AUTOMATED VEHICLE RIM POLISHING DEVICE

Abstract

An automated vehicle rim polishing device, comprising a platform 101 developed to be placed over a ground surface, a rotatable hollow cylindrical body 201 coupled on the platform 101 to position a rim of a vehicle, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 103 is associated with the platform 101 to monitor dimensions of the rim, a motorized drawer arrangement configured with the body 201 for accommodating the rim within the body 201, multiple motorized clippers 202 configured with bottom portion of the body 201 to grip the rim, a speaker mapped on the platform 101 for notifying the user to re-fill the chamber 104, a motorized iris unit 105 integrated on bottom portion of the chamber 104 for dispensing the polishing materials inside the body 201 and a robotic arm 108 arranged on the platform 101 and attached with a motorized scrubbing unit to scrub the rim.

Specification

Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to an automated vehicle rim polishing device that is capable providing a means to accommodate vehicle rim of different dimensions for polishing the vehicle rim in an automated manner, thereby enhancing the optimal performance of the vehicle rim along with increasing its lifespan.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Wheels are disk or circular frames that revolves on an axle. Wheels are used to move vehicles from one place to another. Rims are attached in the wheels to support and seal the tire of the wheel. Rims are the installed to support the tyres and make the wheel more elegant as well as strength full. The cost of the rim is very high because of the chrome and high strength steel materials. Their outer finishing also increases wheels price.

[0003] The rims are expensive and also the core support of the wheel so, it is essential to protect the rims in order to increase the line span of the wheel and to enhance the comfort of the vehicle. Rim protecting devices are installed around the wheels but their installation and polishing is difficult for an individual. Usually Rim polishing are done in a manual manner which requires a bunch of human effort. There is always a high risk of human injury and also have high probability of rim break during polishing the rim of a wheel.

[0004] CN2900084Y discloses a dual-wheel polishing machine that can reduce the roughness of the upper and lower surface of workpiece at the same time is provided. The utility model is characterized in that: an upper and a lower polishing wheel and an axis head of the lower polishing wheel pass through a clearance control board and are positioned in a gear wheel in the machine stand; a transmission chain connects the upper polishing wheel, the axis head of the lower polishing wheel and a tensioning wheel to a motor. When the motor rotates, the upper and lower polishing wheels can rotate synchronically in opposite direction; the clearance between the upper and lower polishing wheels can be adjusted by pushing and pulling the clearance control board horizontally. Besides, the pressure of the polishing wheel towards the workpieces with different thickness can be adjusted conveniently. Therefore, the utility model can be widely applied for the dual-surface polishing of a plurality of tableware and tools. Though CN'084, discloses a dual-wheel polishing machine that aids in reducing roughness of the surface of the wheel. However, the machine lacks in the versatility to provide shine to the wheel.

[0005] US20100304647A1 discloses a device for polishing wheels of truck or cars without removing the valve or the tire of the wheel. The device comprises three parts: a relative assembly fixed to a stand subject to an angular movement and housed upon a pendulum in extension. The rotative assembly includes a motor connected to a primary speed reducer 10:1 linked to a second speed reducer 60:1 fixed to a jaw turning at an average speed of 3 rpm, on which a wheel is positioned. The device is auto lubricating when a relative orientation of one reducer with respect to the other at 15° allows to maintain oil level in a critical reducer to prevent friction of mobile part inside the critical reducer. The pendulum possesses a pair of wheels to permit the displacement of the assembly on the ground while an actuator located on the pendulum causes the angular movement of the stand. Although, US'647 discloses a device for polishing wheels of truck or cars without removing the valve or the tire of the wheel. However, the device lacks in the versatility to accommodate a wider range of wheel polishing related task.

[0006] Conventionally, there exist many devices that are capable of polishing a vehicle rim, however these existing devices are incapable of providing a means to polish a vehicle rim of multiple dimension for enhancing the optimal performance of the vehicle rim. Additionally, these existing devices are also lacks in monitoring condition of the rim like stubborn stains or oxidation of the rim.

[0007] In order to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks, there exists a need in the art to develop a device that is capable of polishing a vehicle rim of multiple dimension to enhance the optimal performance of the vehicle rim. In addition, the developed device should also potent enough of monitoring condition of the rim like stubborn stains or oxidation of the rim.

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 accommodating a vehicle rim of multiple dimension as means of polishing the vehicle rim in order to enhance the optimal performance of the vehicle rim as well as increasing its lifespan.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of detecting any unevenness on the rim and accordingly scrubbing the rim in view of providing a shine to the rim, thereby handling the whole process with minimal human intervention.

[0011] Yet another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of detecting condition of the accommodated rim like stubborn stains or oxidation of the rim and accordingly polishing the rim effectively at optimum speed with ease, thereby handling the process in an automated manner.

[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 vehicle rim polishing device that is capable of providing a means to hold a vehicle rim of multiple dimension for polishing the vehicle rim in view of enhancing the optimal performance of the vehicle rim. Moreover, the proposed device is also capable of scrubbing the accommodated rim in view of providing a shine to the rim, thereby reducing the physical effort and time consumption of the user.

[0014] According to an embodiment of the present invention, an automated vehicle rim polishing device, comprising a platform developed in such manner that the platform is placed over a ground surface, multiple telescopically operated rods are assembled beneath the platform and actuated by an inbuilt microcontroller to support the platform at a required height on the surface, a rotatable hollow cylindrical body coupled on the platform that is accessed by a user to position a rim of a vehicle that is need to be polished, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit is associated with the platform for capturing multiple images of the platform to monitor dimensions of the rim, a color sensor is installed within the body to determine condition of the accommodated rim and a motorized drawer arrangement configured with the body to get expanded in view of accommodating the rim within the body.

[0015] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the proposed device further comprises of multiple motorized clippers configured with bottom portion of the body that are actuated by the microcontroller to grip the rim as means of securing the rim inside the body, a chamber integrated on the platform, stored with multiple ceramic polishing materials placed at a required height from the platform by means of a supporting bar, a weight sensor is coupled within the chamber to monitor weight of the ceramic polishing materials and in case the detected weight recedes a predefined limit, the microcontroller actuates a speaker mapped on the platform for notifying the user to re-fill the chamber, a motorized iris unit integrated on bottom portion of the chamber that is actuated by the microcontroller for dispensing the polishing materials inside the body, a BLDC (Brushless Direct Current) motor is coupled with the body that is actuated by the microcontroller for providing motion to the polishing materials, a robotic arm arranged on the platform as well as attached with a motorized scrubbing unit to scrub the rim for providing a shine to the rim, an electronic nozzle attached with a vessel stored with water to dispense water inside the body, and a battery is associated with the device for powering up electrical and electronically operated components associated with the device, thereby facilitating smooth and precise polishing of the rim.

[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 vehicle rim polishing device; and
Figure 2 illustrates an inner view of a rotatable hollow cylindrical body.

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 vehicle rim polishing device that is capable of polishing a vehicle rim by accommodating the rim of multiple dimension to enhance the optimal performance of the vehicle rim. Furthermore, the proposed device is also capable of determining condition of the accommodated rim such as stubborn stains or oxidation of the rim and accordingly polishing the rim effectively at optimum speed with ease, thereby eliminating the requirement of skilled labor.

[0022] Referring to Figure 1, an isometric view and inner view of an automated vehicle rim polishing device illustrated, comprising a platform 101 developed to be positioned on a ground surface, plurality of telescopically operated rods 102 are arranged underneath the platform 101, a rotatable hollow cylindrical body 201 arranged on the platform 101, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 103 is installed on the platform 101, plurality of motorized clippers 202 integrated on bottom portion of the body 201, a chamber 104 is configured on the platform 101, a motorized iris unit 105 configured on bottom portion of the chamber 104, a robotic arm 108 installed on the platform 101 and an electronic nozzle 107 configured with a vessel 106.

[0023] The device disclosed herein, comprises of a platform 101 developed to be positioned on a ground surface. The platform 101 is typically made of sturdy materials like steel or aluminum, ensuring strength and stability, wherein multiple telescopically operated rods 102 (ranges 4-6) are assembled beneath the platform 101 and actuated by an inbuilt microcontroller as means of supporting the platform 101 at a height on the ground surface. The rods 102 are in communication with the microcontroller, wherein the microcontroller used herein is an Arduino Uno microcontroller.

[0024] Further, the telescopic rods 102 as mentioned herein are powered by a pneumatic unit that utilizes compressed air to extend and retract the rods 102. The process begins with an air compressor which compresses atmospheric air to a higher pressure. The air cylinder of the pneumatic unit contains a piston that moves back and forth within the cylinder. The cylinder is connected to one end of the telescopic rods 102. The piston is attached to the telescopically operated rods 102 and its movement is controlled by the flow of compressed air.

[0025] To extend the telescopic rods 102 the piston activates the air valve to allow compressed air to flow into a chamber 104 attached behind the piston. As the pressure increases in the chamber 104, the piston pushes the telescopic rods 102 to the desired length in order to provide support to the platform 101 at required height on the surface, wherein a rotatable hollow cylindrical body 201 coupled on the platform 101 that is accessed by a user in order to position a vehicle rim which is need to be polished.

[0026] After successfully positioning the platform 101 over the surface, the microcontroller activates an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 103 is installed on the platform 101 for capturing multiple images of the platform 101 to determine dimensions of the rim. The artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 103 is constructed with a camera lens and a processor, wherein the camera lens is adapted to capture a series of images of the platform 101. The processor carries out a sequence of image processing operations including pre-processing, feature extraction, and classification.

[0027] The image captured by the imaging unit 103 is real-time images of the platform 101. The artificial intelligence based imaging unit 103 transmits the captured image signal in the form of digital bits to the microcontroller. The microcontroller upon receiving the image signals compares the received image signal with the pre-fed data stored in a database and constantly determines dimensions of the rim.

[0028] Based on the determined dimensions of the rim, the microcontroller actuates a motorized drawer arrangement configured on the body 201 to get expanded as means of properly accommodating the rim within the body 201. The drawer arrangement consists of a drawer that typically slides on the rails inside the body 201. These rails provide a smooth and stable path for the compression and expansion of the body 201.

[0029] When the microcontroller actuates the drawer arrangement, the motor starts rotating and the rotational motion is converted into linear motion through the use of gears. As the motor rotates, the drawer moves either outward or inward along the sliding rails. This expansion and compression increase and decreases the size of the body 201 and properly accommodating the rim within the body 201, thereby helps to stabilize the vehicle rim within the body 201 to polish the rim in view of enhancing the life span of the rime.

[0030] After successful accommodation of the rim within the body 201, the microcontroller actuates multiple motorized clippers 202 (ranges 4-6) configured on bottom portion of the body 201 in view of gripping the rim in order to secure the rim inside the body 201. The clippers 202 typically consists of two opposing arms or fingers that mimic a human hand-gripping motion. These arms are usually made of durable materials like metal or plastic to provide strength and flexibility.

[0031] The clippers 202 design incorporates springs to securely hold the rim in view of securing the rim inside the body 201. Electric motors and servo motors are used to control the clipper's movement. These motors provide the necessary force and precision to manipulate and hold the rim. The motors are connected to the clipper's arms through an arrangement of gears and linkages, allowing for acquiring the grip on the rim, thereby securing the rim inside the body 201 to avoid any misalignment of the rim, wherein a chamber 104 is attached on the platform 101, stored with multiple ceramic polishing materials, and placed at a height from the platform 101 by means of a supporting bar.

[0032] Further, the abovementioned chamber 104 is equipped with a weight sensor to monitor the weight of the ceramic polishing materials. The weight sensor is typically a load cell or strain gauge sensor. The materials exert a downward force to the weight sensor due to their weight. The weight sensor detects this force and converts it into an electrical signal, typically in the form of voltage variations. The raw electrical signal is weak and noisy.

[0033] Therefore, it goes through signal conditioning circuitry to amplify, stabilize, and filter the signal. This conditioned signal is then sent to the microcontroller and the microcontroller continuously monitors the weight of the materials. In case the monitored weight recedes a threshold weight limit, the microcontroller actuates a speaker assembled on the platform 101 as means of notifying the user to re-fill the chamber 104. The speaker is capable of producing clear and natural sound and is capable of adjusting its volume based on ambient noise levels. The speaker consists of audio information, which is in the form of recorded voice, synthesized voice, or other sounds, generated or stored as digital data.

[0034] This data is often in the form of an audio file. The digital audio data is sent to a digital-to-analog converter (DAC). The DAC converts the digital data into analog electrical signals. The analog signal is often weak and needs to be amplified. An amplifier boosts the strength to a level so that the speaker drives it effectively. The amplified audio signal is then sent to the speaker. The core of the speaker is an electromagnet attached to a flexible cone. These sound waves travel through the air as pressure waves and are picked by the user's ear.

[0035] After successfully gripping the rim, the microcontroller actuates a motorized iris unit 105 assembled on bottom portion of the chamber 104 in order to get open for dispensing the polishing materials inside the body 201. The iris unit 105 is typically composed of a series of thin, overlapping blades or petals arranged in a circular or hexagonal pattern. The microcontroller sends signals to the motor of the iris unit 105 to regulate the flow of polishing materials inside the body 201. The motor then rotates or moves the iris blades to open the iris unit 105 to the desired position and as the iris unit 105 opens the polishing materials are dispensed inside the body 201.

[0036] When the determined amount of polishing materials are dispensed inside the body 201 the microcontroller actuates a BLDC (Brushless Direct Current) motor coupled with the body 201 to rotate the body 201 in view of providing motion to the polishing materials. The BLDC motor (Brushless Direct Current) motor, works by using magnets and electromagnetic fields to generate rotational motion. It consists of a rotor with permanent magnets and a stator with electromagnets.

[0037] The stator's electromagnets are energized in a sequence to create a rotating magnetic field, which interacts with the permanent magnets on the rotor, causing it to spin to provide motion to the polishing materials, thereby polishing the rim due to resistance occurred by the polishing materials over surface of the rim. Upon polishing the rim, in case the microcontroller by means of the imaging unit 103 detects any unevenness on the rim, the microcontroller actuates a robotic arm 108 installed on the platform 101 and attached with a motorized scrubbing unit for scrubbing the rim.

[0038] The robotic arm 108 is equipped with multiple joints and actuators that allows the robotic arm 108 to move in multiple dimensions and orient the scrubbing unit with great precision as means of scrubbing the rime, thereby providing the shine to the rim. Furthermore, while polishing the rim the microcontroller actuates an electronic nozzle 107 connected with a vessel 106 stored with water for dispensing water inside the body 201 in view of facilitating smooth and precise polishing of the rim.

[0039] While polishing the rim, the microcontroller actuates an electronic nozzle 107 attached with a vessel 106 stored with water as means of dispensing water inside the body 201 in order to facilitate smooth and precise polishing of the rim. The electronic nozzle 107 works by utilizing electrical energy to automize the water in a controlled flow pattern by converting the pressure energy of a fluid into kinetic energy, which increases the fluid's velocity. Upon actuation of nozzle 107 by the microcontroller, the electric motor or the pump pressurizes the incoming water, increasing its pressure significantly. High pressure enables the water to be dispensed out with a high force, thus facilitating smooth and precise polishing of the rim.

[0040] Herein, a color sensor is coupled within the body 201 and works in sync with the imaging unit 103 in view of monitoring condition of the accommodated rim. The color sensor emits a light, usually a white light onto the accommodated rim. The fender reflects the white light, and the color sensor captures the reflected light. The color sensor measures the intensity of the reflected light across different wavelengths to determine the condition of the accommodated rim. By comparing the intensity values, the color sensor classifies the condition of the accommodate rim. The microcontroller receives data from both the color sensor and processes the data to assess the condition of the rim. Based on detected condition, the microcontroller regulates the BLDC motor for rotating the body 201 with an ideal speed as means of polishing the rim, thereby performing the polishing in effective and ease manner.

[0041] A battery is associated with the device to supply power to electrically powered components which are employed herein. The battery is comprised of a pair of electrode named as a cathode and an anode. The battery use a chemical reaction of oxidation/reduction to do work on charge and produce a voltage between their anode and cathode and thus produces electrical energy that is used to do work in the device.

[0042] The present invention works well in following manner, where the proposed device, comprising the platform 101 developed in such manner that the platform 101 is placed over the ground surface, multiple telescopically operated rods 102 actuated by the inbuilt microcontroller to support the platform 101 at the required height on the surface, the rotatable hollow cylindrical body 201 that is accessed by the user to position the rim of the vehicle that is need to be polished, the artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 103 for capturing multiple images of the platform 101 to monitor dimensions of the rim, the color sensor to determine condition of the accommodated rim and the motorized drawer arrangement to get expanded in view of accommodating the rim within the body 201. Further, multiple motorized clippers 202 that are actuated by the microcontroller to grip the rim as means of securing the rim inside the body 201, the chamber 104 stored with multiple ceramic polishing materials placed at the required height from the platform 101 by means of the supporting bar, the weight sensor is to monitor weight of the ceramic polishing materials and in case the detected weight recedes the predefined limit, the microcontroller actuates the speaker for notifying the user to re-fill the chamber 104, the motorized iris unit 105 that is actuated by the microcontroller for dispensing the polishing materials inside the body 201, the BLDC (Brushless Direct Current) motor that is actuated by the microcontroller for providing motion to the polishing materials, the robotic arm 108 to scrub the rim via the scrubbing unit for providing the shine to the rim, and the electronic nozzle 107 to dispense water inside the body 201 and the battery for powering up electrical and electronically operated components, thereby facilitating smooth and precise polishing of the rim.

[0043] 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 vehicle rim polishing device, comprising:

i) a platform 101 developed to be positioned on a ground surface, wherein plurality of telescopically operated rods 102 are arranged underneath said platform 101 for supporting said platform 101 at a height on said surface;

ii) a rotatable hollow cylindrical body 201 arranged on said platform 101 that is accessed by a user for positioning a vehicle rim which is to be polished, wherein an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 103 is installed on said platform 101 and integrated with a processor for capturing and processing multiple images of said platform 101, respectively to determine dimensions of said rim, in accordance to which an inbuilt microcontroller actuates a motorized drawer arrangement integrated on said body 201 to get expanded for properly accommodating said rim within said body 201;

iii) plurality of motorized clippers 202 integrated on bottom portion of said body 201 that are actuated by said microcontroller to acquire a grip on said rim for securing said rim inside said body 201, wherein a chamber 104 is configured on said platform 101, stored with multiple ceramic polishing materials, and positioned at a height from said platform 101 via a supporting bar;

iv) a motorized iris unit 105 configured on bottom portion of said chamber 104 that is actuated by said microcontroller to open for dispensing said polishing materials inside said body 201, wherein a BLDC (Brushless Direct Current) motor is coupled with said body 201 that is actuated by said microcontroller to rotate said body 201 in view of providing motion to said polishing materials, resulting in polishing said rim due to resistance encountered by said polishing materials over surface of said rim; and

v) a robotic arm 108 installed on said platform 101 and attached with a motorized scrubbing unit, wherein in case said microcontroller via said imaging unit 103 detects any unevenness on said rim, said microcontroller actuates said robotic arm 108 for scrubbing said rim via said scrubbing unit for providing a shine to said rim.

2) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein during polishing of said rim, said microcontroller actuates an electronic nozzle 107 configured with a vessel 106 stored with water for dispensing water inside said body 201 in view of facilitating smooth and precise polishing of said rim.

3) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a color sensor is mapped within said body 201 and synced with said imaging unit 103 to detect condition of said accommodated rim which includes but not limited to stubborn stains or oxidation of said rim, and based on which said microcontroller regulates operation of said BLDC motor for rotating said body 201 with an optimum speed for polishing said rim effectively with ease.

4) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a weight sensor is mapped within said chamber 104 to detect weigh of said ceramic polishing materials, and in case said detected weight recedes a threshold weight limit, said microcontroller actuates a speaker mapped on said platform 101 to notify said user to re-fill said chamber 104.

5) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said telescopic bars are 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 said bars.

6) 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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