ADAPTABLE ICE CUTTING TOOL MANUFACTURING DEVICE

Abstract

An adaptable ice cutting tool manufacturing device, comprising, a platform 1 developed to be positioned on a ground surface accommodated with a wooden log over which a design is to be carved, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 2 for detecting location of the wooden log, multiple motorized omnidirectional wheels 3 for maneuvering and positioning the platform 1 in proximity of the wooden log, multiple telescopically operated rod 4 having a C-shaped extendable member 5 to acquire grip on the log and align the wooden log parallel to the platform 1, an articulated robotic arm 6 integrated with a cutting blade 7 for cutting upper portion of the wooden log in view of carving the user-specified design, and a drilling unit 9 integrated with the platform 1 for drilling the user-specified diameter of hole in the wooden log.

Specification

Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to an adaptable ice cutting tool manufacturing device that is capable of providing a means to manufacture an ice cutting tool from wooden log as per user-specified type of design that is to be carved on the wooden log without any requirement of skilled persons thereby reduce chances of error in making the tool and time duration.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Ice cutting has been a practice for centuries, primarily for obtaining ice during winter months to be stored and used throughout the year before the advent of mechanical refrigeration. Initially, ice was cut from natural sources such as frozen lakes and rivers. Traditional ice cutting tools have been utilized for centuries, primarily for harvesting ice from natural sources such as frozen lakes and rivers. They were used to chip away at the ice, creating holes or breaking off smaller chunks for harvesting.

[0003] Although the traditional method of cutting ice using axe has proven effective to some extent, but it comes with inherent limitations. Which require significant physical effort to operate, as they rely on manual force for cutting through thick ice. This is strenuous and time-consuming, especially when harvesting large quantities of ice. Thus, there is a need to develop an innovative tool that provide a consistent way of cutting ice where traditional methods may fall short and to meet the evolving demands of modern requirements.

[0004] US3491807A A cutting machine for dividing articles, such as blocks of water ice or Dry Ice, into equal parts upon the articles being advanced past a pair of superimposed Saw discs that rotate in adjacent spaced vertical planes and lie substantially midway between the side walls of a housing through which the articles are advanced by means of endless chains that have spaced projections which extend through slots in the bottom wall of the housing; the endless chains and saw discs are driven by 10 15 20 a common electric motor; a pair of spring biased guide members within the housing enable articles of varying size to be positioned midway between the side walls of the housing as they are advanced past the saw discs; the outlet of the housing is provided with a pair of down wardly and divergently directed chutes on which bags or the like may be placed for receiving, respectively, the halves of the divided articles.

[0005] US3576146A Apparatus is provided for cutting a large cake of ice into smaller blocks on an automatic basis. Hoisting mechanism raises and lowers a gig which carries the large cake of ice upwardly and downwardly into the path of cooperating cutting elements. A pair of spaced rotary disc saws cuts slots in one face of the cake and a chain saw cuts perpendicularly through another face of the cake, severing the small blocks from the main cake. Guide elements are employed to maintain the cake in position during the cutting operations.

[0006] Conventionally, many devices exist for cutting ice however these devices fail in drilling the user-specified diameter of hole in the wooden log in order to insert a metallic bar correspondence to the hole with proper application of force in inserting the bar thereby aid in manufacturing the ice tool in effective manner.

[0007] In order to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks, there exists a need in the art to develop a device that is capable of drilling the user-specified diameter of hole in the wooden log in order to insert a metallic bar correspondence to the hole with proper application of force in inserting the bar thereby aid in manufacturing the ice tool in a secure manner.

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 manufacturing an ice cutting tool from wooden log as per user-specified type of design that is to be carved on the wooden log without any requirement of skilled persons thereby reduce efforts and tine duration.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable in drilling the user-specified diameter of hole in the wooden log in order to insert a metallic bar correspondence to the hole with proper application of force in inserting the bar thereby aid in manufacturing the ice tool in effective manner.

[0011] Yet another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of detecting cracks on the wooden log in order to notify the user to discard the wooden log in view of preventing manufacturing of the ice cutting tool with poor strength.

[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 adaptable ice cutting tool manufacturing device that is capable of providing a means to manufacture an ice cutting tool from wooden log as per user-specified type of design that is to be carved on the wooden log without any requirement of skilled persons thereby reduce chances of error in making the tool and time duration.

[0014] According to an embodiment of the present invention, an adaptable ice cutting tool manufacturing device comprises, a platform developed to be positioned on a ground surface accommodated with a wooden log over which a design is to be carved, wherein a computing unit installed with a user-interface is wirelessly associated with the device for enabling a user to give input commands regarding a design that is to be carved on the log along with diameter of a hole that is to be drilled in the log, a microcontroller wirelessly linked with the computing unit that processes the input commands and activates an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit mounted on the body and paired with a processor for capturing and processing multiple images of surrounding, respectively, for detecting location of the wooden log, plurality of motorized omnidirectional wheels integrated underneath the platform, wherein based on detected location the microcontroller actuates the wheels to rotate for maneuvering and positioning the platform in proximity of the wooden log, followed by actuation of plurality of telescopically operated rod having a C-shaped extendable member integrated with the platform to acquire grip on the log and align the wooden log parallel to the platform, a DC ( Direct Current) motor is coupled with the rod, wherein upon aligning the wooden log parallel to the platform as detected via the imaging unit, the microcontroller actuates the motor to rotate the wooden log, followed by actuation of an articulated robotic arm installed with the platform and integrated with a cutting blade for cutting upper portion of the wooden log in view of carving the user-specified design,a storage chamber installed with the platform and stored with sharped edge metallic bars, wherein upon carving of the user-specified design, the microcontroller de-activates the DC motor and actuates a drilling unit integrated with the platform for drilling the user-specified diameter of hole in the wooden log.

[0015] According to another embodiment of the present invention, further comprises, a robotic arm integrated with the platform that is actuated by the microcontroller to grip the bar correspondence to the hole upon drilling of the user-specified diameter of the hole in the log and insert the bars within the hole, followed by activation of a pneumatic pusher installed with the platform via a L-shaped telescopically operated link to strike the bar in view inserting the bar within the hole, thereby manufacturing the ice cutting tool, wherein the member is integrated with plurality of hinges that are actuated by the microcontroller to acquire proper grip over the wooden log, wherein an ultrasonic sensor is installed on the platform for detecting cracks on the wooden and based detection, a speaker assembled on the platform for generating an alert to notify the user to discard the wooden log, wherein a battery is associated with the device for supplying power to electrical and electronically operated components associated with the device.

[0016] While the invention has been described and shown with particular reference to the preferred embodiment, it will be apparent that variations might be possible that would fall within the scope of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with regard to the following description, appended claims, and accompanying drawings where:
Figure 1 illustrates an isometric view of an adaptable ice cutting tool manufacturing 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 an adaptable ice cutting tool manufacturing device that is capable of providing a means to manufacture an ice cutting tool from wooden log as per user-specified type of design that is to be carved on the wooden log without any requirement of skilled persons thereby reduce chances of error in making the tool and time duration.

[0022] Referring to Figure 1, an isometric view of an adaptable ice cutting tool manufacturing device is illustrated, comprising a platform 1 installed with an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 2, multiple motorized omnidirectional wheels 3 integrated underneath the platform 1, multiple telescopically operated rod 4 having a C-shaped extendable member 5 integrated with the platform 1, an articulated robotic arm 6 installed with the platform 1 and integrated with a cutting blade 7, a storage chamber 8 installed with the platform 1, a drilling unit 9 integrated with the platform 1, a robotic arm 10 integrated with the platform 1, a pneumatic pusher 11 installed with the platform 1 via a L-shaped telescopically operated link 12, and a speaker 13 assembled on the platform 1.

[0023] The proposed device comprises of a platform 1 developed to be positioned on a ground surface accommodated with a wooden log over which a design is to be carved. Herein, a computing unit installed with a user-interface is wirelessly associated with the device for enabling a user to give input commands regarding a design that is to be carved on the log along with diameter of a hole that is to be drilled in the log. The computing unit herein includes but not limited to a mobile and laptop that comprises a processor where the input received is stored to process and retrieve the output data in order to display in the computing unit. A microcontroller is wirelessly linked with the computing unit via a communication module which includes but not limited to Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity) module, Bluetooth module. GSM (Global System for Mobile communication). The communication module acts as a medium between various electronic unit for establishing communication between the computing unit and device to process the input.

[0024] Upon processing the input commands, the microcontroller activates an intelligence-based imaging unit 2 mounted on the body for detecting location of the wooden log. The imaging unit 2 comprises of a camera and processor that works in collaboration to detect the location of the wooden log. The AI (artificial intelligence) protocols encrypted with the processor linked with the imagining module to enhance its functionality and capabilities. The AI protocols are used to process and analyses the images captured by the camera enabling it to perform various tasks beyond traditional image capturing. The AI analysis is performed locally on the camera itself and the real-time processing on the camera enables immediate responses and faster decision-making.

[0025] The camera, herein captures images of surrounding with the help of specialized lenses designed to capture high-quality visuals. The captured data is now pre-processed via the processor to enhance its quality and prepare it for AI analysis. This pre-processing involves tasks such as noise reduction, image stabilization, or color correction. The processed data is fed into AI protocols for analysis which utilizes machine learning techniques, such as deep learning neural networks, to extract meaningful information present in the images.

[0026] The camera is capable of analysing the surrounding and providing real-time updates or alerts about the surrounding based on predefined rules or criteria. Herein, based on extraction of the data from the captured images, the microcontroller analyzes the data to detect the location of the wooden log. After that the microcontroller actuates multiple motorized omnidirectional wheels 3 integrated underneath the platform 1 for maneuvering and positioning the platform 1 in proximity of the wooden log. The wheels 3 are coupled with a DC (Direct Current) motor that is activated by the microcontroller to provide circular motion to the wheels 3.

[0027] The working principle of a DC motor is based on the interaction between a magnetic field and an electric current. When an electric current flows through the coil of wire, also known as the armature, it creates a magnetic field. This magnetic field interacts with the fixed magnets, known as the stator, causing the armature to rotate. The rotation is achieved by reversing the direction of the current flow in the armature coil using a commutator and brushes that provide continuous movement of the motor results in providing circular motion to the wheels 3 for maneuvering and positioning the platform 1 in proximity of the wooden log.

[0028] After that the microcontroller actuates a C-shaped extendable member 5 integrated with the platform 1 to acquire grip on the log and align the wooden log parallel to the platform 1. The clamp is equipped with a pneumatic unit that is activated by the microcontroller to provide extension and retraction of the clamp. The pneumatic unit comprises of an air compressor, air cylinder, air valves and piston. The air valve that allows entry or exit of the compressed air from the compressor. Furthermore, the valve opens and the compressed air enters inside the cylinder thereby increasing the air pressure of the cylinder.

[0029] The piston is connected to the cylinder and due to the increase in the air pressure, the piston extends due to which the clamp extends to provide back and forth movement to the clamp to acquire grip on the log and align the wooden log parallel to the platform 1. Herein, the member 5 is integrated with multiple hinges that are actuated by the microcontroller to acquire proper grip over the wooden log. The hinge is coupled with a moto that is activated by the microcontroller to provide back and forth movement to grip the wooden log and aligning the wooden log parallel to the platform 1.

[0030] Upon aligning the wooden log parallel to the platform 1 as detected via the imaging unit 2, the microcontroller actuates a DC (Direct Current) motor is coupled with the rod 4 to rotate the wooden log. After that the microcontroller actuates an articulated robotic arm 6 installed with the platform 1 and integrated with a cutting blade 7 for cutting upper portion of the wooden log in view of carving the user-specified design.

[0031] The articulated robotic arm 6 consists of multiple segments connected by joints, allowing for a wide range of motion and flexibility. Each joint is controlled by motors or actuators, enabling precise positioning and manipulation of the cutter on upper portion wooden log. After that the microcontroller actuates the cutter to cut the upper portion of the wooden log in view of carving the user-specified design. The cutter is linked with a motor that is activated by the microcontroller to rotate the cutter with specified speed in order to cut the upper portion of the log in view of carving the user-specified design.

[0032] Upon carving of the user-specified design, the microcontroller de-activates the DC motor and actuates a drilling unit 9 integrated with the platform 1 for drilling the user-specified diameter of hole in the wooden log. The drilling unit 9 works by rotating a drill bit to create holes in wooden log. The drill bit is powered by a motor that provides the necessary torque and speed for efficient drilling of the wooden log with a hole. Upon drilling of the user-specified diameter of the hole in the log, the microcontroller actuates a robotic arm 10 integrated with the platform 1 to grip a metallic bar stored in a storage chamber 8 installed with the platform 1 correspondence to the hole for inserting the bar within the hole.

[0033] The robotic arm 10 comprises of a shoulder, elbow and wrist. All these parts are configured with the microcontroller. The elbow is at the middle section of the arm that allows the upper part of the arm 10 to move the lower section independently. Lastly, the wrist is at the tip of the upper arm and attached to the end effector works as hand for gripping and inserting the metallic bars within the hole. Simultaneously, the microcontroller actuates a pneumatic pusher 11 installed with the platform 1 via a L-shaped telescopically operated link 12 to strike the bar in view inserting the bar within the hole. The pusher 11 and the link 12 is equipped with the pneumatic unit that is activated by the microcontroller to provide extension and retraction of the link 12 and pusher 11 to strike the bars in the hole to get insert in appropriate manner, thereby manufacturing the ice cutting tool.

[0034] Further, an ultrasonic sensor is installed on the platform 1 for detecting cracks on the wooden log. The ultrasonic sensor consists of a transducer that functions as both a transmitter and a receiver that works in collaboration to detect cracks and defect present on the wooden log. The transducer typically contains a piezoelectric crystal or a similar material. When an electrical signal is applied to the crystal, it vibrates at a high frequency, typically in the ultrasonic range above 20 kHz. When the transducer is activated, it converts the electrical energy into mechanical vibrations or waves. These vibrations are transmitted as a focused beam of ultrasonic waves into the object. The ultrasonic waves propagate outward in a cone-shaped pattern from the transducer.

[0035] When the emitted ultrasonic waves encounter the crack and depression in their path, a portion of the waves is reflected back towards the sensor. The amount of reflection depends on factors such as the distance, size, and surface characteristics of the crack and depression. The same transducer that emitted the ultrasonic waves now acts as a receiver. It detects the reflected waves that bounce back from the crack/depression and converts them back into electrical signals. The sensor measures the time it takes for the ultrasonic waves to travel from the sensor to the animal. The ultrasonic sensor now starts a timer when the waves are emitted and stops it when the reflected waves are detected. The elapsed time is known as the "time of flight" (TOF).

[0036] Using the known speed of sound in the medium through which the waves are travelling, the cracks and defects is calculated. Based on calculation, the microcontroller activates a speaker 13 assembled on the platform 1 for generating an alert to notify the user to discard the wooden log. The speaker 13, herein includes a diaphragm, which is typically made of a lightweight and rigid material like paper, plastic, or metal. It is designed to vibrate and produce sound waves when electrical signals are fed to it. A voice coil (a tightly wound coil of wire) attached with the diaphragm of the speaker 13. The voice coil is suspended within a magnetic gap. When an electrical current flows through the coil, it interacts with the magnetic field produced by the magnet assembly, resulting in a force that moves the coil.

[0037] The magnet assembly creates a magnetic field within the speaker 13. It consists of a permanent magnet and a metal structure, such as a pole piece or a magnet plate. The magnet assembly provides a fixed magnetic field through which the voice coil moves. The strength and configuration of the magnet assembly influence the performance and efficiency of the speaker 13. The cone/diaphragm is connected to the speaker 13's frame via a suspension unit, which includes the surround and spider. When the electrical signal passes through the voice coil, it generates a magnetic field that interacts with the fixed magnetic field produced by the magnet assembly.

[0038] As the electrical current varies, the magnetic field produced by the voice coil changes, resulting in the voice coil and attached cone/diaphragm moving back and forth. This movement creates pressure variations in the surrounding air, generating sound waves to generate the audible sound to notify the user for discarding the wooden log.

[0039] Lastly, a battery (not shown in figure) is associated with the device to offer power to all electrical and electronic components necessary for their correct operation. The battery is linked to the microcontroller and provides (DC) Direct Current to the microcontroller. And then, based on the order of operations, the microcontroller sends that current to those specific electrical or electronic components so they effectively carry out their appropriate functions.

[0040] The present invention works best in following manner that includes the platform 1 developed to be positioned on a ground surface accommodated with a wooden log over which a design is to be carved. Herein, the computing unit installed with a user-interface is wirelessly associated with the device for enabling a user to give input commands regarding a design that is to be carved on the log along with diameter of a hole that is to be drilled in the log. Based on given input, the microcontroller activates the artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 2 for detecting location of the wooden log. Based on detected location the microcontroller actuates the wheels 3 to rotate for maneuvering and positioning the platform 1 in proximity of the wooden log, followed by actuation of the telescopically operated rod 4 having a C-shaped extendable member 5 integrated with the platform 1 to acquire grip on the log and align the wooden log parallel to the platform 1. Upon aligning the wooden log parallel to the platform 1 as detected via the imaging unit 2, the microcontroller actuates the motor to rotate the wooden log, followed by actuation of the articulated robotic integrated with a cutting blade 7 for cutting upper portion of the wooden log in view of carving the user-specified design. Upon carving of the user-specified design, the microcontroller de-activates the DC motor and actuates the drilling unit 9 integrated with the platform 1 for drilling the user-specified diameter of hole in the wooden log. Further, robotic arm 10 is actuated by the microcontroller to grip the bar correspondence to the hole upon drilling of the user-specified diameter of the hole in the log and insert the bars within the hole, followed by activation of the pneumatic pusher 11 via the L-shaped telescopically operated link 12 to strike the bar in view inserting the bar within the hole, thereby manufacturing the ice cutting tool.

[0041] 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 adaptable ice cutting tool manufacturing device, comprising:

i) a platform 1 developed to be positioned on a ground surface accommodated with a wooden log over which a design is to be carved, wherein a computing unit installed with a user-interface is wirelessly associated with said device for enabling a user to give input commands regarding a design that is to be carved on said log along with diameter of a hole that is to be drilled in said log;
ii) a microcontroller wirelessly linked with said computing unit that processes said input commands and activates an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 2 mounted on said body and paired with a processor for capturing and processing multiple images of surrounding, respectively, for detecting location of said wooden log;
iii) plurality of motorized omnidirectional wheels 3 integrated underneath said platform 1, wherein based on detected location said microcontroller actuates said wheels 3 to rotate for maneuvering and positioning said platform 1 in proximity of said wooden log, followed by actuation of plurality of telescopically operated rod 4 having a C-shaped extendable member 5 integrated with said platform 1 to acquire grip on said log and align said wooden log parallel to said platform 1;
iv) a DC ( Direct Current) motor is coupled with said rod 4, wherein upon aligning said wooden log parallel to said platform 1 as detected via said imaging unit 2, said microcontroller actuates said motor to rotate said wooden log, followed by actuation of an articulated robotic arm 6 installed with said platform 1 and integrated with a cutting blade 7 for cutting upper portion of said wooden log in view of carving said user-specified design;
v) a storage chamber 8 installed with said platform 1 and stored with sharped edge metallic bars, wherein upon carving of said user-specified design, said microcontroller de-activates said DC motor and actuates a drilling unit 9 integrated with said platform 1 for drilling said user-specified diameter of hole in said wooden log; and
vi) a robotic arm 10 integrated with said platform 1 that is actuated by said microcontroller to grip said bar correspondence to said hole upon drilling of said user-specified diameter of said hole in said log and insert said bars within said hole, followed by activation of a pneumatic pusher 11 installed with said platform 1 via a L-shaped telescopically operated link 12 to strike said bar in view inserting said bar within said hole, thereby manufacturing said ice cutting tool.

2) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said member 5 is integrated with plurality of hinges that are actuated by said microcontroller to acquire proper grip over said wooden log.

3) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein an ultrasonic sensor is installed on said platform 1 for detecting cracks on said wooden and based detection, said microcontroller activates a speaker 13 assembled on said platform 1 for generating an alert to notify said user to discard said wooden log.

4) 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.

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