ORIENTATION ADJUSTMENT ASSISTIVE DEVICE FOR JOINING/WELDING PURPOSES

Abstract

An orientation adjustment assistive device for joining/welding purposes, comprises of a platform 101 having multiple suction cups 102 that adheres to surface, for securing the platform 101 on the surface, a touch interactive display panel 103 enables a user to provide input specifications regarding a user-desired orientation of a pair of planks, an imaging unit 104 determines dimensions of a pair of planks positioned on platform 101 by a user, a motorized sliding unit 106 translates members 105 for enabling user to accommodate lateral ends of planks on the primary and secondary set of members 105, a flap 107 for supporting planks, an inverted U-shaped clamp 109 is integrated with each of block 108, by means of a lead screw arrangement 110 rotates for translating clamp 109 over accommodated lateral ends of the plank, and a motorized hinge joint 111 provides converging/diverging movement to plates for tilting members 105.

Specification

Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to an orientation adjustment assistive device for joining/welding purposes that is capable of adjusting placement of planks at user-desired angle for joining and welding purposes in appropriate manner without causing any discomfort to the user.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Orientation adjustment in welding planks is the process of alimenting and positioning of metal planks before welding to achieve optimal joint strength and quality. This adjustment ensures that the welding seams are placed in the most advantageous orientation relative to the plank's structure. Industries such as shipbuilding, construction, and automotive require precise orientation adjustment to enhance weld integrity, structural stability, and durability of assembled components, and by aligning planks correctly, a user mitigate potential weaknesses like stress concentrations or weld defects, which ensuring the overall reliability and performance of welded structures in various industrial applications.

[0003] Traditionally, orientation adjustment in welding planks involves visual inspection and manual alignment by welders. They visually assess the plank's direction and adjust its orientation accordingly before welding. However, these manual methods are prone to human error and inconsistency, leading to suboptimal weld quality and structural integrity. Moreover, manual methods fail to detect damaged portions of the plank reliably. For instance, these methods incapable to identify hidden flaws or defects that compromise weld strength. So, there is need to develop an equipment which is efficient in minimizing these drawbacks and capable of assisting the user in orientation adjustment in welding/joining process.

[0004] CN108015465A discloses about an invention that includes an orientation space adjusting mechanism for a welding gun, belonging to the mechanical field. The motion principle is described in that a circular-arc guide rail of an internal gear is used; a motor is used to control rotating speed of a small wheel gear such that the welding gun can centering circular motion on a guide rail of the wheel gear; the target movement locus is formed by the welding gun; a second motor is utilized to drive the circular-arc guide rail of the internal gear to perform rotational motion; and resultant movement is reversely-spherical wrist motion. A double-drive mode is utilized. A fixing part of the overall welding gun is fixed on a sliding trolley through a bolt. The sliding trolley is fixed on the circular-arc guide rail of the internal gear through an open groove in the side surface. When motors drive wheel gears, the sliding trolley can drive the welding gun to perform centering circular motion. The orientation space adjusting mechanism for the welding gun has two degrees of freedom, is extremely simple in structure, and low in cost. Additionally, welding operation of different welding tasks can be finished when the mechanism cooperates with a welding robot to work. Therefore, the orientation space adjusting mechanism is highly practical.

[0005] CN205240943U discloses about an invention that includes an outputting direction adjuster of welding rod, including shell body, bearing body and adjustment stand, it has the joint locating hole that is used for inlaying the joint bearing body to open on the shell body, and the middle part of bearing body is equipped with the welding rod through -hole, is provided with annular convex orientation adjustment mold core on the inside wall of welding rod through -hole, still is equipped with adjustment column mouting hole on the shell body, the adjustment stand twist connect at adjustment column mouting downthehole, the bottom meshing transmission closure adjustment mold core of adjustment stand. The beneficial effects are that can control the outputting direction of welding rod, adjust to the outputting direction who makes things convenient for follow -up book system work, effectively alleviate the intensity of work, improve the production efficiency of welding rod.

[0006] Conventionally, many devices have been developed to orient adjustment for welding. However, these devices are incapable of assisting a user in modifying the positioning of planks at a specified angle for welding and joining in a suitable way. In addition, these devices are incompetent in recognizing regions of damage on the plank and provide auditory signals to alert the user about replacing the plank.

[0007] In order to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks, there exists a need in the art to develop a device that needs to be capable of aiding a user in appropriately changing the positioning of planks at an appropriate angle for joining and welding process. Additionally, the proposed device requires to be efficient in identify the plank's broken areas and provide audible signals to alert the user to replace the plank.

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 assisting a user in adjusting placement of planks at user-desired angle for joining and welding purposes in appropriate manner.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of allowing the user to accommodate the user's hand and translate while performing an operation that requires steady movement of the user's hand.

[0011] Yet another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of detecting damaged portions of the plank in order to produce audio signals for notifying the user to replace the plank.

[0012] The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become readily apparent upon further review of the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0013] The present invention relates to an orientation adjustment assistive device for joining/welding purposes that is capable of adjusting placement of planks at user-desired angle for joining and welding purposes in appropriate manner without causing any discomfort to the user while performing an operation along with notifying the user to replace the plank in case of damaged portion of the plank.

[0014] According to an embodiment of the present invention, an orientation adjustment assistive device for joining/welding purposes, comprises of a platform developed to be positioned on a fixed surface, wherein plurality of suction cups are arranged underneath the platform to adhere to the surface, for securing the platform on the surface, a touch interactive display panel mounted on the platform for enabling a user to provide input specifications regarding a user-desired orientation of a pair of planks, wherein an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit integrated on the platform and paired with a processor for capturing and processing multiple images of the platform, respectively to determine dimensions of a pair of planks positioned on the platform by a user, a primary and secondary set of triangular members arranged on the platform, each by means of a motorized sliding unit that is actuated by an inbuilt microcontroller to translate the members as per the determined dimensions, for enabling the user to accommodate lateral ends of the planks on the primary and secondary set of members, a flap arranged at back portion of the members and configured with a block, for supporting the planks, wherein an inverted U-shaped clamp is integrated with each of the block, by means of a lead screw arrangement, that is actuated by the microcontroller to rotate for translating the clamp over the accommodated lateral ends of the plank, in view of properly gripping the planks from each lateral end, a tactile sensor coupled with a force sensor, is embedded on the clamp for detecting hardness of the plank, to identify material of the plank, in accordance to which the microcontroller regulates operation of the lead screw, to apply an appropriate holding force on the plank, as monitored by the force sensor.

[0015] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the proposed device further comprises of a motorized ball and socket joint is integrated in between the clamp and lead screw for providing required movement to the clamp as per the tilted members, for holding the plank properly, at least three plates incorporated in the members and interconnected by means of a motorized hinge joint, wherein in case the user-desired angle corresponds to a 45 degree, the microcontroller actuates the hinge joint to provide converging/diverging movement to the plates, for tilting the members at the user-specified angle, thereby allowing the user to join the planks, a hand-rest installed on the platform by means of a motorized slider, which allows the user to accommodate the user's hand on the hand-rest and translate while performing an operation that requires steady movement of the user's hand, an ultrasonic sensor is embedded in the platform for detecting damaged portions of the plank, based on which the microcontroller actuates a speaker installed on the platform to produce audio signals for notifying the user to replace the plank, a battery is configured with the device for providing a continuous power supply to electronically powered components associated with the device.

[0016] While the invention has been described and shown with particular reference to the preferred embodiment, it will be apparent that variations might be possible that would fall within the scope of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with regard to the following description, appended claims, and accompanying drawings where:
Figure 1 illustrates an isometric view of an orientation adjustment assistive device for joining/welding purposes.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0018] The following description includes the preferred best mode of one embodiment of the present invention. It will be clear from this description of the invention that the invention is not limited to these illustrated embodiments but that the invention also includes a variety of modifications and embodiments thereto. Therefore, the present description should be seen as illustrative and not limiting. While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative constructions, it should be understood, that there is no intention to limit the invention to the specific form disclosed, but, on the contrary, the invention is to cover all modifications, alternative constructions, and equivalents falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the claims.

[0019] In any embodiment described herein, the open-ended terms "comprising," "comprises," and the like (which are synonymous with "including," "having" and "characterized by") may be replaced by the respective partially closed phrases "consisting essentially of," consists essentially of," and the like or the respective closed phrases "consisting of," "consists of, the like.

[0020] As used herein, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" designate both the singular and the plural, unless expressly stated to designate the singular only.

[0021] The present invention relates to an orientation adjustment assistive device for joining/welding purposes that aids in assisting a user in adjusting placement of planks at user-desired angle for joining and welding purposes in appropriate manner without any chances of misplacement of the planks.

[0022] Referring to Figure 1, an isometric view of an orientation adjustment assistive device for joining/welding purposes is illustrated, comprising a platform 101 integrated with multiple suction cups 102 arranged underneath the platform 101, a touch interactive display panel 103 mounted on the platform 101, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 104 integrated on the platform 101, a primary and secondary set of triangular members 105 arranged on the platform 101, each by means of a motorized sliding unit 106, a flap 107 arranged at back portion of the members 105 and configured with a block 108, an inverted U-shaped clamp 109 integrated with each of the block 108, by means of a lead screw arrangement 110, at least three plates incorporated in the members' 105 and interconnected by means of a motorized hinge joint 111, a hand-rest 112 installed on the platform 101 by means of a motorized slider 113, a motorized ball and socket joint 114 integrated in between the clamp 109 and lead screw, and speaker 115 installed on the platform 101.

[0023] The proposed device comprises of a platform 101 made up of any material that includes metallic material and wooden material alike and encased with various components associated with the device arranged in sequential manner that aids in assisting adjusting orientation in joining/welding operations. The user now requires to place the device over a fixed surface due to which multiple suction cups 102 ranging from 4 to 6 in numbers integrated underneath the platform 101 adhere the surface. Upon placing the platform 101 over the surface, the suction cups 102 create partial vacuum within the cups 102 upon pressing over the surface portion by squeezing out air from the cups 102 due to a negative pressure is generated inside suction area. Herein, atmospheric pressure outside the cup presses down low-pressure area inside the cups 102 to generate suction to adhere the portion with the platform 101 thereby securely accommodating the platform 101 over the surface.

[0024] After that the user now requires to activate the device manually by pressing a push button associated with the device. The button is type of a switch that is internally connected with the device via multiple circuits that upon pressing by the user, the circuits get closed and starts conduction of electricity that tends to activate the device and vice versa. After activating of the device by the user, a microcontroller associated with the device generates commands to operate the device accordingly. Upon activating the device, the user accesses a touch interactive display panel 103 assembled with the platform 101 to give input specifications regarding a user-desired orientation of a pair of planks.

[0025] The display panel 103 comprises of an LCD (liquid crystal display) works by using liquid crystals that are manipulated by electric currents to control the passage of light through the display panel 103. When an electric current is applied, the liquid crystals align in a way that either allows light to pass through or block 108, s it, creating the images and colors that is being visible on the panel 103 upon selecting the input regarding the user-desired orientation of a pair of planks in the LCD which is further change the electric charge at the location of touch and registered as input in the display panel 103.

[0026] After that the input commands is stored in a database of the microcontroller linked with the display to process the input. Upon processing the input given by the user, the microcontroller activates an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 104 integrated with the platform 101 for detecting dimensions of a pair of planks positioned on the platform 101 by a user, wherein, the imaging unit 104 comprises of a camera and processor that works in collaboration to capture and process the images of the platform 101. The camera firstly captures multiple images of the platform 101, wherein the camera comprises of a body, electronic shutter, lens, lens aperture, image sensor, and imaging processor that works in sequential manner to capture images of the platform 101. After capturing of the images by the camera, the shutter is automatically open due to which the reflected beam of light coming from the surrounding due to light is directed towards the lens aperture. After then the reflected light beam passes through the image sensor. The sensor now analyzes the beam to retrieve signal from the beams which is further calibrate by the sensor to capture images of the surrounding of the user in electronic signal.

[0027] Upon capturing images, the imaging processor processes the electronic signal into digital image. When the capturing is done, the processor associated with the imaging unit 104 processes the captured images by using an artificial intelligence protocol to retrieve data from the captured image in the form of digital signal. The data is now transmitted to the microcontroller based on which the microcontroller acquires the data and analyze to detect the dimensions of the pair of planks. After that the microcontroller generates commands to actuate a motorized sliding unit 106 that is integrated with a primary and secondary set of triangular members 105 assembled on the platform 101 to translate the members 105 as per the determined dimensions to accommodate lateral ends of the planks on the primary and secondary set of members 105.

[0028] The sliding unit 106 comprises of a rail unit that provides a guided path for linear movement. The rail unit usually includes a pair of parallel rails or tracks, along which the sliding unit 106 moves. The slider carriage, also called a stage or platform 101 equipped with a mechanism to minimize friction and ensure smooth motion. This involves the use of ball bearings. The sliding unit 106 incorporates a motor and a drive mechanism to generate linear motion. The motor is connected to a drive mechanism, such as a belt, lead screw, or ball screw that converts the rotational motion of the motor into linear motion, propelling the slider carriage along the rail unit to translate the members 105 to accommodate lateral ends of the planks on the primary and secondary set of members 105.

[0029] Upon providing space for proper accommodation of the planks over the members 105 detected by the microcontroller via the imaging unit 104, the microcontroller actuates a lead screw arrangement 110 integrated with an inverted U-shaped clamp 109 assembled with the members 105 over a block 108, that is assembled with a flap 107 arranged at back portion of the members 105 to rotate for translating the clamp 109 at the accommodated lateral ends of the plank. The lead screw coupled with a motor that is activated by the microcontroller to rotate the screw with specified speed in order to translate the clamp 109 at the accommodated lateral ends of the plank for gripping the planks from each lateral end.

[0030] A tactile sensor herein coupled with a force sensor, is integrated with the clamp 109 for detecting hardness of the plank. The tactile sensor comprises of a sensing element known as elastomer for sensing the interaction of the plank. When the sensor is subjected to the interaction, the sensor gets activated and behave like a switch. When the interaction is released, the tactile sensor acts as closed switch to experience the force exerted by the by the plank. This force leads to deflection in the elastomer which is measured and converted into an electrical signal. After that the tactile sensor transmits the electric signal to the microcontroller linked with the sensor. The microcontroller now analyzes the signal to detect the hardness of the plank. Further, the force sensor works by measuring the deformation or strain of the plank when a force is applied to it. This deformation is then converted into an electrical signal that is being measured and calibrated to determine the magnitude of the force in order to identify material of the plank and accordingly the microcontroller regulates operation of the lead screw to apply an appropriate holding force on the plank.

[0031] Simultaneously, the microcontroller actuates a motorized ball and socket joint 114 assembled between the clamp 109 and lead screw for providing required motion to the clamp 109 as per the tilted members 105 for holding the plank properly. The ball and socket joint 114 comprises of a ball-like structure and cuplike structure that are liked with each other via a motor that is activated by the microcontroller to provide rotational motion to the ball like structure with 360-degree orientation to move the clamp 109 as per the tilted members 105 for holding the plank properly.

[0032] Multiples load cells integrated with the clamp 109 for detecting weight of the plank. The load cells are weight transducer that convert weight of the plank into an electrical signal that exert a downward force on the weight sensor. Within load cells, there are strain gauges that deform slightly due to weight. The deformation causes changes in electrical resistance within the strain gauges. The load cells then calibrate the resistance to detect weight of the plank and transmitted to the microcontroller where it analyzes to detect the weight of the clamp 109 and according actuates the clamp 109 to hold the plank with appropriate distribution of the weight of the plank for proper holding.

[0033] Further, in case the user-desired angle corresponds to a 45 degree, the microcontroller actuates a hinge joint 111 to provide converging/diverging movement to the plates, for tilting the members 105 at the user-specified angle, thereby allowing the user to join the planks. The hinge joint 111 typically refers to a mechanical joint that allows rotational movement around a fixed axis using a motor or actuator which provides the rotational force required to move the joint 111. The motor is typically controlled by an electronic control unit that regulates its speed and direction. The hinge joint 111 consists of a hinge mechanism that enables rotation around a fixed axis for tilting the members 105 at the user-specified angle, thereby allowing the user to join the planks.

[0034] Additionally, an ultrasonic sensor integrated in the platform 101 detects damaged portions of the plank. The ultrasonic sensor consists of a piezoelectric transducer that typically contains a piezoelectric crystal or a similar material. When an electrical signal is applied to the crystal, it vibrates at a high frequency, typically in the ultrasonic range above 20 kHz. When the transducer is activated, it converts the electrical energy into mechanical vibrations or waves. These vibrations are transmitted as a focused beam of ultrasonic waves into the object. The ultrasonic waves propagate outward in a cone-shaped pattern from the transducer.

[0035] When the emitted ultrasonic waves encounter the plank in their path, a portion of the waves is reflected back towards the sensor. The sensor then detects the reflected waves that bounce back from the plank and converts them back into electrical signals. The sensor measures the time it takes for the ultrasonic waves to travel from the sensor to the plank. The ultrasonic sensor now starts a timer when the waves are emitted and stops it when the reflected waves are detected. The elapsed time is known as the "time of flight" (TOF). Using the known speed of sound in the medium through which the waves are travelling, damaged portions of the plank is calculated. Based on calculation, the sensor transmitted the detected data to the microcontroller where it analyzes to detect the damage portion of the plank.

[0036] After the detection of the damaged portion of the plank, the microcontroller actuates a speaker 115 integrated with the platform 101 to notify the user to replace the plank. The speaker 115 includes a diaphragm, which is typically made of a lightweight and rigid material like paper, plastic, or metal. It is designed to vibrate and produce sound waves when electrical signals are fed to it. A voice coil (a tightly wound coil of wire) attached with the diaphragm of the speaker 115. The voice coil is suspended within a magnetic gap. When an electrical current flows through the coil, it interacts with the magnetic field produced by the magnet assembly, resulting in a force that moves the coil. The magnet assembly creates a magnetic field within the speaker 115. It consists of a permanent magnet and a metal structure, such as a pole piece or a magnet plate. The magnet assembly provides a fixed magnetic field through which the voice coil moves. The strength and configuration of the magnet assembly influence the performance and efficiency of the speaker 115.

[0037] The cone/diaphragm is connected to the speaker 115's frame via a suspension unit, which includes the surround and spider. When the electrical signal passes through the voice coil, it generates a magnetic field that interacts with the fixed magnetic field produced by the magnet assembly. As the electrical current varies, the magnetic field produced by the voice coil changes, resulting in the voice coil and attached cone/diaphragm moving back and forth. This movement creates pressure variations in the surrounding air, generating sound waves to generate the audible sound to notify the user to replace the plank.

[0038] Additionally, a hand-rest 112 installed on the platform 101 by means of a motorized slider 113 to accommodate the user's hand on the hand-rest 112 and translate while performing an operation. The slider 113 consists of consists of a rail unit that provides a guided path for linear movement. The rail unit usually includes a pair of parallel rails or tracks, along which the slider 113 moves. The slider carriage, also called a stage or platform 101 equipped with a mechanism to minimize friction and ensure smooth motion. This involves the use of ball bearings. The slider 113 incorporates a motor and a drive mechanism to generate linear motion. The motor is connected to a drive mechanism, such as a belt, lead screw, or ball screw. The drive mechanism converts the rotational motion of the motor into linear motion, propelling the slider carriage along the rail unit to translate the hand-rest 112 during performing the operation.

[0039] A battery (not shown in figure) is associated with the device to offer power to all electrical and electronic components necessary for their correct operation. The battery is linked to the microcontroller and provides (DC) Direct Current to the microcontroller. And then, based on the order of operations, the microcontroller sends that current to those specific electrical or electronic components so they effectively carry out their appropriate functions.

[0040] The present invention works best in following manner, where the platform 101 developed to be positioned on a fixed surface, wherein plurality of suction cups 102 is arranged underneath the platform 101 to adhere to the surface, for securing the platform 101 on the surface. The touch interactive display panel 103 mounted on the platform 101 for enabling a user to provide input specifications regarding a user-desired orientation of a pair of planks, wherein an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 104 integrated on the platform 101 and paired with a processor for capturing and processing multiple images of the platform 101, respectively to determine dimensions of a pair of planks positioned on the platform 101 by a user. After that the microcontroller to translate the members 105 as per the determined dimensions, for enabling the user to accommodate lateral ends of the planks on the primary and secondary set of members 105. Herein, wherein an inverted U-shaped clamp 109 is integrated with each of the block 108,, by means of a lead screw arrangement 110, that is actuated by the microcontroller to rotate for translating the clamp 109 over the accommodated lateral ends of the plank, in view of properly gripping the planks from each lateral end. Further, in case the user-desired angle corresponds to a 45 degree, the microcontroller actuates the hinge joint 111 to provide converging/diverging movement to the plates, for tilting the members 105 at the user-specified angle, thereby allowing the user to join the planks.

[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 persons skilled in the art upon reference to the description of the invention. , Claims:1) An orientation adjustment assistive device for joining/welding purposes, comprising:

i) a platform 101 developed to be positioned on a fixed surface, wherein plurality of suction cups 102 is arranged underneath said platform 101 to adhere to said surface, for securing said platform 101 on said surface;
ii) a touch interactive display panel 103 mounted on said platform 101 for enabling a user to provide input specifications regarding a user-desired orientation of a pair of planks, wherein an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 104 integrated on said platform 101 and paired with a processor for capturing and processing multiple images of said platform 101, respectively to determine dimensions of a pair of planks positioned on said platform 101 by a user;
iii) a primary and secondary set of triangular members 105 arranged on said platform 101, each by means of a motorized sliding unit 106 that is actuated by an inbuilt microcontroller to translate said members 105 as per said determined dimensions, for enabling said user to accommodate lateral ends of said planks on said primary and secondary set of members 105;
iv) a flap 107 arranged at back portion of said members 105 and configured with a block 108,, for supporting said planks, wherein an inverted U-shaped clamp 109 is integrated with each of said block 108,, by means of a lead screw arrangement 110, that is actuated by said microcontroller to rotate for translating said clamp 109 over said accommodated lateral ends of said plank, in view of properly gripping said planks from each lateral end; and
v) at least three plates incorporated in said members 105 and interconnected by means of a motorized hinge joint 111, wherein in case said user-desired angle corresponds to a 45 degree, said microcontroller actuates said hinge joint 111 to provide converging/diverging movement to said plates, for tilting said members 105 at said user-specified angle, thereby allowing said user to join said planks.

2) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a hand-rest 112 installed on said platform 101 by means of a motorized slider 113, which allows said user to accommodate said user's hand on said hand-rest 112 and translate while performing an operation that requires steady movement of said user's hand.

3) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a tactile sensor coupled with a force sensor, is embedded on said clamp 109 for detecting hardness of said plank, to identify material of said plank, in accordance to which said microcontroller regulates operation of said lead screw, to apply an appropriate holding force on said plank, as monitored by said force sensor.

4) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a motorized ball and socket joint 114 is integrated in between said clamp 109 and lead screw for providing required movement to said clamp 109 as per said tilted members 105, for holding said plank properly.

5) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein an ultrasonic sensor is embedded in said platform 101 for detecting damaged portions of said plank, based on which said microcontroller actuates a speaker 115 installed on said platform 101 to produce audio signals for notifying said user to replace said plank.

6) 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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