ADAPTABLE REBARS LOCKING ASSISTIVE DEVICE

Abstract

An adaptable rebars locking assistive device a T-shaped handle 2 is fabricated on the proximal end to position the distal end, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 3 installed on the body 1 for capturing and processing multiple images of the body 1, a hydraulically operated rebar 4 integrated in between the proximal and distal end to extend/retract for positioning a circular disc, a pair of robotic arms 5 arranged on peripheral portion of the disc for acquiring a grip of the rebars, a LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) sensor 6 embedded on the body 1 for determining diameter of tip portion of the rebar, plurality of iris lids 7 integrated in the disc to get opened/closed as per the determined diameter.

Specification

Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to an adaptable rebars locking assistive device that determines the corroded surface on rebars and according scrap out the corroded surface in order to determine the exact diameter of the rebars as well as determines the hardness of the rebars to apply an appropriate torsional force to get engaged with other rebars and assist the user in locking the rebars.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Metallic rebars locking in construction is a process of securing steel or iron rebars together to form a strong framework or structure. These rebars, also known as rebars or reinforcing bars, are essential components in construction projects such as buildings, bridges, and roads. Additionally, they are used to reinforce concrete structures and provide additional strength and stability. Moreover, in the locking process, the ends of the metallic rebars are overlapped and securely fastened together using various methods such as welding, tying with wire, or using mechanical connectors. This method ensures that the rebars remain in place and effectively distribute loads within the structure, enhance the durability and structural integrity.

[0003] Conventionally, some ways were used by people for metallic rebars locking. People use to lock metallic rebars via using various methods like welding and wire tying. However, these methods are limited to precision as well as requires manual efforts of the person. Moreover, this method is a time consuming process and physically demanding especially for large projects. Furthermore, improper sealing of welded joints may lead to corrosion and reducing the lifespan of the structure.

[0004] US10285735B2 includes an invention that is a kind of provided is a novel rebar reducing device including a screw jack mechanism that is moveably engaged with an elongated grasping fork assembly, the screw jack mechanism having an elongated threaded portion, the elongated threaded portion being connected at its most distal end to a rebar contact member, which is positioned in sliding circumferential contact with each of the two opposing elongated grasping members and the most proximal end of the elongated threaded portion terminating in a controlling member, which can be activated in a measured and controlled manner. A method of using the device is also provided.

[0005] Conventionally, many devices have been developed for assisting in metallic rebars locking. However, these devices are incapable of determining the corroded surface of the rebars and are unable to scrap out the corroded surface to determine the exact diameter of the rebar. In addition, these existing device fails to detect the hardness of the rebars and are unable to apply torsional force to the rebars for them to engage with each other, thus not assisting the user in locking the rebars.

[0006] In order to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks, there exists a need in the art to develop a device that determine the corroded surface of the rebars and scrap out the corroded surface to determine the exact diameter of the rebar. Additionally, the device detect the hardness of the rebars to apply an appropriate torsional force for engaging the rebars with each other and assist the user in locking the rebars.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

[0007] The principal object of the present invention is to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art.

[0008] An object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of determining the corroded surface of the rebars and according scrap out the corroded surface in order to determine the exact diameter of the rebar.

[0009] Another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of determining the hardness of the rebars in order to apply an appropriate torsional force to the rebars for getting engaged to each other and assist the user in locking the rebars.

[0010] Yet another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is reliable in nature.

[0011] 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

[0012] The present invention relates to an adaptable rebars locking assistive device that is capable of detecting the corroded surface of the rebars and scrap out the corroded surface to determine the exact diameter of the rebar. In addition the proposed device detect the hardness of the rebars to apply an appropriate torsional force for engaging the rebars with each other and assist the user in locking the rebars.

[0013] According to an embodiment of the present invention, an adaptable rebars locking assistive device, comprises of an elongated body having a proximal and distal end, a T-shaped handle is fabricated on the proximal end that is accessed by a user to position the distal end in proximity to multiple metallic rebars that are to be twisted, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit installed on the body to determine distance of the rebars from the distal ends, a hydraulically operated rebar integrated in between the proximal and distal end to extend/retract for positioning a circular disc arranged on the distal end over the rebars, a pair of robotic arms arranged on peripheral portion of the disc for acquiring a grip of the rebars to accommodate the rebars in multiple openings crafted on the disc and a LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) sensor embedded on the body for determining diameter of tip portion of the rebars.

[0014] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the proposed device further comprises of plurality of iris lids integrated in the disc to get opened/closed as per the determined diameter for securing the metal rebars in the openings, a DC motor linked with the disc to provide an optimum torque to the disc for rotating, a tactile sensor is embedded on the disc for determining hardness of the rebars, a corrosion sensor is embedded on the disc for determining corroded surface of the rebars, a robotic link integrated on the disc and configured with a blade for scraping out the corroded surface and a battery is configured with the device for providing a continuous power supply to electronically powered components associated with the device.

[0015] 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

[0016] 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 a perspective view of an adaptable rebars locking assistive device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0017] 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.

[0018] 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.

[0019] 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.

[0020] The present invention relates to an adaptable rebars locking assistive device that is capable of determining the corroded surface of the rebars and according scrap out the corroded surface in order to determine the exact diameter of the rebar as well as determines the hardness of the rebars to apply an appropriate torsional force, to get engaged with other rebars and assist the user in locking the rebars.

[0021] Referring to Figure 1, a perspective view of an adaptable rebars locking assistive device is illustrated comprises of an elongated body 1 having a proximal and distal end, a T-shaped handle 2 is fabricated on the proximal end, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 3 installed on the body 1, a hydraulically operated rebar 4 integrated in between the proximal and distal end, a pair of robotic arms 5 arranged on peripheral portion of the disc, a LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) sensor 6 embedded on the body 1, plurality of iris lids 7 integrated in the disc, a tactile sensor 8 is embedded on the disc.

[0022] The device disclosed here comprises of an elongated body 1 having a proximal and distal end, a T-shaped handle 2 is fabricated on the proximal end that is accessed by a user to position the distal end in proximity to multiple metallic rebars that are to be twisted.

[0023] Further, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 3 installed on the body 1 and paired with a processor, captures and processes multiple images in vicinity of the body 1, to determine distance of the rebars from the distal end. An artificial intelligence based imaging unit 3 comprises of a camera lens and a processor, wherein the 360 degree rotatable camera captures multiple images of the body 1 and then the processor carries out a sequence of steps including pre-processing, feature extraction and segmentation. In pre-processing, the unwanted data like noise, background is removed out and the image is converted into a format recommended for feature extraction. The features like pixel intensities of the foreground image are extracted and are sent for classification to determine distance of the rebars from the distal end.

[0024] Upon determining distance of the rebars from the distal end, an inbuilt microcontroller actuates a hydraulically operated rebar 4 integrated in between the proximal and distal end to extend/retract for positioning a circular disc arranged on the distal end over the rebars. The hydraulically operated rebar 4 is powered by a hydraulic unit consisting of a hydraulic cylinder, hydraulic compressor, hydraulic valve and piston that work in collaboration for providing the required extension/retraction to the rebar. The microcontroller actuates the valve to allow passage of hydraulic fluid from the compressor within the cylinder, the hydraulic fluid further develops pressure against the piston and results in pushing and extending the piston. The piston is connected with the circular disc and due to applied pressure the circular disc extends and similarly, the microcontroller retracts the circular disc by closing the valve resulting in retraction of the piston. The microcontroller regulates the extension/retraction for positioning the circular disc arranged on the distal end over the rebars.

[0025] Upon positioning the circular disc arranged on the distal end over the rebars, a pair of robotic arms 5 arranged on peripheral portion of the disc, acquiring a grip of the rebars to accommodate the rebars in multiple openings crafted on the disc. The robotic arm comprises of a robotic link and a clamp attached to the link. The robotic link is made of several segments that are attached together by joints also referred to as axes. Each joint of the segments contains a step motor that rotates and allows the robotic link to complete a specific motion of the arm. Upon actuation of the robotic arm by the microcontroller, the motor drives the movement of the robotic arm to acquiring the grip of the rebars to accommodate the rebars in multiple openings crafted on the disc.

[0026] Upon to accommodating the rebars in multiple openings crafted on the disc, a corrosion sensor embedded on the disc determines the corroded surface of the rebars. The corrosion sensor used herein is preferably ultrasonic corrosion sensor which consists of an ultrasonic wave emitter and receiver, a sensing module. Upon actuation, the emitter sends the ultrasonic waves on the shutter and the waves which are reflect back is received by receiver. The sensing module analyze the reflected back waves and based on the reflected back of the waves the sensing module determine the level of rust present on the shutter. After that the sensing module converts the determined data into the form of electrical signal and transmits to the microcontroller. The microcontroller upon receiving and processing the signal in order to determine the corroded surface of the rebars.

[0027] Upon determining the corroded surface of the rebars, the microcontroller actuates a robotic link integrated on the disc and configured with a blade for scraping out the corroded surface. The robotic link is made of several segments that are attached together by joints also referred to as axes. Each joint of the segments contains a step motor that rotates and allows the robotic link to complete a specific motion of the arm. Upon actuation of the robotic arm by the microcontroller, the motor drives the movement of the blade for scraping out the corroded surface.

[0028] Further, a LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) sensor 6 embedded on the body 1, determines the diameter of tip portion of the rebars. The LiDAR sensor sends out rapid laser pulses in a sweeping motion towards rebars for determining the diameter of tip portion of the rebars. These pulses travel through the air and interact with the rebars. When the laser pulses encounter the rebars, the laser bounces off from the surface of the rebars. The LiDAR sensor precisely measures the time it takes for these laser pulses to travel to the surface of the rebars and back to the sensor and calculations is performed by the sensor based on the time interval between the sending signal and receiving echo to determine diameter of tip portion of the rebars.

[0029] Upon determining the diameter of tip portion of the rebars, the microcontroller actuates plurality of iris lids 7 integrated in the disc to get opened/closed as per the determined diameter for securing the metal rebars in the openings. The iris lid typically refers to the iris or aperture mechanism in the camera or optical instruments as it works in a similar manner to that of a human eye for securing the metal rebars in the openings. The iris consists several thin and overlapping blades that forms an adjustable opening of the lid. Upon actuation of the iris lid by the microcontroller the iris lids 7 secures the metal rebars in the openings.

[0030] Further, a tactile sensor 8 embedded on the disc determines the hardness of the rebars, based on which the microcontroller regulates actuation of the motor. The tactile sensor 8 detects the hardness of the rebars by measuring the force of contact between the sensor and the surface of rebars. The sensor is typically a small, flat component that is placed against surface of the rebars and then pressed down. As the force of contact increases, the sensor measures the amount of pressure being applied and sends a signal to the microcontroller. The microcontroller then interprets the signal and determines the hardness of the rebars.

[0031] Upon determining the hardness of the rebars, microcontroller actuates a DC motor linked with the disc that is actuated by the microcontroller to provide an optimum torque to the disc for rotating, in view of applying an appropriate torsional force to the rebars for getting engaged to each other, thereby assisting the user in locking of the rebars. The DC motor is capable of converting direct current into mechanical work by following the principle of Lorentz Law which states that, the current carrying conduction when placed in magnetic or electrical field experiences a force known as Lorentz force. Therefore, the DC motor performs the rotational movements in order to apply an appropriate torsional force to the rebars for getting engaged to each other, thereby assisting the user in locking of the rebar.

[0032] Lastly, a battery is installed within the device which is connected to the microcontroller that supplies current to all the electrically powered components that needs an amount of electric power to perform their functions and operation in an efficient manner. The battery utilized here, is generally a dry battery which is made up of Lithium-ion material that gives the device a long-lasting as well as an efficient DC (Direct Current) current which helps every component to function properly in an efficient manner. As the device is battery operated and do not need any electrical voltage for functioning. Hence the presence of battery leads to the portability of the device i.e., user is able to place as well as moves the device from one place to another as per the requirements.

[0033] The following invention works best in the following manner. The T-shaped handle 2 fabricated on the proximal end is accessed by the user to position the distal end in proximity to multiple metallic rebars that are to be twisted. Further, the artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 3 captures and processes multiple images in vicinity of the body 1, to determine distance of the rebars from the distal end, based on which an inbuilt microcontroller actuates the hydraulically operated rebar 4 to extend/retract for positioning the circular disc arranged on the distal end over the rebars. Further, the pair of robotic arms 5 acquires the grip of the rebars to accommodate the rebars in multiple openings crafted on the disc. Upon accommodate the rebars in multiple openings crafted on the disc, the corrosion sensor determines the corroded surface of the rebars, based on which the microcontroller actuates a robotic link configured with the blade for scraping out the corroded surface. Further, the LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) sensor 6 determines the diameter of tip portion of the rebars, in accordance to which the microcontroller actuates plurality of iris lids 7 to get opened/closed as per the determined diameter for securing the metal rebars in the openings. The tactile sensor 8 embedded on the disc determines the hardness of the rebars, based on which the microcontroller regulates actuation of the motor. The DC motor linked with the disc is actuated by the microcontroller to provide an optimum torque to the disc for rotating, in view of applying an appropriate torsional force to the rebars for getting engaged to each other, thereby assisting the user in locking of the rebars.

[0034] 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 rebars locking assistive device, comprising:

i) an elongated body 1 having a proximal and distal end, wherein a T-shaped handle 2 is fabricated on said proximal end that is accessed by a user to position said distal end in proximity to multiple metallic rebars that are to be twisted;
ii) an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 3 installed on said body 1 and paired with a processor for capturing and processing multiple images in vicinity of said body 1, respectively to determine distance of said rebars from said distal end, based on which an inbuilt microcontroller actuates a hydraulically operated rebar 4 integrated in between said proximal and distal end to extend/retract for positioning a circular disc arranged on said distal end over said rebars;
iii) a pair of robotic arms 5 arranged on peripheral portion of said disc for acquiring a grip of said rebars to accommodate said rebars in multiple openings crafted on said disc, wherein a LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) sensor 6 embedded on said body 1 for determining diameter of tip portion of said rebars, in accordance to which said microcontroller actuates plurality of iris lids 7 integrated in said disc to get opened/closed as per said determined diameter for securing said metal rebars in said openings; and
iv) a DC motor linked with said disc that is actuated by said microcontroller to provide an optimum torque to said disc for rotating, in view of applying an appropriate torsional force to said rebars for getting engaged to each other, thereby assisting said user in locking of said rebars.

2) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a tactile sensor 8 is embedded on said disc for determining hardness of said rebars, based on which said microcontroller regulates actuation of said motor.

3) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a corrosion sensor is embedded on said disc for determining corroded surface of said rebars, based on which said microcontroller actuates a robotic link integrated on said disc and configured with a blade for scraping out said corroded surface.

4) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a battery is configured with said device for providing a continuous power supply to electronically powered components associated with said device.

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