high speeds on motorcycles.

With the growth in demand for palm oil, more efficient harvesting equipment such as motor- driven cutters are available in the market. Conventional motor-driven cutter uses a bevel gear system to convert rotational motion from a motor to a linear motion for driving a cutting tool. However, the bevel gear system used in conventional motor-driven cutter requires frequent greasing maintenance to maintain optimum performance. Furthermore, the vibration generated by motor-driven cutters is substantial, which can cause discomfort when used.

Also, to compete in the global economy, access to real-time information and data is crucial, particularly for optimizing production and improving productivity of harvesters in terms of speed and time taken for the harvesting process, especially in comparison with traditional methods. However, harvesting equipment in the current market does not have robust data collection and transmission features. It is therefore difficult for plantation owners to obtain real-time information and data from their plantation, especially in remote areas.

It is also difficult for plantation owners to obtain data and information on their plantations, let alone real-time data. To gather data and information on a plantation, it will require the harvesters to record the data required and report the data to their respective supervisors. The supervisors will then compile the data reported to be submitted. Only then, the plantation owner will be able to obtain and study data collected from the plantation. Furthermore, the high level of manual workforce in a plantation will cause disjointed reports of data, such as overlapping or duplicated data during data collection due to human error.

Malaysia patent application no. PI 2017704552 attempts to provide a solution to collect data from a plantation. The patent application describes a device for harvesting fresh fruit bunches (FFB) with a camera module for detecting the ripeness of FFB based on a predetermined grading index. However, the data collected by the device is limited to the optical image of FFB and their ripeness only, which is not helpful for optimizing production of the plantation.

On the other hand, Malaysia patent application no. PI 2016100008 attempts to provide an extendible and collapsible cutter for oil palm trees of different height. The patent application describes a device with a releasable mechanism to easily engage and disengage two pole tubes to extend and shorten the cutter. However, the device requires a pole support assembly to anchor the device on the ground to function, and it is therefore unwieldy and clumsy.

WO 2013/012310 Al describes a cutter using a gear and transmission system to convert rotation force to linear force driven by an electrical motor. The gear and transmission system will require frequent maintenance to maintain optimum operation, and the vibration generated by the system is substantial.

It is generally desirable to overcome or ameliorate one or more of the above-mentioned difficulties, or at least provide a useful alternative.

Summary of the Invention

In accordance with one example of the present disclosure, there is provided a cutter for cutting, preferably for cutting agricultural products. Preferably, the cutter comprises a rod with a cutting tool connected on one end of the rod, a motor powering the cutting tool, a power source supplying power to the motor, and sensors for collecting data from the surroundings. Preferably, the collected data is transmitted to a cloud database, which is accessible remotely using a software program.

Preferably, the rod of the cutter is comprised of a plurality of readily connectible interlocking rod sections. Preferably, each rod section comprises an electric conductor extending from a first end of the rod section to a second end, and an electric contact on both ends for conducting power from the power source. Alternatively, the rod of the cutter is a telescopic rod which can be extended and retracted. Preferably, a spring coil wire connects the power source to the motor.

Advantageously, the length of the rod is customizable by adding or reducing the modular rod sections, or by extending or retracting the telescopic rod.

Preferably, the data collected by the sensors is sent to the cloud database in real-time. Alternatively, the data collected by the sensors is sent to the cloud database when data connectivity is available.

Preferably, the cutter further comprises a sensor module for accommodating the sensors. Preferably, the cutter further comprises a communication module for transmitting the collected data to the cloud database. The collected data is preferably transmitted via a wireless communication protocol. The wireless communication protocol is preferably Bluetooth, or alternatively WiFi. Preferably, the communication module is a GSM module. Preferably, the communication module is connected to the sensor module.

Preferably, the data collected by the sensors comprises global position of the user, area covered by the user, trees visited by the user, FFB harvested by the user by tree, fronds pruned by the user by tree location, power usage of the cutter, temperature of the cutter, imaging, time spent by the user in the field, vibration, the ambient temperature, and information on the cutter such as the vibration, power, voltage, current, RPM, force, torque and discharge rate during field operation.

Preferably, the cutter further comprises a digital storage device for storing the collected data .

Preferably, the power source of the cutter is a portable battery. Even more preferably, the power source is removable, rechargeable, and replaceable. The portable battery is preferably waterproofed.

Preferably, the cutter further comprises a heat sink. The heat sink is preferably arranged on the other end of the rod.

Preferably, the cutter further comprises a gearbox for converting rotational motion from the motor to linear motion for driving the cutting tool. It is further preferred that the gearbox comprises a housing for housing the motor, the motor being connected to a first end of a rod end bearing via a first connecting rod, and the second end of the rod end bearing is connected to a reciprocating shaft via a second connecting rod. The motor is arranged in a direction perpendicular to the cutting direction of the cutting tool. The cutting tool is removably connected to the reciprocating rod.

Preferably, the gearbox further comprises a flanged linear bushing for restricting the rotational motion from the motor to a linear motion.

Advantageously, the rod is made of a lightweight material, which is preferably to be carbon fiber. The cutting tool of the cutter preferably comprises a blade or a sickle. The cutting tool is preferably detachable.

Preferably, the cutter further comprises a trigger switch for activating the motor.

The above and other objects, features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description taken with the accompanying drawings.

Brief Description of Drawings

Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of the cutter.

Fig. 2 shows a top view of the cutter.

Fig. 3 shows the arrangement of the motor and the gearbox.

Fig. 4 shows a perspective view of the gearbox.

Fig. 5 shows a top view of the gearbox.

Fig. 6 shows a detail view of a pair of connected rod sections for a cutter with a configuration of a modular rod.

Fig. 7 shows a detail view of a pair of disconnected rod sections for a cutter with a configuration of a modular rod.

Fig. 8 shows a perspective view of a retracted cutter with a configuration of a telescopic rod. Fig. 9 shows a perspective view of an extended cutter with a configuration of a telescopic rod.

Detailed Description of Embodiments

Described below are preferred embodiments of the present invention. Each of the following preferred embodiments describes an example not limiting in any aspect.

It is illustrated in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 an embodiment of the present invention which features a cutter (100) for cutting with improved connectivity capabilities. The cutter (100) comprises a rod (10), with a cutting tool arranged on one end of the rod (10) and a motor (20) powering the cutting tool. A power source (30) supplies power to the motor. The cutter further comprises sensors for collecting data from the surroundings. The collected data are transmitted to a cloud database, which is accessible remotely via a software program.

In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the rod (10) is formed from a plurality of readily connectible interlocking rod sections. Each rod section comprises an electric conductor within the rod section from a first end of the rod section to a second end, with an electric contact on both ends for conducting power.

Each rod section is configured with a female connector (11) at one end of the rod section, and a male connector (12) with a locker nut (15) at the other end of the rod section. Referring to Fig. 6, a male connector (12) of a first rod section is inserted into a female connector (11) of a second rod section to form a connection, with the locker nut (15) securing the connection of the male connector (12) to the female connector (11). Referring to Fig. 7, to disconnect the rod sections, the locker nut (15) is disengaged, and the male connector (12) of the first rod section is removed from the female connector (11) of the second rod section.

To activate the cutter, a trigger switch is engaged which activates the motor. Power from the motor (20) is transmitted to a gearbox (40), which in turns drives the cutting tool. The motor (20) is energized by power supplied by the power source (30).

When the trigger switch is engaged, power from the power source (30) is transmitted to the motor via the rod (10). As each rod section forming the rod (10) comprises an electric conductor extending from one end to the other, and an electric contact on both ends, the rod (10) forms an electric circuit in the interior of the rod (10) connecting the cutting tool and the power source (30).

It is illustrated in Fig. 3 the internal workings of the motor (20) driving the cutting tool. The motor (20) is housed in a housing (41), with the motor (20) electrically connected to the conductor of the adjacent rod (10). This arrangement allows power from the power source (30) to be transmitted to the motor (20) through the rod (10). The motor (20) is connected to the gearbox (40) via a shaft (33) which converts the rotational motion from the motor (20) to a linear motion to drive the cutting tool connected to the gearbox (40). The motor is connected to the power source (30) via internal wires.

The integration of the electric circuit in the rod (10) provides several advantages. Firstly, the configuration allows the elimination the usage of power cables to connect the power source (30) to the motor (20), which is potentially dangerous as loose power cables can easily cause an accident in an operating scenario. Secondly, the integration of the electric circuit in the rod (10) allows the motor (20) to be arranged closer to the gearbox (40) without additional weight from power cables connecting the motor (20) to the power source (30). By arranging the motor (20) closer to the gearbox (40), it allows the motor to drive the gearbox (40) directly, thus simplifying the construction of the cutter (100) due to lesser parts.

To change the length of the rod (10), the user can either add or remove rod sections from the rod (10) to achieve the desired length of the rod (10). The modularity of the rod sections also enables the cutter (100) to be disassembled for ease of transportation and reassembled on site. Preferably, the length of the rod (10) starts from 2 meters (6.6 feet) and can extend to a maximum length of 13.7 meters (45 feet). Any suitable lengths that can be utilized include but not limited to the length of 3.7 meters (12 feet), 6.7 meters (22 feet), and 9.7 meters (32 feet).

In a second embodiment, the rod (10) is a telescopic rod formed from multiple concentric interconnected rod sections. The motor (20) is connected to the power source (30) via a spring coil wire (38) integrated within the rod (10). The arrangement of the spring coil wire (38) connecting the power source (30) to the motor (20) through rod (10) can be observed in Figures 8 and 9, wherein the spring coil wire (38) extends from the power source (30) to the motor (20) through the rod (10). In this embodiment, the rod (10) can be extended by sliding out rod sections, and retracted by sliding in the rod sections. Due to the elastic nature of the spring coil wire (38), the spring coil wire (38) can extend and retract according to the length of the rod (10).

In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the gearbox (40) comprises a housing (41), wherein the motor (20) is housed within the housing (41) and arranged perpendicularly to the cutting direction of the cutting tool. The motor (20) is connected to a first end (47) of a rod end bearing (44) via a first connecting rod (42), whereas a second end of the rod end bearing (44) is connected to a reciprocating shaft (45) via a second connecting rod (43). The reciprocating rod (45) extends therethrough a flanged linear bushing (46), wherein the flanged linear bushing (46) is for restricting the rotation motion generated from the motor (20) to a linear motion for driving the reciprocating rod. The cutting tool is removably attached to the reciprocating rod (45).

As no gears are involved in the operation of the gearbox (40), less maintenance is required to maintain the optimum performance of the cutter (100). In addition, the vibration generated by the gearbox (40) during operation is greatly reduced as there are fewer rotating components compared to conventional motor-driven cutters. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the cutter (100) further comprises a sensor module (36) for housing the sensors. Preferably, the sensor module (36) is a modular system with a universal Internet-of-Things (loT) board which can be used with various platforms, including cutters, machineries, drones and robots. The modularity of the sensor module (36) enables the accommodation of any suitable sensor components, such as voltage sensors, current sensors, temperature sensors, GPU sensors, Inertial Motion Unit (IMU) sensors, etc., and ensures that any faulty parts can be easily replaceable.

Preferably, the sensor module (36) comprises a single board computer-based system capable of sending data to cloud platforms with encryption security. Preferably, the computer-based system is a LINUX system, and the system can be conveniently updated or upgraded via remote access. It is further preferred that the sensor module (36) is a high-density modular mount board capable of operating in a low-power mode, wherein the sensors, their wiring and other components are securely mounted on the sensor module (36).

Preferably, the sensors mounted on the sensor module (36) collects data by detecting inputs from the environment, and the sensor module (36) converts said inputs to a pulse-width modulation (PWM) output, which can be interpreted by the computer system. Furthermore, the sensor module (36) can capture data from the motor (20) by using an open-source electric speed controller, preferably VESC 4.12.

It is further preferred that the sensor module (36) further comprises a communication module The communication module comprises of communication antennas capable of communicating via 4G, Narrowband loT (NB loT), Bluetooth and WiFi. It is preferred that the communication module is continuously powered so that it can continuously upload the data collected by the sensors. As a failsafe, the sensor module (36) also comprises local storage in the form of an SD card or built-in chip memory. Using the communication module, data collected by the sensor module can be sent to a cloud database in real-time.

By connecting to the sensor module (36) via Bluetooth, a user can monitor live data from the sensor module (36) and verify the data before transferring the data to the cloud. The user can also configure the settings of the sensor module (36) via Bluetooth, such as configuring the WiFi password for WiFi connection. Further, the sensor module (36) comprises external slots for connecting external devices such as SD cards, USB devices and 4G sim cards. The sensor module (36) also comprises a battery level indicator to indicate the battery level of the power source (30), as well as an alarm for alerting the user when the battery level is low.

To protect the sensitive electronics on the sensor module (36), the sensor module (36) is vibration and splash proofed, and features protection components for preventing current spike. Other than that, the sensor module (36) also comprises of a replaceable fuse and anti-spark switch. Furthermore, the sensor module (36) is configured with a low battery voltage cut-off circuit to protect the power source (30) powering the cutter and the sensor module (36).

Preferably, the sensor module (36) further comprises DNS Service SSH routing capabilities for remote access, which can be utilized for updating the software of the sensor module (36), or remote troubleshooting.

Preferably, the data that can be collected by the sensors comprises global position of the user, area covered by the user, trees visited by the user, branches harvested by the user, fronds pruned by the user, power usage of the cutter, temperature of the cutter and the ambient temperature.

With access to real-time data, plantation operators can monitor and analyze the production of the plantation in real-time, and plan accordingly to optimize production and improve efficiency. In one example, by analyzing the real-time data collected by harvesters in the field, the plantation operator can identify optimum harvesting sites during a harvest and dictate the harvesters to the sites on the same day, without the delay from waiting for a report on the status of the plantation. Furthermore, with the data available, predictive harvesting can be achieved by planning the harvest using the data collected on harvesting interval by tree, which in turn makes it possible to achieve better plantation management.

In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the cutter (100) further comprises a digital storage device for storing the collected data locally. The digital storage device functions as a backup in addition to the wireless transmission of the collected data. The data stored on the digital storage device can be accessed using a computer or other compatible devices. In an embodiment of the invention, the power source (30) is a portable battery. The portable battery is preferably waterproofed to ensure safety of the user. In this embodiment, the power source (30) is connected via a wire to the cutter (100) and can be carried in the form of a backpack. This lends towards the portability of the invention, allowing the user to carry and operate the cutter and move from one tree to the next efficiently.

In an example of the invention, the power source (30) of the cutter (100) is a portable battery with a weight of less than 3.5kg, and the total weight of the cutter (100) is between 6kg - 9kg, dependent of the length of the rod (10). With its light weight, the cutter (100) provides an efficient and agile usage experience.

Further, the power source (30) is preferably to be removable and replaceable. Once the power source (30) is exhausted, the user can remove the power source (30) from the cutter (100) and replace it with a mint power source (30) to continue operating the cutter (100). The exhausted power source (30) can be recharged to be reused.

In an embodiment of the invention, the gearbox (40) is powered by the motor (20) via solenoid linear motion. In another embodiment of the invention, the gearbox (40) is powered by pneumatic pressure.

The cutter (100) further comprises a heat sink (35). In one embodiment of the invention, a heat sink (35) is arranged on one end of the rod (10) opposing the cutting tool (20). The heat sink (35) disperses heat generated during the operation of the cutter to prevent overheating and provides a counterbalance to the cutter (100).

In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the rod (10) is made of a lightweight material, which is preferably carbon fiber. The use of carbon fiber for forming the rod (10) reduces the weight of the cutter (100) while increases its material strength.

In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the cutting tool of the cutter (100) is a blade or a sickle. The cutting tool is preferably removable from the cutter (100). Once the cutting tool is blunt, it can be replaced by a new cutting tool to continue the operation of the cutter (100). In an example scenario, a user of the cutter (100) transports a cutter (100) to a harvesting site in an oil palm plantation using a motorcycle. The user arrives to the site safely, as the cutter (100) is disassembled and secured on the motorcycle in a carrier, without any protrusions which might get caught on the surroundings. On site, the user assesses the height of a tree, and assembles the rod (10) of the cutter (100) accordingly. Using the assembled cutter (100), the user attends to the tree. Once the task is completed, the user assesses the height of the next tree and adjusts the length of the rod (10) of the cutter (100) along the way. Once the harvesting site has been attended to, the user disassembles the cutter (100), secure it on the motorcycle in a carrier, and moves to a second harvesting site to continue with the harvest.

Throughout the course of operation, real-time data is collected by the sensors of the cutter (100) and transmitted to a cloud database. The operation center accesses the cloud database via a software program to monitor and analyze the collected data in real-time. With access to real-time data, the operation center can plan harvesting sites and guide harvesters to the appropriate sites to optimize production.

While the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described and illustrated, it should now be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. Accordingly, the following claims are intended to embrace such changes, modifications, and areas of application that are within the scope of this invention.

Claims

1. A cutter (100) for cutting with improved connectivity capabilities, comprising: a rod (10); a cutting tool on one end of the rod; a motor (20) driving the cutting tool; a power source (30) supplying power to the motor (20); and sensors for collecting data; wherein, the collected data is transmitted to a cloud database; wherein, the cloud database can be accessed via a software program.

2. The cutter (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the rod (10) is formed from a plurality of readily connectible interlocking rod sections.

3. The cutter (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein each rod section comprises an electric conductor extending from a first end to a second end, and an electric contact on both ends for conducting power from the power source.

4. The cutter (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the length of the rod (10) is customizable by adding or reducing the rod sections.

5. The cutter (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the rod (10) is a telescopic rod formed from a plurality of interconnected rod sections.

6. The cutter (100) as claimed in claims 2 and 5, wherein the power source (30) is connected to the motor (20) via a spring coil wire (38).

7. The cutter (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the collected data is transmitted to a cloud database in real-time.

8. The cutter (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the cutter (100) further comprises a sensor module (36) for accommodating the sensors.

9. The cutter (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the cutter (100) further comprises a communication module for transmitting the collected data to the cloud database.

10. The cutter (100) as claimed in claim 9, wherein the communication module is connected to the sensor module (36).

11. The cutter (100) as claimed in claim 9, wherein the collected data is transferred via a wireless communication protocol.

12. The cutter (100) as claimed in claim 11, wherein the wireless communication protocol is Bluetooth.

13. The cutter (100) as claimed in claim 11, wherein the wireless communication protocol is WiFi.

14. The cutter (100) as claimed in claim 9, wherein the communication module is a GSM module.

15. The cutter (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the data collected by the sensors comprises any one of global position of the user, area covered by the user, trees visited by the user, branches harvested by the user, fronds pruned by the user, power usage of the cutter, temperature of the cutter and the ambient temperature.

16. The cutter (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the cutter further comprises a digital storage device for storing the collected data.

17. The cutter (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the power source (30) is a portable battery.

18. The cutter (100) as claimed in claim 17, wherein the power source (30) is removable and replaceable.

19. The cutter (100) as claimed in claim 17, wherein the power source (30) is rechargeable.

20. The cutter (100) as claimed in claim 17, wherein the portable battery is waterproofed.

21. The cutter (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the cutter further comprises a heat sink (35). 14

22. The cutter (100) as claimed in claim 21, wherein the heat sink (30) is arranged on the other end of the rod (10).

23. The cutter (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the cutter further comprises a gearbox (40) for converting rotational motion from the motor (20) to linear motion for driving the cutting tool.

24. The cutter (100) as claimed in claim 23, wherein the gearbox (40) comprises: a first connecting rod (42) connecting the motor (20) to a first end (47) of a rod end bearing (44); and a second connecting rod (43) for connecting a second end of a rod end bearing (44) to a reciprocating shaft (45); wherein, the cutting tool is removably connected to the reciprocating shaft (45); wherein, the motor (20) is arranged in a direction perpendicular to the cutting direction of the cutting tool.

25. The cutter (100) as claimed in claim 24, wherein the gearbox (40) further comprises a flanged linear bushing (46) for restricting the rotational motion from the motor (20) to a linear motion.

26. The cutter (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the rod (10) is made of a lightweight material.

27. The cutter (100) as claimed in claim 26, wherein the lightweight material is carbon fiber.

28. The cutter (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the cutting tool comprises a blade or a sickle.

29. The cutter (100) as claimed in claim 28, wherein the cutting tool is detachable.

30. The cutter (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the cutter further comprises a trigger switch for activating the motor (20).