ADAPTABLE SPHERICAL BEADS MANUFACTURING ASSISTIVE DEVICE

Abstract

An adaptable spherical beads manufacturing assistive device, comprises a body 1 developed to be positioned on a fixed surface, plurality of suction cups 2 to adhere to the surface, a touch interactive display panel 3 to provide input specifications, a robotic arm 4 to acquire a grip of one ball from a chamber 5 and positioning the gripped ball in proximity to a drilling bit, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 6 for capturing and processing multiple images of the body 1, a linear actuator 7 for positioning a motorized grinding unit 8 in proximity to the accommodated ball, grinding unit 8, a container 11 allowing the user to collect the user-specified beads, a motorized ball and socket joint 9 for providing omnidirectional movement to the grinding unit 8, a speaker 10 notifying the user to collect the beads from the container 11.

Specification

Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to an adaptable spherical beads manufacturing assistive device that is capable of manufacturing spherical beads by means of trimming determining portions of a ball in view of attaining the user-specified bead in an automated manner, also capable of monitoring weight of the stored beads and notifying the user to collect the beads, thereby minimizing labor costs and eliminating human errors in manufacturing spherical beads.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Spherical beads are small, round objects typically made from materials like glass, plastic, wood, or metal, these comes in various sizes, colors, and textures as well as commonly used for crafts, jewelry-making, decoration, and even in some scientific experiments. Moreover, these spherical were manufactured by people using injection molding machine, lathe machine, grinding and polishing machine as these machine manufacture spherical beads precisely with less manual efforts and consumption of time. But these machines are costly as well as need maintenance in regular interval of time, also a skilled worker is required for operating such machines efficiently.

[0003] Conventionally, some ways were used by people for manufacturing spherical beads. People use to manufacture spherical beads via using some hand held tools like bead rollers, shaping pliers and mandrels, as these tools assist the person to carry out the manufacturing of spherical beads efficiently. But these kinds of tools are limited to precision as well as requires manual efforts of the person. Therefor people also uses some machines like injection molding machine, lathe machine, grinding and polishing machine for manufacturing spherical beads in an efficient manner and within minimal consumption of time. But these machines requires maintenance at a certain period of time, also a skilled worker is required for operating such machines efficiently.

[0004] KR101751329B1 includes an invention that is a kind of the present invention relates to a method for producing ceramic spherical beads exhibiting high sphericity and constant quality characteristics using a tumbling method. The method of manufacturing ceramic spherical beads according to the present invention is a method of manufacturing ceramic spherical beads by crushing ceramics so as to have homogeneous mechanochemical activity and producing spherical agglomerates by tumbling method so that the cohesion force between ceramic particles uniformly acts to form beads having a high sphericity and a uniform size In addition, since the manufacturing process is simple, the manufacturing time and manufacturing cost are reduced, and the contamination of the ceramic spherical beads produced by minimizing the addition of impurities other than the starting ceramics in the manufacturing process is suppressed. Therefore, it can be widely applied across the industry.

[0005] CN113732874A discloses about an invention that is a kind of the invention discloses a device for manufacturing fine beads. The device comprises a supporting frame and a fixed grinding disc arranged on the supporting frame, the fixed grinding disc is connected with a conveying mechanism, two sides of the fixed grinding disc are respectively provided with a rotating grinding disc, each rotating grinding disc is provided with a second groove and a driving mechanism, and an auxiliary mechanism is arranged at the bottom of the fixed grinding disc. According to the device for manufacturing the fine beads, steel balls on the two sides of the fixed grinding disc can be ground through the rotary grinding disc and the auxiliary mechanism, the steel balls on the two sides of the fixed grinding disc can be driven by the auxiliary mechanism to rotate during grinding, so that the steel balls rotate in first grooves and the second grooves, the grinding effect of the steel balls is improved, the steel balls can be conveyed into the first grooves in the two sides of the fixed grinding disc through outlets in the two sides of the fixed grinding disc and the conveying mechanisms, the steel balls can be ground through the two sides of the fixed grinding disc, and the steel ball grinding efficiency of the fixed grinding disc is improved.

[0006] Conventionally, many devices have been developed for manufacturing spherical beads. However, these devices are incapable of manufacturing spherical beads by trimming specific portions of a ball to attain the user-specified bead in an automated manner. In addition, these existing device fails to monitor the weight of the stored beads and do not notify the user to collect the beads.

[0007] In order to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks, there exists a need in the art to develop a device that manufacture spherical beads by trimming specific portions of a ball to attain the user-specified bead in an automated manner. Additionally, the device monitor the weight of the stored beads and notify the user to collect them.

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 spherical beads by means of trimming determining portions of a ball in view of attaining the user-specified bead in an automated manner.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of monitoring weight of the stored beads and notifying the user to collect the beads.

[0011] Yet another object of the present invention is capable of minimizing labor costs and eliminating human errors in manufacturing spherical beads.

[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 spherical beads manufacturing assistive device that is capable of manufacturing spherical beads by trimming specific portions of a ball to attain the user-specified bead in an automated manner. Additionally, the proposed device monitor the weight of the stored beads and notify the user to collect them.

[0014] According to an embodiment of the present invention, an adaptable spherical beads manufacturing assistive device comprises of a body developed to be positioned on a fixed surface, plurality of suction cups are arranged underneath the body to adhere to the surface for securing the body on the surface, a touch interactive display panel installed on the body to provide input specifications regarding a user-desired spherical bead, a robotic arm integrated on the body to acquire a grip of one ball from a chamber arranged in the body for storing multiple ball for positioning the gripped block in proximity to a drilling bit arranged on inner periphery of the body, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit installed in the body to determine dimensions of the ball, a DC motor integrated with the bit to rotate for penetrating in the ball and followed by actuation of a linear actuator integrated on inner periphery of the body to extend/retract for positioning a motorized grinding unit in proximity to the accommodated ball to rotate for trimming the evaluated portions of the ball.

[0015] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the proposed device further comprises of a LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) sensor embedded in the body for determining portions of the ball that are to be trimmed for attaining the user-specified bead, a motorized ball and socket joint is integrated in between the grinding unit and the actuator for providing omnidirectional movement to the grinding unit for properly grinding the ball into the user-specified bead, a weight sensor is embedded in the container for monitoring weight of the stored beads, a speaker installed on the body to produce audio signals for notifying the user to collect the beads from the container and a battery is configured with the device 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 an adaptable spherical beads manufacturing assistive 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 spherical beads manufacturing assistive device that is capable of manufacturing spherical beads by trimming specific portions of a ball to attain the user-specified bead in an automated manner. Additionally, the proposed device monitor the weight of the stored beads and notify the user to collect them.

[0022] Referring to Figure 1, an isometric view of an adaptable spherical beads manufacturing assistive device is illustrated, a body 1 developed to be positioned on a fixed surface, plurality of suction cups 2 are arranged underneath a body 1, a touch interactive display panel 3 installed on the body 1, a robotic arm 4 integrated on the body 1, a chamber 5 arranged in the body 1, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 6 installed in the body 1, a linear actuator 7 integrated on inner periphery of the body 1, a motorized grinding unit 8 in proximity to the accommodated ball, a motorized ball and socket joint 9 is integrated in between the grinding unit 8 and the actuator 7 and a speaker 10 installed on the body 1, a container 11 arranged in the body 1.

[0023] The proposed device includes a body 1 developed to be positioned on a fixed surface. The body 1 as disclosed herein is made up of any material selected from but not limited to metallic material alike utilize to position over a fixed surface. Further, plurality of suction cups 2 are arranged underneath the body 1 to adhere to the surface for securing the body 1 on the surface. The suction cups 2 create partial vacuum within the suction cups 2 upon pressing over the surface by squeezing out air from the suction cups 2 due to a negative pressure is generated inside suction area. Herein, atmospheric pressure outside the suction cups 2 presses down low-pressure area inside the suction cups 2 to generate suction to adhere the surface and affix the body 1 with the surface, thereby accommodating the platform over the surface in an appropriate manner.

[0024] Afterwards, a touch interactive display panel 3 installed on the body 1 that is accessed by a user to provide input specifications regarding a user-desired spherical bead. The touch interactive display panel 3 as mentioned herein is typically an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) screen that presents output in a visible form. The screen is equipped with touch-sensitive technology, allowing the user to interact directly with the display using their fingers. A touch controller IC (Integrated Circuit) is responsible for processing the analog signals generated when the user inputs details regarding a user-desired spherical bead. Followed by activation of a robotic arm 4 integrated on the body 1 that is actuated by an inbuilt microcontroller to acquire a grip of one ball from a chamber 5 that is arranged in the body 1 for storing multiple ball.

[0025] The robotic arm 4 herein used is 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 4 that allows the upper part of the arm 4 to move the lower section independently. Lastly, the wrist is at the tip of the upper arm 4 and attached to the end effector works as hand for acquiring a grip of one ball from a chamber 5 and positioning the gripped ball in proximity to a drilling bit arranged on inner periphery of the body 1.

[0026] Furthermore, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 6 installed in the body 1 and paired with a processor for capturing and processing multiple images of the body 1. The artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 6 is equipped with AI (Artificial Intelligent) protocols encrypted in the microcontroller 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.

[0027] The camera, herein captures images of the body 1 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. Based on extraction of the data from the captured images, the microcontroller determine dimensions of the ball. Based on determined dimensions of the ball the microcontroller evaluates a center position of the ball that is to be drilled, based on which the microcontroller directs the arm 4 to position the evaluated center position in front of the drilling bit.

[0028] Consequently, a DC motor integrated with the bit that is actuated by the microcontroller to rotate for penetrating in the ball. The DC (direct current) motor as disclosed herein is actuated by the microcontroller by providing required electric current to the motor. The motor comprises of a coil that converts the received electric current into mechanical force by generating magnetic field, thus the mechanical force provides the required power to penetrate in the ball. Upon successfully drilling an opening on the ball, the ball is kept accommodated on the drilling bit. The microcontroller actuates a linear actuator 7 integrated on inner periphery of the body 1 to extend/retract for positioning a motorized grinding unit 8 in proximity to the accommodated ball. The linear actuator 7 herein disclosed is converts the rotational motion into linear motion (in a straight line). The linear actuator 7 involves lead screw's threads that act as a continuous ramp which allows a small rotating force to be applied over a long distance to move a large load over a short distance, wherein the actuator 7 has a switch to reverse the polarity of the motor which makes the actuator 7 change its motion and the linear actuator 7 helps to extend/retract for positioning a motorized grinding unit 8 in proximity to the accommodated ball.

[0029] Afterwards, a LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) sensor embedded in the body 1 for determining portions of the ball that are to be trimmed for attaining the user-specified bead. The LiDAR sensor sends out rapid laser pulses in a sweeping motion towards ball for determining portions of the ball. These pulses travel through the air and interact with the ball. When the laser pulses encounter the ball, the laser bounces off from the surface of the ball. The LiDAR sensor precisely measures the time it takes for these laser pulses to travel to the surface of the ball 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 detecting portions of the ball. Then the signals are transmitted towards the microcontroller, further microcontroller processes the received signals and based on which determining portions of the ball that are to be trimmed for attaining the user-specified bead.

[0030] Based on which microcontroller directs the grinding unit 8 to rotate for trimming the evaluated portions of the ball in view of attaining the user-specified bead. The grinding unit 8 comprises of a grinding wheel coupled with a DC (Direct Current) motor that is activated by the microcontroller to provide circular motion to the wheel. 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 for trimming the evaluated portions of the ball, in view of attaining the user-specified bead. Furthermore, a motorized ball and socket joint 9 is integrated in between the grinding unit 8 and the actuator 7 for providing omnidirectional movement to the grinding unit 8. The ball and socket joint 9 is a coupling consisting of a ball joint securely locked within a socket joint 9, where the ball joint is able to move in a 360-dgree rotation within the socket thus, providing the required rotational motion to the grinding unit 8. The ball and socket joint 9 is powered by a DC (direct current) motor that is actuated by the microcontroller thus providing omnidirectional movement to the grinding unit 8 for properly grinding the ball into the user-specified bead.

[0031] Moreover, the microcontroller directs the arm 4 to grab the bead from the drilling unit for storing in a container 11 arranged in the body 1, thereby allowing the user to collect the user-specified beads from a container 11, herein a weight sensor is embedded in the container 11 for monitoring weight of the stored beads. The weight sensor comprises of a convoluted diaphragm and a sensing module. Due to the weight of beads in the container 11, the size of the diaphragm changes which is detected by the sensing module. The sensing module detects the weight and on the basis of the changes in sizes of the diaphragm, the acquired data is forwarded to the microcontroller in the form of a signal for further processing. Then the microcontroller processes received signals and based on which monitors weight of the stored beads. In synchronization, the microcontroller actuates a speaker 10 installed on the body 1 to produce audio signals for notifying the user to collect the beads from the container 11. The speaker 10 used herein is works by receiving signals from the microcontroller, converting them into sound waves through a diaphragm's vibration, and producing audible sounds with the help of amplification and control circuitry in order to notify user to collect the beads from the container 11.

[0032] 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.

[0033] The propose device works best in the following manner, where the body 1 as disclosed in the present invention is developed to be positioned on a fixed surface, herein plurality of suction cups 2 adheres to the surface for securing the body 1 on the surface. Further, the touch interactive display panel 3 provides input specifications regarding a user-desired spherical bead. Followed by actuation of the robotic arm 4 that acquires the grip of one ball from the chamber 5 stored with multiple ball and positions the gripped ball in proximity to a drilling bit. Furthermore, the artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 6 captures and processes multiple images of the body 1 in order to determine dimensions of the ball, herein the microcontroller evaluates a center position of the ball that is to be drilled. Based on which the microcontroller directs the arm 4 to position the evaluated center position in front of the drilling bit. Thereafter, the DC motor rotates for penetrating in the ball. Upon successfully drilling an opening on the ball, the ball is kept accommodated on the drilling bit, followed by actuation of the linear actuator 7 that extends/retracts for positioning a motorized grinding unit 8 in proximity to the accommodated ball. Moreover, the LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) sensor determines portions of the ball that are to be trimmed for attaining the user-specified bead. Based on which the microcontroller directs the grinding unit 8 to rotate for trimming the evaluated portions of the ball, in view of attaining the user-specified bead. Further, the motorized ball and socket joint 9 provides omnidirectional movement to the grinding unit 8 for properly grinding the ball into the user-specified bead. Moreover, the microcontroller directs the arm 4 to grab the bead from the drilling unit for storing in a container 11 arranged in the body 1, thereby allowing the user to collect the user-specified beads from the container 11, herein the weight sensor monitors weight of the stored beads, based on which the microcontroller actuates a speaker 10 produces audio signals for notifying the user to collect the beads from the container 11.

[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 spherical beads manufacturing assistive device, comprising:

i) a body 1 developed to be positioned on a fixed surface, wherein plurality of suction cups 2 are arranged underneath said body 1 to adhere to said surface for securing said body 1 on said surface;
ii) a touch interactive display panel 3 installed on said body 1 that is accessed by a user to provide input specifications regarding a user-desired spherical bead, wherein a robotic arm 4 integrated on said body 1 that is actuated by an inbuilt microcontroller to acquire a grip of one ball from a chamber 5 arranged in said body 1 for storing multiple ball, for positioning said gripped block in proximity to a drilling bit arranged on inner periphery of said body 1;
iii) an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 6 installed in said body 1 and paired with a processor for capturing and processing multiple images of said body 1, respectively to determine dimensions of said ball, wherein said microcontroller evaluates a center position of said ball that is to be drilled, based on which said microcontroller directs said arm 4 to position said evaluated center position in front of said drilling bit;
iv) a DC motor integrated with said bit that is actuated by said microcontroller to rotate for penetrating in said ball, wherein upon successfully drilling an opening on said ball, said ball is kept accommodated on said drilling bit, followed by actuation of a linear actuator 7 integrated on inner periphery of said body 1 to extend/retract for positioning a motorized grinding unit 8 in proximity to said accommodated ball; and
v) a LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) sensor embedded in said body 1 for determining portions of said ball that are to be trimmed for attaining said user-specified bead, based on which said microcontroller directs said grinding unit 8 to rotate for trimming said evaluated portions of said ball, in view of attaining said user-specified bead, wherein said microcontroller directs said arm 4 to grab said bead from said drilling unit for storing in a container 11 arranged in said body 1, thereby allowing said user to collect said user-specified beads from said container 11.

2) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a motorized ball and socket joint 9 is integrated in between said grinding unit 8 and said actuator 7 for providing omnidirectional movement to said grinding unit 8 for properly grinding said ball into said user-specified bead.

3) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a weight sensor is embedded in said container 11 for monitoring weight of said stored beads, based on which said microcontroller actuates a speaker 10 installed on said body 1 to produce audio signals for notifying said user to collect said beads from said container 11.

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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