ADAPTABLE WIRE-STRIPPING ASSISTIVE DEVICE

Abstract

An adaptable wire-stripping assistive device, comprises of a platform 101 positioned on a fixed surface via multiple suction cups, a tray 102 enabling user to accommodate multiple wires to be striped, a microphone 103 to provide input voice commands, an imaging unit 104 detect presence of accommodated wires, a robotic arm 105 grip and position wire in proximity to a circular disc 106 installed vertically on the platform 101, a motorized iris lid 107 open/close to position gripped ends of wire, a blade 202 suspended from ceiling portion of an inverted U-shaped frame 201 by means of a linear actuator 203 for penetrating the blade 202, a motorized slider plate 108 translate the wire away from the blade 202, a pair of robotic grippers 109 acquire grip of removed insulation layer from the wire and place in a chamber 110, a container 111 collects stripped wire.

Specification

Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to an adaptable wire-stripping assistive device that is capable of stripping the insulation layer of the wires of different shapes and diameters, without harming the conducting core of the wire by monitoring the thickness of the insulation layer of the wire.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The role of wires in the transmission of electricity and the transmission of information is irreplaceable and has an important impact on people's daily life and production. These wires include power wires, high temperature wires, computer wires, signal wires, fire-resistant wires, and many more. The wire is generally composed of a conducting core and an insulating layer wrapped over the core. Wires are often used to connect circuits and electrical appliances. The performance of the wires is checked before use to confirm that the wire meets the conditions of use. When testing the wire, it is common to select a wire sample of a certain length and remove the insulation layer at both ends to expose the core for relevant testing. Also in the process of connecting wires, it is usually necessary to cut the insulation of one end to perform the wiring work.

[0003] Traditionally, the wire insulation stripping/cutting is performed manually with a chainsaw or a layer by layer with a knife. The insulation layer of the wire is cut using ordinary sharp cutting tools like a razor blade and sometimes people also use their own teeth's to strip of the insulation layer of the wire. In such traditional methods, there are high chances of cutting of the user's hand and damaging of the teeth if the insulation layer is hard. Also in traditional methods it is easy to damage the core of the cable while cutting the insulation and the operation is time-consuming and labor-intensive. The cutting efficiency is also low, and the demand for a large number of stripped wires is difficult to met.

[0004] CN215009334U discloses about an invention which includes a bottom flat plate, the bottom flat plate is fixedly connected with a left clamping plate and a right clamping plate, the left clamping plate is connected with a left cutting plate seat, a left transverse T-shaped inserting groove is formed in the right side of the top of the left cutting plate seat, the tail end of the left transverse T-shaped inserting groove is closed, a left transverse T-shaped inserting plate is inserted into the left transverse T-shaped inserting groove in a close fit mode, and a right transverse T-shaped inserting plate is inserted into the right transverse T-shaped inserting groove. The left transverse T-shaped inserting plate is connected with a left cutting knife, and the left cutting knife is provided with a left cutting edge; the right clamping plate is connected with a right cutting plate seat, a right transverse T-shaped inserting groove is formed in the right side of the top of the right cutting plate seat, the tail end of the right transverse T-shaped inserting groove is closed, a right transverse T-shaped inserting plate is inserted into the right transverse T-shaped inserting groove in a close fit mode, the right transverse T-shaped inserting plate is connected with a right cutting knife, and the right cutting knife is provided with a right cutting edge. The cable insulation layer stripping device is used for stripping cable insulation layers. Although CN'334 discloses about an invention that relates to peeling off the insulation layer of the cable. However, the cited invention lacks in stripping the insulation layer of differently shaped wires in an automated manner.

[0005] US9032842B2 discloses about an invention that includes a device for stripping coating from electric wires is provided with a function to detect any contact between a wire core and stripping blades even for electric wires which have been cut short. This device has a signal analyzer circuit for measurement of impedance via stripping blades capable of detecting any contact between the stripping blades and the wire core by detecting a change in impedance as a result of addition of impedance of the wire core to that of the stripping blades at the moment of any contact of the stripping blades with the core of the electric wire in the course of stripping coating from the electric wire. Although, US'842 discloses about an invention that relates to a device for stripping wire coating away from electric wire. However, the cited invention fails in monitoring the depth of the insulation layer that is to be removed without damaging the conducting core of the wire.

[0006] Conventionally, many devices have been developed that are capable of assisting a user in stripping the insulation layer of the wire. However, these devices are incapable of removing the insulation of the wire by monitoring the thickness of the insulation layer in an automated manner, and fails in preventing the conductive core of the wire from scratches and harm in the overall process. Additionally, these existing devices also lack in collecting the removed insulation layer and the stripped wire separately.

[0007] In order to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks, there exists a need in the art to develop a device that is capable of stripping the insulation layer of differently shaped wires in an effective manner without damaging the core conducting part of the wire. In addition, the developed device should also monitor the thickness of the insulation layer of the wire in order to precisely cut the insulation layer without touching the core of the wire.

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 providing a means for stripping the insulation layer of differently shaped wires in an easy and effective manner with minimal human intervention, thereby reducing manual efforts in stripping the wire.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of monitoring the depth of the insulation layer that is to be removed, thereby removing the insulation layer without harming the conductive part of the wire.

[0011] Yet another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of collecting the removed insulation layer and the stripped wire separately in order to avoid mixing of the stripped wire with the removed insulation layer.

[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 wire-stripping assistive device that is capable of stripping the insulation layer of the wires of different shapes in an automated manner. Additionally, the proposed device is capable of accommodating the stripped wire and the removed insulation layer separately for an easy access by the user.

[0014] According to an embodiment of the present invention, an adaptable wire-stripping assistive device comprises of a platform developed to be positioned on a fixed surface, plurality of suction cups arranged underneath the platform to adhere to the surface for securing the platform on the surface, a tray arranged on the platform for enabling a user to accommodate multiple wires to be striped, a microphone integrated in the platform accessed by the user for providing input voice commands to activate/deactivate the device, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit installed on the platform to detect presence of the accommodated wires, a robotic arm mapped on the platform to acquire a grip of one of the accommodated wire for positioning the wire in proximity to a circular disc installed vertically on the platform, plurality of openings of varying shapes are carved on the disc for enabling the arm to position a differently shaped wire such as a flat wire through the openings, a LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) sensor embedded on the platform for determining dimensions of the wire, and a motorized iris lid arranged on the disc to get opened/closed for enabling the arm to position the gripped ends of wire via the opened iris lid in view of passing the wire through the disc.

[0015] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the proposed device further comprises of an inverted U-shaped frame arranged on the platform and positioned in proximity to the disc in a manner that the passed wire gets positioned on a motorized slider plate arranged underneath the frame, a depth sensor embedded on the platform determines depth of insulation layer of the wire, a blade suspended from ceiling portion of the frame by means of a linear actuator to position the blade over the wire for penetrating the blade as per the determined depth, further the slider plate translate the wire away from the blade in a manner that the blade cuts along length of the wire for removing insulation layer of the wire, a pair of robotic grippers integrated on the platform acquire a grip of the removed insulation layer from the wire for positioning the gripped insulation layer in a chamber arranged on the platform, the striped wire is collected in a container arranged on the platform by the robotic arm, an ultrasonic sensor is embedded on the frame for monitoring depth of the insulation layer, 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 wire-stripping assistive device.
Figure 2 illustrates an isometric view of an inverted U-shaped frame associated with the proposed 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 wire-stripping assistive device that is capable of stripping the insulation layer of the wires of different shapes in an automated manner. Additionally, the proposed device is capable of monitoring the depth of the insulation layer of the wire, in order to remove the insulation layer without harming the conductive part of the wire.

[0022] Referring to Figure 1 and Figure 2, an isometric view of an adaptable wire-stripping assistive device and an isometric view of an inverted U-shaped frame associated with the proposed device are illustrated, respectively, comprising a platform 101 positioned on a fixed surface, a tray 102 arranged on the platform 101, a microphone 103 integrated in the platform 101, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 104 installed on the platform 101, a robotic arm 105 mapped on the platform 101, a circular disc 106 installed vertically on the platform 101, a motorized iris lid 107 arranged on the disc 106, an inverted U-shaped frame 201 arranged on the platform 101, a motorized slider plate 108 arranged underneath the frame 201, a blade 202 suspended from ceiling portion of the frame 201 by means of a linear actuator 203, a pair of robotic grippers 109 integrated on the platform 101, a chamber 110 arranged on the platform 101, and a container 111 arranged on the platform 101.

[0023] The device disclosed herein comprises of a platform 101 positioned on a fixed surface by means of multiple suction cups ranging from six to eight in numbers that are arranged underneath the platform 101 for adhering to the surface in order to secure the platform 101 on the surface in an effective manner. The platform 101 serves as the main structure and is made from strong and lightweight materials which includes but not limited to hardened steel, aluminum alloy, hard fiber, and composite materials. The outer surface of the platform 101 is coated with material like Teflon or other low-friction coatings to improve wear resistance and reduce friction. The suction cups are used to create a vacuum seal between the fixed surface and the platform 101. When the suction cups are pressed against the fixed surface, the initial contact creates a seal between the cup's flexible rim and the surface, this seals off the area within the suction cups, as a result of which the platform 101 get securely positioned on the surface.

[0024] The platform 101 installed with a tray 102 that is accessed by a user to accommodate multiple wires that are to be striped. The tray 102 is a flat, shallow container 111 made of strong and lightweight materials which includes but not limited to hardened steel, aluminum alloy, hard fiber, and composite materials. The tray 102 used herein is preferably rectangular in shape and the size of the tray 102 is designed as to properly accommodate the wires. Upon accommodating the wires in the tray 102, the user access a microphone 103 integrated in the platform 101 for providing input voice commands in order to activate/deactivate the device.

[0025] The microphone 103 receives the user voice commands and converts the sound energy emitted by the user into electrical energy. Inside the microphone 103, a diaphragm made of plastic is present that moves back and forth when the sound wave hits the diaphragm, which then moves a coil attached to the diaphragm in the same way in order to generate an electrical signal proportional to the sound. The electric signal from coil flows to an amplifier which amplifies the electrical signal. The amplified electrical signal is then sent to an inbuilt microcontroller linked to the microphone 103. The microcontroller is per-fed with the instructions required to control the operation of various components associated with the proposed device.

[0026] Upon receiving and processing the signal from the microphone 103, the microcontroller recognizes the input voice command and activates an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 104 installed on the platform 101 and paired with a processor for capturing and processing multiple images of the platform 101. The artificial intelligence-based image capturing module comprises of a high-resolution camera lens, digital camera sensor and a processor, wherein the lens captures multiple images of the platform 101 from different angles and perspectives with the help of digital camera sensor for providing comprehensive coverage of the platform 101. The captured images then go through pre-processing steps by the processor integrated with the camera. The processor carries out a sequence of image processing operation including pre-processing, feature extraction and classification in order to enhance the image quality, which includes adjusting brightness and contrast and removing any distortion or noise. The pre-processed images are transmitted to the microcontroller linked with the processor in the form of electrical signals.

[0027] The microcontroller further processes the received signals in order to detect the presence of the accommodated wires in the tray 102. Based on the detected presence of the wires, the microcontroller actuates a robotic arm 105 mapped on the platform 101 to acquire a grip of one of the accommodated wire. The robotic arm 105 mainly comprises of motor controllers, arm, end effector and sensors. The arm is the essential part of the robotic arm 105 and it comprises of three parts, the shoulder, elbow and wrist. All these components are connected through joints, with the shoulder resting at the base of the arm, typically connected to the microcontroller. The elbow is in the middle and allows the upper section of the arm to move forward or backward independently of the lower section. Finally, the wrist is at the very end of the upper arm and attaches to the end effector. The end effector connected to the arm acts as a hand to grip one of the accommodated wire and position the wire in proximity to a circular disc 106 installed vertically on the platform 101.

[0028] The circular disc 106 used herein is a flat, round object with a circular shape, and preferably made up of materials which include but not limited to metal, plastic, or glass. The disc 106 is carved with multiple openings of varying shapes ranging from four to six in numbers, for enabling the arm 105 to position a differently shaped wire such as a flat wire through the appropriate openings, as guided by the microcontroller. A LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) sensor is embedded on the platform 101 for determining dimensions of the wire.

[0029] The LiDAR sensor sends out rapid laser pulses in a sweeping motion towards the wire. These pulses travel through the air and interact with the wire. The laser pulses hit the wire and bounces off from the surface of the wire and return back to a receiver integrated with the sensor. The LiDAR sensor measures the time it takes for these laser pulses to travel to the surface of the wire and bounce back to the sensor. The time travel by these pulses is then processed by the microcontroller to accurately determine the dimension of the wire.

[0030] Based upon the detected dimension of the wire, the microcontroller actuates a motorized iris lid 107 arranged on the disc 106 to get opened as per the dimension of the gripped wire, for enabling the robotic arm 105 to position the gripped ends of wire via the opened iris lid 107. The iris lid 107 used herein includes an inner flat ring, an outer flat ring, and an even number of iris blades (upper and lower). Each iris blade is attached to the inner ring by a pivot assembly and to the outer ring by a roller/slider assembly. The upper and lower rings are co-centered and are kept in sliding contact. On actuation by the microcontroller, the iris is opened, by turning the outer ring around the center while holding the inner ring stationary and allow the arm 105 to position the gripped ends of wire via the opened iris lid 107 in view of passing the wire through the disc 106. The wire is passed through the disc 106 in a manner that the passed wire is positioned on a motorized slider plate 108 arranged underneath an inverted U-shaped frame 201 that is installed on the platform 101 in proximity to the disc 106.

[0031] After positioning of the wire on the motorized slider plate 108, the microcontroller activates a depth sensor embedded on the frame 201 for monitoring depth of the insulation layer of the positioned wire. The depth sensor operates by emitting various types of signals, such as infrared light or ultrasonic waves, and measuring the time it takes for these signals to bounce back after hitting the depth. This information is then used to calculate the distance between the sensor and the depth, allowing for accurate determining of depth of the insulation layer of the wire. Based on the determined depth, the microcontroller actuates a linear actuator 203 suspended from the ceiling portion of the frame 201, for penetrating a blade 202 attached to the linear actuator 203 into the insulation layer of the wire as per the determined depth of the layer.

[0032] The linear actuator 203 disclosed herein comprises of a motor, a lead screw and a nut. On actuation, the motor generates rotational force, which is then converted into linear motion through the interaction between the lead screw and the nut. The lead screw, driven by the motor, turns and causes the nut to move along its threads. This movement pushes or pulls the connected blade 202, exerting pressure on the targeted insulation layer. As the actuator 203 extends, it applies the necessary force over the blade 202 in order to penetrate the blade 202 into the insulation layer of the wire according to the determined depth of the insulation layer. The blade 202 is preferably a piece of metal, that includes but not limited to iron, steel, or carbide, having one side with sharp edge for smoothly penetrating into the insulation layer of the wire.

[0033] After the blade 202 is penetrated up to the desired depth into the insulation layer, the microcontroller actuates the slider plate 108 to translate the penetrated wire positioned over the slider plate 108 away from the blade 202 in a manner that the blade 202 cuts along length of the wire for removing insulation layer of the wire. The slider plate 108 used herein consist of plates that are overlapped to each other with a sliding unit at the lateral ends for sliding and extending the plate.

[0034] The sliding unit consists of a pair of sliding rails fabricated with grooves in which the wheel of a slider is positioned that is further connected with a bi-directional motor via a shaft. Upon actuation of the sliding plate by the microcontroller, the motor starts to rotate in a clockwise or anti-clockwise direction that aids in the rotation of the shaft, wherein the shaft converts the electrical energy into rotational energy for allowing movement of the wheel to translate over the sliding rail by a firm grip on the grooves. The movement of the sliding unit results in translation of the slider plate 108 in order to translate the penetrated wire away from the blade 202 in a manner that the blade 202 cuts along length of the wire for removing insulation layer of the wire.

[0035] Upon removing of the insulation layer from the wire, the microcontroller actuates a pair of robotic grippers 109 integrated on the platform 101 to acquire a grip of the removed insulation layer from the wire. On actuation, the robotic gripper grips the removed insulation layer by using the end effector attached at the very end of the robotic gripper. The gripped insulation layer is further positioned in a chamber 110 arranged on the platform 101 for successfully removing the insulation layer from the wire. The chamber 110 used herein is preferably cuboidal in shape with desired depth and dimensions according to the length of the insulation layer in order to properly accommodate the removed insulation layer.

[0036] After the removed insulation layer is positioned in the chamber 110, the microcontroller directs the robotic arm 105 to grab the striped wire and collect the grabbed striped wire in a container 111 arranged on the platform 101. The container 111 used herein is preferably cuboidal in shape with desired depth and dimensions according to the length of the striped wire in order to properly accommodate the striped wire. The collected striped wire in the container 111 is further accessed by the user for desired purpose.

[0037] Moreover, 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 uses 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.

[0038] The proposed invention works well in the following manner, where the platform 101 is positioned on the fixed surface via plurality of suction cups. The platform 101 comprises of the tray 102 that is accessed by the user to accommodate multiple wires that are to be striped. Afterwards the user provides input commands via the microphone 103 for activating/deactivating the device. Based on the command, the microcontroller activates an imaging unit 104 to detect presence of the accommodated wires. Further the robotic arm 105 is actuated by the microcontroller to acquire a grip of one of the accommodated wire for positioning the wire in proximity to the circular disc 106. The LiDAR sensor determines dimensions of the positioned wire, based on that the microcontroller actuates the motorized iris lid 107 to get opened/closed for the arm 105 to position the gripped ends of wire via the opened iris lid 107, in view of passing the wire through the disc 106 in a manner that the passed wire is positioned on the motorized slider plate 108 arranged underneath the U-shaped frame 201. The depth sensor determines depth of the insulation layer of the wire, based on which the microcontroller actuates the linear actuator 203 to position the blade 202 over the wire for penetrating the blade 202 as per the determined depth and further actuates the slider plate 108 to translate the wire away from the blade 202, in a manner that the blade 202 cuts along length of the wire for removing insulation layer of the wire. The pair of robotic grippers 109 integrated on the platform 101 grip the removed insulation layer from the wire and place in the chamber 110. Afterwards the microcontroller directs the arm 105 to grab the striped wire and collect in the container 111 for use by the user.

[0039] 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 wire-stripping assistive device, comprising:

i) a platform 101 developed to be positioned on a fixed surface, wherein plurality of suction cups are arranged underneath said platform 101 to adhere to said surface for securing said platform 101 on said surface;
ii) a tray 102 arranged on said platform 101 for enabling a user to accommodate multiple wires to be striped, wherein a microphone 103 is integrated in said platform 101 that is accessed by said user for providing input voice commands to activate/deactivate said device;
iii) an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 104 installed on said platform 101 and paired with a processor for capturing and processing multiple images of said platform 101, respectively to detect presence of said accommodated wires, wherein a robotic arm 105 mapped on said platform 101 that is actuated by an inbuilt microcontroller to acquire a grip of one of said accommodated wire for positioning said wire in proximity to a circular disc 106 installed vertically on said platform 101;
iv) a LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) sensor embedded on said platform 101 for determining dimensions of said wire, wherein a motorized iris lid 107 arranged on said disc 106 that is actuated by said microcontroller to get opened/closed for enabling said arm 105 to position said gripped ends of wire via said opened iris lid 107, in view of passing said wire through said disc 106;
v) an inverted U-shaped frame 201 arranged on said platform 101 and positioned in proximity to said disc 106, in a manner that said passed wire is positioned on a motorized slider plate 108 arranged underneath said frame 201, wherein a depth sensor is embedded on said platform 101 for determining depth of insulation layer of said wire;
vi) a blade 202 suspended from ceiling portion of said frame 201 by means of a linear actuator 203 that is actuated by said microcontroller to position said blade 202 over said wire for penetrating said blade 202 as per said determined depth, wherein said microcontroller actuates said slider plate 108 to translate said wire away from said blade 202, in a manner that said blade 202 cuts along length of said wire for removing insulation layer of said wire; and
vii) a pair of robotic grippers 109 integrated on said platform 101 that are actuated by said microcontroller to acquire a grip of said removed insulation layer from said wire, for positioning said gripped insulation layer in a chamber 110 arranged on said platform 101, wherein upon successfully removing said insulation, said microcontroller directs said arm 105 to grab said striped wire that is collected in a container 111 arranged on said platform 101, thereby assisting said user in stripping said wire.

2) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein plurality of openings of varying shapes are carved on said disc 106, for enabling said arm 105 to position a differently shaped wire such as a flat wire through said openings.

3) 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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