AUTOMATED WOOD SPLINTING DEVICE

Abstract

An automated wood splinting device, comprising a body 1 developed to be positioned on a fixed surface, a touch interactive display panel 4 for user input, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 2 is installed inside the body 1 to determine dimensions of the accommodated log, plurality of motorized clamps 3 arranged inside the body 1 to acquire a grip on the accommodated log, a water reservoir 7 arranged inside the body 1 and integrated with a heating unit 8 to heat the water, an electronically controlled nozzle 5 is configured with the reservoir 7 to dispense the steam onto an optimum length of the log, a cutting blade 9 arranged inside the body 1 to cuts on the log, a motorized gripper 6 is installed inside the body 1 o insert the structure in cavity.

Specification

Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to an automated wood splinting device that is capable of determining the dimension of the wooden log and accordingly cut the log in user-specified number in order to diverge the cuts for forming the splints in a precise and an automated manner.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Generally, people splint wood to repair broken or damaged pieces of any object. By reinforcing the wood with splints, they might strengthen weak areas, prevent further damage, and extend the lifespan of the object. People use to carry out the operation manually via using some handheld tools like handsaw, as this is used to cut wood into desired lengths for the splints. However, the tool is quite labor-intensive as well as are limited to precision. So, people use an equipment that carry out the splinting of wood in a precise manner.

[0003] Conventionally, some ways were used by people for performing splinting of wood. People use to carry out the operation manually via using some handheld tools like handsaw, as this is used to cut wood into desired lengths for the splints. However, the tool is quite labor-intensive as well as are limited to precision. Therefore, people also use chisel, as these are used to carve and shape the edges of the wood, creating smooth and precise splints. But the tool is quite ineffective in forming the splints in a precise manner.

[0004] CA2808003A1 discloses about an invention that includes a splitting tool and upright device, used together to split kindling from pieces of firewood. The splitting tool has a steel dowel that protrudes through at the cutting end perpendicular to the blade. The upright device is fastened to a base and consists of identical parallel plates, having a series of matching, downward-facing notches. Firewood is placed on the base adjacent to the upright device. The dowel end of the splitting tool is placed between the parallel plates of the upright device just above the wood. Downward force is applied to the handle of the splitting tool. The dowel braces in the notches and becomes a fulcrum. Leverage amplifies the force and causes the firewood to split. As the handle of the splitting tool is raised, the dowel slides down to the next pair of matching notches. This controlled process is repeated until the kindling is split.

[0005] US20190001521A1 discloses about an invention that includes a wood splitting device includes a base formed as a base plate with a horizontally upwardly facing wood parking surface and a wood fixing arrangement fixed to the base for fixing a piece of wood disposed on the wood parking surface. The wood splitting includes a holder for holding a compressed-air-driven striking mechanism formed as a hand-held pneumatic hammer above the fixed piece. The pneumatic hammer has an upper-side handle, an actuator arrangement, and a tool carrier shaft, at the lower end of which a tool holder for receiving a splitting attachment is arranged. The holder is formed so that the pneumatic hammer is releasably attachable thereto. A wood splitting method includes disposing of a piece of wood to be split on a wood parking surface, fixing the disposed piece of wood, moving a striking mechanism into a working position, and operating and holding down the striking mechanism.

[0006] Conventionally, many devices have been developed that are capable of performing splinting of wood. However, these devices are incapable of determining the dimension of the wooden log and fails to cut the log in user-specified number in order to diverge the cuts for forming the splints. Additionally, these existing devices also lack in dispensing the steam onto an optimum length of the log and are insufficient in performing softening of the log.

[0007] In order to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks, there exists a need in the art to develop a device that is capable of monitoring the dimension of the wooden log and in accordance with that cut the log in user-specified number for diverging the cuts in view of forming the splints in a precise manner. In addition, the developed device should also dispense the steam onto an optimum length of the log in order to soften portion of the log, thereby enhance the softness of wood to cut easily.

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 determining the dimension of the wooden log and accordingly cut the log in user-specified number in order to diverge the cuts for forming the splints in a precise and an automated manner.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of dispensing the steam onto an optimum length of the log in order to soften portion of the log, thereby enhance the softness of wood to cut easily.

[0011] Yet another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is 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 wood splinting device that is capable of providing a means for determining the dimension of the wooden log and accordingly cut the log in user-specified number for diverging the cuts for forming the splints in a self-sufficient manner, thus saves manual efforts of the person in the overall process.

[0014] According to an embodiment of the present invention, an automated wood splinting device comprises of a body developed to be positioned on a fixed surface, a touch interactive display panel mounted on the body that is accessed by a user for providing input regarding number of cut required on a wooden log to splint the log, an inlet arranged on the body that is accessed by a user for inserting a wooden log inside the body, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit is installed inside the body to determine dimensions of the accommodated log, plurality of motorized clamps arranged inside the body to acquire a grip on the accommodated log, a laser measurement sensor is integrated inside the body for monitoring alignment of the log inside the body, and a water reservoir arranged inside the body and integrated with a heating unit to heat the water in view of generating steam.

[0015] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the proposed device further comprises of an electronically controlled nozzle is configured with the reservoir to dispense the steam onto an optimum length of the log in order to soften portion of the log, a cutting blade arranged inside the body to initiate the user-specified number of cuts on the log, a motorized gripper is installed inside the body and integrated with a conical structure to insert the structure in cavity formed in center of the log due to the cuts in order to diverge the cuts for forming the splints, an angle sensor is integrated inside the body for monitoring angle of the structure with respect to the log, and a battery is configured with the body 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 wood splinting 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 wood splinting device that is capable of monitoring the dimension of the wooden log and in accordance with that cut the log in user-specified number for diverging the cuts in view of forming the splints in a precise manner. In addition, the proposed device also dispenses the steam onto an optimum length of the log in order to soften portion of the log, thereby enhance the softness of wood to cut easily.

[0022] Referring to Figure 1, an isometric view of an automated wood splinting device is illustrated, comprising a body 1 developed to be positioned on a fixed surface, a touch interactive display panel 4 installed on body 1, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 2 is installed inside the body 1, plurality of motorized clamps 3 arranged inside the body 1, a water reservoir 7 arranged inside the body 1 and integrated with a heating unit 8 to heat the water, an electronically controlled nozzle 5 is configured with the reservoir 7, a cutting blade 9 arranged inside the body 1, a motorized gripper 6 is installed inside the body 1.

[0023] The present invention is comprises a body 1 developed to be positioned on a fixed surface, wherein the body 1 is cast with highly durable materials and is rigid in nature, offering a large space to accommodate multiple mechanical and electrical units. The body 1 is constructed from sturdy and robust materials that may include but not limited to stainless steel, aluminum. These materials offer rigidness and robustness to the body 1 making the platform resistant to mechanical stress and pressure.

[0024] Further, a touch interactive display panel 4 arranged with the body 1 is accessed by a user for providing input regarding number of cut required on a wooden log to splint the log. The touch interactive display panel 4 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 number of cut required on a wooden log to splint the log.

[0025] A touch controller is typically connected to the inbuilt microcontroller embedded within the body 1 *through various interfaces which may include but are not limited to SPI (Serial Peripheral Interface) or I2C (Inter-Integrated Circuit). The Integrated Circuit, then transmit the analogue signal to a microcontroller linked with the display panel 4 in the form of the electrical signal to process the signal. Upon receiving the signal the microcontroller evaluate the number of cut required on a wooden log to splint the log.

[0026] After that, an inlet arranged on the body 1 that is accessed by a user for inserting a wooden log inside the body 1, upon inserting the wooden log into inlet, the microcontroller activate an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 2 is installed inside the body 1 to determine dimensions of the accommodated log. The imaging unit 2 comprises of an image capturing arrangement including a set of lenses that captures multiple images of inside of the body 1 and the captured images are stored within a memory of the imaging unit 2 in form of an optical data. The imaging unit 2 also comprises of a processor that is encrypted 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 determines dimensions of the accommodated log.

[0027] Upon determining the dimensions of the accommodated log, the microcontroller activate plurality of motorized clamps 3 arranged inside the body 1 to acquire a grip on the accommodated log. The motorized clamp is a fastening equipment used to hold or secure accommodated log tightly together to prevent movement or separation of accommodated log from the body 1. Clamping unit comprises a pair of curved motorize clamps 3, attached with motor to grip the front wheel and crossbar of bicycle. Motor is actuated by the microcontroller to open/close the motorize clamps 3 to acquire a grip on the accommodated log.

[0028] After then, the microcontroller activate laser measurement sensor is integrated inside the body 1 and synced with the imaging unit 2 for monitoring alignment of the log inside the body 1. The laser 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 log and back. The sensor emits a light towards the surface of log and when the laser beam hits the surface of the log, 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 log. The sensor calculates the alignment of the log inside the body 1 and the calculated alignment of the log inside the body 1 is then converted into electrical signal, in the form of current, and send to a microcontroller. Upon receiving the signals, the microcontroller evaluate the alignment of the log inside the body 1.

[0029] Upon evaluating the alignment of the log inside the body 1, the microcontroller actuate heating unit 8 configured with a water reservoir 7 arranged inside the body 1 to heat the water in view of generating steam. The heating unit 8 used herein is made up of metal and uses electricity as the energy source. The heating unit 8 uses electrical resistance to convert the electric energy into heat energy which is then transferred through to an optimum medium in the water for the generating steam.

[0030] Upon generating steam, the microcontroller actuate an electronically controlled nozzle 5 is configured with the reservoir 7 to dispense the steam onto an optimum length of the log. The electronic controlled nozzle 5 consists of a gate and a magnetic coil which is energized by the microcontroller, on energizing the magnetic coil force is generated which pushes the gate to open thus allowing the water to flow out of the nozzle 5 and dispense steam onto an optimum length of the log in order to soften portion of the log.

[0031] Upon dispensing the steam onto an optimum length of the log, the microcontroller actuate a cutting blade 9. The cutting blade 9 consists of motor connected to a set of blade 9s for cutting the log. The motor is the key component that converts electrical energy into mechanical energy to provide movement to the blade 9. Upon actuation of the cutter by the microcontroller, the motor starts rotating the blade 9s in a clockwise/ anti-clockwise direction by imparting the rotational motion to the blade 9s thus cutting the user-specified number of cuts on the log.

[0032] Further, the microcontroller actuates a motorized gripper 6 is installed inside the body 1 and integrated with a conical structure to insert the structure in cavity formed in center of the log due to the cuts. The motorized gripper 6 operates as a robotic hand that is designed to grasp the corn effectively. The gripper 6 typically incorporates a motorized mechanism that controls the opening and closing of the jaws of the gripper 6. The motor generates the necessary force to move the gripper 6's fingers for the opening and closing of the jaws with precision. This motorized action is often controlled by the microcontroller for inserting the structure in cavity formed in center of the log due to the cuts in order to diverge the cuts for forming the splints.

[0033] Lastly, a battery is associated with the device to offer power to all electrical and electronic components necessary for their correct operation. The battery is linked to the microcontroller and provides (DC) Direct Current to the microcontroller. And then, based on the order of operations, the microcontroller sends that current to those specific electrical or electronic components so they effectively carry out their appropriate functions.

[0034] The present invention work well in the following manner, where the body 1 as disclosed in the invention is positioned on the fixed surface. Further, the touch interactive display panel 4 that is accessed by the user for providing input regarding number of cut required on the wooden log to splint the log. Then, the inlet that is accessed by the user for inserting the wooden log inside the body 1, followed by the artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 2 to determine dimensions of the accommodated log. Then, the plurality of motorized clamps 3 that are actuated by the microcontroller to acquire the grip on the accommodated log, followed by the laser measurement sensor for monitoring alignment of the log inside the body 1. Then, the heating unit 8 that is actuated by the microcontroller to heat the water in view of generating steam, followed by the electronically controlled nozzle 5 to dispense the steam onto the optimum length of the log in order to soften portion of the log. Then, the cutting blade 9 that is actuated by the microcontroller to initiate the user-specified number of cuts on the log, followed by the motorized gripper 6 that is actuated by the microcontroller to insert the structure in cavity formed in center of the log due to the cuts in order to diverge the cuts for forming the splints. Additionally, the angle sensor for monitoring angle of the structure with respect to the log, in accordance to which the microcontroller directs actuation of the gripper 6

[0035] 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 wood splinting device, comprising:

i) a body 1 developed to be positioned on a fixed surface, wherein said body 1 is arranged with a touch interactive display panel 4 that is accessed by a user for providing input regarding number of cut required on a wooden log to splint said log;
ii) an inlet arranged on said body 1 that is accessed by a user for inserting a wooden log inside said body 1, wherein an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 2 is installed inside said body 1 and integrated with a processor for capturing and processing multiple images of inside of said body 1, respectively to determine dimensions of said accommodated log;
iii) plurality of motorized clamps 3 arranged inside said body 1 that are actuated by said microcontroller to acquire a grip on said accommodated log, wherein a laser measurement sensor is integrated inside said body 1 and synced with said imaging unit 2 for monitoring alignment of said log inside said body 1;
iv) a water reservoir 7 arranged inside said body 1 and integrated with a heating unit 8 that is actuated by said microcontroller to heat said water in view of generating steam, wherein an electronically controlled nozzle 5 is configured with said reservoir 7 that is actuated by said microcontroller to dispense said steam onto an optimum length of said log in order to soften portion of said log; and
v) a cutting blade 9 arranged inside said body 1 that is actuated by said microcontroller to initiate said user-specified number of cuts on said log, wherein a motorized gripper 6 is installed inside said body 1 and integrated with a conical structure that is actuated by said microcontroller to insert said structure in cavity formed in center of said log due to said cuts in order to diverge said cuts for forming said splints.

2) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein an angle sensor is integrated inside said body 1 and synced with said imaging unit 2 for monitoring angle of said structure with respect to said log, in accordance to which said microcontroller directs actuation of said gripper 6.

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

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