ADAPTABLE SPRINKLER-HEAD MAINTENANCE ASSISTIVE DEVICE

Abstract

An adaptable sprinkler-head maintenance assistive device comprises an elongated body 1 having a proximal and distal end, a T-shaped handle 2 to position the distal end in proximity to a sprinkler head, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 3 to determine distance of the sprinkler from the distal end, a telescopically operated rod 4 for positioning a cylindrical member 5 around the sprinkler head, a LiDAR sensor for determining dimensions of the sprinkler head, an ultrasonic sensor for determining dimensions of grasses, a motorized cutter 7 to trim the grasses, a dust sensor for detecting deposition of dust on the sprinkler, a vacuum pump 9 to extract the deposited dust, a weight sensor for monitoring weight of the collected leaves and a blade for scraping out the corroded surface.

Specification

Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to an adaptable sprinkler-head maintenance assistive device that is capable of cleaning dust and trimming the grasses present around the sprinkler to enhance the maintenance of the sprinkler-head as well as detecting the presence of the corrosion over the sprinkler and effectively removing the corrosion.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Users typically perform maintenance on sprinkler heads to ensure the reliability and efficiency of their irrigation systems. Maintenance activities help identify and address issues such as clogging, damage, or wear that compromise the performance of the sprinkler system. By regularly inspecting and maintaining sprinkler heads, users prevent potential failures or disruptions, reducing the risk of inadequate watering and associated costs. Additionally, proper maintenance helps extend the lifespan of sprinkler heads, optimizing their performance and minimizing the need for expensive repairs or replacements in the long run. Overall, sprinkler head maintenance is crucial for ensuring the effective operation of irrigation systems, which are essential for maintaining healthy landscapes and gardens.

[0003] Conventionally, the maintenance of sprinkler heads is often performed manually, requiring significant manual effort and sometimes resulting in inconsistencies in the irrigation system. Nowadays, various devices are utilized for sprinkler head maintenance, such as nozzle cleaners, rust inhibitors, and pressure gauge devices. While these devices and methods are user-friendly and require minimal labor, they may not fully address all maintenance needs and may still necessitate human intervention for certain tasks.

[0004] CN219768615U includes an invention that is a kind of the utility model discloses a watering maintenance device, which belongs to the technical field of watering maintenance and comprises a water tank, a detachable water pipe component is arranged on the top surface of the water tank, a handle is fixedly mounted on the back surface of the water tank, and a water suction pump is fixedly mounted on the inner wall of the water tank. The top surface of the detachable water pipe assembly is provided with a sprinkler head assembly, the sprinkler head assembly comprises a sprinkler head shell, the inner wall of the sprinkler head shell is rotatably provided with an arc-shaped baffle plate, and the inner wall of the sprinkler head shell is rotatably connected with the arc-shaped baffle plate; according to the water sprinkling maintenance device, the water sprinkling head assembly is arranged, through the design, only one water sprinkling head is needed, a professional does not need to carry a plurality of water sprinkling heads, the water sprinkling head of the water sprinkling maintenance device does not need to be replaced, convenience is effectively achieved for the professional to carry the device, meanwhile, the time cost is reduced, and the working efficiency is improved; the use effect is good.

[0005] US4832131A discloses about an invention that is a kind of a device for clearing debris from around an object such as a lawn sprinkler head. The device includes a cutting cylinder, a motor, means for coupling rotational output of the motor with the cutting cylinder, and a compression cylinder. A yieldable centering member may center the device axially of the object.

[0006] Conventionally, many devices have been developed to assist in sprinkler-head maintenance. However, these devices are unable to clean dust and trim the grasses around the sprinkler which is essential for enhancing sprinkler head maintenance. In addition, these existing device fails to detect the presence of the corrosion over the sprinkler and fails in effectively removing the corrosion.

[0007] In order to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks, there exists a need in the art to develop a device that clean dust and trim the grasses around the sprinkler to enhance the sprinkler-head maintenance. Additionally, the device detect presence of corrosion on the sprinkler and effectively removing the corrosion from the sprinkler-head.

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 cleaning dust and trimming the grasses present around the sprinkler to enhance the maintenance of the sprinkler-head.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of detecting the presence of the corrosion over the sprinkler and effectively removing the corrosion.

[0011] Yet another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is portable and reliable to 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 sprinkler-head maintenance assistive device that is capable of cleaning dust and trimming the grasses around the sprinkler to enhance the sprinkler-head maintenance. Additionally, the device proposed detect presence of corrosion on the sprinkler and effectively removing the corrosion from the sprinkler-head.

[0014] According to an embodiment of the present invention, an adaptable sprinkler-head maintenance 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 a sprinkler head, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit installed on the body to determine distance of the sprinkler from the distal end, a telescopically operated rod integrated in between the proximal and distal end to extend/retract for positioning a cylindrical member arranged on the distal end around the sprinkler head, a LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) sensor embedded on the body for determining dimensions of the sprinkler head, a motorized expandable pulley arrangement integrated in the member to increase/decrease dimensions of the member for properly accommodating the member over the sprinkler head and an ultrasonic sensor embedded on the body for determining dimensions of grasses around the sprinkler head.

[0015] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the proposed device further comprises of a motorized cutter suspended from ceiling portion of the member by means of a linear actuator to position the cutter on the grass, followed by actuation of the cutter to trim the grasses for clearing area around the sprinkler head, a dust sensor embedded on the member for detecting deposition of dust on the sprinkler, a vacuum pump is integrated in the member to extract the deposited dust from the sprinkler, a weight sensor is embedded in the chamber for monitoring weight of the collected dust, in a speaker installed on the body for notifying the user to remove the dust from the chamber, a corrosion sensor is embedded on the member for determining corroded surface of the sprinkler, a robotic link integrated on the member 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.

[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 a perspective view of an adaptable sprinkler-head maintenance 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 sprinkler-head maintenance assistive device that is capable of cleaning dust and trimming the grasses around the sprinkler to enhance the sprinkler-head maintenance. Additionally, the device proposed detect presence of corrosion on the sprinkler and effectively removing the corrosion from the sprinkler-head.

[0022] Referring to Figure 1, a perspective view of an adaptable sprinkler-head maintenance assistive device is illustrated comprising 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 telescopically operated rod 4 integrated in between the proximal and distal end, a cylindrical member 5 arranged on the distal end, a motorized expandable pulley arrangement 6 integrated in the member 5, a motorized cutter 7 suspended from ceiling portion of the member 5 by means of a linear actuator 8, a vacuum pump 9 is integrated in the member 5, a waste chamber 10 configured with the body 1 and a speaker 11 installed on the body 1.

[0023] The proposed device includes an elongated body 1 having a proximal and distal end, wherein 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 a sprinkler head. The handle 2 used herein is fabricated with a cushioned member 5 for providing a comfortable experience to the user. Moreover, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 3 installed on the body 1 to determine distance of the sprinkler from the distal end.

[0024] The artificial intelligence based imaging unit 3 is constructed with a camera lens and a processor, wherein the camera lens is adapted to capture a series of images of the body 1. The processor carries out a sequence of image processing operations including pre-processing, feature extraction, and classification. The image captured by the artificial intelligence based imaging unit 3 is real-time images of the body 1. The artificial intelligence based imaging unit 3 transmits the captured image signal in the form of digital bits to the microcontroller. The microcontroller upon receiving the signal analyzes and determines the distance of the sprinkler from the distal end.

[0025] Upon detection of the distance of the sprinkler from the distal end, the microcontroller actuates a telescopically operated rod 4 integrated in between the proximal and distal end to extend/retract. The telescopic rod 4 used herein are installed with a pneumatic unit. The pneumatic unit comprises of a compressor filled with compressed air which controls the orientations such as extraction and retraction of the telescopic rod 4. The pneumatic unit also includes air valves and piston attached with the telescopic rod 4. The piston is coupled to the telescopic rod 4 penetrating the compressed air released from the compressor over the telescopic rod 4. The valves used herein, are air valves installed between the compressor and piston that upon actuation enables release of the compressed air through the piston that leads to extension/retraction of the telescopic rod 4 that aids in positioning a cylindrical member 5 arranged on the distal end, around the sprinkler head as the member 5 is opened from one end.

[0026] Further, a corrosion sensor is embedded on the member 5 for determining corroded surface of the sprinkler. The corrosion sensor comprises of probe element which detect the corrosion on surface of the sprinkler by changing resistance of the probe element. The changes in resistance is further calibrate to detect layers of rust over the sprinkler. Upon detecting the layers of the rust on the surface of the sprinkler, the microcontroller directs a robotic link integrated on the member 5 and configured with a blade for scraping out the corroded surface. The robotic link used herein comprises three parts shoulder, elbow and wrist that comprises a blade. All these parts are configured with the microcontroller. The elbow is at the middle section of the link that allows the upper part of the link to move the lower section independently. Lastly, the wrist is at the tip of the upper link and attached to the end effector works as hand for holding the blade that is used for scraping out the corroded surface.

[0027] Continually, a LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) sensor embedded on the body 1 for determining dimensions of the sprinkler head. The LiDAR sensors work by emitting laser pulses and measuring the time it takes for the pulses to bounce back after hitting the sprinkler. By analyzing the return time and intensity of the reflected light, the LiDAR sensor accurately determine the dimensions of the sprinkler. Based on the detection the microcontroller actuates a motorized expandable pulley arrangement 6 integrated in the member 5 to increase/decrease dimensions of the member 5.

[0028] The arrangement 6 herein disclosed comprise of multiple links attached to a central rotating disc that gets rotated at a uniform speed via a motorized pinion gear conjoined with a central disc. A motor is paired with the gear that is activated by the microcontroller for providing a rotational motion to the gear. Upon rotating of the pinion gears in anti-clockwise, then the central disc starts rotating in a clockwise direction that helps in thrusting studs fastened with links in outward orientation results in expansion of the pulley. Similarly, the pinion gear starts rotating clockwise, then the central disc starts rotating in an anti-clockwise direction that helps in thrusting studs fastened with links in inward orientation that in turn contract the pulley to contract the structure. The expansion and contraction of the disc to increase and decrease diameter of the member 5 for properly accommodating the member 5 over the sprinkler head.

[0029] In continuation, an ultrasonic sensor embedded on the body 1 for determining dimensions of grasses around the sprinkler head. The ultrasonic sensor consists of a transducer that functions as both a transmitter and a receiver that works in collaboration to detect dimensions of grasses around the sprinkler head. 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 grass. The ultrasonic waves propagate outward in a cone-shaped
pattern from the transducer.

[0030] The same transducer that emitted the ultrasonic waves now acts as a receiver. It detects the reflected waves that bounce back from the grass. The sensor measures the time it takes for the ultrasonic waves to travel from the sensor to the user's feet. 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). Using the known speed of sound in the medium through which the waves are travelling, dimensions of the grass is detected.

[0031] Based on the detected dimension of the grass a motorized cutter 7 suspended from ceiling portion of the member 5 by means of a linear actuator 8 that is actuated by the microcontroller to position the cutter 7 on the grass. The cutter 7 used herein is powered by a DC motor that 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 is capable of performing rotational movements to the cutter 7 to perform the cutting process. The linear actuator 8 used herein is powered by the pneumatic unit that aids to position the cutter 7 on the grass that the microcontroller actuate the cutter 7 to trim the grasses, for clearing area around the sprinkler head.

[0032] Further, a dust sensor embedded on the member 5 for detecting deposition of dust on the sprinkler. The dust sensor comprises of fan, laser emitting diode, receiver and photoelectric detector. The laser emitting diode emits the laser pulse and at the same time, the fan in the dust sensor drives the air into the dust sensor by rotating, and detects the dust through the complex designed air duct. Then the fine particulate matter present in the air enters the region where the laser beam is located and scatter the laser light. The scattered light radiates at 360 degrees in space, and a photoelectric detector is placed in the dust sensor receives only the scattered light. Then the photoelectric detector generates a photoelectric effect and transmit the electronic signal to the microcontroller that confirms the presence of the dust on the sprinkler.

[0033] Based on the detection of the dust over the sprinkler, the microcontroller actuate a vacuum pump 9 is integrated in the member 5 to extract the deposited dust from the sprinkler. The vacuum pump 9 functions on the principle of creating a controlled low-pressure. The vacuum pump 9 comprises of a motor that drives the pump 9, providing the necessary mechanical energy. The motor powers an impeller which is responsible for generating suction. As the impeller rapidly moves back and forth, it creates a partial vacuum by drawing air or other gases out of the member 5. Concurrently, a set of one-way valves ensures that air can only flow in one direction, maintaining the integrity of the low-pressure environment. Once the vacuum level reaches the desired state, the pump 9 internal mechanisms effectively seal off the member 5 and extract the deposited dust from the sprinkler, that is received in a waste chamber 10 configured with the body 1, thereby assisting the user in trimming and cleaning the sprinkler head.

[0034] Further, a weight sensor is embedded in the chamber 10 for monitoring weight of the collected dust. The weight sensor comprises of a weight transducers having a sensing element on the constant area of the chamber 10 and respond to pressure applied by the dust on that constant area of the chamber 10. The weight applied gets deflect the diaphragm inside the weight transducer. The deflection of the internal diaphragm is the measured analogue signal ideally the physical force that gets converted into to an electronic signal. Then the weight sensor transmit the electronic signal to the microcontroller that analyses the weight of the collected leaves.

[0035] Based on the detected weight, in case the monitored weight exceeds a threshold value, the microcontroller actuates a speaker 11 installed on the body 1 for notifying the user to remove the dust from the chamber 10. The speaker 11 works by converting electrical energy into sound energy. When the electric current is sent by the microcontroller, then a coil configured on a magnet of the speaker 11 induces a magnetic field. This makes a diaphragm moves back and forth which creates pressure waves in the air that the user perceives as a sound to notify the user to remove the dust from the chamber 10.

[0036] Lastly, a battery is associated with the device that powers all electrical and electronically operated components of the device. A battery is a device that converts chemical energy contained within its active materials directly into electric energy by means of an electrochemical oxidation and provides the power supply to other components.

[0037] The present invention works best in the following manner where the elongated body 1 having the proximal and distal end. The T-shaped handle 2 fabricated with the cushioned member 5 that provide the comfortable experience position the distal end in proximity to the sprinkler head. The artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 3 determines the distance of the sprinkler from the distal end, based on the detected distance the inbuilt microcontroller actuates the telescopically operated rod 4 to extend/retract for positioning the cylindrical member 5 around the sprinkler head, the member 5 is opened from one end. The LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) sensor determine dimensions of the sprinkler head, that the microcontroller actuates the motorized expandable pulley arrangement 6 for properly accommodating the member 5 over the sprinkler head. The ultrasonic sensor determines the dimensions of grasses around the sprinkler head. The motorized cutter 7 by means of the linear actuator 8 is actuated by the microcontroller to position the cutter 7 on the grass that trim the grasses, for clearing area around the sprinkler head. Additionally, the dust sensor detect the deposition of dust on the sprinkler. The vacuum pump 9 is actuated by the microcontroller to extract the deposited dust from the sprinkler, that is received in the waste chamber 10 and assist the user in trimming and cleaning the sprinkler head. The weight sensor monitor the weight of the collected leaves, in case the monitored weight exceeds the threshold value, the microcontroller actuates the speaker 11 that notifies the user to remove the dust from the chamber 10. The corrosion sensor determine the corroded surface of the sprinkler, based on which the microcontroller actuates the robotic link integrated on the member 5 and configured with the blade for scraping out the corroded surface.

[0038] 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 sprinkler-head maintenance 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 a sprinkler head;
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 sprinkler from said distal end, based on which an inbuilt microcontroller actuates a telescopically operated rod 4 integrated in between said proximal and distal end to extend/retract for positioning a cylindrical member 5 arranged on said distal end, around said sprinkler head, wherein said member 5 is opened from one end;
iii) a LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) sensor embedded on said body 1 for determining dimensions of said sprinkler head, in accordance to which said microcontroller actuates a motorized expandable pulley arrangement 6 integrated in said member 5 to increase/decrease dimensions of said member for properly accommodating said member 5 over said sprinkler head;
iv) an ultrasonic sensor embedded on said body 1 for determining dimensions of grasses around said sprinkler head, wherein a motorized cutter 7 suspended from ceiling portion of said member 5 by means of a linear actuator 8 that is actuated by said microcontroller to position said cutter 7 on said grass, followed by actuation of said cutter 7 to trim said grasses, for clearing area around said sprinkler head; and
v) a dust sensor embedded on said member 5 for detecting deposition of dust on said sprinkler, wherein a vacuum pump 9 is integrated in said member 5 that is actuated by said microcontroller to extract said deposited dust from said sprinkler, that is received in a waste chamber 10 configured with said body 1, thereby assisting said user in trimming and cleaning said sprinkler head.

2) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a weight sensor is embedded in said chamber 10 for monitoring weight of said collected dust, in case said monitored weight exceeds a threshold value, said microcontroller actuates a speaker 11 installed on said body 1 for notifying said user to remove said dust from said chamber 10.

3) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a corrosion sensor is embedded on said member 5 for determining corroded surface of said sprinkler, based on which said microcontroller actuates a robotic link integrated on said member 5 and configured with a blade for scraping out said corroded surface.

4) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said handle 2 is fabricated with a cushioned member 5 for providing a comfortable experience to said user.

5) 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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