AUTOMATED SURFACE TILES GROUTING DEVICE

Abstract

An automated surface tiles grouting device, comprising a cuboidal body 101 positioned in proximity to a surface laid with tiles, a touch enabled screen 102 installed on the body 101 for enabling a user to give input commands for grouting of tiles, a camera 103 mounted on the body 101 to detect location and dimensions of the grouts, an electronic nozzle 104 attached with a chamber 105 stored with an epoxy resin and configured at a base portion of the body 101 for dispensing the epoxy resin on grouts present between two adjacent tiles, a curved-shaped extendable flap 106 configured with the base portion of the body 101 for wiping the extra epoxy resin, plurality of iris pores 107 configured on the flap 106 and connected with a suction unit 201 to open for generating a vacuum pressure in withdrawing of the extra wiped resin.

Specification

Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to an automated surface tiles grouting device that is capable of detecting grout present between two adjacent tiles and accordingly dispensing epoxy resin between the tiles, thereby efficiently and precisely grouting tiled surfaces.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Grout is a mixture typically comprising cement, water, and sometimes sand, utilized in construction and tiling projects to fill the gaps, or joints, between tiles. Serving as both a structural support and aesthetic enhancer, grout provides stability to tiled surfaces while sealing against moisture infiltration, thereby preventing water damage and maintaining the integrity of the installation. Additionally, grout aids in enhancing the visual appeal of tiled areas by offering a cohesive finish and facilitating easier maintenance by preventing debris accumulation in tile joints.

[0003] Traditional methods of grouting involve manual application of grouting materials, such as cement-based mixtures, by using handheld tools like grout floats or trowels. Workers manually spread the grout over the tiled surface, pressing it into the joints between tiles to fill them completely. However, these manual methods are labor-intensive, time-consuming, and require skilled labor to achieve a uniform finish. Inconsistencies in grout application, such as uneven filling or excess grout residue, are common, leading to aesthetic imperfections and potential durability issues. Thus, there is a need to develop a device that automates the grouting process, improving efficiency, consistency, and ease of use while minimizing errors and reducing labor requirement and enhance the quality of grout application, and ultimately optimize the overall tiling process.

[0004] CN219794760U discloses a floor tile hollowing grouting device which comprises a floor tile and a mortar bonding layer for bonding the floor tile, wherein a hollowing area is reserved between the floor tile and the mortar bonding layer, grouting micropores and exhaust holes are formed in the top of the floor tile, the top of the floor tile is connected with a grouting pipe through a fixing component, a clamping mechanism is arranged at the top end of the grouting pipe, a guide pipe is arranged in the center of the clamping mechanism, the fixing component comprises a small sucker, a guide rod, a large sucker and a fixing piece, the fixing piece is welded with the circumferential outer wall of the bottom of the grouting pipe respectively, each guide rod is connected to one side of the fixing piece in a rotating mode, and the small sucker is clamped at the bottom end of the guide rod through a fixing rod. The utility model solves the problem that grouting liquid cannot enter the empty part by arranging the micropores, and ensures that the grouting liquid has enough pressure to enter the empty part by arranging the special grouting pipe, and simultaneously, the oversized grouting holes can not be caused. Although, CN'760 discloses a floor tile hollowing grouting device that addresses the issue of grouting liquid entering empty areas by utilizing grouting micropores and a specialized grouting pipe however the device does not offer the comprehensive features and functionalities present in the current invention, which aims to significantly enhance the efficiency, precision, and convenience of grouting operations for tiled surfaces.

[0005] US20080241294A1 discloses a tile grouting machine has an electric motor mounted in a housing. At one end of the housing is a rubber boot having an outer edge and a back wall so as to form a cavity to receive grout. A drive connects the shaft of the motor to the boot and the drive includes a cam for shaking the boot in a direction parallel to the plane defined by the open end of the boot. Although, US'294 discloses a tile grouting machine with a motorized shaking mechanism for distributing grout, however the device does not offer the comprehensive features and functionalities present in the current invention, which aims to significantly enhance the efficiency, precision, and convenience of grouting operations for tiled surfaces.

[0006] Conventionally, many devices have been developed for grouting the surfaces however the devices does not detect exact location of tiled surface for performing grouting and also lacks in collecting excess grouting materials, thus it requires manual invention for grouting tiled surface which becomes cumbersome for the user.

[0007] In order to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks, there exists a need in the art to develop a device that detects grout present between two adjacent tiles and accordingly dispensing epoxy resin between the tiles, thereby efficiently and precisely grouting tiled surfaces along with collecting excess grouting materials, thereby maintaining cleanliness and minimizing post-grouting clean-up efforts.

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 detects grout present between two adjacent tiles and accordingly dispensing epoxy resin between the tiles, thereby efficiently and precisely grouting tiled surfaces.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to develop a device that facilitates efficient collection of excess grouting materials, maintaining cleanliness and minimizing post-grouting clean-up efforts.

[0011] Another object of the present invention is to develop a device that monitors the level of grouting materials and alerts users when replenishment is needed, ensuring uninterrupted grouting operations.

[0012] Yet another object of the present invention is to develop a device that regulates the temperature of grouting materials, ensuring optimal viscosity and flow characteristics for effective grouting results.

[0013] 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

[0014] The present invention relates to an automated surface tiles grouting device that detects locations and dimensions of grout on tiled surfaces and enables controlled dispensing of grouting materials between the tiled surfaces along with removing excess grouting materials from the tiled surface, thereby minimizing wastage.

[0015] According to an embodiment of the present invention, an automated surface tiles grouting device comprises of a cuboidal body positioned on a ground surface in proximity to a surface laid with tiles, a touch enabled screen installed on the body for enabling a user to give input commands for grouting of tiles, a camera mounted on the body to detect exact location of grouts present on the tiles and dimensions of the grouts, plurality of motorized omnidirectional wheels configured underneath the body for maneuvering and positioning the body on the grouts over which grouting is to be performed, an electronic nozzle attached with a chamber stored with an epoxy resin and configured at a base portion of the body for continuously dispensing the epoxy resin on grouts present between two adjacent tiles, a curved-shaped extendable flap configured with the base portion of the body to position in contact with surface of the tiles in view of wiping the extra epoxy resin in direction of motion of the body over the tiles, plurality of iris pores configured on the flap and connected with a suction unit to open for generating a vacuum pressure in withdrawing of the extra wiped resin and collecting the resin in a receptacle paired with the suction unit.

[0016] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the proposed device further comprises of a temperature sensor embedded within the chamber to detect temperature of surroundings, a Peltier unit configured within the chamber to maintain an optimum temperature level inside the chamber, thereby eliminating chances of thickening of the epoxy resin, a level sensor is embedded within the chamber for detecting level of the epoxy resin, respectively, and as soon as the detected level recedes a threshold level, the microcontroller sends an alert on the computing unit for notifying the user to re-fill the chamber, wherein the microcontroller is wirelessly linked with the computing unit via a communication module which includes, but not limited to Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity) module, Bluetooth module, GSM (Global System for Mobile Communication) module and a battery is associated with the device for powering up electrical and electronically operated components associated with the device.

[0017] 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

[0018] 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 surface tiles grouting device; and
Figure 2 illustrates a bottom view of a curved-shaped extendable flap associated with the proposed device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0019] 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.

[0020] 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.

[0021] 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.

[0022] The present invention relates to an automated surface tiles grouting device that is capable of detecting locations and dimensions of grout on tiled surfaces and accordingly dispensing grouting materials between the tiled surfaces along with removing excess grouting materials from the tiled surface, thereby minimizing wastage and precisely grouting tiled surfaces.

[0023] Referring to Figure 1 and Figure 2, an isometric view of an automated surface tiles grouting device and a bottom view of a curved-shaped extendable flap are illustrated, respectively comprising a cuboidal body 101 positioned in proximity to a surface laid with tiles, a touch enabled screen 102 installed on the body 101, a camera 103 mounted on the body 101, an electronic nozzle 104 attached with a chamber 105 stored with an epoxy resin and configured at a base portion of the body 101, a curved-shaped extendable flap 106 configured with the base portion of the and plurality of iris pores 107 configured on the flap 106 and connected with a suction unit 201 and a receptacle 202 paired with the suction unit 201.

[0024] The proposed device herein comprises of a cuboidal body 101 positioned on a ground surface in proximity to a surface laid with tiles, wherein the body 101 is constructed using durable and lightweight materials such as high-grade plastics, reinforced polymers, or lightweight metals like aluminium alloys.

[0025] A touch enabled screen 102 is installed on the body 101 for enabling a user to give input commands for grouting of tiles. The touch enabled screen 102 consists of tiny wires that complete a circuit when connected by the touch of the user while providing the input data. The input data is registered within a database of an inbuilt microcontroller associated with the device for processing the input data given by the user.

[0026] The microcontroller on processing the input commands, activates a camera 103 mounted on the body 101 to detect exact location of grouts present on the tiles and dimensions of the grouts. The camera 103 comprises of an image capturing arrangement including a set of lenses that captures multiple images of the tiles, and the captured images are stored within a memory of camera 103 in form of an optical data. The camera 103 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. 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 detects exact location of grouts present on the tiles and dimensions of the grouts.

[0027] Upon detecting the location of grouts, the microcontroller activates plurality of motorized omnidirectional wheels configured underneath the body 101 for maneuvering the body 101 on the grouts. The wheels are powered by a DC (direct current) motor that is capable of converting the electric current provided from an external force into mechanical force for providing the required power to the wheels for maneuvering and positioning the body 101 on the grouts over which grouting is to be performed. Further, an electronic nozzle 104 is attached with a chamber 105 stored with an epoxy resin and configured at a base portion of the body 101 that is activated by the microcontroller for continuously dispensing the epoxy resin on grouts present between two adjacent tiles.

[0028] A curved-shaped extendable flap 106 is configured with the base portion of the body 101, wherein upon filling the grouts with the epoxy resin, the microcontroller actuates the flap 106 to position in contact with surface of the tiles in view of wiping the extra epoxy resin in direction of motion of the body 101 over the tiles.

[0029] Plurality of iris pores 107 are configured on the flap 106 and connected with a suction unit 201 that are actuated by the microcontroller to get opened. The iris pores 107 comprises of a ring and a blade with multiple protrusions. The ring is fabricated with multiple grooves. The protrusions on the blades engage with the grooves on the ring in order to link the movement of the ring and blades. As the ring rotates, the protrusions move within the grooves to open or close the pores 107 according to the degree of rotation of the ring. The ring is installed with the motor that is actuated by the microcontroller for rotating the ring with a specified speed to regulate the opening of the iris pores 107.

[0030] The microcontroller then actuates the suction unit 201 for generating a vacuum pressure in withdrawing of the extra wiped resin and collecting the resin. The suction unit 201 works on the principle of flow of air from area of high pressure to area of low pressure. An electric motor is attached to a fan that spins the fan at high velocities. The fast-spinning fan creates a region of low pressure inside the conduit of the suction unit 201. Extra wiped resin are sucked into the conduit and thus storing the extra wiped resin within a receptacle 202 paired with the suction unit 201.

[0031] A temperature sensor is embedded within the chamber 105 to detect temperature of surroundings. The working of a temperature sensor depends upon the voltage across the diode. The temperature change is directly proportional to the diode's resistance. The cooler the temperature, lesser will be the resistance, and vice-versa. The resistance across the diode is measured by the sensor and the measured value is send to the microcontroller. The microcontroller processes the measured temperature of the surroundings and in accordance to which the microcontroller activates a Peltier unit configured within the chamber 105 to maintain an optimum temperature level inside the chamber 105.

[0032] The Peltier unit operates based on the Peltier effect, a thermoelectric phenomenon. The Peltier unit consists of semiconductor materials arranged in a series of alternating n-type and p-type elements. When an electric current is applied to the elements, it results in the transfer of heat from one side of the unit to the other, creating a cooling effect on one side and a heating effect on the opposite side thus, the Peltier unit for maintaining the optimum temperature level inside the chamber 105 thereby eliminating chances of thickening of the epoxy resin.

[0033] A level sensor is embedded within the chamber 105 for detecting level of the epoxy resin, respectively. The level sensor comprises of an infrared (IR) emitter and a photodiode. The sensor detects the presence of water by measuring the intensity of infrared light that is reflected back into the photodiode. The received intensity of the infrared light is then sent in the form of electrical signal to the microcontroller and thus the microcontroller detects the level of epoxy resin and as soon as the detected level recedes a threshold level, the microcontroller sends an alert on the computing unit for notifying the user to re-fill the chamber 105.

[0034] The computing unit is linked with the microcontroller via an integrated communication module which includes, but not limited to Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity) module, Bluetooth module, GSM (Global System for Mobile Communication) module for establishing a wireless network between the microcontroller and computing unit, thus notifying the user regarding refilling of the chamber 105.

[0035] A device is associated with a battery for providing the required power to the electronically and electrically operated components including the microcontroller, electrically powered sensors, motorized components and alike of the device. The battery within the device is preferably a lithium-ion-battery which is a rechargeable battery and recharges by deriving the required power from an external power source. The derived power is further stored in form of chemical energy within the battery, which when required by the components of the device derive the required energy in the form of electric current for ensuring smooth and proper functioning of the device.

[0036] The present invention works best in the following manner, where the cuboidal body 101 positioned on a ground surface in proximity to a surface laid with tiles, wherein the touch enabled screen 102 is installed on the body 101 for enabling a user to give input commands for grouting of tiles. The microcontroller on processing the input commands, activates the camera 103 to detect exact location of grouts present on the tiles and dimensions of the grouts and activates the plurality of motorized omnidirectional wheels for maneuvering the body 101 on the grouts. The curved-shaped extendable flap 106 is configured with the base portion of the body 101, wherein upon filling the grouts with the epoxy resin, the microcontroller actuates the flap 106 to position in contact with surface of the tiles in view of wiping the extra epoxy resin in direction of motion of the body 101 over the tiles. Plurality of iris pores 107 are configured on the flap 106 and connected with the suction unit 201 that are actuated by the microcontroller to get opened and then actuates the suction unit 201 for generating the vacuum pressure in withdrawing of the extra wiped resin and collecting the resin and thus storing the extra wiped resin within the receptacle 202. The temperature sensor is embedded within the chamber 105 to detect temperature of surroundings in accordance to which the microcontroller activates the Peltier unit configured within the chamber 105 to maintain an optimum temperature level inside the chamber 105. The level sensor is embedded within the chamber 105 for detecting level of the epoxy resin, respectively and as soon as the detected level recedes a threshold level, the microcontroller sends an alert on the computing unit for notifying the user to re-fill the chamber 105.

[0037] 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 individuals skilled in the art upon reference to the description of the invention. , Claims:1) An automated surface tiles grouting device, comprising:

i) a cuboidal body 101 positioned on a ground surface in proximity to a surface laid with tiles, wherein a touch enabled screen 102 is installed on said body 101 for enabling a user to give input commands for grouting of tiles;
ii) a microcontroller linked with said screen 102 for processing said input commands and activating a camera 103 mounted on said body 101 for capturing multiple images of surroundings, wherein said microcontroller processes said captured images by means of an artificial intelligence protocol encrypted with said microcontroller to detect exact location of grouts present on said tiles and dimensions of said grouts;
iii) plurality of motorized omnidirectional wheels configured underneath said body 101 that are actuated by said microcontroller for maneuvering and positioning said body 101 on said grouts over which grouting is to be performed, wherein an electronic nozzle 104 attached with a chamber 105 stored with an epoxy resin and configured at a base portion of said body 101 that is activated by said microcontroller for continuously dispensing said epoxy resin on grouts present between two adjacent tiles;
iv) a curved-shaped extendable flap 106 configured with said base portion of said body 101, wherein upon filling said grouts with said epoxy resin, said microcontroller actuates said flap 106 to position in contact with surface of said tiles in view of wiping said extra epoxy resin in direction of motion of said body 101 over said tiles; and
v) plurality of iris pores 107 configured on said flap 106 and connected with a suction unit 201, wherein upon actuation of said flap 106, said microcontroller actuates said iris pores 107 to open, followed by actuation of said suction unit 201 for generating a vacuum pressure in withdrawing of said extra wiped resin and collecting said resin in a receptacle 202 paired with said suction unit 201.

2) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a temperature sensor embedded within said chamber 105 to detect temperature of surroundings, in accordance to which said microcontroller activates a Peltier unit configured within said chamber 105 to maintain an optimum temperature level inside said chamber 105, thereby eliminating chances of thickening of said epoxy resin.

3) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a level sensor is embedded within said chamber 105 for detecting level of said epoxy resin, respectively, and as soon as said detected level recedes a threshold level, said microcontroller sends an alert on said computing unit for notifying said user to re-fill said chamber 105.

4) The device as claimed in claim 1 and 3, wherein said microcontroller is wirelessly linked with said computing unit via a communication module which includes, but not limited to Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity) module, Bluetooth module, GSM (Global System for Mobile Communication) module.

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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