HAND-HELD WIRE/ CABLE PROTECTION DEVICE

Abstract

A hand-held wire/ cable protection device, comprising an elongated body having a handle 101 for acquiring grip over body, a hollow cylindrical member 102 arranged at free end of body for positioning over a wire, an imaging unit 103 determine dimensions of the wire, multiple drawer arrangement integrated within the member 102 adjusting diameter of the member 102, a holographic projection unit 104 emits holographic image on the wire for guiding the user, a helical-shaped PVC structure 201 configured within the body and wrapped with a tapping material, a motorized clamping unit 105 grips open end of apex of the structure 201, a motorized slider 106 provide linear motion to the clamping unit 105 to uncoil the helical structure 201, a motorized air blower 107 blow air for eliminating moisture from the wire, and multiple motorized clippers 108 configured on the handle 101 grips the tapping material while installation.

Specification

Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a hand-held wire/ cable protection device that is capable of providing a means to a user to protect a damaged wire/ cable by insulating the damaged portion in an easy and effective manner, thereby enhancing life span of the wire/ cable along with preventing chances of any unintentional shock to an individual in contact with the wire/ cable.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The role of wires and cables in the transmission of electricity and the transmission of information is irreplaceable and has an important impact on people's daily life and production. These wires and cables include power wires, high temperature wires, computer wires, signal wires, fire-resistant wires, and many more. The wire/ cable is generally composed of a conducting core and an insulating layer wrapped over the core. Over time, the exposer to extreme temperatures, moisture, or other environmental conditions weaken the insulation of these wire/ cables. Also due to high voltage or current levels, the wires get damaged. These damaged insulations increase the risk of electric shock, fires, and other safety hazards. Repairing the damaged wires/ cables helps to extend the lifespan of the wire and cables, preventing premature failure and the need for costly replacements.

[0003] Traditionally, the damaged wires and cables are repaired by manually cleaning and drying the damaged area and then the electric tape is wrapped manually around the affected area to provide a temporary barrier. Larger area of damaged wires is repaired by using heat shrink tubing that contract when heat is applied manually, to form a tight seal around the damaged insulation. In some cases, insulation sleeves are also slipped manually over the damaged sections of wire or cable to provide added protection. While these traditional methods offer some benefits, but they also pose several challenges and drawbacks. Most of the traditional repair methods require significant manual labor, especially heat shrink tubing application. Traditional methods require exposure of the human body with the wire, which leads to compromise with the safety of the user.

[0004] CN113572089A discloses about an invention which includes a device support, driving mechanisms, material conveying mechanisms, clamping mechanisms, a filling mechanism and repairing devices, wherein the driving mechanisms are arranged at the front end and the rear end of the device support, the material conveying mechanisms are arranged at the front end and the rear end of the device support, the driving mechanisms are in transmission connection with the corresponding material conveying mechanisms, the two clamping mechanisms are fixedly connected to the device support, a plurality of repairing devices are connected between the two clamping mechanisms, the filling mechanism is fixedly connected to the middle part of the device support, and the repairing devices are all connected in the filling mechanism in a sliding manner; the cable can be repaired. Although CN'089 discloses about an invention that relates to a device for repairing and overhauling cables. However, the cited invention lacks in detecting the deformities/ defects present over the wire/ cable, and fails in guiding the user in protecting the wire/ cable by locating the damaged portion of the wire.

[0005] JP5409886B1 discloses about an invention which includes an insulating coating having an outer diameter that is substantially the same as the outer diameter of an insulating coating portion of an electric wire is re-formed on a portion (exposed conductor portion of the electric wire) from which the insulating coating of the electric wire has been partially removed. An electric wire housing space of an electric wire cover has a hole diameter substantially the same as the outer diameter of an insulating coating portion of the electric wire, and a space formed on the outer peripheral side of an exposed conductor portion of the electric wire. However, it communicates with the outside through the first port of the first cover body and communicates with the outside through the second port of the second cover body. The second port allows an insulating material having fluidity to be injected into the space of the electric wire housing space from the insulating material injection means, and an insulating film having substantially the same outer diameter as the insulating coating portion in the space. Allows to be reshaped. The first port allows the insulating material filling the space to flow out of the wire cover. The electric wire cover can be removed from the electric wire in an open state. Although JP'886 discloses about an invention that relates to a device for repairing an electric wire that re-form an insulating film on a removed portion of the wire. However, the cited invention lacks in detecting and removing the presence of moisture over surface of the wire/ cable, and fails in properly insulating the damaged wire/ cable.

[0006] Conventionally, many devices have been developed that are capable of assisting a user in protecting a damaged wire/ cable. However, these devices are incapable of detecting the deformities/ defects present over the wire/ cable, and fails in guiding the user in protecting the wire/ cable by locating the damaged portion of the wire. Additionally, these existing devices also lacks in detecting quality of the insulation layer of the wire/ cable, which may waste the protection if the wire is not suitable for further use.

[0007] In order to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks, there exist a need in the art to develop a device that is capable of protecting a damaged wire/ cable by detecting the deformities/ defects present over the wire/ cable. In addition, the developed device should also detect presence of moisture over surface of the wire/ cable and accordingly eliminates the detected moisture in order to properly insulate the damaged wire/ cable.

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 providing a means to a user to protect a damaged wire/ cable by insulating the damaged portion in an easy and effective manner, thereby enhancing life span of the wire/ cable along with preventing chances of any unintentional shock to an individual in contact with the wire/ cable.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of detecting deformities/ defects present over the wire/ cable and accordingly guide the user to protect the damaged portion of the wire, thereby eliminating the need for manually searching the defected portion of the wire.

[0011] Another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is that is capable of detecting presence of moisture over surface of the wire/ cable, and accordingly removing the detected moisture, thus properly insulating the damaged wire/ cable.

[0012] Yet another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of detecting quality of the insulation layer of the wire/ cable and accordingly notifies the user through voice commands regarding damaged condition of the wire/ cable.

[0013] The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become readily apparent upon further review of the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0014] The present invention relates to a hand-held wire/ cable protection device that is capable of protecting a damaged wire/ cable by detecting the deformities/ defects present over the wire/ cable. Additionally, the proposed device detects quality of the insulation layer of the wire/ cable and also notifies the user regarding damaged condition of the wire/ cable.

[0015] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a hand-held wire/ cable protection device comprises of an elongated body having a handle that is accessed by a user for acquiring a grip over the body, a free end of the body is arranged with a hollow cylindrical member that is positioned by the user over a wire/ cable that is to be repaired, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit installed on the body determine dimensions of the wire/ cable, multiple drawer arrangement is integrated within the member to extend/ retract for increasing/ decreasing diameter of the member for properly enclosing the wire/ cable with the member, an IR (infrared) sensor configured with the body and synced with the imaging unit to detect deformities/ defects over the wire/ cable, and a holographic projection unit mounted on the body emit a holographic image on the wire/ cable for guiding the user to position the member over the detected deformity/ defect.

[0016] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the proposed device further comprises of a helical-shaped PVC (Polyvinyl chloride) structure configured within the body and wrapped with a tapping material, a motorized clamping unit configured on the handle to grip open end of apex of the structure, a motorized slider configured in between the handle and clamping unit for providing linear motion to the clamping unit along the slider to uncoil the helical structure resulting in covering the detected deformity/ defect with the tapping material, a moisture sensor installed on the body to detect presence of moisture over surface of the wire/ cable, a motorized air blower configured on the handle to blow air with a pre-defined intensity for eliminating moisture from the wire/ cable and properly insulate the wire/ cable with the tapping material, plurality of motorized clippers are configured on the handle for gripping the tapping material while installation, an insulation resistance tester is configured on the body to detect quality of the wire/ cable, a speaker configured on the handle to notify the user regarding condition of the wire/ cable, and a battery is associated with the device for powering up electrical and electronically operated components associated with the device.

[0017] While the invention has been described and shown with particular reference to the preferred embodiment, it will be apparent that variations might be possible that would fall within the scope of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with regard to the following description, appended claims, and accompanying drawings where:
Figure 1 illustrates an isometric view of a hand-held wire/ cable protection device.
Figure 2 illustrates an isometric view of an inner portion of a hollow cylindrical member associated with the proposed device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0019] The following description includes the preferred best mode of one embodiment of the present invention. It will be clear from this description of the invention that the invention is not limited to these illustrated embodiments but that the invention also includes a variety of modifications and embodiments thereto. Therefore, the present description should be seen as illustrative and not limiting. While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative constructions, it should be understood, that there is no intention to limit the invention to the specific form disclosed, but, on the contrary, the invention is to cover all modifications, alternative constructions, and equivalents falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the claims.

[0020] In any embodiment described herein, the open-ended terms "comprising," "comprises," and the like (which are synonymous with "including," "having" and "characterized by") may be replaced by the respective partially closed phrases "consisting essentially of," consists essentially of," and the like or the respective closed phrases "consisting of," "consists of, the like.

[0021] As used herein, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" designate both the singular and the plural, unless expressly stated to designate the singular only.

[0022] The present invention relates to a hand-held wire/ cable protection device that is capable of protecting a damaged wire/ cable by detecting the deformities/ defects present over the wire/ cable. Additionally, the proposed device is capable to detect presence of moisture over surface of the wire/ cable, and accordingly remove the detected moisture in order to properly insulate the damaged wire/ cable.

[0023] Referring to Figure 1 and Figure 2, an isometric view of a hand-held wire/ cable protection device and an isometric view of an inner portion of a hollow cylindrical member associated with the proposed device are illustrated, respectively comprising an elongated body having a handle 101, a hollow cylindrical member 102 arranged at a free end of the body, a helical-shaped PVC structure 201 configured within the body, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 103 installed on the body, a holographic projection unit 104 mounted on the body, a motorized clamping unit 105 configured on the handle 101, a motorized slider 106 configured in between the handle 101 and clamping unit 105, a motorized air blower 107 configured on the handle 101, plurality of motorized clippers 108 are configured on the handle 101, and a speaker 109 configured on the handle 101.

[0024] The device disclosed herein comprises of an elongated body having a handle 101 that is accessed by a user for acquiring a grip over the body. The body used herein serves as the main structure and is made from strong and lightweight materials which includes but not limited to hardened steel, aluminum alloy, hard fiber, and composite materials. The body is having a free end that is attached with a hollow cylindrical member 102 for allowing a user to position the member 102 over a wire/ cable which is to be repaired. The hollow cylindrical member 102 is a tube-like structure and serves as the support structure for a helical-shaped PVC (Polyvinyl chloride) structure 201 configured within the body and wrapped with a tapping material.

[0025] After the user position the hollow cylindrical member 102 over the wire/ cable that is to be repaired, an inbuilt microcontroller which is pre-fed with the instructions required to control the operation of various components associated with the proposed device, activates an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 103 installed on the body and integrated with a processor for capturing and processing multiple images in vicinity of the body. The artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 103 comprises of a high-resolution camera lens, digital camera sensor and a processor, wherein the lens captures multiple images in vicinity of the body from different angles and perspectives with the help of digital camera sensor for providing comprehensive coverage of the body. The captured images then go through pre-processing steps by the processor integrated with the camera. The processor carries out a sequence of image processing operation including pre-processing, feature extraction and classification in order to enhance the image quality, which includes adjusting brightness and contrast and removing any distortion or noise. The pre-processed images are then transmitted to the microcontroller linked with the processor, in the form of electrical signals.

[0026] The microcontroller further processes the received signals in order to determine dimensions of the wire/ cable. Based on the determined dimensions of the wire/ cable, the microcontroller actuates plurality of drawer arrangement ranging from three to four in numbers integrated within the hollow cylindrical member 102 to extend/ retract for increasing/ decreasing diameter of the member 102.

[0027] The drawer arrangement consists of a drawer that typically slides on the rails inside the member 102. These rails provide a smooth and stable path for the compression and expansion of the member 102. The microcontroller compares the distance between the wire/ cable surface and the member 102 and if the calculated distance between the wire/ cable surface and the member 102 is more/ less, the microcontroller actuates the drawer arrangement for extending/retracting in order to increase or decrease the diameter of the member 102 for properly enclosing the wire/ cable with the member 102. 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 extension and retraction result in increase and decreases of the diameter of the member 102 and helps to properly enclose the wire/ cable with the member 102.

[0028] Upon properly enclosing the wire/cable with the member 102, the microcontroller activates an IR (infrared) sensor configured with the body to work in sync with the imaging unit 103 for detecting deformities/ defects over the wire/ cable. The IR (Infrared) sensor is basically a thermophile or pyroelectric detector used for detecting and measuring the IR (Infrared) radiation. This sensor consists of multiple thermocouples or sensitive materials that generate a voltage or current when exposed to IR radiation, a filter is used to block the unwanted ambient radiation and ensure that the IR (Infrared) sensor focuses only on the specific range of IR (Infrared) radiation emitted by the wire/ cable. Any deformities/ defects over the wire/ cable led to variations in the emitted IR radiation. These variations are detected by the IR (Infrared) sensor as changes in the intensity of the IR signal. The output from the IR (Infrared) sensor is sent to the microcontroller which processes the signals for determining the deformities/defects over the wire/ cable.

[0029] Based upon the determined deformities/defects, the microcontroller actuates a holographic projection unit 104 mounted on the body to emit a holographic image on the wire/ cable. The holographic projection unit 104 works by creating and projecting holograms, which are three dimensional images formed by the interference of light waves. The holographic projection unit 104 consists of a holograms and a laser light emitter. The laser light emitter emits laser light over the holograms which converse all the light and forms a holographic image which is dispersed over the wire/ cable in order to guide the user to position the member 102 over the detected deformity/ defect.

[0030] After the user position the member 102 over the detected deformity/ defect, the microcontroller actuates a motorized clamping unit 105 configured on the handle 101 to work in sync with the imaging unit 103 for gripping open end of the apex of the helical-shaped PVC (Polyvinyl chloride) structure 201. The clamping unit 105 is a fastening equipment used to hold the open end of the apex of the helical structure 201 tightly. The motorized clamping unit 105 used herein comprises a motor attached with a pair of curved motorized clamps. On actuation, the motor converts the electrical energy derived from an external source into rotational energy, which is transferred to the pair of curved motorized clamps for tilting the clamp towards each other in order to grip the apex of the helical structure 201.

[0031] Upon successful gripping of the apex of the helical structure 201, the microcontroller actuates a motorized slider 106 configured in between the handle 101 and clamping unit 105 for providing linear motion to the clamping unit 105 along the slider 106. The motorized slider 106 used herein consists of a sliding-rail and multiple rolling members which are integrated with a step motor. On actuation, the step motor rotates the rolling members in order to provide rolling motion to the members which results in sliding of the clamping unit 105 along with the members and provide linear motion to the clamping unit 105 along the slider 106 in order to uncoil the helical structure 201 for covering the detected deformity/ defect with the tapping material.

[0032] The helical-shaped PVC (Polyvinyl chloride) structure 201 used herein is made of Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) which is a synthetic plastic polymer made from vinyl chloride monomers. The PVC (Polyvinyl chloride) is flexible and light-weight in nature which allows for easy adaptation of the PVC (Polyvinyl chloride) into the helical-shaped structure. The tapping material used herein is an elastic material that sticks to the surface of the wire/cable and provides a shield to the deformity/ defect present over the wire. The tapping material is made up of materials that includes but not limited to rubber, elastic, and flexible plastics.

[0033] Synchronously, with the uncoiling of the helical structure 201, the microcontroller actuates plurality of motorized clippers 108 ranging from three to five in numbers configured on the handle 101 for gripping the tapping material while installation. The motorized clippers 108 used herein are driven by a direct current motor which rotates and makes the blades of clippers 108 to oscillate in order to grip the tapping material while installation for avoiding any slippage or movement of the tapping material during installation.

[0034] Further, a moisture sensor installed on the body is activated by the microcontroller to detect presence of moisture over surface of the wire/ cable. The moisture sensor used herein is a non-contact moisture sensor which operate based on capacitance principle. On activation, an electromagnetic field is generated by an oscillator circuit within the sensor. This field extends to the surface of the wire/ cable. When the surface is dry, its dielectric constant is relatively low. However, when moisture is present, the dielectric constant increases. This change in dielectric constant alters the capacitance between the sensor and the surface. The sensor measures the changes in capacitance caused by the presence of moisture. This change is converted into an electrical signal, which is then transferred to the linked microcontroller for interpretation. The microcontroller processes the received signal and if any moisture content is detected over the surface of the wire/ cable, the microcontroller linked with the moisture sensor actuates a motorized air blower 107 configured on the handle 101 to blow air with a pre-defined intensity for eliminating moisture from the wire/ cable.

[0035] The motorized air blower 107 used herein consists of a motor-driven fan or impeller that generates a high-velocity stream of air. The air blower 107 is strategically positioned on the handle 101 so that its airflow is directed toward the wire/ cable and this is achieved by adjusting the louvers or ducts to focus the airflow as to effectively dry out the wire/ cable. The microcontroller controls the speed and intensity of the air blower 107 and modulates the airflow based on the moisture level present over the surface of the wire/ cable in order to properly dry out the wire/ cable for proper insulation of the wire with the tapping material.

[0036] Consequently, an insulation resistance tester is configured on the body to detect quality of the wire/ cable. The insulation resistance tester measures the insulation resistance of the wire/ cable by applying a high voltage to the insulation layer of the wire/cable and measures the current that flows through the insulation. This current is generally very low, as the insulation is designed to resist the flow of electricity. Based on the applied voltage and the amount of the measured current flowing through the insulation, the tester calculates the insulation resistance by using the principle of ohm's law. The calculated resistance is further transferred to the linked microcontroller in the form of electrical signals.

[0037] The microcontroller processes the received signals in order to determine the quality of the wire/cable. The detected quality is then compared with the threshold quality level of the wire/ cable stored in the database. If the detected quality corresponds to defective one, the microcontroller linked with the insulation resistance tester activates a speaker 109 configured on the handle 101 to notify the user regarding condition of the wire/ cable. The speaker 109 used herein is capable of producing clear and natural sound and is capable of adjusting its volume based on ambient noise levels.

[0038] The speaker 109 consists of audio information, which is in the form of recorded voice, synthesized voice, or other sounds, generated or stored as digital data. The digital audio data is converted into analog electrical signals. Further the analog signal is amplified by an amplifier and the amplified audio signal is then sent to the speaker 109. The core of the speaker 109 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. The speaker 109 is connected to the microcontroller and when detected quality of the wire/ cable corresponds to defective one, the microcontroller activates the speaker 109 for notifying the user regarding condition of the wire/ cable.

[0039] Moreover, 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 uses 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.

[0040] The proposed invention works well in the following manner, where the elongated body having the handle 101 that is accessed by the user for acquiring grip over the body. The free end of the body is arranged with a hollow cylindrical member 102 that is positioned by the user over the wire/ cable that is to be repaired. The body is configured with the helical-shaped PVC (Polyvinyl chloride) structure 201 that is wrapped with the tapping material. After the user position the member 102 over the wire, the microcontroller activates the imaging unit 103 to determine dimensions of the wire/ cable. Based on the dimension, multiple drawer arrangement extend/ retract for increasing/ decreasing diameter of the member 102 for properly enclosing the wire/ cable with the member 102. The IR (infrared) sensor work in sync with the imaging unit 103 to detect deformities/ defects over the wire/ cable. Based on which the holographic projection unit 104 emit a holographic image on the wire/ cable for guiding the user to position the member 102 over the detected deformity/ defect. Afterwards, the motorized clamping unit 105 grip open end of apex of the structure 201 and moves linearly via a motorized slider 106 to uncoil the helical structure 201 for covering the detected deformity/ defect with the tapping material. Simultaneously, multiple motorized clippers 108 are actuated by the microcontroller for gripping the tapping material while installation. The moisture sensor detects presence of moisture over surface of the wire/ cable, and in case any moisture is detected the microcontroller actuates the motorized air blower 107 to blow air with a pre-defined intensity for eliminating moisture from the wire/ cable. The insulation resistance tester detects quality of the wire/ cable, and in case the detected quality corresponds to defective one, the microcontroller activates the speaker 109 to notify the user regarding condition of the wire/ cable.

[0041] 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) A hand-held wire/ cable protection device, comprising:

i) an elongated body having a handle 101 that is accessed by a user for acquiring a grip over said body, wherein a free end of said body is arranged with a hollow cylindrical member 102 that is positioned by said user over a wire/ cable that is to be repaired;
ii) an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 103 installed on said body and integrated with a processor for capturing and processing multiple images in vicinity of said body, respectively to determine dimensions of said wire/ cable, wherein plurality of drawer arrangement is integrated within said member 102 that is actuated by an inbuilt microcontroller to extend/retract for increasing/ decreasing diameter of said member 102 for properly enclosing said wire/ cable with said member 102;
iii) an IR (infrared) sensor configured with said body and synced with said imaging unit 103 to detect deformities/ defects over said wire/ cable, wherein based on which said microcontroller actuates a holographic projection unit 104 mounted on said body to emit a holographic image on said wire/ cable for guiding said user to position said member 102 over said detected deformity/ defect;
iv) a helical-shaped PVC (Polyvinyl chloride) structure 201 configured within said body and wrapped with a tapping material, wherein a motorized clamping unit 105 configured on said handle 101 that is actuated by said microcontroller in sync with said imaging unit 103 to grip open end of apex of said structure 201, and synchronously said microcontroller actuates a motorized slider 106 configured in between said handle 101 and clamping unit 105 for providing linear motion to said clamping unit 105 along said slider 106 to uncoil said helical structure 201, resulting in covering said detected deformity/ defect with said tapping material; and
v) a moisture sensor installed on said body to detect presence of moisture over surface of said wire/ cable, wherein in case any moisture is detected said microcontroller actuates a motorized air blower 107 configured on said handle 101 to blow air with a pre-defined intensity for eliminating moisture from said wire/ cable and properly insulate said wire/ cable with said tapping material.

2) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein plurality of motorized clippers 108 are configured on said handle 101 that are actuated by said microcontroller for gripping said tapping material while installation, thereby facilitating in precise protection of said wire/ cable with said taping material.

3) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein an insulation resistance tester is configured on said body to detect quality of said wire/ cable, and in case said detected quality corresponds to defective one, said microcontroller activates a speaker 109 configured on said handle 101 to notify said user regarding condition of said wire/ cable.

4) 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.

Documents