AUTOMATED WRAP APPLYING DEVICE

Abstract

An automated wrap applying device comprises of a platform 1 developed to be positioned on ground surface, the platform 1 is arranged with a touch interactive display screen 2 that is accessed by a user for providing input regarding details of a wrap to be applied on a vehicle’s part, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 3 installed on the platform 1 to determine positioning of a vehicle in proximity to the platform 1 along with position of the vehicle’s part on which wrap is to be applied with respect to the platform 1, plurality of motorized wheels arranged underneath the platform 1 to move the platform 1 towards the vehicle’s part, and a multi-sectioned chamber is arranged on the platform 1 that is accessed by a motorized gripper mounted on the platform 1 to extend/retract for positioning a panel arranged on the gripper over a particular section of the chamber.

Specification

Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to an automated wrap applying device that is capable of providing a means to wrap that is to be applied on a vehicle's part by determining positioning of a vehicle, thereby handling the whole process with minimal human intervention.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Wrapping with respect to automobiles refers to the process of applying a thin, adhesive vinyl film to the exterior of a vehicle, such as a car, truck, or even a boat or motorcycle. This wrap comes in various colors, finishes, and textures, allowing for customization and transformation of the vehicle's appearance. It is also popular among businesses who prefer mobile advertising over a bus or over the metro. Proper installation or application of the wrap is crucial for a seamless and long-lasting finish.

[0003] Traditionally, wraps are applied on the vehicles manually by skilled individuals using different tools which help in applying the wrap properly. Heat guns are used to stretch and conform the wrap seamlessly without any bubbles to the curves and corners of the vehicle. Pressure is applied manually by hands for proper adhesion of the wrap. While these traditional methods offer many benefits but they also pose many challenges and drawbacks. Traditional vehicle wrapping is a meticulous and skill-intensive process that requires attention to detail to achieve a professional and durable result. Also traditional techniques lack in efficiency and speed which makes the overall process time consuming.

[0004] WO2006044271A2 discloses about an invention which includes a film lamination vehicles and methods that can be used to laminate films to surfaces are disclosed. The vehicles and methods use a moving lamination device that forms a lamination front over which the film is applied to the surface. The lamination front complies to irregularities in the surface such as dips, bumps, etc. while providing substantially uniform pressure such that the film conforms to the surface.

[0005] Conventionally, many devices have been developed that are capable of assisting a user in applying a wrap on a vehicle. However, these devices are incapable of carrying out the wrapping process over a user-selected portion in an effective and automated manner, and fails in reducing manual efforts as well as consumption of time in the overall process. Additionally, these existing devices also lack in monitoring the pressure applied while applying the wrap on the vehicle, which might cause damage to the vehicle's body.

[0006] In order to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks, there exists a need in the art to develop a device that is capable of applying a user-selected wrap on a vehicle's part in an automated manner by monitoring positioning of the vehicle's part over which the wrap is to be applied. In addition, the developed device should also monitor the pressure applied while applying wrap, in order to ensure an optimum pressure over the vehicle's part.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

[0007] The principal object of the present invention is to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art.

[0008] An object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of applying a user-selected wrap on a vehicle's part by monitoring positioning of a vehicle, thereby handling the whole process in an automated manner.

[0009] Another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of monitoring pressure while applying wrap on the vehicle's part in order to precisely perform wrapping operation on the vehicle's part.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is reliable in nature.

[0011] 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

[0012] The present invention relates to an automated wrap applying device that is capable of applying a user-selected wrap on a vehicle's part in an automated manner by monitoring positioning of a vehicle. Additionally, the proposed device also provides reliability to the user.

[0013] According to an embodiment of the present invention, an automated wrap applying device comprises of a platform developed to be positioned on a ground surface, the platform is arranged with a touch interactive display screen that is accessed by a user for providing input regarding details of a wrap to be applied on a vehicle's part, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit installed on the platform to determine positioning of a vehicle in proximity to the platform along with position of the vehicle's part on which wrap is to be applied with respect to the platform, plurality of motorized wheels arranged underneath the platform to move the platform towards the vehicle's part, and a multi-sectioned chamber is arranged on the platform that is accessed by a motorized gripper mounted on the platform to extend/retract for positioning a panel arranged on the gripper over a particular section of the chamber.

[0014] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the proposed device further comprises of plurality of suction units integrated on the panel to maintain a negative pressure on the panel for adhering a wrap stored in the particular section on the panel, a laser measurement sensor is integrated on the platform and synced with the imaging unit for monitoring distance of the vehicle's part from the platform, in accordance to which the gripper position the panel on the vehicle's part in order to apply the wrap on the vehicle's part, a robotic arm installed on the platform and integrated with a cushion padding for applying pressure on the applied wrap against the vehicle's part in order to fabricate the vehicle's part with the wrap, an angle sensor is integrated on the platform and synced with the imaging unit for monitoring angle of the vehicle's part with respect to the panel, a pressure sensor is integrated on the padding for monitoring pressure applied by the padding on the vehicle's part to ensure an optimum pressure over the vehicle's part, and a battery is configured with the frame for providing a continuous power supply to electronically powered components associated with the device.

[0015] 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

[0016] 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 wrap applying device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0017] 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.

[0018] 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.

[0019] 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.

[0020] The present invention relates to an automated wrap applying device that is capable of applying a user-selected wrap on a vehicle's part in an automated manner by monitoring positioning of a vehicle. Additionally, the proposed device is also capable to monitor pressure while applying wrap on the vehicle's part in order to precisely perform wrapping operation on the vehicle's part.

[0021] Referring to Figure 1, an isometric view of an automated wrap applying device illustrated, comprising a platform 1 developed to be positioned on a ground surface, the platform 1 is arranged with a touch interactive display screen 2 and an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 3 installed on the platform 1.

[0022] The device disclosed herein, comprises of a platform 1 developed to be positioned on a ground surface, wherein the platform 1 is arranged with a touch interactive display screen 2 that is accessed by a user for providing input regarding details of a wrap to be applied on a vehicle's part.

[0023] The touch interactive display panel as mentioned herein is typically an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) screen 2 that presents output in a visible form. The screen 2 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. A touch controller is typically connected to the microcontroller through various interfaces which may include but are not limited to PI (Serial Peripheral Interface) or I2C (Inter-Integrated Circuit).

[0024] At the same instant of time, the microcontroller actuates an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 3 installed on the platform 1 and integrated with a processor for capturing and processing multiple images in vicinity of the platform 1, respectively to determine positioning of a vehicle in proximity to the platform 1 along with position of the vehicle's part on which wrap is to be applied, with respect to the platform 1.

[0025] The artificial intelligence based imaging unit 3 is constructed with a camera lens and a processor, wherein the camera lens is adapted to capture a series of images of the surrounding present in proximity to the platform 1. The processor carries out a sequence of image processing operations including pre-processing, feature extraction, and classification. The image captured by the imaging unit 3 is real-time images of the platform 1's surrounding.

[0026] The artificial intelligence based imaging unit 3 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 positioning of a vehicle in proximity to the platform 1 along with position of the vehicle's part on which wrap is to be applied, with respect to the platform 1.

[0027] Further, plurality of motorized wheels arranged underneath the platform 1 that are actuated by an inbuilt microcontroller to move the platform 1 towards the vehicle's part, wherein a multi-sectioned chamber is arranged on the platform 1 that is accessed by a motorized gripper mounted on the platform 1 to extend/retract for positioning a panel arranged on the gripper over a particular section of the chamber.

[0028] At the same instant of time, plurality of suction units integrated on the panel that are actuated by the microcontroller to maintain a negative pressure on the panel for adhering a wrap stored in the particular section on the panel, wherein a laser measurement sensor is integrated on the platform 1 and synced with the imaging unit 3 for monitoring distance of the vehicle's part from the platform 1, in accordance to which the microcontroller directs the gripper to position the panel on the vehicle's part in order to apply the wrap on the vehicle's part.

[0029] Simultaneously, a robotic arm installed on the platform 1 and integrated with a cushion padding that is actuated by the microcontroller in sync with the imaging unit 3 for applying pressure on the applied wrap against the vehicle's part in order to fabricate the vehicle's part with the wrap. The robotic arm 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. The robotic arm design incorporates springs for applying pressure on the applied wrap against the vehicle's part. Electric motors and servo motors are used to control the robotic arm's movement. These motors provide the necessary force and precision to manipulate and applying pressure on the applied wrap against the vehicle's part. The motors are connected to the arm arms through an arrangement of gears and linkages, allowing for applying pressure on the applied wrap against the vehicle's part.

[0030] At the same instant of time, an angle sensor is integrated on the platform 1 and synced with the imaging unit 3 for monitoring angle of the vehicle's part with respect to the panel, in accordance to which the microcontroller directs actuation of the gripper. Further, a pressure sensor is integrated on the padding for monitoring pressure applied by the padding on the vehicle's part, in accordance to which the microcontroller directs actuation of the arm in order to ensure an optimum pressure over the vehicle's part.

[0031] 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.

[0032] The present invention works well in following manner, where the proposed device comprises of the platform 1 developed to be positioned on the ground surface, the touch interactive display screen 2 that is accessed by the user for providing input regarding details of the wrap to be applied on the vehicle's part, the artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 3 to determine positioning of the vehicle in proximity to the platform 1 along with position of the vehicle's part on which wrap is to be applied with respect to the platform 1, plurality of motorized wheels to move the platform 1 towards the vehicle's part, and the multi-sectioned chamber is arranged on the platform 1 that is accessed by the motorized gripper to extend/retract for positioning the panel arranged on the gripper over the particular section of the chamber. Further, plurality of suction units to maintain the negative pressure on the panel for adhering the wrap stored in the particular section on the panel, the laser measurement sensor i for monitoring distance of the vehicle's part from the platform 1, in accordance to which the gripper position the panel on the vehicle's part in order to apply the wrap on the vehicle's part, the robotic arm for applying pressure on the applied wrap against the vehicle's part in order to fabricate the vehicle's part with the wrap, the angle sensor for monitoring angle of the vehicle's part with respect to the panel, the pressure sensor is integrated on the padding for monitoring pressure applied by the padding on the vehicle's part to ensure the optimum pressure over the vehicle's part, and the battery for providing the continuous power supply to electronically powered components associated with the device.

[0033] 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 wrap applying device, comprising:

i) a platform 1 developed to be positioned on a ground surface, wherein said platform 1 is arranged with a touch interactive display screen 2 that is accessed by a user for providing input regarding details of a wrap to be applied on a vehicle's part;
ii) an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 3 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 positioning of a vehicle in proximity to said platform 1 along with position of said vehicle's part on which wrap is to be applied, with respect to said platform 1;
iii) plurality of motorized wheels arranged underneath said platform 1 that are actuated by an inbuilt microcontroller to move said platform 1 towards said vehicle's part, wherein a multi-sectioned chamber is arranged on said platform 1 that is accessed by a motorized gripper mounted on said platform 1 to extend/retract for positioning a panel arranged on said gripper over a particular section of said chamber;
iv) plurality of suction units integrated on said panel that are actuated by said microcontroller to maintain a negative pressure on said panel for adhering a wrap stored in said particular section on said panel, wherein a laser measurement sensor is integrated on said platform 1 and synced with said imaging unit 3 for monitoring distance of said vehicle's part from said platform 1, in accordance to which said microcontroller directs said gripper to position said panel on said vehicle's part in order to apply said wrap on said vehicle's part; and
v) a robotic arm installed on said platform 1 and integrated with a cushion padding that is actuated by said microcontroller in sync with said imaging unit 3 for applying pressure on said applied wrap against said vehicle's part in order to fabricate said vehicle's part with said wrap.

2) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein an angle sensor is integrated on said platform 1 and synced with said imaging unit 3 for monitoring angle of said vehicle's part with respect to said panel, in accordance to which said microcontroller directs actuation of said gripper.

3) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a pressure sensor is integrated on said padding for monitoring pressure applied by said padding on said vehicle's part, in accordance to which said microcontroller directs actuation of said arm in order to ensure an optimum pressure over said vehicle's part.

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

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