AUTOMATED TAPES HOLDING DEVICE

Abstract

An automated tapes holding device, comprising a vertical platform 1 installed on a fixed surface, a plate 2 that is accessed by a user for accommodating multiple tapes on plate 2, plurality of triangular flaps 3 arranged on plate 2 via a motorized slider 4 to translate flaps 3 along slider 4 for establishing a partition in between accommodated tapes, an imaging unit 5 to determine dimensions of accommodated tapes, plurality of motorized omnidirectional first wheels 6 arranged on flaps 3 over which accommodated tapes rests, a plank 7 by means of a motorized guiding rack 8 to translate plank 7 in a manner that multiple motorized second wheels 9 integrated on the plank 7 gets in contact with the tapes and a motorized first gripper 11 to acquire a grip on end of the tape in order to unroll the tape.

Specification

Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to an automated tapes holding device that is capable of holding multiple tapes in an automated manner thereby managing the tapes at a place. Additionally, the proposed device is capable of cutting the tape from the user-specified length as per the requirement.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] A tape is a type of adhesive film made primarily from plastic materials. It is used widely for various purposes, such as packaging, sealing, insulating electric wires and cables, and in crafting. Generally, one side of these plastic tapes consist of adhesive. These plastic tapes are available in different sizes and thickness based on their application. Traditionally, many tools are used to hold and dispense plastic tapes. A tape dispenser is commonly used for holding and dispensing plastic tapes, tape guns are used to apply and cut the tapes during the sealing of boxes. Also some automatic tape dispensers are available that automatically cut and dispense a pre-determined length of tape.

[0003] While the traditional methods and tools for holding and dispensing tapes offer many benefits but they also pose many challenges and drawbacks. Certain tape holders are designed for specific types or widths of tapes, thereby limiting versatility of using tapes of different sizes and thickness. Also these traditional tape holders are incapable of dispensing a user-specified length of tape and only dispense a pre-determined length of tape, thereby lack in providing versatility and reducing manual efforts. Also manual unrolling and cutting the tape is time-consuming and cumbersome.

[0004] US20130341373A1 discloses about an invention which includes a row of plastic teeth where each tooth includes left and right front and rear faces, each face being disposed on a different plane, and where the planes intersect each other at the tip of the tooth. A front edge extends between the left and right front faces; a rear edge extends between the left and right rear faces; a left side edge extends between the right front and rear faces; and a right side edge extends between the left front face and the right rear face. The various edges are set at particular angles relative to each other. A protrusion for supporting the tape is provided rearwardly of the teeth and a braking mechanism is also provided on the dispenser.

[0005] EP1651550A2 discloses about an invention which includes an application surface with an opening therein. A plurality of rollers are provided within the housing, wherein the rollers coact with each other and the tape surfaces to retain, guide and feed the tape through the opening to the application surface. When the application surface of the tape dispenser passes over the substrate in one direction the outer surface of a roller engages the substrate causing the roller to roll along the substrate and to coact and drive the other rollers. This causes the rollers to grip the surfaces of the tape and feed the tape through the opening enabling the adhesive tape to be applied to the substrate.

[0006] Conventionally, many devices have been developed that are capable of assisting a user in accommodating tapes. However, these devices are incapable of holding and managing multiple tapes in an automated manner, and fails in reducing manual efforts as well as consumption of time in managing multiple tapes. Additionally, these existing devices also lack in unrolling and cutting the tape as per the user-specified length in an automated manner.

[0007] In order to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks, there exists a need in the art to develop a device that is capable of holding and managing multiple tapes in an automated manner. In addition, the developed device should also unroll and cut the tape as per the user-specified length in an automated and precise 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 holding multiple tapes in an automated manner thereby managing the tapes at a place.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of cutting the tape as per the requirement of the user from the user-specified length.

[0011] Yet another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is portable and reliable in nature.

[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 tapes holding device that is capable of holding and managing multiple tapes in an automated manner. Additionally, the proposed device is also portable in nature and provides reliability to the user.

[0014] According to an embodiment of the present invention, an automated tapes holding device comprises of a vertical platform developed to be installed on a fixed surface, lower portion of the platform is arranged with a plate that is accessed by a user for accommodating multiple tapes on the plate, plurality of triangular flaps arranged on the plates by means of a motorized slider to translate the flaps along the slider in view of establishing a partition in between the accommodated tapes, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit is installed on the platform and integrated with a processor to determine dimensions of the accommodated tapes, plurality of motorized omnidirectional first wheels arranged on the flaps over which the accommodated tapes rests, and a plank is mounted on the platform by means of a motorized guiding rack to translate the plank in a manner that multiple motorized second wheels integrated on the plank gets in contact with the tapes.

[0015] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the proposed device further comprises of a microphone integrated on the platform that is accessed by a user for providing input regarding length of a particular kind of tape required by the user, a motorized first gripper integrated on the platform to get in contact with end of the tape, a wedge integrated on the gripper to acquire a grip on end of the tape in order to unroll the tape, an ultrasonic sensor integrated on the platform and synced with the imaging unit for monitoring length of the unrolled tape, a motorized second gripper mounted on the platform and integrated with a blade to cut the user-specified length of the tape, the wheels rotate for rolling the tape in view of positioning portion of the tape having end of the tape on top, and a battery is configured with the platform 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 tapes holding 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 tapes holding device that is capable of holding and managing multiple tapes in an automated manner. Additionally, the proposed device is also capable to cut the tape as per the requirement of the user from the user-specified length.

[0022] Referring to Figure 1, an isometric view of an automated tapes holding device is illustrated, comprising a vertical platform 1 developed to be installed on a fixed surface, lower portion of the platform 1 is arranged with a plate 2, plurality of triangular flaps 3 arranged on the plate 2 by means of a motorized slider 4, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 5 is installed on the platform 1, plurality of motorized omnidirectional first wheels 6 arranged on the flaps 3, a plank 7 is mounted on the platform 1 by means of a motorized guiding rack 8, multiple motorized second wheels 9 integrated on the plank 7, a microphone 10 integrated on the platform 1, a motorized first gripper 11 integrated on the platform 1, a wedge 12 integrated on the gripper and a motorized second gripper 13 mounted on the platform 1 and integrated with a blade 14.

[0023] The device disclosed herein includes a vertical platform 1 developed to be installed on a fixed surface. Herein, lower portion of said platform 1 is arranged with a plate 2 that is accessed by a user for accommodating multiple tapes on said plate 2. The platform 1 is cast with highly durable materials and is rigid in nature with a flat cuboidal shape, offering a large space to accommodate multiple mechanical and electrical units. Also, the platform 1 is light in weight allowing the user to place the platform 1 from one site to another, as per the requirement of the user. The outer surface of the platform 1 is layered with thin paint sheets protecting the platform 1 from accumulating dust and any water buildup as well as preventing the platform 1 from rusting if exposed to the outer atmosphere.

[0024] The platform 1 is equipped with plurality of triangular flaps 3 arranged on said plate 2s by means of a motorized slider that is actuated by an inbuilt microcontroller to translate said flaps 3 along said slider 4 in view of establishing a partition in between said accommodated tapes. The motorized slider 4 consists of a pair of sliding rails fabricated with grooves in which the wheel of a slider 4 is positioned that is further connected with a bi-directional motor via a shaft. The microcontroller actuates the bi-directional motor to rotate in a clockwise and anti-clockwise direction that aids in the rotation of the shaft, wherein the shaft converts the electrical energy into rotational energy for allowing movement of the wheel to translate over the sliding rail by a firm grip on the grooves. The movement of the sliding unit results in the translation of the flaps 3.

[0025] Herein, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 5 is installed on said platform 1 in order to capture multiple images in proximity to the platform 1 for determining dimensions of the accommodated tapes. The artificial intelligence (AI)-based imaging unit 5 refers to a camera that incorporates AI protocols to enhance its functionality and capabilities. AI protocols are used to process and analyses the images or videos captured by the camera, enabling it to perform various tasks beyond traditional image capturing. The AI analysis is performed locally on the camera itself and the real-time processing on the camera enables immediate responses and faster decision- making. The camera captures images or records videos by the help of specialized lenses designed to capture high-quality visuals.

[0026] The captured data is pre-processed to enhance its quality and prepare it for AI analysis. This pre-processing involves tasks such as noise reduction, images stabilization, or color correction. The processed data is fed into AI protocols for analysis which utilizes machine learning techniques, such as deep learning neural networks, to extract meaningful information from the visual data such as identification of dimension of the accommodated tapes. Also, an inbuilt microcontroller is pre-fed with the instructions required to control the operation of various components associated with the proposed device.

[0027] Moreover, plurality of motorized omnidirectional first wheels 6 arranged on said flaps 3 over which said accommodated tapes rests, wherein a plank 7 is mounted on said platform 1 by means of a motorized guiding rack 8 that is actuated by said microcontroller to translate said plank 7 in a manner that multiple motorized second wheels 9 integrated on said plank 7 gets in contact with said tapes. The motorized wheels are a circular object that revolves on an axle to enable the body to move easily over the ground surface.

[0028] For maneuvering the body each of the wheels
need to rotate and which is governed by a hub motor fit in the hub of each of
the wheels. The hub motor is an electric motor that is integrated into the hub
of the wheels. The hub motor comprises of a series of permanent magnets and
electromagnetic coils. When the motor is activated, a magnetic field is set up
in the coil and when the magnetic field of the coil interacts with the magnetic
field of the permanent magnets, a magnetic torque is generated causing the
stator of the motor to turn and that provides the rotation motion to the wheels
for maneuvering the body on the ground surface.

[0029] Synchronously, a microphone 10 integrated on said platform 1 that is accessed by a user for providing input regarding length of a particular kind of tape required by said user, in accordance to which said microcontroller actuates a motorized first gripper 11 integrated on said platform 1 to get in contact with end of said tape, followed by actuation of said a wedge 12 integrated on said gripper to acquire a grip on end of said tape in order to unroll said tape.

[0030] The microphone 10 is a type of transducer which converts the sound into electrical signal. The magnetic field created due to current in the voice coil interacts with the magnetic field of the microphone 10's magnet, which forces the coil to move back and forth, this movement of the coil is detected by the microcontroller in the form of electrical signal. Also, an ultrasonic sensor integrated on said platform 1 and synced with said imaging unit 5 for monitoring length of said unrolled tape and upon matching of said monitored length with said user-specified length, said microcontroller actuates a motorized second gripper 13 mounted on said platform 1 and integrated with a blade 14 to cut said user-specified length of said tape.

[0031] The ultrasonic sensor comprises of an ultrasonic emitter and a receiver. On actuation the ultrasonic emitter emits the ultrasonic waves towards the surface and the ultrasonic waves got reflected back after striking with the surface of the unrolled tape which are received by the receiver. Now the receiver detects the reflected waves that bounce back from the surface and converts them back into electrical signals. The sensor measures the time it takes for the ultrasonic waves to travel from the sensor to the surface and back. It starts a timer when the waves are emitted and stops it when the reflected waves are detected. The elapsed time is known as the "time of flight" (TOF). Using the known speed of sound in the medium through which the waves are travelling, the shape to the surface is determined.

[0032] The device is associated with a battery integrated with the device for supplying a continuous DC (direct current) voltage to the components such as motors, microcontrollers and various other components that are associated with it. The battery used in the invention is preferably Lithium-ion battery that is rechargeable once again after getting drained out for proper functioning of the components.

[0033] The present invention works best in the following manner, where the vertical platform 1 developed to be installed on a fixed surface as disclosed in the proposed invention is fabricated with the plate 2 that is accessed by a user for accommodating multiple tapes on said plate 2. Now, the plurality of triangular flaps 3 by means of a motorized slider 4 to translate said flaps 3 along said slider 4 in view of establishing a partition in between said accommodated tapes. Then, the artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 5 to determine dimensions of said accommodated tapes and the plurality of motorized omnidirectional first wheels 6 over which said accommodated tapes rests and the plank 7 by means of a motorized guiding rack 8 to translate said plank 7 in a manner that multiple motorized second wheels 9 integrated on said plank 7 gets in contact with said tapes. Further, the microphone 10 that is accessed by a user for providing input regarding length of a particular kind of tape required by said user and the motorized first gripper 11 to acquire a grip on end of said tape in order to unroll said tape. Now, the ultrasonic sensor for monitoring length of said unrolled tape and the motorized second gripper 13 to cut said user-specified length of said tape.

[0034] 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 tapes holding device, comprising:

i) a vertical platform 1 developed to be installed on a fixed surface, wherein lower portion of said platform 1 is arranged with a plate 2 that is accessed by a user for accommodating multiple tapes on said plate 2;
ii) plurality of triangular flaps 3 arranged on said plate 2s by means of a motorized slider 4 that is actuated by an inbuilt microcontroller to translate said flaps 3 along said slider 4 in view of establishing a partition in between said accommodated tapes, wherein an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 5 is installed on said platform 1 and integrated with a processor for capturing and processing multiple images in vicinity of said platform 1, respectively to determine dimensions of said accommodated tapes;
iii) plurality of motorized omnidirectional first wheels 6 arranged on said flaps 3 over which said accommodated tapes rests, wherein a plank 7 is mounted on said platform 1 by means of a motorized guiding rack 8 that is actuated by said microcontroller to translate said plank 7 in a manner that multiple motorized second wheels 9 integrated on said plank 7 gets in contact with said tapes;
iv) a microphone 10 integrated on said platform 1 that is accessed by a user for providing input regarding length of a particular kind of tape required by said user, in accordance to which said microcontroller actuates a motorized first gripper 11 integrated on said platform 1 to get in contact with end of said tape, followed by actuation of said a wedge 12 integrated on said gripper to acquire a grip on end of said tape in order to unroll said tape; and
v) an ultrasonic sensor integrated on said platform 1 and synced with said imaging unit 5 for monitoring length of said unrolled tape and upon matching of said monitored length with said user-specified length, said microcontroller actuates a motorized second gripper 13 mounted on said platform 1 and integrated with a blade 14 to cut said user-specified length of said tape.

2) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said wheels are actuated by said microcontroller to rotate for rolling said tape in view of positioning portion of said tape having end of said tape on top.

3) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a battery is configured with said platform 1 for providing a continuous power supply to electronically powered components associated with said device.

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