AUTOMATED ROOF CLEANING DEVICE

Abstract

An automated roof cleaning device, comprising a frame 1 having a hollow conduit positioned on top edge of an inclined roof, a pair of inverted V-shaped structures 2 are mounted on lateral sides of conduit that are positioned on surface of roof, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 3 determines dimensions and shape of roof, a pair of motorized hinges 4 integrated in structures 2 to tilt portions of structures 2 in view of adjusting structures 2 on roof, a sensing module monitoring deposition of snow, dust or debris on roof, a pair of motorized sprinklers 5 dispense pressurized water on roof for washing away deposited snow, dust or debris from roof, an extendable nozzle 6 integrated at center portion of conduit to dispense pressurized water on roof in view of clear accumulated dirt off roof.

Specification

Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to an automated roof cleaning device that is capable of inspecting the roof for detect presence of accumulation of dust, dirt and snow on the roof and also capable of removing the accumulated dirt, dust and snow by washing away deposited snow, dust or debris from the roof.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Roofs are exposed to various environmental elements, including sunlight, rain, wind, and airborne pollutants, which leads to the accumulation of dirt, algae, moss, lichens, and other contaminants. Roof cleaning is essential not only for aesthetic reasons but also for the preservation of the roof's structural integrity and longevity roof cleaning involves understanding the reasons, methods, and challenges associated with the maintenance and cleaning of roofs. Traditional roof cleaning tools typically involve brooms and brushes to remove dirt, debris, algae, moss, or other contaminants from the roof's surface.

[0003] Although the traditional method of manually cleaning roofs using brooms, brushes, and cleaning agents has proven effective to some extent, it comes with inherent limitations are they require manual effort and physical labor for effective cleaning. Labor-intensive methods are time-consuming, tiring, and may not be practical for larger roofs or extensive cleaning projects. And brooms, brushes, or sponges may have limited reach, especially on steep or high roofs. Inadequate reach results in incomplete cleaning, leaving certain areas untouched and potentially creating safety hazards. Thus, there is a need to develop
an innovative tool that provides a more time-efficient and consistent ways of cleaning of the roofs where traditional methods may fall short and to meet the evolving demands for modern requirements of cleaning roofs.

[0004] US20020190145A1 discloses a roof cleaning system for enabling an individual to conveniently and safely clean a roof or other elevated surface. The roof cleaning system includes a telescoping tube fluidly connectable to a hose of a pump, a main tube fluidly connected to the telescoping tube, a plurality of nozzles fluidly connected within the main tube extending downwardly, a pair of arms attached to opposing ends of the main tube, a pair of cutouts within the arms for slidably receiving a corresponding pair of extended members, and a pair of wheels attached to the extended members for movably supporting the main tube substantially parallel above a surface of a roof.

[0005] CN203207976U discloses the utility model discloses a roof cleaning tool, and belongs to a cleaning tool. The roof cleaning tool comprises a handle and cleaning brush heads, wherein the upper section and the lower section of the handle forms a tubular sleeve joint structure, the upper section of the handle is inserted into a casing pipe at the lower section of the handle, and a screw is arranged outside an interface; a U-shaped brush head rack is arranged at the upper end of the handle, two pairs of fixed columns are arranged on the brush head rack, a cylindrical roller is mounted on each pair of fixed columns, bristles are arranged on the external surface of the roller at the upper end, a cleaning brush head is formed, and steel wire burrs are arranged on the external surface of the roller at the lower end, and a stain removal brush head is formed; outsides of the two brush heads are sleeved with a garbage can, and the bottom end of the garbage can is fixed on the handle. The roof cleaning tool not only can block dust which drops from the roof during cleaning, but also can clean up dust sticking to the brush heads, so that the roof cleaning tool is more convenient to use and improves the work efficiency.

[0006] Conventionally, many devices exist that are capable of providing roof cleaning of the house, however, these device are unable to inspect the roof for detect presence of accumulation of dust, dirt and snow on the roof. In addition, these existing device fails to regulate the pressure of water according to the determined hardness of the roof surface.

[0007] In order to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks, there exists a need in the art to develop a device that inspects the roof to detect the presence of accumulated dust, dirt, and snow. Additionally, the device should regulate the water pressure according to the determined hardness of the roof surface.

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 inspecting the roof for detect presence of accumulation of dust, dirt and snow on the roof.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of removing the accumulated dirt, dust and snow by washing away deposited snow, dust or debris from the roof.

[0011] Yet another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of regulating the pressure of water in accordance to determined hardness of the roof surface.

[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 automated roof cleaning device capable of inspecting the roof to detect the presence of accumulated dust, dirt, and snow. Additionally, the proposed device removes the accumulated dirt, dust, and snow by washing away deposited snow, dust, or debris from the roof.

[0014] According to an embodiment of the present invention, an automated roof cleaning device comprises of a frame having a hollow conduit positioned on top edge of an inclined roof, a pair of inverted V-shaped structures are mounted on lateral sides of the conduit that are positioned on surface of the roof, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit installed on the frame to determine dimensions and shape of the roof, a pair of motorized hinges integrated in the structures to tilt portions of the structures in view of adjusting the structures on the roof, a sensing module installed on the frame includes a dust sensor and color sensor for monitoring deposition of snow, dust or debris on the roof.

[0015] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the proposed device further comprises of a pair of motorized sprinklers mounted on top portion of the structures that are actuated by the microcontroller after a pre-defined interval of time to dispense pressurized water on the roof in view of washing away deposited snow, dust or debris from the roof, an extendable nozzle integrated at center portion of the conduit to extend/retract for positioning the nozzle in proximity to any accumulated dirt deposited on the roof, followed by actuation of the nozzle to dispense pressurized water on the roof in view of clear the accumulated dirt off the roof, a tactile sensor is integrated on the structure for monitoring hardness of the roof 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 an automated roof cleaning 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 automated roof cleaning device capable of inspecting the roof to detect the presence of accumulated dust, dirt, and snow. Additionally, the proposed device removes the accumulated dirt, dust, and snow by washing away deposited snow, dust, or debris from the roof.

[0022] Referring to Figure 1, an isometric view of an automated roof cleaning device is illustrated, comprising a frame 1 having a hollow conduit, a pair of inverted V-shaped structures 2 are mounted on lateral sides of the frame 1, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 3 installed on the frame 1, a pair of motorized hinges 4 integrated in the structures 2, a pair of motorized sprinklers 5 mounted on top portion of the structures 2, and an extendable nozzle 6 integrated at center portion of the frame 1.

[0023] The proposed device comprises of a frame 1 having a hollow conduit developed to be positioned on top edge of an inclined roof. At the lateral sides of the frame 1 a pair of inverted V-shaped structures 2 are mounted that are positioned on surface of the roof. Initially, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 3 which is installed on the frame 1 to determine dimensions and shape of the roof. The imaging unit 3 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.

[0024] The processor further extracts all the required information from the digital images and transmit to an inbuilt microcontroller associated with the device, which further processes the information shared by the processor in order to determine dimensions and shape of the roof and in accordance to which the microcontroller actuates a pair of motorized hinges 4 integrated in the structures 2 to tilt portions of the structures 2 in view of adjusting the structures 2 on the roof.

[0025] A sensing module installed on the frame 1 and synced with the imaging unit 3 for monitoring deposition of snow, dust or debris on the roof. The sensing module includes herein a dust sensor and a color sensor. The dust sensor used herein is based on an optical sensing method to detect dust. The dust sensor consists of a photo sensor and an infrared light-emitting diode (IR LED). The IR- LED emits the IR rays on the dust and the photo-sensor receive the reflected IR LED rays from the dust surface. The reflected rays are processed by the microcontroller to detect the presence of the dust over the dust.

[0026] Also the color sensor consists of a visible light emitter which emits the visible light (VIBGYOR spectrum) over the surface of the surface. When the visible light collide with the surface of the surface, the rays of surface's color will be reflected back to receiver and rest of the color will be absorbed. The received surface's light by the receiver is sent to the microcontroller in form of electric signal. Microcontroller further process the signal and determine the color of the surface. A pair of motorized sprinklers 5 mounted on top portion of the structures 2.

[0027] Based on the detected deposition of dust and snow, the microcontroller actuates both motorized sprinklers 5 after a pre-defined interval of time to dispense pressurized water on the roof in view of washing away deposited snow, dust or debris from the roof. The microcontroller further actuates an extendable nozzle 6 integrated at center portion of the conduit to extend/retract for positioning the nozzle 6 in proximity to any accumulated dirt deposited on the roof.

[0028] The extension 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 nozzle 6 for positioning the tip of nozzle 6 in proximity to the accumulated dirt and followed by actuation of the nozzle 6 to dispense pressurized water on the roof in view of clear the accumulated dirt off the roof.

[0029] During the sprinkling, a tactile sensor is integrated on the structure 2 for monitoring hardness of the roof. The tactile sensor employed herein is composed of an elastic body, ferrous probe, TMR (tunnel magneto resistive) element, and a permanent magnet. When the elastic body embedded with ferrous probe touches the object under the certain size of force, deformation is produced in elastic body. Correspondingly, the ferrous probe is forced forward to be displaced and as a result the background magnetic field is distorted. The distorted magnetic field was detected by TMR elements and transmitted to the microcontroller in form of electrical signal. After processing the received signal, the microcontroller determine the hardness of the roof in accordance to which the microcontroller regulates flow of water from the sprinkler 5 and nozzle 6.

[0030] 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.

[0031] The present invention works well in the following manner where frame 1 having a hollow conduit developed to be positioned on top edge of an inclined roof. At the lateral sides of the frame 1 a pair of inverted V-shaped structures 2 are mounted that are positioned on surface of the roof. Initially, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 3 which is installed on the frame 1 to determine dimensions and shape of the roof and in accordance to which the microcontroller actuates a pair of motorized hinges 4 integrated in the structures 2 to tilt portions of the structures 2 in view of adjusting the structures 2 on the roof. Sensing module installed on the frame 1 and synced with the imaging unit 3 for monitoring deposition of snow, dust or debris on the roof. Also the color sensor consists of a visible light emitter which emits the visible light (VIBGYOR spectrum) over the surface of the surface. Based on the detected deposition of dust and snow, the microcontroller actuates both motorized sprinklers 5 after a pre-defined interval of time to dispense pressurized water on the roof in view of washing away deposited snow, dust or debris from the roof. The microcontroller further actuates an extendable nozzle 6 integrated at center portion of the conduit to extend/retract for positioning the nozzle 6 in proximity to any accumulated dirt deposited on the roof and followed by actuation of the nozzle 6 to dispense pressurized water on the roof in view of clear the accumulated dirt off the roof.

[0032] 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 automated roof cleaning device, comprising:

i) a frame 1 having a hollow conduit developed to be positioned on top edge of an inclined roof, wherein a pair of inverted V-shaped structures 2 are mounted on lateral sides of said conduit that are positioned on surface of said roof;
ii) an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 3 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 dimensions and shape of said roof, in accordance to which an inbuilt microcontroller actuates a pair of motorized hinges 4 integrated in said structures 2 to tilt portions of said structures 2 in view of adjusting said structures 2 on said roof;
iii) a sensing module installed on said frame 1 and synced with said imaging unit 3 for monitoring deposition of snow, dust or debris on said roof, in accordance to which said microcontroller actuates a pair of motorized sprinklers 5 mounted on top portion of said structures 2 that are actuated by said microcontroller after a pre-defined interval of time to dispense pressurized water on said roof in view of washing away deposited snow, dust or debris from said roof; and
iv) an extendable nozzle 6 integrated at center portion of said conduit that is actuated by said microcontroller to extend/retract for positioning said nozzle 6 in proximity to any accumulated dirt deposited on said roof, followed by actuation of said nozzle 6 to dispense pressurized water on said roof in view of clear said accumulated dirt off said roof.

2) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said sensing module includes a dust sensor and color sensor.

3) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a tactile sensor is integrated on said structure 2 for monitoring hardness of said roof, in accordance to which said microcontroller regulates flow of water from said sprinkler 5 and nozzle 6.

4) 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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