SHOCK ABSORBER MAINTENANCE DEVICE

Abstract

A shock absorber maintenance device, comprising a rectangular base 101 having a cuboidal container 102 on the base 101 for a storage of rubber washers, a pair of semi-circular flaps 103 attached on a pair of oppositely located sliding units 104 on the base 101 for clamping on to a lower portion of a shock absorber to hold the shock absorber in a vertical position, multiple hinges for accommodating shock absorbers of different diameters, an ultrasonic sensor to detect a diameter of the shock absorber, a laser sensor to detect a diameter of a mounting hole of the shock absorber, a nozzle for spraying a lubricant oil stored in the tank on the mounting hole, an elongated vertical plate attached on a semi-circular second slider rail, and a motorized slider on an upper end of the vertical plate for inserting through the mounting hole to loop around the rubber washer.

Specification

Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a shock absorber maintenance device that is capable of providing a means to maintain a shock absorber by installing a rubber washer with the shock absorber as per dimension of the shock absorber without any requirement of physical efforts thereby prevent chances of error in assembling of the washer with the shock absorber.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Shock absorber plays an important role in reducing shock and vibration during usage of machinery that aids in reducing the risk of damage. The shock absorber are crucial components in machinery as they help to reduce the impact of vibrations and sudden movements, thereby prolonging the lifespan of the equipment and machinery. Additionally, the shock absorber improves stability and control during operation, ensuring smoother and more efficient performance. In industrial point of the view, the shock absorbers also help to minimize noise levels and prevent damage to surrounding structures by absorbing and dissipating excess energy. By absorbing the energy generated from sudden movements, the shock absorbers help to protect the overall integrity of the equipment and ensure consistent performance over time.

[0003] Traditionally, there are limited device and apparatuses that help to improve the performance and longevity of the vehicle's suspension unit. This simple maintenance task also prevent unnecessary wear and tear on the components of the machinery. Moreover, such devices and apparatuses are lack in in aiding proper alignment and proper sizing of the washer. It is important to double check the specifications and ensure a proper fit before attempting installation. Sometimes, it requires to take guidance from a professional for assistance in installation of the rubber washer.

[0004] CN203230782U discloses a model discloses a shock absorber with a regulation device. The shock absorber comprises a cylinder body, wherein the cylinder body is internally provided with a piston, the piston is provided with a piston rod stretching out of the cylinder body, the cylinder body is also sleeved with a spring, two axial ends of the spring are respectively connected with the piston rod and the cylinder body, and the peripheral wall of the cylinder body is provided with external threads; and the regulation device comprises an upper spring base, a lower spring base and a locking nut, the upper spring base is arranged on the piston rod, the lower spring base is provided with screw holes which are in fit with the external threads on the cylinder body, the locking nut is in fit with the external threads on the cylinder body and is used for locking the lower spring base, and two ends of the spring are respectively leaned against the upper spring base and the lower spring base. In the shock absorber disclosed by the utility model, the sliding of the lower spring base along an axial direction of the cylinder body can be realized by rotating the lower spring base, the position of the lower spring base can be regulated according to needs, thus the initial length of the spring can be changed, i.e. the hardness regulation of the shock absorber is realized, the spring is not needed to be replaced, and the regulation is convenient. CU'782 provides way to regulate hardness of the shock absorber that is realized, the spring is not needed to be replaced, however lacks in maintaining the shock absorber by installing a rubber washer with the shock absorber.


[0005] Conventionally, many devices and apparatuses are disclosed in prior art that provides a way to maintain a shock absorber but lacks in installing rubber washer with the shock absorber with proper alignment and proper sizing of the washer. Moreover, such devices and apparatuses are lacks in checking the specifications and ensure a proper fit before attempting installation.

[0006] In order to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks, there exists a need in the art to develop a device that is capable in maintaining the shock absorber by installing rubber washer with the shock absorber with proper alignment and proper sizing of the washer as per detected diameter of a mounting hole of the shock absorber.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

[0007] The principal object of the present invention is to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art.

[0008] An object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of maintaining a shock absorber by installing a rubber washer with the shock absorber without any application of physical efforts thereby reduces chances of improper assembling of the washer with the shock absorber.

[0009] Another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of detecting a diameter of a mounting hole of the shock absorber in order to aid a means to pick rubber washer of the detected diameter and place the washer adjacent to the mounting hole for installing the washer with the shock absorber.

[0010] Yet another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of detecting a position of the washer in the mounting hole to pull the washer in order to install the washer in the mounting hole in an aligned manner.

[0011] 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

[0012] The present invention relates to a shock absorber maintenance device that is capable of maintaining the shock absorber by installing a rubber washer with a shock absorber in accordance with diameter of a mounting hole of the shock absorber without any application of physical efforts.

[0013] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a shock absorber maintenance device, comprises of a rectangular base having a cuboidal container on the base for a storage of rubber washers, a pair of semi-circular flaps attached on a pair of oppositely located sliding units on the base for clamping on to a lower portion of a shock absorber to hold the shock absorber in a vertical position, each the flap is provided with multiple hinges for accommodating shock absorbers of different diameters, an ultrasonic sensor provided on the base detects a diameter of the shock absorber, a laser sensor to detect a diameter of a mounting hole of the shock absorber, an elongated vertical structure provided on a semi-circular first slider rail, and an L-shaped telescopic arm with a clamp provided on an upper end of the vertical structure to pick rubber washer of the detected diameter from the container and place the washer adjacent to the mounting hole, an L-shaped telescopic link with a nozzle, attached on the base and connected to a tank with a pump via a conduit for spraying a lubricant oil stored in the tank on the mounting hole, an elongated vertical plate attached on a semi-circular second slider rail, with a rectangular member having a motorized roller with a loop of wire provided on a motorized slider on an upper end of the vertical plate for inserting through the mounting hole to loop around the rubber washer.

[0014] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the proposed device further, comprises of an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit, installed on the base to determine a position of the washer in the mounting hole, a microphone, linked with the microcontroller, provided on the base for receiving an audio command from a user regarding installing the washer in the mounting hole, a computing unit that is accessed by the user to actuate the first slider rail and the telescopic arm to pick rubber washer of the detected diameter from the container and place the washer adjacent to the mounting hole and actuate the pump and the telescopic link to spray the lubricant in the mounting hole for initiating an installation of the washer, a battery associated with the device for for powering up electrical and electronically operated components associated with the device.

[0015] 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

[0016] 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 shock absorber maintenance device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0017] 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.

[0018] 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.

[0019] 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.

[0020] The present invention relates to a shock absorber maintenance device that is capable of maintaining the shock absorber by installing a rubber washer with a shock absorber without any requirement of skilled persons thereby reduces chances of improper assembly of the washer with the shock absorber in order to aid proper absorbance of the sudden impact due to jerk.

[0021] Referring to Figure 1, an isometric view of a shock absorber maintenance device is illustrated, comprising a rectangular base 101 having a cuboidal container 102 on the base 101, a pair of semi-circular flaps 103, attached on a pair of oppositely located sliding units 104 on the base 101, an elongated vertical structure 105 provided on a semi-circular first slider rail 106, and an L-shaped telescopic arm 107 with a clamp 108 provided on an upper end of the vertical structure 105, a rectangular member 109 provided on an upper end of the vertical plate, a motorized roller 111 with a loop of wire 112 attached with the rectangular member 109, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 113 installed on the base 101, and a microphone 110 provided on the base 101.

[0022] The proposed device comprises of a rectangular base 101 having a cuboidal container 102 on the base 101 for a storage of rubber washers. Herein, a pair of semi-circular flaps 103 attached on a pair of oppositely located sliding units 104 on the base 101 for clamping on to a lower portion of a shock absorber in order to hold the shock absorber in a vertical position. Further, an ultrasonic sensor provided on the base 101 for detecting a diameter of the shock absorber. The ultrasonic sensor consists of a transducer that functions as both a transmitter and a receiver that works in collaboration to detect the diameter of the shock absorber. 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.

[0023] When the emitted ultrasonic waves encounter the shock absorber 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 shock absorber. The same transducer that emitted the ultrasonic waves now acts as a receiver. It detects the reflected waves that bounce back from the shock absorber 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 shock absorber. 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, diameter of the shock absorber is calculated. Based on calculation, the microcontroller actuates the sliding units 104 and the hinges to grip and hold the shock absorber in a vertical position.

[0024] The sliding unit 104 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 moves. The slider carriage, also called a stage or platform equipped with a mechanism to minimize friction and ensure smooth motion. This involves the use of ball bearing. The sliding unit 104 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 flaps 103. The flaps 103, herein configured with multiple hinges ranging from 4 to 6 in numbers are activated by the microcontroller to grip the absorber.

[0025] The hinge 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. The motor is typically controlled by an electronic control unit that regulates its speed and direction. The hinge consists of a hinge mechanism that enables rotation around a fixed axis. It usually consists of two parts: a stationary component and a moving component. The stationary component is securely attached to one part of the flaps 103 and moving part attached with the sliding unit for deploying the flaps 103 to grip the absorber for accommodating shock absorbers of different diameter to grip and hold the shock absorber in the vertical position.

[0026] A laser sensor, herein discloses is provided on the base 101 for detecting diameter of the shock absorber. The laser sensor sends laser beams at two points of the absorber to form a triangle between the absorber and the point of the laser sensor from where lasers are emitted. The beams are bounced back towards the sensor and are sensed by the sensor with the angle formed between the emitting point and the surface at which laser beam are impact. The laser sensor, after detecting the required data of area of the absorber sends the data to the microcontroller. After receiving data, the microcontroller analyzes the data to detect diameter of the shock absorber. Based on detection, the microcontroller actuates a semi-circular first slider rail 106 configured with an elongated vertical structure 105 to translate the structure 105. The rail 106 is similar to the sliding unit that is activated by the microcontroller to provide translation motion to the structure 105.

[0027] After that the microcontroller actuates an L-shaped telescopic arm 107 with a clamp 108 provided on an upper end of the vertical structure 105. The arm 107 is equipped with a pneumatic unit that is activated by the microcontroller to provide extension and retraction of the arm 107. The pneumatic unit comprises of an air compressor, air cylinder, air valves and piston. The air valve that allows entry or exit of the compressed air from the compressor. Furthermore, the valve opens and the compressed air enters inside the cylinder thereby increasing the air pressure of the cylinder. The piston is connected to the cylinder and due to the increase in the air pressure, the piston extends due to which the arm 107 extends to provide back and forth movement to the clamp 108 for gripping and picking the rubber washer of the detected diameter from the container 102 and place the washer adjacent to the mounting hole.

[0028] Further, an L-shaped telescopic link with a nozzle, attached on the base 101, to spray a lubricant oil stored in a tank with a pump via a conduit on the mounting hole. The pump comprises of moving part that includes impeller, vane, and inlet that works in collaboration to pump the oil to dispense out from the bodies over the platform. The impeller is coupled with a motor that is activated by the microcontroller to rotate the impeller due to which the solution starts spinning between the vanes to provide centrifugal acceleration. After then the acceleration aids the oil to leave the impeller by creating low-pressure area in order to move the oil towards the nozzle. The nozzle comprises of a magnetic plunger. When an electric signal is transmitted to the nozzle, the plunger gets attracted by an electromagnet in order to open the nozzle for dispensing the lubricant oil on the mounting hole.

[0029] Further, an elongated vertical plate attached on a semi-circular second slider rail with a rectangular member 109 provided on a motorized slider on an upper end of the vertical plate. Herein, the rectangular member 109 having a motorized roller 111 with a loop of wire 112 attached for inserting through the mounting hole to loop around the rubber washer. The roller is actuated by the microcontroller to rotate for winding the loop of wire 112 to pull the washer through the mounting hole for an installation of the washer in the mounting hole. The roller is coupled with a motor that is activated by the microcontroller to provide circular motion to the roller to pull the washer through the mounting hole for an installation of the washer in the mounting hole.

[0030] Herein, a microphone 110 linked with the microcontroller, provided on the base 101 for receiving an audio command from the user regarding installing the washer in the mounting hole. 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.

[0031] 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 voice command given by the user. Upon processing the voice commands, the microcontroller actuates the first slider rail 106 and the telescopic arm 107 to pick rubber washer of the detected diameter from the container 102 and place the washer adjacent to the mounting hole and actuate the pump and the telescopic link to spray the lubricant in the mounting hole for initiating an installation of the washer.

[0032] Further, a computing unit, herein enabling the user to remotely trigger the microcontroller to actuate the telescopic arm 107 with the clamp 108 to grip the auger blade and actuate the imaging unit 113 to determine the profile of the edges of the auger blade to accordingly actuate the first slider rail 106 and the telescopic arm 107 to pick rubber washer of the detected diameter from the container 102 and place the washer adjacent to the mounting hole and actuate the pump and the telescopic link to spray the lubricant in the mounting hole for initiating an installation of the washer.

[0033] The computing unit herein includes but not limited to a mobile and laptop that comprises a processor where the input received from the user is stored to process and retrieve the output data in order to display in the computing unit. The microcontroller is wirelessly linked with the 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). The communication module acts as a medium between various electronic unit for establishing communication between the computing unit and device to process the input given by the user. Upon processing the input, the microcontroller actuates the first slider rail 106 and the telescopic arm 107 to pick rubber washer of the detected diameter from the container 102 and place the washer adjacent to the mounting hole and actuate the pump and the telescopic link to spray the lubricant in the mounting hole for initiating an installation of the washer.

[0034] Further, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 113 installed on the base 101 for detecting a position of the washer in the mounting hole. The imaging unit 113 comprises of a camera and processor that works in collaboration to detect the position of the washer in the mounting hole. An AI (artificial intelligence) protocols encrypted with the processor linked with the imagining unit to enhance its functionality and capabilities. 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.

[0035] The camera, herein captures images in a vicinity of the base 101 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.

[0036] The camera is capable of analysing in a vicinity of the base 101 and providing real-time updates or alerts about the vicinity of the base 101 based on predefined rules or criteria. Herein, based on extraction of the data from the captured images to detect the position of the washer in the mounting hole. Based on detection, the microcontroller actuates second slider rail, the motorized slider 110, the roller to pull the washer with the wire 112 to install the washer in the mounting hole in an aligned manner. The slider is similar to the sliding unit that is activated by the microcontroller to provide translation to the roller along with rotation to pull the washer through the mounting hole for an installation of the washer in the mounting hole.

[0037] 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.

[0038] The present invention works best in following manner that includes the rectangular base 101 having a cuboidal container 102 on the base 101 for a storage of rubber washers. Herein, the pair of semi-circular flaps 103, attached on a pair of oppositely located sliding units 104 on the base 101 for clamping on to a lower portion of a shock absorber to hold the shock absorber in a vertical position and each the flap is provided with the hinges for accommodating shock absorbers of different diameters. The ultrasonic sensor detects a diameter of the shock absorber to trigger the microcontroller to actuate the sliding units 104 and the hinges to grip and hold the shock absorber in a vertical position. Further, the elongated vertical structure 105 provided on a semi-circular first slider rail 106, and an L-shaped telescopic arm 107 with a clamp 108 provided on an upper end of the vertical structure 105. Herein, the laser sensor detects a diameter of a mounting hole of the shock absorber to trigger the microcontroller to accordingly actuate the first slider rail 106 and the telescopic arm 107 to pick rubber washer of the detected diameter from the container 102 and place the washer adjacent to the mounting hole. Further, the telescopic link with a nozzle to sprays a lubricant oil stored in the tank on the mounting hole. Also, the elongated vertical plate attached on a semi-circular second slider rail, with a rectangular member 109 having a motorized roller 111 with a loop of wire 112 attached for inserting through the mounting hole to loop around the rubber washer, and the roller rotates to wind the loop of wire 112 to pull the washer through the mounting hole for an installation of the washer in the mounting hole. Also, the artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 113 determines a position of the washer in the mounting hole to trigger the microcontroller to accordingly actuate the second slider rail, the motorized slider, the roller to pull the washer with the wire 112 to install the washer in the mounting hole in an aligned manner.

[0039] 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 shock absorber maintenance device, comprising:

i) a rectangular base 101 having a cuboidal container 102 on said base 101 for a storage of rubber washers;

ii) a pair of semi-circular flaps 103, attached on a pair of oppositely located sliding units 104 on said base 101 for clamping on to a lower portion of a shock absorber to hold said shock absorber in a vertical position, wherein each said flap is provided with a plurality of hinges for accommodating shock absorbers of different diameters;

iii) an ultrasonic sensor provided on said base 101 detects a diameter of said shock absorber to trigger a microcontroller to actuate said sliding units 104 and said hinges to grip and hold said shock absorber in a vertical position;

iv) an elongated vertical structure 105 provided on a semi-circular first slider rail 106, and an L-shaped telescopic arm 107 with a clamp 108 provided on an upper end of said vertical structure 105, wherein a laser sensor detects a diameter of a mounting hole of said shock absorber to trigger said microcontroller to accordingly actuate said first slider rail 106 and said telescopic arm 107 to pick rubber washer of said detected diameter from said container 102 and place said washer adjacent to said mounting hole;

v) an L-shaped telescopic link with a nozzle, attached on said base 101, said nozzle connected to a tank with a pump via a conduit, wherein said nozzle sprays a lubricant oil stored in said tank on said mounting hole;

vi) an elongated vertical plate attached on a semi-circular second slider rail, with a rectangular member 109 provided on a motorized slider on an upper end of said vertical plate, said rectangular member 109 having a motorized roller 111 with a loop of wire 112 attached for inserting through said mounting hole to loop around said rubber washer, wherein said roller rotates to wind said loop of wire 112 to pull said washer through said mounting hole for an installation of said washer in said mounting hole; and

vii) an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 113, installed on said base 101 and integrated with a processor for recording and processing images in a vicinity of said base 101, to determine a position of said washer in said mounting hole to trigger said microcontroller to accordingly actuate said second slider rail, said motorized slider, said roller to pull said washer with said wire 112 to install said washer in said mounting hole in an aligned manner.

2) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a microphone 110, linked with said microcontroller, provided on said base 101 for receiving an audio command from a user regarding installing said washer in said mounting hole to trigger said microcontroller to actuate said first slider rail 106 and said telescopic arm 107 to pick rubber washer of said detected diameter from said container 102 and place said washer adjacent to said mounting hole and actuate said pump and said telescopic link to spray said lubricant in said mounting hole for initiating an installation of said washer.

3) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a wireless communication module, linked with said microcontroller, is provided on said base 101 for enabling said user to remotely trigger said microcontroller, by connecting with a computing unit, to actuate said first slider rail 106 and said telescopic arm 107 to pick rubber washer of said detected diameter from said container 102 and place said washer adjacent to said mounting hole and actuate said pump and said telescopic link to spray said lubricant in said mounting hole for initiating an installation of said washer.

4) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a battery is associated with said device for powering up electrical and electronically operated components associated with said device.

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