MANUAL AND AUTONOMOUS PORTABLE DEVICE FOR FIVE-AXIS ABRASIVE WATERJET CUTTER MACHINE FOR AUTOMATION AND OPTIMUM CONTROL

Abstract

A manual and autonomous portable device for five-axis abrasive waterjet cutter machine for automation and optimum control comprises Raspberry Pi, USB Camera, nRF Module, Temperature Sensor, Accelerometer, Current Sensor, and Power Supply, the VisionEdge Unit equips real time viewing of visual images and surrounding conditions to observe operators and the states of machines thus giving pre assessment dangers of operating a multi axis abrasive waterjet cutter a faster range of motion enhanced by upgrades provided by Middleware Unit features including a Jetson Nano, nRF Module encapsulates a LoRa RF Module and a TFT Display along with a power supply which ensures visual presentation of data and local improvements in analytics as a way to cope with critical changes in machine or surrounding operational activity.

Specification

Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to manual and autonomous portable device for five-axis abrasive waterjet cutter machine for automation and optimum control.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
This technology can be described as an advance edge-enabled, handheld solution that will improve the safety, enhance operational and health analytic for multi-axis abrasive waterjet cutters through behavior monitoring and monitoring of activities in real time. The system collects a full range of parameters including environmental conditions, the monitoring of the machine and the activities of the operator transferring them via a cross layered system. The data is first processed on site and then transmitted to the centralized cloud where deep learning models are able to provide insights and recommendations based on AI. With this arrangement, operators, and other authorized individuals can monitor the status of the machine through an onsite display and a web dashboard, which makes it easy for them to make informed decisions, react to possible threats, and improve the machine's maintenance.
This invention responds to the pressing demand for better precision, predictive maintenance, and operational safety in multi-axis abrasive waterjet cutters. Most conventional systems do not have comprehensive automated real-time surveillance thus responding to safety hazards is delayed, machine operative's activities are ineffective and unexpected machine breaks. The technology of abrasive waterjet cutting is sophisticated and has a high-risk factor hence requires proper controls and maintenance to provide the performance required and to protect the operators. As both machine health and operator actions are recorded, this system provides the means for proactive corrective action, thereby minimizing operational risk and promoting timely intervention, leading to enhanced safety, higher productivity, and prolonged life of the equipment in the workplace.
US20200108485A1: A water jet machine employed in flat glass cutting, with horizontal cutting occurring by means of high pressure water combined with abrasives to perform holes and cutouts in said flat glass sheets, with the large differential, compared to the Water Jet machines existing in the market, to be able to work in automated production line, with feeding of the glass pieces, squaring and automatic referencing, serving in this format to the glass branch with high productivity and standardization of the productive process. According to its function, the water jet machine for flat glass cutting has the purpose of automatically perforating holes, cutouts, over or on glass sheets of various sizes in length, thickness, and width, in particular through the action of positioning tools and functional movements to machining.
RESEARCH GAP: Edge-enabled handheld device with AI-driven behavior analysis and health recommendations for multi-axis abrasive waterjet cutters using vision-based monitoring, nRF, and LoRa networks is the novelty of the system.
WO2021016701A1: A cutting assembly for cutting a workpiece is provided. The cutting assembly includes a cutting head having a first fluid jet cutter adapted to produce a jet of non-abrasive fluid to cut the workpiece along a cutting plane; and a second fluid jet cutter provided adjacent the first fluid jet cutter adapted to produce a jet of non-abrasive fluid to cut the workpiece along the same cutting plane. The cutting assembly being adapted to cut the workpiece along the cutting plane in a single operation. A workpiece processing system including the cutting assembly is also provided.
RESEARCH GAP: Edge-enabled handheld device with AI-driven behavior analysis and health recommendations for multi-axis abrasive waterjet cutters using vision-based monitoring, nRF, and LoRa networks is the novelty of the system.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts, in a simplified format, that are further described in the detailed description of the invention.
This summary is neither intended to identify key or essential inventive concepts of the invention and nor is it intended for determining the scope of the invention.
To further clarify advantages and features of the present invention, a more particular description of the invention will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof, which is illustrated in the appended drawings. It is appreciated that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope. The invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail with the accompanying drawings.
This work embodies technical sophistication coupled with simple, practical functions to present a complete safety, monitoring and maintenance system specifically developed for multi-axis abrasive waterjet cutters. From a technical point of view the system comprises of several sensors and processing units combined into a network that performs the tasks of capturing, analyzing and transmission on-line. The first unit which is installed at the level of the machine acts as a smart sensor network that integrates images and temperature, pressure, current, and accelerometer based measures that are used to evaluate the machine's condition and the operator's activities. Data is first of all processed and sent through one bluetooth module which has short range communication capabilities. Such data dissemination and management models enables scepticism on spatial issues to be addressed thus, reporting safety issues is done easily and quickly.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The illustrated embodiments of the subject matter will be understood by reference to the drawings, wherein like parts are designated by like numerals throughout. The following description is intended only by way of example, and simply illustrates certain selected embodiments of devices, systems, and methods that are consistent with the subject matter as claimed herein, wherein:
FIGURE 1: SYSTEM ARCHITECTURE
The figures depict embodiments of the present subject matter for the purposes of illustration only. A person skilled in the art will easily recognize from the following description that alternative embodiments of the structures and methods illustrated herein may be employed without departing from the principles of the disclosure described herein.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The detailed description of various exemplary embodiments of the disclosure is described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that the embodiments are described herein in such details as to clearly communicate the disclosure. However, the amount of details provided herein is not intended to limit the anticipated variations of embodiments; on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.
It is also to be understood that various arrangements may be devised that, although not explicitly described or shown herein, embody the principles of the present disclosure. Moreover, all statements herein reciting principles, aspects, and embodiments of the present disclosure, as well as specific examples, are intended to encompass equivalents thereof.
The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of example embodiments. As used herein, the singular forms "a"," "an" and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms "comprises," "comprising," "includes" and/or "including," when used herein, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components and/or groups thereof.
It should also be noted that in some alternative implementations, the functions/acts noted may occur out of the order noted in the figures. For example, two figures shown in succession may, in fact, be executed concurrently or may sometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon the functionality/acts involved.
In addition, the descriptions of "first", "second", "third", and the like in the present invention are used for the purpose of description only, and are not to be construed as indicating or implying their relative importance or implicitly indicating the number of technical features indicated. Thus, features defining "first" and "second" may include at least one of the features, either explicitly or implicitly.
Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which example embodiments belong. It will be further understood that terms, e.g., those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.
This work embodies technical sophistication coupled with simple, practical functions to present a complete safety, monitoring and maintenance system specifically developed for multi-axis abrasive waterjet cutters. From a technical point of view the system comprises of several sensors and processing units combined into a network that performs the tasks of capturing, analyzing and transmission on-line. The first unit which is installed at the level of the machine acts as a smart sensor network that integrates images and temperature, pressure, current, and accelerometer based measures that are used to evaluate the machine's condition and the operator's activities. Data is first of all processed and sent through one bluetooth module which has short range communication capabilities. Such data dissemination and management models enables scepticism on spatial issues to be addressed thus, reporting safety issues is done easily and quickly.
The second unit also known as the middleware, is the hub of communication and interface for the personnel on site. This module receives the data stream from the first sensor hub, transforms it data and shows certain metrics on the interface screen. Besides, the middleware allows the reliable transmission of data to the gateway through long range wireless networks such that the integration can be effortless throughout the factory and beyond. After this, the third unit which is the gateway cares about the security and then sends the data to the central cloud server. The cloud server contains machine learning and AI that processes past and present data to create useful information and suggestions for actions to be taken to assist in predictive maintenance and general operational improvement. This three-unit setup allows for a flexible and modular approach which makes it suitable to many industrial layouts and network requirements.
This system solves urgent problems in the workplace, such as security, productivity, and meeting legal requirements. Information about AI and recommendation systems allows operators to respond correctly and within time frames expected from professionals. The on-site screen displays the worker's operating area and alerts, allowing for better and faster reactions to possible dangers. Furthermore, the cloud server's web dashboard helps management to track activities and arrange for maintenance as well as check that the equipments do not exceed the safe operating parameters. There is also an improvement in compliance as the operational data is electronically recorded for audit purposes and all safety requirements are complied with.
BEST METHOD OF WORKING
With the help of the embedded units such as Raspberry Pi, USB Camera, nRF Module, Temperature Sensor, Accelerometer, Current Sensor, and Power Supply, the VisionEdge Unit equips real time viewing of visual images and surrounding conditions to observe operators and the states of machines thus giving pre assessment dangers of operating a multi axis abrasive waterjet cutter a faster range of motion.
Enhanced by upgrades provided by Middleware Unit features including a Jetson Nano, nRF Module encapsulates a LoRa RF Module and a TFT Display along with a power supply which ensures visual presentation of data and local improvements in analytics as a way to cope with critical changes in machine or surrounding operational activity.
Including in-house Middleware Unit and Endnode Unit, the LoRa RF Module allows extreme long distances transmission of data around the entirely facility ensuring that monitoring is sound and data transmission to the cloud server remains continous even in large industrial environments.
Enhancing data security, an Endnode Unit with a Jetson Nano, LoRa RF Module, GSM Module and power supply secures remote access to smart machinery operational and health information by pushing data to cloud servers and advanced AI automatically analyzes data allowing authorized staff to monitor machine conditions remotely and receive predictive recommendation.
The TFT Display Interface, part of the Middleware Unit, provides users with an easy and instantaneous feedback system that improves their level of understanding of the context and the capability to react to warnings, contributing to active management of equipment health and safety in industrial conditions.
ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION
1. Due to the VisionEdge Unit with a Raspberry Pi with USB Camera, now machine and environmental parameters are visible instantaneously. The operational status of the machines and the safety of the workers can be responded to without delay. This also provides a proactive approach to risk management in the workplace since the measures against risks are taken before the risks are even observed.
2. The VisionEdge Unit with embedded temperature, accelerometer and current sensors is passing through these different machine health parameters which can provide such level of detail about the performance of equipment and emerging faults which may result in subsequent losses through downtime.
3. Implementing LoRa RF and nRF modules between devices guarantees the integrity of data communications regardless of the distance between devices and enables the seamless transfer of data from the machine floor to the cloud server which allows for the monitoring of operations regardless of the size of the industrial facility.
4. Operators are equipped with JETSON nano which is interfaced with TFT display, and by incorporating middleware units, operators can visualize real-time telemetry data and receive alerts instantly. These features strengthen decision making while keeping machine conditions functional and operators on their toes.
5. Any authorized user can send this data remotely using a web interface to monitor, maintain, and operate the system based on its predictive capabilities. Data is processed by a cloud service through an Endnode Unit fitted with a Jetson Nano and a GSM module.
, Claims:1. A manual and autonomous portable device for five-axis abrasive waterjet cutter machine for automation and optimum control comprises Raspberry Pi, USB Camera, nRF Module, Temperature Sensor, Accelerometer, Current Sensor, and Power Supply, the VisionEdge Unit equips real time viewing of visual images and surrounding conditions to observe operators and the states of machines thus giving pre assessment dangers of operating a multi axis abrasive waterjet cutter a faster range of motion.
2. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein enhanced by upgrades provided by Middleware Unit features including a Jetson Nano, nRF Module encapsulates a LoRa RF Module and a TFT Display along with a power supply which ensures visual presentation of data and local improvements in analytics as a way to cope with critical changes in machine or surrounding operational activity.
3. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein including in-house Middleware Unit and Endnode Unit, the LoRa RF Module allows extreme long distances transmission of data around the entirely facility ensuring that monitoring is sound and data transmission to the cloud server remains continous even in large industrial environments.
4. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein enhancing data security, an Endnode Unit with a Jetson Nano, LoRa RF Module, GSM Module and power supply secures remote access to smart machinery operational and health information by pushing data to cloud servers and advanced AI automatically analyzes data allowing authorized staff to monitor machine conditions remotely and receive predictive recommendation.
5. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the TFT Display Interface, part of the Middleware Unit, provides users with an easy and instantaneous feedback system that improves their level of understanding of the context and the capability to react to warnings, contributing to active management of equipment health and safety in industrial conditions.

Documents