ROCK SPLITTING ASSISTIVE DEVICE

Abstract

A rock splitting assistive device comprises a cylindrical structure 101 having plurality of drawer mechanism 102 for enabling change in diameter of structure 101, an ultrasonic sensor provided on structure 101 to detect width of chisel, a cushioned padding provided on body 103 for enabling a user to acquire a grip onto structure 101, circular frame 105 attached with an upper end of body 103 for protecting user’s hands from hammer strike, a plurality of pop-out balls 108 disposed between structure 101 and body 103 for enabling smooth sliding motion between structure 101 and body 103, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 109 installed on body 103 determine position and angle of hammer strike, an electromagnetic spring absorb the force of strike, a microphone 110 provided on body 103 for receiving audio command from user regarding holding chisel.

Specification

Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a rock splitting assistive device that is capable of determining position and angle of a hammer in order to protect user's hands from the hammer strike while splitting the rock in a secured manner.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] As population grows humans first began to work with stone for various purposes such as construction, tool-making, and sculpture. One of the earliest forms of mechanized rock splitting tools was the wedge and hammer system, which involved driving a series of metal wedges into natural fissures or drilled holes in the rock, then striking them with a hammer to split the rock along its natural grain or fracture lines. This method was effective but required considerable manual labor and skill. Initially, simple tools like chisels and hammers were used to break apart rocks manually. Traditional rock splitting tools typically consisted of handheld implements designed to leverage mechanical force to break apart rocks. Like plug and feathers, this method involves inserting a set of wedge-shaped tools (feathers) into pre-drilled holes in the rock. A larger wedge (plug) is then driven between the feathers, applying pressure to split the rock along its natural grain or fracture lines.

[0003] Although the traditional method of manually splitting rocks using hammers and chisels has proven effective to some extent, but it comes with inherent limitation. They require significant manual labour, as they rely on physical force exerted by workers using handheld tools such as hammers, chisels, and wedges. This is time-consuming and physically demanding, especially for larger or harder rocks. And effectively using traditional rock splitting tools requires skill, experience, and knowledge of rock properties. Improper technique or inadequate understanding of rock mechanics can result in inefficient splitting, damage to tools, or even injury to workers. Thus, there is a need to develop an innovative tool that provide a consistent way of splitting rocks where traditional methods may fall short and to meet the evolving demands of modern requirements.

[0004] US4072353A discloses a rock splitting tool having elongate laterally expanding metal pressure bars or feathers and an axial sliding wedge or spreader for radially separating the feathers, the wedge being driven by the combined and superimposed forces of a hydraulic thrust servomotor and an impact hammer. The driving paths for transmitting forces to the wedge are coaxial and partially in series and partially in parallel.US'353 discloses about a rock splitting tool for splitting rocks in an automated manner. However, this invention does not focus on determining the position and angle of a hammer strike in order to protect user's hands from the hammer strike while splitting the rock.

[0005] US4571002A discloses an apparatus having a pair of presser cheeks for insertion in a drill hole, with a slider wedge slidably engaged there between. The forced descent of the slider wedge by a hydraulic cylinder assembly result in the lateral motion of the presser cheeks away from each other. The presser cheeks are supported from the cylinder body of the cylinder assembly, each via two pairs of parallel spaced leaf springs disposed on opposite sides of the slider wedge and normally closely held against the other two pairs of leaf springs supporting the other presser cheek. While the bottom ends of the leaf spring pairs are rigidly coupled to the presser cheeks, their upper ends are connected to the cylinder body via elastic members yieldable to permit upward displacement of the leaf springs with the presser cheeks, as upon withdrawal of the slider wedge, without buckling. Further two pairs of stop rods depend from the cylinder body so as to normally terminate short of the respective presser cheeks. As the elastic members yield to allow upward displacement of the leaf springs, the presser cheeks come into abutment against the respective pairs of stop rods to prevent the buckling and consequent destruction of the leaf springs. Though in US'002 discloses about a hydraulic rock splitter for wedging the presser cheeks apart from each other in a drill hole. However this invention does not focus on detect and mitigate potential risks in real-time from hammer strike.

[0006] Conventionally, many devices exist that are capable of splitting rock however these devices fail in determining the position and angle of a hammer strike in order to protect user's hands from the hammer strike while splitting the rock in an automated manner.

[0007] In order to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks, there exists a need in the art to develop a device that is capable of determining the position and angle of a hammer strike in order to protect user's hands from the hammer strike while splitting the rock. Additionally, the device should be potent enough of capable to determine possible threats from hammer strikes and provides protection to the user without losing the hammer's functionality or performance.

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 determining the position and angle of a hammer strike in order to protect user's hands from the hammer strike while splitting the rock.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of detect and mitigate potential risks in real-time from hammer strike thus offers enhanced protection to the user without compromising performance or usability of hammer.

[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 rock splitting assistive device that is capable of detecting the position and angle of a hammer in order to protect user's hands from the hammer strike while splitting the rock in an efficient manner.

[0014] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a rock splitting assistive device comprises a a cylindrical structure configured with a plurality of drawer mechanism for enabling a change in a diameter of the structure, an ultrasonic sensor provided on the structure detects a width of a chisel for splitting the rock to trigger a microcontroller to actuate the drawer mechanisms to expand or retract the structure as per the detected width to grip the chisel within the structure, a cylindrical body positioned concentrically on the structure, circumferentially attached with the structure by a plurality of electromagnetic springs, a circular frame attached with an upper end of the body, the body has a cushioned padding for enabling a user to acquire a grip onto the structure, the frame for protecting the user's hands from a hammer strike.

[0015] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the proposed device further comprises, plurality of pop-out balls disposed between the structure and the body for enabling a smooth sliding motion between the structure and the body, the circular frame comprises a plurality of rectangular flaps attached on motorized sliders arranged circularly on the upper end of the body, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit, in synchronization with an angle sensor provided on the body, installed on the body and integrated with a processor, to determine a position and angle of a hammer strike to trigger the microcontroller to accordingly actuate the sliders to position the flaps to protect the user's hand from the strike wherein the electromagnetic springs absorb the force of the strike and the pop-out balls allow sliding motion between the structure and the body for the motion imparted by the springs, a microphone, linked with the microcontroller, provided on the body for receiving an audio command from the user regarding holding the chisel to trigger the microcontroller to actuate the ultrasonic sensor to detect the width of the chisel to be split to expand or retract the structure as per the detected width to grip the chisel within the structure, a battery is associated with the device for powering up electrical and electronically operated 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 a rock splitting assistive device; and

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 rock splitting assistive device that is capable of determining the position and angle of a hammer in order to protect user's hands from the hammer strike while splitting the rock in a self-sufficient manner.

[0022] Referring to Figure 1, an isometric view of a rock splitting assistive device is illustrated, comprising a cylindrical structure 101 is configured with a plurality of drawer mechanism 102, a cylindrical body 103 positioned concentrically on the structure 101, plurality of electromagnetic springs 104 are attached with the structure 101, a circular frame 105 is attached with an upper end of the body 103, frame 105 comprises a plurality of rectangular flaps 106 attached on motorized sliders 107 arranged circularly on upper end of body 103, plurality of pop-out balls 108 disposed between the structure 101 and the body 103, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 109 is provided on the body 103, a microphone 110 linked on the body 103.

[0023] The proposed device includes a cylindrical structure 101 is configured with a plurality of drawer mechanism 102 for enabling a change in a diameter of the structure 101. The drawer mechanism 102 comprises of a carriage assembly and a DC motor that works in collaboration to extend and retract the platform. The carriage assembly fitted with two rails that are used for sliding the block up and down. The block opening located at the end of the rail and have two clips that are used to secure the ring with the barrel. To extend the drawer, the drawer is pushed to open and the carriage assembly slide outward. This creates an opening to allow extension and retraction mechanism for enabling a change in a diameter of the structure 101.

[0024] An ultrasonic sensor is provided on the structure 101 detects a width of a chisel for splitting the rock to trigger a microcontroller to actuate the drawer mechanism 102 s to expand or retract the structure 101 as per the detected width to grip the chisel within the structure 101. The ultrasonic sensor consists of a transducer that functions as both a transmitter and a receiver that works in collaboration to detect width of a chisel for splitting the rock. The transducer 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.

[0025] When the emitted ultrasonic waves encounter the four-wheeler in their path, a portion of the waves is reflected back towards the sensor. The amount of reflection depends on factors such as the distance, size, and surface characteristics of the crack and depression. The same transducer that emitted the ultrasonic waves now acts as a receiver. It detects the reflected waves that bounce back from the crack/depression 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 rock. 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, determining the width of the chisel for splitting the rock is calculated.

[0026] Simultaneously, a cylindrical body 103 is positioned concentrically on the structure 101, circumferentially attached with the structure 101 by a plurality of electromagnetic springs 104, a circular frame 105 attached with an upper end of the body 103. Further, the body 103 has a cushioned padding for enabling a user to acquire a grip onto the structure 101, the frame 105 for protecting the user's hands from a hammer strike.

[0027] Post protecting the user's hands from a hammer strike, plurality of pop-out balls 108 disposed between the structure 101 and the body 103 for enabling a smooth sliding motion between the structure 101 and the body 103. The pop-out balls 108 work on a simple mechanism that are powered by motor that is activated by the microcontroller, producing rotational motion. This force is then transmitted to a mechanism that forces the ball out of its compartment, allowing it startled the body 103 in opposite to the primary hand for enabling the smooth sliding motion between the structure 101 and the body 103.

[0028] The circular frame 105 comprises a plurality of rectangular flaps 106 are attached on motorized sliders 107 arranged circularly on the upper end of the body 103. The slider consists of a pair of sliding rails fabricated with grooves in which the wheel of a slider is positioned that is further connected with a bi-directional motor via a shaft. The microcontroller actuates the bi-directional motor to rotate in a clockwise and anti-clockwise direction that aids in the rotation of the shaft, wherein the shaft converts the electrical energy into rotational energy for allowing movement of the wheel to translate over the sliding rail by a firm grip on the grooves. The movement of the slider results in the translation of the circular frame 105 over the upper end of the body 103.

[0029] Upon translation of the circular frame 105 over the upper end of the body 103, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 109 installed on the body 103 and is integrated with a processor for recording and processing images in a vicinity of the body 103 to determine a position and angle of a hammer strike. The imaging unit 109 works in synchronization with an angle sensor provided on the body 103 The imaging unit 109 comprises of a camera and processor that works in collaboration to detect position and angle of a hammer strike. The AI (artificial intelligence) protocols encrypted with the processor linked with the imaging unit 109 to enhance its functionality and capabilities.

[0030] The AI protocols are used to process and analyses the images captured by the camera enabling it to perform various tasks beyond traditional image capturing. The AI analysis is performed locally on the camera itself and the real-time processing on the camera enables immediate responses and faster decision-making. The camera, herein captures images of the surroundings with the help of specialized lenses designed to capture high-quality visuals. The captured data is now pre-processed via the processor to enhance its quality and prepare it for AI analysis. This pre-processing involves tasks such as noise reduction, image stabilization, or color correction. The processed data is fed into AI protocols for analysis which utilizes machine learning techniques, such as deep learning neural networks, to extract meaningful information present in the images. The camera is capable of analysing the surroundings and providing real-time updates or alerts about the surroundings based on predefined rules or criteria. Herein, based on extraction of the data from the captured images, the microcontroller linked with the imaging unit 109 detects the position and angle of the hammer strike.

[0031] Post detecting the position and angle of the hammer strike, the microcontroller to accordingly actuate the sliders to position the flaps to protect the user's hand from the strike wherein the electromagnetic springs 104 absorb the force of the strike and the pop-out balls 108 allow sliding motion between the structure 101 and the body 103 for the motion imparted by the springs. The spring comprises of a conducting coil, when the electric current is passed across the coil that result in generation of the magnetic field around the coil and that results in the generation of the magnetic force due to which the springs gets energized. When the current release, the electromagnet de-energized. The energization and de-energization of the springs to compress for absorbing the force of the strike.

[0032] A microphone 110 is linked with the microcontroller, provided on the body 103 for receiving an audio command from the user regarding holding the chisel to trigger the microcontroller to actuate the ultrasonic sensor to detect the width of the chisel to be split to expand or retract the structure 101 as per the detected width to grip the chisel within the structure 101. The microphone 110 receives sound waves generated by energy emitted from the voice command in the form of vibrations. After then, the sound waves are transmitted towards a diaphragm configured with a coil. Upon transmitting the waves within the diaphragm, the diaphragm strikes with the waves due to which the coil starts moving the diaphragm with a back-and-forth movement in presence of magnetic field generated from the coil. After that the electric signal is emitted from the coil due to back-and-forth movement of the diaphragm which is further transmitted to a microcontroller linked with the microphone 110 to process the signal to analyze the signal for detecting the width of the chisel to be split to expand or retract the structure 101 as per the detected width to grip the chisel within the structure 101.

[0033] Lastly, a battery 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.

[0034] The present invention works best in the following manner, where the cylindrical structure 101 is configured with the plurality of drawer mechanism 102 for enabling the change in the diameter of the structure 101. Then, the ultrasonic sensor detects the width of the chisel for splitting the rock to trigger a microcontroller to actuate the drawer mechanism 102 s to expand or retract the structure 101 as per the detected width to grip the chisel within the structure 101. Simultaneously, the cylindrical body 103 is positioned concentrically on the structure 101, circumferentially attached with the structure 101 by the plurality of electromagnetic springs 104, the circular frame 105 attached with the upper end of the body 103. Further, the plurality of pop-out balls 108 disposed between the structure 101 and the body 103 for enabling the smooth sliding motion between the structure 101 and the body 103. Then, the circular frame 105 comprises the plurality of rectangular flaps 106 are attached on the motorized sliders 107 arranged circularly on the upper end of the body 103. After that, the artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 109 for recording and processing images in the vicinity of the body 103 to determine the position and angle of the hammer strike. Then, the microcontroller to accordingly actuate the sliders to position the flaps to protect the user's hand from the strike wherein the electromagnetic springs 104 absorb the force of the strike and the pop-out balls 108 allow sliding motion between the structure 101 and the body 103 for the motion imparted by the springs. Then, a microphone 110 is linked with the microcontroller for receiving an audio command from the user regarding holding the chisel.

[0035] 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 rock splitting assistive device, comprising:

i) a cylindrical structure 101 configured with a plurality of drawer mechanism 102 for enabling a change in a diameter of said structure 101;
ii) an ultrasonic sensor provided on said structure 101 detects a width of a chisel for splitting said rock to trigger a microcontroller to actuate said drawer mechanism 102 s to expand or retract said structure 101 as per said detected width to grip said chisel within said structure 101;
iii) a cylindrical body 103 positioned concentrically on said structure 101, circumferentially attached with said structure 101 by a plurality of electromagnetic springs 104, a circular frame 105 attached with an upper end of said body 103, wherein said body 103 has a cushioned padding for enabling a user to acquire a grip onto said structure 101, said frame 105 for protecting said user's hands from a hammer strike;
iv) a plurality of pop-out balls 108 disposed between said structure 101 and said body 103 for enabling a smooth sliding motion between said structure 101 and said body 103;
v) said circular frame 105 comprises a plurality of rectangular flaps 106 attached on motorized sliders 107 arranged circularly on said upper end of said body 103; and
vi) an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 109, in synchronization with an angle sensor provided on said body 103, installed on said body 103 and integrated with a processor for recording and processing images in a vicinity of said body 103, to determine a position and angle of a hammer strike to trigger said microcontroller to accordingly actuate said sliders to position said flaps to protect said user's hand from said strike wherein said electromagnetic springs 104 absorb the force of said strike and said pop-out balls 108 allow sliding motion between said structure 101 and said body 103 for the motion imparted by said springs.
2) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a microphone 110, linked with said microcontroller, provided on said body 103 for receiving an audio command from said user regarding holding said chisel to trigger said microcontroller to actuate said ultrasonic sensor to detect said width of said chisel to be split to expand or retract said structure 101 as per said detected width to grip said chisel within said structure 101.

3) 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.

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