METAL SHEET ROLL CARRYING ASSISTIVE DEVICE

Abstract

A metal sheet roll carrying assistive device, a body 101 developed to be positioned on a ground surface comprising, a microphone 102 integrated in body 101 for providing input commands to activate/deactivate device, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 103 installed on body 101 to determine position of roll of metallic sheet, a circular disc 104 arranged with body 101 to extend/retract for positioning disc 104, a motorized pulley arrangement 106 integrated in disc 104 to increase/decrease dimensions of disc 104, plurality of suction cups 107 arranged on outer periphery of disc 104 for adhering to edges of roll, inverted U-shaped plates 108 arranged on member by means of a telescopically operated bar 109 for positioning plates 108 on inner surface of roll, plurality of electromagnets 110 are integrated on plates 108 for engaging to inner surface, plurality of motorized wheels 111 arranged underneath body 101 for moving body 101.

Specification

Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a metal sheet roll carrying assistive device that moves the body to the user-specified final position in order to assist the user along with securing the roll to avoid any kind of fatal injuries as well as casualties.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Sheet metal refers to metal that has been formed into thin, flat pieces. Sheet metal is one of the fundamental forms used in metalworking, and be cut and bent into various shapes and sizes. Sheet metal is commonly made from materials such as steel, aluminum, brass, copper, tin, nickel, and titanium. Sheet metal are widely used in industries such as automotive manufacturing, aerospace, construction. Sheet metal is valued for versatility, strength, and relatively low cost compared to other materials and widespread use across various industries makes the sheet metal crucial component in manufacturing and construction processes. Sheet metal carrying devices include tools and equipment designed to safely transport and handle sheet metal materials in various industrial and construction settings. These devices are typically used to lift and move large and heavy sheet metal panels or stacks. Vacuum suction, magnets, or clamps to securely grip the metal and allow for safe handling and positioning.

[0003] Traditionally the sheet metal roll assistive devices comprises of hooks or chains designed to suspend sheet metal roll from overhead cranes or hoists for lifting and positioning according to the requirement. Further specialized clamps were designed to grip and lift sheet metal securely without damaging the surface. These clamps may attach to forklifts, cranes, or other lifting equipment to facilitate the safe movement of sheet metal roll. Therefore there is need to develop a device that engages the inner surface of the sheet in view of securing the roll for moving from one place to another without causing any damage and places the sheet metal roll in user-specified final position.

[0004] US2549918A discloses about the invention related to sheet metal roll handling devices and pertains particularly to devices of a character to be carried the sheet metal roll in the hand for gripping and handling certain types of material. US'918 is able to carry and handle the roll, but however the invention is not able to secure the roll to avoid any kind of fatal injuries as well as casualties.

[0005] US2751223A discloses about the invention related to a continuous sheet handling device, and more particularly to a device for handling a continuous web of sheet material such as sheet metal roll or the like while the same is being transferred from one processing operation to another. US'223 is able to transfer rolls from one processing operation to another, but however the invention is not able to monitor the dimension of the role in order to provide smooth processing operation.

[0006] Conventionally, many devices many devices have been developed for caring a sheet metal roll. However the devices are not capable of moving the body to the user-specified final position in order to assist the user along with engaging the inner surface of the sheet, in view of securing the roll to avoid any kind of fatal injuries as well as casualties.

[0007] In order to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks, there exists a need in the art to develop that is capable of securing the roll to avoid any kind of fatal injuries as well as casualties along with moving the body to the user-specified final position in order to assist the user.

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 moving the body to the user-specified final position in order to assist the user.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of engaging the inner surface of the sheet, in view of securing the roll to avoid any kind of fatal injuries as well as casualties.

[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 a metal sheet roll carrying assistive device that moves the body to the user-specified final position in order to assist the user along with securing the roll to avoid any kind of fatal injuries as well as casualties.

[0014] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a metal sheet roll carrying assistive device, comprises of a body developed to be positioned on a ground surface, a microphone is integrated in the body for providing input commands to activate/deactivate the device, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit installed on the body and paired with a processor for capturing and processing multiple images in vicinity of the body to determine position of a roll of metallic sheet in proximity to the body, a circular disc is arranged with the body by means of a pair of hydraulically operated rods to extend/retract for positioning the disc in proximity to the roll, a laser measurement sensor embedded on the body for determining inner and outer dimensions of the roll, a motorized pulley arrangement integrated in the disc to increase/decrease dimensions of the disc for properly aligning the disc on one side of the roll, plurality of suction cups arranged on outer periphery of the disc for adhering to edges of the roll in a secured manner, a cylindrical member is integrated on the disc by means of a hydraulically operated link to extend/retract for positioning the member in an opening within the roll.

[0015] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the proposed device further comprises of plurality of inverted U-shaped plates arranged on the member by means of a telescopically operated bar for positioning the plates on inner surface of the roll, plurality of electromagnets are integrated on the plates for engaging to the inner surface in view of securing the roll on the member, a computing unit wirelessly linked with the microcontroller to provide input regarding a final position where the secured roll is to be carried, plurality of motorized wheels arranged underneath the body for moving the body along with the secured roll to the user-specified final position, a motorized ball and socket joint integrated in between each of the link and the member for providing omnidirectional movement to the member for aligning the member through the opening.

[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 a metal sheet roll carrying assistive 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 a metal sheet roll carrying assistive device that is capable of engaging with inner surface of a metal sheet roll in view of securing the roll to avoid any kind of fatal injuries as well as casualties along with moving the body to the user-specified final position in order to assist the user.

[0022] Referring to Figure 1, a isometric view of metal sheet roll carrying assistive device is illustrated, comprises of a body 101 developed to be positioned on a ground surface, a microphone 102 is integrated in the body 101, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 103 installed on the body 101, a circular disc 104 arranged with the body 101 by means of a pair of hydraulically operated rods 105, a motorized pulley arrangement 106 integrated in the disc 104, plurality of suction cups 107 arranged on outer periphery of the disc 104, inverted U-shaped plates 108 arranged on the member by means of a telescopically operated bar 109, plurality of electromagnets 110 are integrated on the plates 108, plurality of motorized wheels 111 arranged underneath the body 101.

[0023] The disclosed device comprises of a body 101 developed to be positioned on a ground surface. A microphone 102 is integrated in the body 101 for providing input commands to activate/deactivate the device. The microphone 102 contains a small diaphragm connected to a moving coil. When sound waves of the user hit the diaphragm, the coil vibrates. This causes the coil to move back and forth in the magnet's field, generating an electrical current. The signal of which are sent to the microcontroller to activate/deactivate the device.

[0024] Upon giving the input command regarding activation of the device, the microcontroller actuates an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 103 installed on the body 101 and paired with a processor, captures and processes multiple images in vicinity of the body 101, to determine position of a roll of metallic sheet in proximity to the body 101. The artificial intelligence based imaging unit 103 comprises of a camera lens and a processor, wherein the 360 degree rotatable camera captures multiple images of the body 101 and then the processor carries out a sequence of steps including pre-processing, feature extraction and segmentation. In pre-processing, the unwanted data like noise, background is removed out and the image is converted into a format recommended for feature extraction. The features like pixel intensities of the foreground image are extracted and are sent for classification to determine position of a roll of metallic sheet.

[0025] Upon determining the position of a roll of metallic sheet, the microcontroller actuates a circular disc 104 arranged with the body 101 by means of a pair of hydraulically operated rods 105 to extend/retract for positioning the disc 104 in proximity to the roll. The hydraulically operated rods 105 is powered by a hydraulic unit consisting of a hydraulic cylinder, hydraulic compressor, hydraulic valve and piston that work in collaboration for providing the required extension/retraction to the rod. The microcontroller actuates the valve to allow passage of hydraulic fluid from the compressor within the cylinder, the hydraulic fluid further develops pressure against the piston and results in pushing and extending the piston. The piston is connected with the circular disc 104 and due to applied pressure the circular disc 104 extends and similarly, the microcontroller retracts the circular disc 104 by closing the valve resulting in retraction of the piston. The microcontroller regulates the extension/retraction of the hydraulically operated rods 105 for positioning the disc 104 in proximity to the roll.

[0026] Upon positioning the disc 104 in proximity to the roll, the microcontroller actuates a laser measurement sensor embedded on the body 101 for determining inner and outer dimensions of the roll. The laser measurement 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 roll and back. The laser sensor emits a light towards the surface of roll and when the laser beam hits the surface of the roll, 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 of the roll. The sensor then calculates the inner and outer dimensions of the roll and the calculated inner and outer dimensions of the roll is then converted into electrical signal, in the form of current, and send to the microcontroller.

[0027] Upon receiving the signals, the microcontroller actuates a motorized pulley arrangement 106 integrated in the disc 104 to increase/decrease dimensions of the disc 104 for properly aligning the disc 104 on one side of the roll. The motorized pulley arrangement 106 consists of two main components: an outer pulley shell and an inner core. The inner core is mounted on a shaft and is capable of moving axially within the outer shell. By changing the position of the inner core relative to the outer shell, the effective diameter of the disc 104 is increased/decreased. When the core moves towards the center of the shell, the disc 104 is retracted and when the core moves away the diameter increases in order to properly aligning the disc 104 on one side of the roll.

[0028] Upon properly aligning the disc 104 on one of the roll, plurality of suction cups 107 arranged on outer periphery of the disc 104 adhere to edges of the roll in a secured manner. Plurality of suction refers to four to six in numbers. The suction cups 107 provides an additional grip to the roll. The suction unit when actuated by the microcontroller, creates an airtight between the cup's flexible rim and the roll for sealing off the area within the suction cups 107. The flexible rim of the suction cups 107 is designed to maintain an airtight seal between the roll and the disc 104. The suction cups 107 used herein are made up of silicone rubber that easily eliminates pressure inside the suction cups 107 for creating a vacuum to adhere to edges of the roll in a secured manner.

[0029] Upon adhering the edges of the roll in the secured manner, a cylindrical member integrated on the disc 104 by means of a hydraulically operated link is actuated by the microcontroller to extend/retract for positioning the member in an opening within the roll. The hydraulically operated link is powered by a hydraulic unit consisting of a hydraulic cylinder, hydraulic compressor, hydraulic valve and piston that work in collaboration for providing the required extension/retraction to the link. The microcontroller actuates the valve to allow passage of hydraulic fluid from the compressor within the cylinder, the hydraulic fluid further develops pressure against the piston and results in pushing and extending the piston. The piston is connected with the member and due to applied pressure the member extends and similarly, the microcontroller retracts the member by closing the valve resulting in retraction of the piston. The microcontroller regulates the extension/retraction of the hydraulically operated link for positioning the member in an opening within the roll.

[0030] Further, plurality of inverted U-shaped plates 108 arranged on the member, by means of a telescopically operated bar 109 for positioning the plates 108 on inner surface of the roll. Plurality of inverted U-shaped plates 108 refers to four to six in numbers. The telescopically operated bar 109 mentioned here works similar to the telescopically operated link mentioned above for positioning the plates 108 on inner surface of the roll and the plates 108 are fabricated with rubberized grooves for preventing any scuffs and scratches on the roll. Upon positioning the plates 108 on inner surface of the roll, the microcontroller actuates plurality of electromagnets 110 integrated on the plates 108 engages the inner surface, in view of securing the roll on the member. Plurality of electromagnets 110 refers to six to eight in numbers. The electromagnet is a specialized type of magnet in which the magnetic field is produced by an electric current, wherein the electromagnet consists of wire wound into a coil. When the current is passed through the wire, it creates a magnetic field which is concentrated in the hole in the center of the coil thus energizing the electromagnet for engaging to the inner surface, in view of securing the roll on the member.

[0031] Upon securing the roll on the member, a computing unit wirelessly linked with the microcontroller is accessed by the user to provide input regarding a final position where the secured roll is to be carried. The computing unit is linked with a microcontroller embedded within the housing via an integrated communication module that includes but is not limited to a GSM (Global System for Mobile Communication) module which is capable of establishing a wireless network between the microcontroller and the computing unit accessed by the user to provide input regarding the final position where the secured roll is to be carried.

[0032] Upon providing the input regarding the final position where the secured roll is to be carried, microcontroller actuates plurality of motorized wheels 111 arranged underneath the body 101 for moving the body 101 along with the secured roll to the user-specified final position, thereby assisting the user in carrying the metal sheet roll. Plurality of motorized wheels 111 refers to four in numbers. The motorized wheel comprises a disc 104 or a wheel coupled with a motor via a shaft wherein upon receiving the command from the microcontroller by the motor, the motor starts to rotate in clockwise or anti-clockwise direction in order to provide movement to the wheel via the shaft. The wheel thus provides a maximum level of assistance to the user and also allow the user to maintain a steady speed while moving the body 101 along with the secured roll to the user-specified final position, thereby assist the user in carrying the metal sheet roll.

[0033] Further, a motorized ball and socket joint is integrated in between each of the link and the member for providing omnidirectional movement to the member for aligning the member through the opening. The motorized ball and socket joint includes a motor powered by the microcontroller generating electrical current, a ball shaped element and a socket. The ball move freely within the socket. The motor rotates the ball in various directions that is controlled by the microcontroller that further commands the motor to position the ball precisely. The microcontroller further actuates the motor to generate electrical current to rotate in the joint for providing movement omnidirectional movement to the member for aligning the member through the opening.

[0034] Lastly, a battery is installed within the device which is connected to the microcontroller that supplies current to all the electrically powered components that needs an amount of electric power to perform their functions and operation in an efficient manner. The battery utilized here, is generally a dry battery which is made up of Lithium-ion material that gives the device a long-lasting as well as an efficient DC (Direct Current) current which helps every component to function properly in an efficient manner. As the device is battery operated and do not need any electrical voltage for functioning. Hence the presence of battery leads to the portability of the device i.e., user is able to place as well as moves the device from one place to another as per the requirements.

[0035] The present invention works best in the following manner the proposed device comprises of the microphone 102 provides input commands to activate/deactivate the device. Upon activating the device the artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 103 determines the position of the roll of metallic sheet in proximity to the body 101. Upon determines the position of the roll the circular disc 104 is actuated by the inbuilt microcontroller to extend/retract for positioning the disc 104 in proximity to the roll. Further, the laser measurement sensor determines the inner and outer dimensions of the roll, based on which the microcontroller actuates the motorized pulley arrangement 106 to increase/decrease dimensions of the disc 104 for properly aligning the disc 104 on one side of the roll. Upon aligning the disc 104 plurality of suction cups 107 adhere to edges of the roll in a secured manner and the cylindrical member is actuated by the microcontroller to extend/retract for positioning the member in an opening within the roll. Further, the telescopically operated bar 109 position the plates 108 on inner surface of the roll. Upon positioning the plates 108 plurality of electromagnets 110 engages the inner surface of the roll, in view of securing the roll on the member. Further the motorized ball and socket joint provides omnidirectional movement to the member for aligning the member through the opening.

[0036] In an alternate embodiment of the present invention, a touch interactive display panel is installed on the body 101 to enable the user to provide input command regarding the operation, a weight sensor installed on the plate for the weight of the the roll on the plate.

[0037] 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) A metal sheet roll carrying assistive device, comprising:

i) a body 101 developed to be positioned on a ground surface, wherein a microphone 102 is integrated in said body 101 for providing input commands to activate/deactivate said device;
ii) an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 103 installed on said body 101 and paired with a processor for capturing and processing multiple images in vicinity of said body 101, respectively to determine position of a roll of metallic sheet in proximity to said body 101, wherein a circular disc 104 arranged with said body 101 by means of a pair of hydraulically operated rods 105 that is actuated by an inbuilt microcontroller to extend/retract for positioning said disc 104 in proximity to said roll;
iii) a laser measurement sensor embedded on said body 101 for determining inner and outer dimensions of said roll, based on which said microcontroller actuates a motorized pulley arrangement 106 integrated in said disc 104 to increase/decrease dimensions of said disc 104 for properly aligning said disc 104 on one side of said roll;
iv) plurality of suction cups 107 arranged on outer periphery of said disc 104 for adhering to edges of said roll in a secured manner, wherein a cylindrical member is integrated on said disc 104 by means of a hydraulically operated link that is actuated by said microcontroller to extend/retract for positioning said member in an opening within said roll;
v) plurality of inverted U-shaped plates 108 arranged on said member, each by means of a telescopically operated bar 109 for positioning said plates 108 on inner surface of said roll, wherein plurality of electromagnets 110 are integrated on said plates 108 for engaging to said inner surface, in view of securing said roll on said member; and
vi) a computing unit wirelessly linked with said microcontroller that is accessed by a user to provide input regarding a final position where said secured roll is to be carried, wherein plurality of motorized wheels 111 arranged underneath said body 101 for moving said body 101 along with said secured roll to said user-specified final position, thereby assisting said user in carrying said metal sheet roll.

2) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said plates 108 are fabricated with rubberized grooves for preventing any scuffs and scratches on said roll.

3) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said microcontroller is linked with said computing unit via a communication module which includes, but not limited to Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity) module, Bluetooth module, GSM (Global System for Mobile Communication) module.

4) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a motorized ball and socket joint integrated in between each of said link and said member for providing omnidirectional movement to said member for aligning said member through said opening.

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

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