AUTOMATED SCREEN PROTECTOR APPLICATION DEVICE

Abstract

An automated screen protector application device, comprises a housing 101 positioned over a fixed surface, an extendable chamber 103 receive gadget, an artificial intelligence based imaging unit 104 to determine presence of gadget over platform, a laser sensor monitor dimensions of gadget, a pair of motorized drawer arrangement grip gadget within chamber 103, a touch interactive display panel 105 enable user to provide input regrading application of screen protectors over gadget, a dust sensor determine presence of dust over gadget, an air blower 106 blow air over gadget, an electronic sprayer 108 spray cleaning agent over gadget, a robotic link 109 clean upper portion of gadget via a microfiber cloth, plurality of containers 110 stored with multiple screen protectors of various sizes, a motorized conveyor 111 translate screen protector, a pair of robotic grippers 112 grip screen protector, and a robotic arm 113 remove protective film from screen protector.

Specification

Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to an automated screen protector application device that provide a means for applying a screen protector over an elctronic gadget in accordance to the dimensions of the gadget in an automated manner, thereby reducing physical efforts as well as saving time of the user.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Tempered glass lamination is a process used to enhance the strength, safety, and durability of glass by sandwiching multiple layers together with an interlayer material. Laminated safety glass for windows, windshields, and building facades is produced using this technology, which is widely used in the construction, electronics, and automotive industries. Tempered glass has historically been a kind of safety glass that is strengthened and impact-resistant through a heat treatment technique. During tempering, the glass is heated to high temperatures and then rapidly cooled, resulting in compressive stresses on the surface and tensile stresses in the interior.

[0003] While the conventional approach of manually applying tempered glass lamination has proven some potential, it is not without its drawbacks. They usually require exerting pressure and heating the glass to high temperatures, both of which use a significant amount of energy. Higher running costs and an adverse effect on the environment result from this, especially in facilities that conduct extensive amination operations. As a result, in order to satisfy changing modern criteria and offer a reliable method of glass tempered lamination in situations where conventional methods might not be sufficient, a novel tool must be created.

[0004] US10632685B2 include an alignment tray and a screen protector retained within the alignment tray. Also, a method for applying a mobile device screen protector to a mobile device, including retaining a screen protector within an alignment tray, applying the alignment tray to the mobile device, interfacing the screen protector with a screen of the mobile device, transferring the glass screen protector from the alignment tray to the mobile device, and removing the alignment tray. Additionally, a mobile device screen protector installation kit, including an alignment tray, a screen protector, and instructions for applying a screen protector to a screen of a mobile device. Though US'685 include an alignment tray and a screen protector retained within the alignment tray for aligning the screen protector over the gadget, however this device is not capable of applying the screen protector over a gadget in accordance to the dimensions of the gadget in an automated manner, thus developing a need of physical efforts as well as time of the user.

[0005] US10399315B2 relate to the application of a protective film on a surface of an electronic device that instantly reduces air bubbles and eliminates the waiting time usually required when using a wet fluid solution. In one embodiment, a flange may be configured to couple to the protective film. The flange may aid in the accurate application of the protective film to the electronic device. Though US'315 relates to a device that assists the user in instantly reducing the air bubbles between the screen protector and the screen and also eliminates the waiting time usually required when using wet solution. However, this device is not capable of applying a screen protector over a gadget in accordance to the dimensions of the gadget in an automated manner, thus developing a need of physical efforts as well as time of the user.

[0006] Conventionally, many devices are capable of reducing the air bubbles between the screen protector and the screen and aligning of screen protector on the gadget, however these devices does not provide a means for applying a screen protector over a gadget in accordance to the dimensions of the gadget in an automated manner, thus develops a need of physical efforts as well as consuming time of the user.

[0007] In order to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks, there exists a need in the art to develop a device that is capable of applying a screen protector over a gadget in accordance to the dimensions of the gadget in an automated manner, thereby reducing physical efforts as well as saving time of the user. Additionally, the device is also capable of determining any presence of dust over the gadget and accordingly provide means for removing the dust in an easy and effective manner, thereby ensuring proper functioning of the applied screen protector on the gadget.

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 provide a means for applying a screen protector over a gadget in accordance to the dimensions of the gadget in an automated manner, thereby reducing physical efforts as well as saving time of the user.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of determining any presence of dust over the gadget and accordingly provide means for removing the dust in an easy and effective manner, thereby ensuring proper functioning of the applied screen protector on the gadget.

[0011] Yet another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of determining presence of any air bubbles between the aligned screen protector and gadget and accordingly provide means to remove the detected air bubbles, thereby ensuring aesthetics of screen of the gadget.

[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 screen protector application device that provide a means to the user to automatically apply a screen protector on a device based on the dimensions, thereby saving them time and minimizing physical effort of the user.

[0014] According to an embodiment of the present invention, an automated screen protector application device, comprising a housing positioned over a fixed surface, an extendable chamber receive gadget, an artificial intelligence based imaging unit to determine presence of gadget over platform, a laser sensor monitor dimensions of gadget, a pair of motorized drawer arrangement for securely griping positioned gadget within chamber, a touch interactive display panel enable user to provide input regrading application of screen protectors over gadget, a dust sensor determine presence of dust over gadget, an high pressure air blower blow pressurized air over gadget, an electronic sprayer spray a regulated amount of cleaning agent over gadget, a robotic link to wipe and clean upper portion of gadget via a microfiber cloth, plurality of containers stored with multiple screen protectors of various sizes, a motorized conveyor translate screen protector, a pair of robotic grippers grip screen protector, and a robotic arm remove protective film from screen protector.

[0015] 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

[0016] 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 automated screen protector application device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0017] 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.

[0018] 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.

[0019] 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.

[0020] The present invention relates to an automated screen protector application device that provide a means for applying a screen protector over an electronic gadget in accordance to the dimensions of the gadget in an automated manner, thereby saving time as well as minimizing physical efforts of the user.

[0021] Referring to Figure 1, a perspective view of an automated screen protector application device is illustrated, comprising a housing 101 positioned over a fixed surface and crafted with an opening 102, an extendable chamber 103 is arranged within the housing 101, an artificial intelligence based imaging unit 104 installed within the housing 101, a touch interactive display panel 105 is installed over the housing 101, an high pressure air blower 106 installed within the housing 101, a receptacle 107 arranged within the housing 101, an electronic sprayer 108 is installed with the receptacle 107, a robotic link 109 installed in the housing 101, plurality of containers 110 arranged within the housing 101, a motorized conveyor 111 installed beneath each of the container, a pair of robotic grippers 112 installed within the housing 101, a telescopic rod 114 installed within said housing 101, a flap 115 configured with said rod 114 and a robotic arm 113 installed within the housing 101.

[0022] The device disclosed herein includes a housing 101 that is developed to be positioned over a fixed surface. The housing 101 is rectangular in shape, made up of stainless steel that offers corrosion resistance, strength and durability to the device and is easy to maintain. The housing 101 is crafted with an opening 102 that is accessed by a user to insert an electronic gadget over which a screen protector is to be applied. Upon inserting the electronic gadget within the housing 101, an extendable chamber 103 arranged within the housing 101 receives the gadget in a upright position.

[0023] Upon accommodation of the gadget in the chamber 103, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 104 installed within the housing 101 captures and process multiple images of the platform. The artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 104, disclosed herein, is integrated with a processor and consists of an image capturing arrangement. The image capturing arrangement includes a set of lenses that captures multiple images of the surrounding and sends the images to the microcontroller in form of digital signals.

[0024] Further, the microcontroller processes the data received from the image capturing arrangement and enables an artificial intelligence (AI) protocol encrypted with the microcontroller to suppress the unwanted distortions and extract useful images. After acquiring useful images, the processor processes the extracted images to convert the images into signals that is further transmitted to an inbuilt microcontroller embedded within the housing 101. After receiving the data from the processor, the microcontroller determines presence of the gadget over the platform.

[0025] The microcontroller, mentioned herein, is preferably an Arduino microcontroller. The Arduino microcontroller used herein controls the overall functionality of the components linked to it. The Arduino microcontroller is an open-source programming platform. The microcontroller receives the data from various electronic units and generates a command signal for further processing.

[0026] Based on the determined presence of the gadget over the platform, the microcontroller actuates a laser sensor installed within the housing 101 and synced with the imaging unit 104 to monitor dimensions of the gadget. The laser sensor employs a laser triangulation mechanism, wherein the sensor comprises of a laser light, a CMOS (Complementary Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor) detector array and a microprocessor arranged within the sensor. The laser light projects a beam of laser light on the gadget that creates a spot on the surface of the gadget. The surface of the gadget reflects the projected beam of laser light which is recorded by the CMOS detector. The target distance of the surface from where the light is being reflected is calculated from the image pixel data using the microprocessor to determine gadget through analog outputs. The analog output is converted into a digital signal which is sent to the microcontroller for processing in order to determine dimensions of the gadget.

[0027] Based on the determined dimensions of the gadget, a pair of motorized drawer arrangement installed with the chamber 103 is actuated by the microcontroller to provide appropriate extension and retraction to the chamber 103 in view of securely griping the positioned gadget within the chamber 103. The drawer arrangement consists of multiple plates that are overlapped to each other with a sliding unit, wherein upon actuation of the drawer arrangement by the microcontroller, the motor in the sliding unit starts rotating a wheel coupled via a shaft in clockwise/anticlockwise direction providing a movement to the slider in the drawer arrangement to extend/retract the chamber 103 in view of securely griping the positioned gadget within the chamber 103.

[0028] Upon positioning the gadget within the chamber 103 properly, a touch interactive display panel 105 installed over the housing 101 enables the user to provide input regrading application of the screen protectors over the gadget. The touch interactive display panel 105 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 application of the screen protectors over the gadget. A touch controller is typically connected to the microcontroller through various interfaces which may include but are not limited to SPI (Serial Peripheral Interface) or I2C (Inter-Integrated Circuit).

[0029] Based on the input command from the user, a dust sensor installed within the housing 101 determine presence of dust over the gadget in sync with the imaging unit 104. 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 gadget and the photo-sensor receive the reflected IR LED rays from the gadget. The reflected rays are processed by the microcontroller to detect the presence of the dust over the gadget.

[0030] Based on the detected dust, the microcontroller actuates a high-pressure air blower 106 installed within the housing 101 to blow pressurized air over the gadget in view of removing the detected dust. The air blower 106 comprises of a vortex, heater, impeller and an outlet duct. The blower 106 increases the pressure of the air drawn for the surrounding of the housing 101 by a series of vortex motions formed by the centrifugal movement of the impeller.

[0031] Upon actuation of the blower 106 by the microcontroller, the impeller is rotating wherein the channels in the impeller push the drawn air from the surrounding forward through a heating unit, that increase the temperature of the absorbed air by creating the centrifugal movement that generates a helical movement of the air. During this centrifugal movement, the absorbed air is continuously compressed along the channel and the pressure increases linearly. The pressurized air is transferred from the outlet duct of the blower 106 over the gadget in view of removing the detected dust.

[0032] Further, a receptacle 107 is arranged within the housing 101 and stored with a cleaning agent. Upon removing the detected dust over the gadget, an electronic sprayer 108 installed with the receptacle 107 is actuated by the microcontroller to spray a regulated amount of the cleaning agent over the gadget. The electronic sprayer 108 works by utilizing electrical energy to automize the flow solution in a controlled flow pattern by converting the pressure energy of a fluid into kinetic energy, which increases the fluid's velocity to get sprayed. Upon actuation of sprayer 108 by the microcontroller, the electric motor or the pump pressurizes the cleaning agent, increasing its pressure significantly. High pressure enables the cleaning agent to be sprayed out with a high force over the gadget.

[0033] Upon spraying of cleaning agent over the gadget, a robotic link 109 installed in the housing 101 is actuated by the microcontroller to wipe and clean upper portion of the gadget via a microfiber cloth configured with the link 109. The robotic link 109 is made of several segments that are attached together by joints also referred to as axes. Each joint of the segments contains a step motor that rotates and allows the robotic link 109 to complete a specific motion of the link 109. Upon actuation of the robotic arm 113 by the microcontroller, the motor drives the movement of the link 109 to wipe and clean upper portion of the gadget via the microfiber cloth.

[0034] Furthermore, plurality of containers 110 is arranged within the housing 101 and stored with multiple screen protectors of various sizes. Based on the detected dimensions, the microcontroller determines a particular container stored with screen protector corresponding to the detected dimensions.

[0035] Based on the determined container stored with screen protector, a motorized conveyor 111 installed beneath each of the container is actuated by the microcontroller to provide translation to one of the screen protector corresponding to the detected dimensions out of the container and position in proximity to the chamber 103. The conveyer belt consists of a belt stretched across two or more pulley in close loop and one of the pulleys is attached with a driven motor that is interlinked with the microcontroller. On actuation, the driven motor rotates the pulley which in turn results that the conveyer belt also rotates that leads to translate one of the screen protector corresponding to the detected dimensions out of the container in order to position the container in proximity to the chamber 103.

[0036] Upon positioning of the container in proximity to the chamber 103, pair of robotic grippers 112 installed within the housing 101 is actuated by the microcontroller to grip the screen protector. The robotic gripper includes a link 109 connected with multiple motorized ball and socket joints and a gripper for smooth and precise gripping of the screen protector. The motorized ball and socket joint includes a motor powered by the microcontroller generating electrical current, a ball shaped element and a socket. The ball moves freely within the socket. The motor rotates the ball in various directions that is controlled by the microcontroller that further commands the motor to position the ball precisely. The microcontroller further actuates the motor to generate electrical current to rotate in the joint for providing movement to the gripper for gripping the screen protector from the container.

[0037] Upon gripping of the screen protector, a robotic arm 113 installed within the housing 101 is directed by the microcontroller to remove protective film from the screen protector. The robotic arm 113 comprises of a robotic link 109 and a clamp attached to the link 109. The robotic link 109 is made of several segments that are attached together by joints also referred to as axes. Each joint of the segments contains a step motor that rotates and allows the robotic link 109 to complete a specific motion of the arm 113. Upon actuation of the robotic arm 113 by the microcontroller, the motor drives the movement of the clamp to remove protective film from the screen protector.

[0038] Upon removing protective film from the screen protector, the microcontroller re-directs the grippers 112 to apply the screen protector over the gadget. Upon applying of the screen protector, the microcontroller by means of the imaging unit 104 determines presence of air bubbles between the aligned screen protector and gadget.

[0039] Based on the determined presence of air bubbles between the aligned screen protector and gadget, a telescopic rod 114 installed within the housing 101 is actuated by the microcontroller to extend and slide a flap 115 configured with the rod 114 over the applied screen protector to remove the detected air bubbles. The telescopic rod 114 is linked to a pneumatic unit, including an air compressor, air cylinders, air valves and piston which works in collaboration to aid in extension and retraction of the rod 114. The pneumatic unit is operated by the microcontroller, such that the microcontroller actuates valve to allow passage of compressed air from the compressor within the cylinder, the compressed air further develops pressure against the piston and results in pushing and extending the piston. The piston is connected with the rod 114 and due to applied pressure the rod 114 extends and similarly, the microcontroller retracts the telescopic rod 114 by closing the valve resulting in retraction of the piston. Thus, the microcontroller regulates the extension/retraction of the rod 114 in order to extend and slide a flap 115 configured with the rod 114 over the applied screen protector to remove the detected air bubbles.

[0040] Lastly, a battery is installed within the device which is connected to the microcontroller that supplies current to all the electrically powered components that needs an amount of electric power to perform their functions and operation in an efficient manner. The battery utilized here, is generally a dry battery which is made up of Lithium-ion material that gives the device a long-lasting as well as an efficient DC (Direct Current) current which helps every component to function properly in an efficient manner. As the device is battery operated and do not need any electrical voltage for functioning. Hence the presence of battery leads to the portability of the device i.e., user is able to place as well as moves the device from one place to another as per the requirements.

[0041] The present invention works best in the following manner, where the housing 101 is positioned over the fixed surface. Upon accommodation of the gadget in the chamber 103, the artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 104 determines presence of the gadget over the platform. Based on the determined presence of the gadget over the platform, the microcontroller actuates the laser sensor monitor dimensions of the gadget. Based on the determined dimensions of the gadget, the pair of motorized drawer is actuated by the microcontroller to provide appropriate extension and retraction to the chamber 103 in view of securely griping the positioned gadget within the chamber 103. Upon positioning the gadget within the chamber 103 properly, the touch interactive display panel 105 provide input regrading application of the screen protectors over the gadget. Based on the input command from the user, the dust sensor determine presence of dust over the gadget in sync with the imaging unit 104. Based on the detected dust, the microcontroller actuates the high-pressure air blower 106 blow pressurized air over the gadget in view of removing the detected dust. Upon removing the detected dust over the gadget, the electronic sprayer 108 is actuated by the microcontroller to spray regulated amount of the cleaning agent over the gadget. Upon spraying of cleaning agent over the gadget, the robotic link 109 is actuated by the microcontroller to wipe and clean upper portion of the gadget via the microfiber cloth. Based on the detected dimensions, the microcontroller determines the particular container stored with screen protector corresponding to the detected dimensions. Based on the determined container stored with screen protector, the motorized conveyor 111 is actuated by the microcontroller to provide translation to one of the screen protector corresponding to the detected dimensions out of the container and position in proximity to the chamber 103. Upon positioning of the container in proximity to the chamber 103, pair of robotic grippers 112 is actuated by the microcontroller to grip the screen protector. Upon gripping of the screen protector, the robotic arm 113 is directed by the microcontroller to remove protective film from the screen protector. Upon removing protective film from the screen protector, the microcontroller re-directs the grippers 112 to apply the screen protector over the gadget. Based on the determined presence of air bubbles between the aligned screen protector and gadget, the telescopic rod 114 is actuated by the microcontroller to extend and slide the flap 115 over the applied screen protector to remove the detected air bubbles.

[0042] 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 screen protector application device, comprising:

i) a housing 101 positioned over a fixed surface and crafted with an opening 102 that is accessed by a user to insert an electronic gadget over which said a screen protectors is to be applied, wherein an extendable chamber 103 is arranged within said housing 101 to receive said gadget in a upright position;

ii) an artificial intelligence based imaging unit 104 installed within said housing 101 and integrated with a processor for capturing and processing images of said platform, wherein based on said captured images, a microcontroller linked with said processor, determines presence of said gadget over said platform and accordingly actuates a laser sensor installed within said housing 101 and synced with said imaging unit 104 to monitor dimensions of said gadget;

iii) a pair of motorized drawer arrangement installed with said chamber 103 actuated by said microcontroller to provide appropriate extension and retraction to said chamber 103 in view of securely griping said positioned gadget within said chamber 103, wherein a touch interactive display panel 105 is installed over said housing 101 to enable said user to provide input regrading application of said screen protectors over said gadget;

iv) a dust sensor installed within said housing 101 and synced with said imaging unit 104 to determine presence of dust over said gadget, wherein in case of detection of dust, said microcontroller actuates an high pressure air blower 106 installed within said housing 101 to blow pressurized air over said gadget in view of removing said detected dust;

v) receptacle 107 arranged within said housing 101 and stored with a cleaning agent, wherein an electronic sprayer 108 is installed with said receptacle 107 and actuated by said microcontroller to spray a regulated amount of said cleaning agent over said gadget followed by actuation of a robotic link 109 installed in said housing 101 to wipe and clean upper portion of said gadget via a microfiber cloth configured with said link 109;

vi) plurality of containers 110 arranged within said housing 101 and stored with multiple screen protectors of various sizes, wherein based on said detected dimensions, said microcontroller determines a particular container stored with screen protector corresponding to said detected dimensions;

vii) a motorized conveyor 111 installed beneath each of said container, wherein said microcontroller actuates a specific conveyor 111 positioned beneath said particular container to provide translation to one of said screen protector corresponding to said detected dimensions out of said container and position in proximity to said chamber 103 followed by actuation of a pair of robotic grippers 112 installed within said housing 101 to grip said screen protector; and

viii) a robotic arm 113 installed within said housing 101 and directed by said microcontroller to remove protective film from said screen protector followed by re-actuation of said grippers 112 to apply said screen protector over said gadget.

2) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein upon applying of said screen protector, said microcontroller by means of said imaging unit 104 determines presence of air bubbles between said aligned screen protector and gadget and accordingly actuates a telescopic rod 114 installed within said housing 101 to extend and slide a flap 115 configured with said rod 114 over said applied screen protector to remove said detected air bubbles.

3) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a battery is associated with said device for powering up electrical and electronically operated components associated with said device.

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