ADAPTABLE SHEETS ALIGNMENT DEVICE

Abstract

An adaptable sheets alignment device, comprising a frame 1 having a pair of supporting structures 2 installed on a fixed surface and arranged with a touch interactive display panel 3 that is accessed by a user for providing input regarding required alignment of sheets, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 4 determines location of sheets present in proximity to frame 1, an angle sensor monitoring angle of frame 1 with respect to sheets and accordingly an angle at which sheets are to be oriented is evaluated, a bar 5 arranged at mid portion of frame 1 by means of a motorized pivot joint 6 for positioning a motorized clamp 7 over sheets, a suction unit 8 grips sheets, a linear actuator positions gripped sheet in proximity to each other, a pair of motorized lead screw 9 positioning lead screw 9 on sheet for aligning sheets at a required orientation.

Specification

Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to an adaptable sheets alignment device that is capable of holding two sheets in alignment for allowing an individual to carry out various process such as cutting, joining etc without any inaccuracy.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] User typically aligns sheets to ensure that multiple sheets of material, such as paper, fabric, or metal, are properly positioned and arranged in relation to each other. Additionally, this process is important for various applications where precise alignment and accuracy is necessary during printing, cutting, or assembling. Proper sheet alignment helps to prevent errors and defects such as misprints or uneven cuts, and ensures that the final product meets quality standards.

[0003] Conventionally, some ways were used by people for aligning the sheets. However, this methods is a slow process especially when dealing with a large number of sheets. Moreover, this method requires significant physical effort and concentration, which may be tiresome for the user. Additionally, potential human error may lead to inconsistencies in alignment, impacting the overall quality of the end product. Furthermore, manual alignment may not achieve the level of precision required for certain tasks, resulting in inaccuracies and wastage of materials.

[0004] JP2015218002A includes an invention that is a kind to convey sheets to a subsequent process without collapsing the alignment state after alignment in a sheet alignment device for aligning the sheets in a width direction. A sheet alignment device includes a pair of alignment plates which perform alignment in the width direction of sheets P, a driving roller freely rising and falling which conveys the sheets while pinching the sheets and a followed roller. The sheets are aligned by the alignment plates in such a state that a conveyance roller does not pinch the sheets, thereafter, such a state that an interval of the alignment plates is caused to accord with a width of the sheet without making the interval of the alignment plates more than the width of the sheet is provided, the driving roller is lowered and pinches the sheet, and the alignment plates are retreated and the sheets are conveyed. Immediately after alignment, the interval of the alignment plates is not broadened more than the width of the sheet and is set to be substantially the same as the width of the sheet and, therefore, dissolution of deformation of the sheets and prevention of alignment collapse can be reliably performed at the same time. Even when the sheets are pressurized on the subsequent process, wrinkles are not produced on the sheets.

[0005] JP3668590B2 discloses about an invention that is a kind to provide a sheets aligning device, which can cope with high-speed paper discharge of an image forming device. Sheets are vertically fed by a pair of paper discharging rollers in the condition that a rear part thereof is positioned at the head, and piled on a processing tray in order. An aligning means pushes sides of a sheets bundle Sb, which are formed by binding the sheets per the predetermined number, at a controlled speed, and right and left sides of the sheets bundle Sb pressure-contacts with a reference plate, which is fixed to a lowering position, so that edges of the sheets bundle Sb are aligned. A sheets detecting means provided in the upstream of the pair of discharging rollers measures a space between a former sheet and a following sheet, and on the basis of a result of the measurement, moving speed of the aligning means and time, during which the sheets bundle is made to pressure-contact with the reference plate, are controlled.

[0006] Conventionally, many devices have been developed for sheets alignment. However, these device are incapable of holding two sheets in alignment and fails in allowing an individual to carry out various process such as cutting, joining etc without any inaccuracy. In addition, these existing device are unable to orient the sheets as per the user-s requirement.

[0007] In order to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks, there exists a need in the art to develop a device that hold two sheets in alignment for allowing an individual to carry out various process such as cutting and joining without any inaccuracy. Additionally, the device orient the sheets according to the user requirement.

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 holding two sheets in alignment for allowing an individual to carry out various process such as cutting, joining etc without any inaccuracy.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of orienting the sheets as per the user-s requirement.

[0011] Yet another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is reliable in nature.

[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 sheets alignment device that is capable of holding two sheets in alignment for allowing an individual to carry out various process such as cutting and joining without any inaccuracy. In addition, the proposed device orient the sheets according to the user requirement.

[0014] According to an embodiment of the present invention, an adaptable sheets alignment device which comprises of a frame having a pair of supporting structures developed to be installed on a fixed surface, and the frame is arranged with a touch interactive display panel that is accessed by a user for providing input regarding required alignment of sheets, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit installed on the frame to determine location of sheets present in proximity to the frame, an angle sensor is integrated on the frame for monitoring angle of the frame with respect to the sheets, a bar arranged at mid portion of the frame by means of a motorized pivot joint to provide angular movement to the bar along the surface in view of positioning a motorized clamp integrated on ends of the bar over the sheets, an ultrasonic sensor is integrated on the frame for monitoring distance in between the sheets and a suction unit integrated in each of the clamps for acquiring a grip on the sheets.

[0015] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the proposed device further comprises of a linear actuator integrated in the bar to get extended/retracted for positioning the gripped sheet in proximity to each other, a pair of motorized lead screw integrated on the bar to extend in a downward direction for positioning the lead screw on the sheet in view of aligning the sheets at a required orientation with respect to the sheet, a laser measurement sensor is integrated on the frame for monitoring leveling of the sheets and a battery is configured with the frame for providing a continuous power supply to electronically powered 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 a adaptable sheets alignment 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 sheets alignment device that is capable of holding two sheets in alignment for allowing an individual to carry out various process such as cutting and joining without any inaccuracy. In addition, the proposed device orient the sheets according to the user requirement.

[0022] Referring to Figure 1, an isometric view of a adaptable sheets alignment device is illustrated, comprising a frame 1 having a pair of supporting structures 2, arranged with a touch interactive display panel 3, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 4 installed on the frame 1, a bar 5 arranged at mid portion of the frame 1 by means of a motorized pivot joint 6, a motorized clamp 7 integrated on ends of the bar 5, a suction unit 8 integrated in each of the clamps 7, and a pair of motorized lead screw 9 integrated on the bar 5.

[0023] The proposed device comprises of a frame 1 having a pair of supporting structures 2 developed to be installed on a fixed surface. The user is required to initially access a touch interactive display panel 3 arranged on the frame 1 for providing input regarding required alignment of sheets. The touch interactive display panel 3 mapped herein consists of multiple tiny electrically active wires. When user touch the mapping illustrated over the panel 3, the wires are pressed together and circuit is completed. Which results in flow of voltages across the circuit. That voltage flow is detected by a microcontroller linked with the panel 3 in form of electric signals. Further the signals are processed by the microcontroller to determine the user's input regarding required alignment of sheets.

[0024] After receiving the input the microcontroller actuates an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 4 installed on the frame 1 to determine location of sheets present in proximity to the frame 1. The imaging unit 4 comprises of a processor and a camera which on actuation capture the multiple image of the vicinity of the frame 1. The camera is comprised of a lens and a digital camera sensor, wherein the camera lens takes all the light rays rebounding around the vicinity of the frame 1 and utilizes the lenses to transmit them to a single point for creating a sharp image. When all of those light rays rebound back and meet together on a digital camera sensor, create a digital image of the vicinity of the frame 1 by performing various operations like pre-processing, feature extraction and classification which is transmitted to the processor.

[0025] The processor further extracts all the required information from the digital images and transmit to microcontroller, which further processes the information shared by the processor in order to determine location of sheets present in proximity to the frame 1 and synchronously the microcontroller directs an angle sensor integrated on the frame 1 for monitoring angle of the frame 1 with respect to the sheets and accordingly the microcontroller evaluates an angle at which the sheets are to be oriented.

[0026] Post evaluation, the microcontroller directs a motorized pivot joint 6 interconnecting a bar 5 with frame 1, to provide angular movement to the bar 5 along the surface. The pivot joint 6 are a piece of metal that interconnects the frame 1 and bar 5 together and allows bar 5 to be oriented by revolving along the longitudinal axis whose operation is governed by a bi-directional direct current motor that is linked with the microcontroller.

[0027] The bi-directional direct current 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. Such that the motor converts the electrical current derived from an external source into a mechanical torque for providing the required power to the hinges to orient the plates. When the motor rotates, then provides movement to the pivot joint 6 and followed by which the plates also rotates for positioning a motorized clamp 7 integrated on ends of the bar 5 over the sheets.

[0028] Along with orienting the bar 5, the microcontroller via an ultrasonic sensor which is integrated on the frame 1 for monitoring distance in between the sheets. The ultrasonic sensor comprises of an ultrasonic emitter and a receiver. On actuation the ultrasonic emitter emits the ultrasonic waves towards the sheets and the ultrasonic waves got reflected back after striking with the sheets which are received by the receiver. Now the receiver detects the reflected waves that bounce back from the sheets 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 surface and back. It 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). Using the known speed of sound in the medium through which the waves are travelling, the distance between sheets is determined.

[0029] Post determination of the distance, the microcontroller actuates a suction unit 8 integrated in each of the clamps 7 for acquiring a grip on the sheets. The suction unit 8 is combinely connected to a vacuum pump which creates the negative pressure within each suction unit 8. The vacuum pump comprises of an impeller configured with multiple vanes and which is directly coupled with the shaft of a motor to rotate the impeller. Further, the motor is capable of converting 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. Such that the motor converts the electrical current derived from an external source into a mechanical torque for providing the required rotational power to the impeller. The impeller vanes are designed in such a way that on rotation the impeller creates the negative pressure in the unit and that results in adhering of the sheets.

[0030] Thereafter, based on the determined distance the microcontroller actuates a linear actuator integrated in the bar 5 to get extended/retracted for positioning the gripped sheet in proximity to each other. The extension/retraction of the bar 5 is powered by a pneumatic unit associated with the device and includes an air compressor, air valves, and a piston. The air compressor used herein extract the air from surrounding and increases the pressure of the air by reducing the volume of the air. The air compressor is consist of two main parts including a motor and a pump. The motor powers the compressor pump which uses the energy from the motor drive to draw in atmospheric air and compress to elevated pressure. The compressed air is then sent through a discharge tube into the cylinder across the valve. The compressed air in the cylinder tends to pushes out the piston to extend which extends the bar 5. Similarly on evacuating of the compressed air from the cylinder results in retraction of the piston which results in retraction of the bar 5 for positioning the gripped sheet in proximity to each other.

[0031] Thereafter the microcontroller actuates a pair of motorized lead screw 9 integrated on the bar 5 to extend in a downward direction for positioning the lead screw 9 on the sheet for aligning the sheets at a required orientation with respect to the sheets. The lead screw 9 utilizes a lead and screw 9 to control the movement and positioning of sheet. The lead screw 9 having a nut assembly. The lead screw 9 is driven by a motor, allowing individual control and movement of the sheet for aligning the sheets at a required orientation with respect to the sheets. The actuation of the lead screw 9 are regulated by the microcontroller in accordance to the levelling of the sheet as detected by a laser measurement sensor integrated on the frame 1 for correctly aligning the sheets.

[0032] A battery is associated with the device to supply power to electrically powered components which are employed herein. The battery is comprised of a pair of electrode named as a cathode and an anode. The battery use a chemical reaction of oxidation/reduction to do work on charge and produce a voltage between their anode and cathode and thus produces electrical energy that is used to do work in the device.

[0033] The proposed device comprises of a frame 1 having a pair of supporting structures 2 developed to be installed on a fixed surface. The user is required to initially access a touch interactive display panel 3 arranged on the frame 1 for providing input regarding required alignment of sheets. After receiving the input the microcontroller actuates an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 4 installed on the frame 1 to determine location of sheets present in proximity to the frame 1. And synchronously the microcontroller directs an angle sensor integrated on the frame 1 for monitoring angle of the frame 1 with respect to the sheets and accordingly the microcontroller evaluates an angle at which the sheets are to be oriented. Post evaluation, the microcontroller directs a motorized pivot joint 6 interconnecting a bar 5 with frame 1, to provide angular movement to bar 5 along the surface for positioning a motorized clamp 7 integrated on ends of the bar 5 over the sheets. Along with orienting the bar 5, the microcontroller via an ultrasonic sensor which is integrated on the frame 1 for monitoring distance in between the sheets. Post determination of the distance, the microcontroller actuates a suction unit 8 integrated in each of the clamps 7 for acquiring a grip on the sheets. Thereafter, based on the determined distance the microcontroller actuates a linear actuator integrated in the bar 5 to get extended/retracted for positioning the gripped sheet in proximity to each other. Thereafter the microcontroller actuates a pair of motorized lead screw 9 integrated on the bar 5 to extend in a downward direction for positioning the lead screw 9 on the sheet for aligning the sheets at a required orientation with respect to the sheets. The actuation of the lead screw 9 are regulated by the microcontroller in accordance to the levelling of the sheet as detected by a laser measurement sensor integrated on the frame 1 for correctly aligning the sheets.

[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 sheets alignment device, comprising:

i) a frame 1 having a pair of supporting structures 2 developed to be installed on a fixed surface, wherein said frame 1 is arranged with a touch interactive display panel 3 that is accessed by a user for providing input regarding required alignment of sheets;
ii) an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 4 installed on said frame 1 and integrated with a processor for capturing and processing multiple images in vicinity of said frame 1, respectively to determine location of sheets present in proximity to said frame 1, wherein an angle sensor is integrated on said frame 1 and synced with said imaging unit 4 for monitoring angle of said frame 1 with respect to said sheets, in accordance to which an inbuilt microcontroller evaluates an angle at which said sheets are to be oriented;
iii) a bar 5 arranged at mid portion of said frame 1 by means of a motorized pivot joint 6 that is actuated by said microcontroller to provide angular movement to said bar 5 along said surface in view of positioning a motorized clamp 7 integrated on ends of said bar 5 over said sheets, wherein an ultrasonic sensor is integrated on said frame 1 and synced with said imaging unit 4 for monitoring distance in between said sheets; and
iv) a suction unit 8 integrated in each of said clamps 7 for acquiring a grip on said sheets, wherein upon acquiring a grip on said sheets, said microcontroller actuates a linear actuator integrated in said bar 5 to get extended/retracted for positioning said gripped sheet in proximity to each other, followed by actuation of a pair of motorized lead screw 9 integrated on said bar 5 to extend in a downward direction for positioning said lead screw 9 on said sheet in view of aligning said sheets at a required orientation with respect to said sheets.

2) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a laser measurement sensor is integrated on said frame 1 for monitoring leveling of said sheets, in accordance to which said microcontroller directs actuation of said screw 9s for correctly aligning said sheets.

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

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