AUTOMATED SEWER LID REMOVING DEVICE

Abstract

An automated sewer lid removing device, comprises a platform 1 positioned over a fixed surface, omni-directional wheels 2 translates the platform 1, a touch interactive display panel 3 accessed by the user to give inputs, imaging unit 4 captures images of the surroundings, a proximity sensor monitors distance of the sewer lid, L-shaped hydraulic rod 5 extends with detected distance, a laser measurement sensor determines dimensions of the sewer lid, motorized drawer arrangement extends the plate, suction units 6 grips the sewer lid, an inverted L-shaped hydraulic bar 7 extends to position roller 8, roller 8 rotates to translate the lid.

Specification

Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to an automated sewer lid removing device that is capable of assisting the user in easy removal of the sewer lids of varying dimensions in an automated manner without involvement of the user's time and efforts.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Sewer lid removing tools are essential equipment used in various municipal, industrial, and maintenance operations involving sewer systems. These tools are specifically designed to facilitate the safe and efficient removal of heavy sewer lids, manhole covers, or access grates, which are typically made of cast iron or other durable materials. Traditional sewer lid removing tools have evolved over time to meet the demands of accessing sewer infrastructure safely and efficiently. Initially, basic tools like pry bars or hooks were commonly used, requiring significant physical effort and posing safety risks to operators. These traditional tools are simple yet effective, allowing workers to safely access sewer infrastructure for maintenance, inspection, and repair tasks.

[0003] Although the traditional method of removing sewer lid that has proven effective to some extent, but it comes with inherent limitations. They may be limited in their ability to accommodate different lid sizes, shapes, or conditions, reducing their effectiveness in certain situations. Thus, there is a need to develop an innovative tool that provide a consistent way of removing sewer lid where traditional methods may fall short and to meet the evolving demands of modern requirements.

[0004] US5741037A A lid removing tool is used to remove a lid from a septic tank opening of a septic tank. The lid removing tool includes an extension member having a first end and a second end and flexible center portion extending therebetween. A hook is secured to the first end and is used to hook a lid hook fixedly secured to the lid of the septic tank. A clasp is attached to the second end and is securable to holes along the flexible center portion of the extension member to adjust the length of the lid removing tool. The flexibility of the lid removing tool allows for a reduction in the amount of earth which must be removed over the lid and provides additional mechanical advantage for the person reducing forces exerted thereby.

[0005] US8282076B2 An opening and closing apparatus of a manhole cover has a simple structure and by which opening and closing operation of a cover can be performed safely by a worker alone. An opening and closing apparatus of a manhole cover has such a configuration that the manhole cover is openably and closably coupled to an opening portion of a supporting frame via a rotational joining portion. A hydraulic jack in which a plunger pump is driven by a manual lever raises a ram and the ram lowers due to releasing of an oil returning valve attached on the supporting frame near the rotational joining portion such that the hydraulic jack is rotatable at a lower end portion thereof, and the hydraulic jack and an engagement member fixed attachably to and detachably from the manhole cover are coupled to each other by a pulling member.

[0006] Conventionally, many devices exist that are capable of assisting the user in sewer lid removal however these devices fail in removing sewer lids of varying dimensions in an effective manner without requiring any manual efforts from user.

[0007] In order to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks, there exists a need in the art to develop a device that is capable of assisting the user in sewer lid removal further the device should be potent enough of removing sewer lids of varying dimensions in an effective manner.

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 assisting the user in sewer lid removal in an easier manner.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of removing sewer lids of varying dimensions in an effective manner.

[0011] Another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of eliminating the time and efforts of the user involved in sewer lid removal.

[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 sewer lid removing device that is capable of assisting the user in easy removal of the sewer lids of varying dimensions in an automatic manner without involvement of the user's time and efforts.

[0014] According to an embodiment of the present invention, an automated sewer lid removing device, comprises of a platform positioned over a fixed surface by means of plurality of motorized omni-directional wheels arranged beneath the platform, wherein the wheels actuates to provide translation to the platform over the surface, a touch interactive display panel installed over the platform to enable a user to provide input regarding removing of a sewer lid, wherein based on user input, a microcontroller linked with the display panel actuates an artificial intelligence based imaging unit installed over the platform and integrated with a processor determines positioning of the sewer lid and accordingly actuates the wheels to position the platform in proximity to the sewer lid, a proximity sensor installed over the platform and synced with the imaging unit to monitor distance of the sewer lid from the platform, an inverted L-shaped hydraulic rod installed over the platform to extend in accordance with the detected distance and position an extendable plate configured with the rod over the sewer lid, a laser measurement sensor installed over the platform and synced with the imaging unit to monitor dimensions of the sewer lid, wherein a motorized drawer arrangement is integrated with the plate and actuated by the microcontroller to provide extension to the plate in accordance with the detected dimensions, plurality of suction units installed over the plate and positioned in contact with the sewer lid, that are actuated by the microcontroller to create a negative pressure to grip the sewer lid in a secured manner, wherein upon gripping of the sewer lid.

[0015] According to another embodiment of the present invention, further comprises, the rod to retract in view of lifting the sewer lid from one side, an inverted L-shaped hydraulic bar installed over the platform to extend in view of positioning a motorized cylindrical roller configured with the bar in between the lifted side of sewer lid and sewer, wherein upon positioning of the roller, the microcontroller actuates the roller to rotate on axis simultaneous to actuation of the bar to extend resulting in translation to the lid over the roller to remove the lid from the sewer, wherein plurality of anchor plates are configured with the platform each by means of an inverted L-shaped hydraulic link that actuated to position the anchor plates over the surface to provide stability to the platform overs aid surface, wherein a tactile sensor is installed over the plate to monitor hardness of the sewer lid based on which the microcontroller evaluates an appropriate pressure to be applied over the sewer lid and according directs the suction units to grip the sewer lid accordingly, wherein a battery is associated with the device for powering up electrical and electronically operated 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 sewer lid removing 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 sewer lid removing device that is capable of assisting the user in easy removal of the sewer lids of varying dimensions in an automatic manner without involvement of the user's time and efforts.

[0022] Referring to Figure 1, an isometric view of an automated sewer lid removing device is illustrated, comprising a platform 1 positioned over a fixed surface by means of plurality of motorized omni-directional wheels 2 arranged beneath the platform 1, a touch interactive display panel 3 installed over the platform 1, an artificial intelligence based imaging unit 4 installed over the platform 1, an inverted L-shaped hydraulic rod 5 installed over the platform 1, plurality of suction units 6 installed over the plate, an inverted L-shaped hydraulic bar 7 installed over the platform 1, a motorized cylindrical roller 8 configured with the bar 7, plurality of anchor plates 9 are configured with the platform 1 each by means of an inverted L-shaped hydraulic link 10.

[0023] The proposed device includes a platform 1 positioned over a fixed surface by means of plurality of motorized omni-directional wheels 2 arranged beneath the platform 1, wherein the wheels 2 actuates to provide translation to the platform 1 over the surface for removing the sewer lid.

[0024] The omnidirectional wheel comprises a wheel coupled with a motor via a shaft that is designed to move the platform 1 in any direction without changing the orientation of the platform 1 offering exceptional maneuverability to the platform 1. Upon actuation of the wheel by the microcontroller, the motor starts to rotate in clockwise or anti-clockwise direction in order to provide movement to the wheel via the shaft. The wheel thus enables the platform 1 to move seamlessly in any direction, making it valuable for moving the platform 1.

[0025] Thereafter the user accesses a touch interactive display panel 3 installed over the platform 1 to provide input regarding removing of a sewer lid. The display panel 3 as mentioned herein is typically an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) screen that presents output in a visible form. The screen is equipped with touch-sensitive technology, allowing the user to interact directly with the display using their fingers. A touch controller IC (Integrated Circuit) is responsible for processing the analog signals generated when the user inputs details regarding lid removal of the sewer.

[0026] The user given inputs are processed by a microcontroller that further actuates an artificial intelligence based imaging unit 4 installed over the platform 1 to capture images of the surroundings. The imaging unit 4 comprises of an image capturing arrangement including a set of lenses that captures multiple images of the surroundings, and the captured images are stored within memory of the imaging unit 4 in form of an optical data. The imaging unit 4 also comprises of a processor that is integrated with artificial intelligence protocols, such that the processor processes the optical data and extracts the required data from the captured images.

[0027] The extracted data is further converted into digital pulses and bits and are further transmitted to the microcontroller. The microcontroller processes the received data and determines the positioning of the sewer lid and based on the positioning of the lid, the microcontroller actuates the wheels 2 to move the platform 1 in proximity to the sewer lid.

[0028] Thereafter a proximity sensor installed over the platform 1 and synced with the imaging unit 4 monitors the distance of the sewer lid from the platform 1. The proximity sensor used herein is preferably an ultrasonic proximity sensor that uses ultrasonic waves to detect the distance of the sewer lid from the platform 1. The ultrasonic proximity sensor typically emits ultrasonic waves towards the sewer lid, the ultrasonic waves hit the sewer lid and bounce back to the sensor's receiver.

[0029] The receiver of the ultrasonic proximity sensor is sensitive to the emitted ultrasonic waves and listens for the reflected waves. When the emitted ultrasonic waves are received by the receiver the proximity sensor sends the data to the microcontroller which processes and analyzes the acquired data for detecting the distance of the sewer lid from the platform 1.

[0030] On the basis of the detected distance the microcontroller actuates an inverted L-shaped hydraulic rod 5 installed over the platform 1 to extend to position an extendable plate configured with the rod 5 over the sewer lid. The hydraulic rod 5 is powered by a hydraulic unit consisting of a hydraulic cylinder, hydraulic compressor, hydraulic valve and piston that work in collaboration for providing the required extension/retraction to the rod 5. The microcontroller actuates the valve to allow passage of hydraulic fluid from the compressor within the cylinder, the hydraulic fluid further develops pressure against the piston and results in pushing and extending the piston.

[0031] The piston is connected with the … and due to applied pressure the rod 5 extends and similarly, the microcontroller retracts the rod 5 by closing the valve resulting in retraction of the piston. The microcontroller regulates the extension/retraction of the rod 5 for positioning the plate over the sewer lid. Thereafter a laser measurement sensor installed over the platform 1 and synced with the imaging unit 4 monitors the dimensions of the sewer lid.

[0032] Further the microcontroller actuates an inverted L-shaped hydraulic link 10 connected with plurality of anchor plates 9 to position the anchor plates 9 over the surface to provide stability to the platform 1 overs the surface, wherein the hydraulic link 10s are also powered by a hydraulic unit.

[0033] The laser measurement sensor consists of an emitter and receiver, and works on the principle of measuring the time delay between the laser beam to travel to the sewer lid and back. The laser sensor emits a light towards the surface of sewer lid and when the laser beam hits the surface of the sewer lid, the beam reflects back towards the receiver of the sensor. Upon detection of reflected beam by the sensor, the sensor precisely measures the time taken for the laser beam to travel to and back from the surface of the sewer lid.

[0034] The sensor then calculates the dimensions of the sewer lid and the calculated dimensions is then converted into electrical signal, in the form of current, and send to a microcontroller. Upon receiving the signals, the microcontroller actuates a motorized drawer arrangement integrated with the plate to provide extension to the plate in accordance with the detected dimensions.

[0035] The drawer arrangement consists of multiple plates 9 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 accordingly with the dimensions of the lid.

[0036] Post accommodation of the plate, the microcontroller actuates plurality of suction units 6 installed over the plate and positioned in contact with the sewer lid, to create a negative pressure to grip the sewer lid in a secured manner. The suction unit works by atmospheric pressure; when the piston is raised, creating a partial vacuum, atmospheric pressure outside forces water into the cylinder, whence it is permitted to escape by an outlet valve that adheres the sewer lid in secured manner, wherein a tactile sensor installed over the plate monitors the hardness of the sewer lid.

[0037] The tactile sensor detects the hardness of the lid by measuring the force of contact between the sensor and the surface of lid. The sensor is typically a small, flat component that is placed against surface of the lid and then pressed down. As the force of contact increases, the sensor measures the amount of pressure being applied and sends a signal to the microcontroller. The microcontroller then interprets the signal and determines the hardness of the lid and accordingly the microcontroller directs the suction units 6 to grip the sewer lid accordingly.

[0038] Upon gripping the lid, the microcontroller actuates the rod 5 to retract in view of lifting the sewer lid from one side. Post lifting the lid from one side the microcontroller actuates an inverted L-shaped hydraulic bar 7 installed over the platform 1 to extend in view of positioning a motorized cylindrical roller 8 configured with the bar 7 in between the lifted side of sewer lid and sewer.

[0039] The hydraulic bar 7 herein is also powered by a hydraulic unit that lifts the sewer lid from one side and thereafter the microcontroller actuates the roller 8 to rotate on axis simultaneous to extend resulting in translation to the lid over the roller 8 to remove the lid from the sewer. The roller 8 comprises a disc coupled with a motor via a shaft wherein upon receiving the command from the microcontroller by the motor, the motor starts to rotate in clockwise or anti-clockwise direction in order to provide movement to the roller 8 for positioning the lid in order to remove the lid of the sewer.

[0040] 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 electrodes 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.

[0041] The proposed device works the best in the following manner, where the platform 1 is positioned over the fixed surface by means of plurality of motorized omni-directional wheels 2 that provides translation to the platform 1 over the surface. Thereafter the user accesses the touch interactive display panel 3 to provide input regarding removing of the sewer lid, and accordingly the artificial intelligence based imaging unit 4 captures images of surroundings, and based on the captured images the microcontroller determines the positioning of the sewer lid and accordingly the wheels 2 positions the platform 1 in proximity to the sewer lid. Thereafter the proximity sensor monitors the distance of the sewer lid from the platform 1 and accordingly the inverted L-shaped hydraulic rod 5 extends in accordance with the detected distance and position the extendable plate configured with the rod 5 over the sewer lid. Now the laser measurement sensor monitors the dimensions of the sewer lid and accordingly the motorized drawer arrangement provides extension to the plate in accordance with the detected dimensions, wherein the plurality of suction units 6 get positioned in contact with the sewer lid by creating a negative pressure to grip the sewer lid in secured manner, and upon gripping of the sewer lid, the rod 5 retracts in view of lifting the sewer lid from one side, post lifting the sewer lid the inverted L-shaped hydraulic bar 7 extends in view of positioning the motorized cylindrical roller 8 that rotates on axis resulting in translation to the lid over the roller 8 to remove the lid from the sewer.

[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 sewer lid removing device, comprising:

i) a platform 1 positioned over a fixed surface by means of plurality of motorized omni-directional wheels 2 arranged beneath said platform 1, wherein said wheels 2 actuates to provide translation to said platform 1 over said surface;

ii) a touch interactive display panel 3 installed over said platform 1 to enable a user to provide input regarding removing of a sewer lid, wherein based on user input, a microcont roller 8 linked with said display panel 3 actuates an artificial intelligence based imaging unit 4 installed over said platform 1 and integrated with a processor for capturing and processing images of surroundings, based on which said microcontroller linked with said processor, determines positioning of said sewer lid and accordingly actuates said wheels 2 to position said platform 1 in proximity to said sewer lid;

iii) a proximity sensor installed over said platform 1 and synced with said imaging unit 4 to monitor distance of said sewer lid from said platform 1, wherein an inverted L-shaped hydraulic rod 5 installed over said platform 1 and actuated by said microcontroller to extend in accordance with said detected distance and position an extendable plate configured with said rod 5 over said sewer lid;

iv) a laser measurement sensor installed over said platform 1 and synced with said imaging unit 4 to monitor dimensions of said sewer lid, wherein a motorized drawer arrangement is integrated with said plate and actuated by said microcontroller to provide extension to said plate in accordance with said detected dimensions;

v) plurality of suction units 6 installed over said plate and positioned in contact with said sewer lid, that are actuated by said microcontroller to create a negative pressure to grip said sewer lid in a secured manner, wherein upon gripping of said sewer lid, said microcontroller actuates said rod 5 to retract in view of lifting said sewer lid from one side; and

vi) an inverted L-shaped hydraulic bar 7 installed over said platform 1 and actuated by said microcontroller to extend in view of positioning a motorized cylindrical roller 8 configured with said bar 7 in between said lifted side of sewer lid and sewer, wherein upon positioning of said roller 8, said microcontroller actuates said roller 8 to rotate on axis simultaneous to actuation of said bar 7 to extend resulting in translation to said lid over said roller 8 to remove said lid from said sewer.

2) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein plurality of anchor plates 9 are configured with said platform 1 each by means of an inverted L-shaped hydraulic link 10 that actuated to position said anchor plates 9 over said surface to provide stability to said platform 1 overs aid surface.

3) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a tactile sensor is installed over said plate to monitor hardness of said sewer lid based on which said microcontroller evaluates an appropriate pressure to be applied over said sewer lid and according directs said suction units 6 to grip said sewer lid accordingly.

4) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said hydraulic rod 5, bar 7 and link 10 are linked to a hydraulic unit, including an air compressor, air cylinders, air valves and piston which works in collaboration to aid in extension and retraction of said rod 5, bar 7 and link 10.

5) 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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