TRAFFIC CONE MANUFACTURING DEVICE

Abstract

A traffic cone manufacturing device, comprising a rectangular base 101 having plurality of motorized omnidirectional wheels 102 for a locomotion of the base 101 , a first conveyor belt 103 for a conveying of a waste plastic into a shredding chamber 104 for a shredding of the waste plastic, a downward hopper for delivering a shredded plastic into a bathing tank 106 for a purification of the shredded plastic, an L-shaped telescopic arm 107 to fetch the purified shredded plastic from the tank 106 and place the plastic on a second conveyor belt 105, a heating unit 113 for melting of the purified shredded plastic, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 113 determine a deformation in the molded cone, a speaker 114 to alert user regarding a remolding of the cone, and a pair of robotic link 115 with second nozzles for spraying a paint onto the cone.

Specification

Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a traffic cone manufacturing device that assists a user in manufacturing of traffic cone by recycling plastic waste, thereby reducing plastic waste being disposed as landfill as well as reducing cost for manufacturing traffic cones.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Traffic cones are essential elements that are used for road safety, serve various purposes, serve various purposes, including delineating of lanes, redirecting of traffic and marking hazard. The bright color of traffic cones and reflective strips enhance the visibility, ensuring safer navigation through construction zones, accidents or maintenance activities.

[0003] Traffic cones are manufactured using thermoplastic materials like PVC or LDPE, which includes injection molding. In injection molding, molten plastic is injected into cone shaped molds, trimmed and finished. After forming of the cones, additional reflective bands are added on the cones for enhancing the visibility.

[0004] WO2018132133A1 discloses a modular traffic cone assembled from a flat sheet and a dish that stores in a minimum of space. In one embodiment, translucent traffic cone has enhanced visibility through a light seated on a platform inside the translucent cone. In one embodiment, the modular traffic is included in a traffic directing kit comprising a translucent flat sheet, a dish and a platform, the sheet, the dish and the platform forming the traffic cone. The kit may also include ballast and the light for seating inside the traffic cone. A method of assembly for the traffic cone and the kit is disclosed. Though in WO'133 discloses about a modular traffic cone for assembling of a traffic cone. However, this device is not capable of manufacturing of traffic cone from recycled plastic waste.

[0005] CN116038967A discloses a plastic traffic cone forming device, which belongs to the field of plastic traffic cone processing, and comprises a processing table, a belt wheel driving piece connected with a servo motor is arranged on the processing table, the belt wheel driving piece is connected with a driving belt, driving seats are uniformly arranged on the driving belt, and a steering arc-shaped rod is arranged on the side wall of the processing table at the steering position of the driving belt. The driving base is connected with a driving rotating shaft through a steering connecting piece, and the end of the driving rotating shaft is connected with a forming cone through a key groove connecting piece. The device is designed according to excess materials on the surface of the traffic cone generated after injection molding and deburring machining, the driving belt is used for driving the forming cone tool to move, the forming cone tool is used for driving the traffic cone arranged on the forming cone tool in a sleeving mode to move, and in the moving process, the forming cone tool and the traffic cone rotate relatively; the excess materials in the traffic cone are cut and removed through the inner cutting edges on the forming cone tools, and therefore the requirement that the forming cone tools can be placed in a stacked mode in actual use is met. Though CN'967 discloses a device that is capable of forming plastic traffic cone by using injection molding. However, this device is not capable of painting the formed traffic cone, thereby develops a need of physical efforts and time of the user for painting the cone, in view of increasing visibility of the traffic cone.

[0006] Conventionally, many devices have been developed that are capable of manufacturing a traffic cone from a flat sheet or by using plastic waste. However, these devices are not capable of manufacturing of traffic cone from recycled plastic waste.

[0007] In order to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks, there exists a need in the art to develop a device that is capable of recycling plastic waste and accordingly utilizes the recycled plastic waste for manufacturing of traffic cone. Additionally, the device is also capable of painting the manufactured traffic cone, thus ensuring high visibility of the traffic cone both during the day and at night.

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 manufacturing of traffic cone by recycling plastic waste in an easy and effective manner, thereby reducing plastic waste being disposed as landfill as well as reducing cost for manufacturing traffic cones.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of painting the manufactured traffic cone, thereby ensuring high visibility of the traffic cone both during the day and at night.

[0011] Yet another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of determine a deformation in the manufactured cone and accordingly provide means to generate an audio alert for a user regarding a remolding of the cone.

[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 traffic cone manufacturing device that assists a user in recycling of plastic waste and manufacture traffic cone from the recycled plastic waste, thereby reducing plastic waste being disposed as landfill as well as reducing cost for manufacturing traffic cones.

[0014] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a traffic cone manufacturing device comprises a rectangular base having plurality of motorized omnidirectional wheels underneath the base for a locomotion of the base, a first conveyor belt, provided on the base, for a conveying of a waste plastic into a shredding chamber, for a shredding of the waste plastic, a downward directed hopper arranged in the chamber for delivering a shredded plastic into a bathing tank containing a washing solution, for a purification of the shredded plastic, an L-shaped telescopic arm, having a curved flap with plurality perforations is attached on the base by a ball and socket joint to fetch the purified shredded plastic from the tank and place the plastic on a second conveyor belt, an air blower provided on the base, directs an air towards the plastic on the second conveyor belt for a drying of the shredded plastic, a container with a pump and having a heating unit for a melting of the purified shredded plastic, a first nozzle connected with the container via a conduit, for delivering the melted plastic from the container into a mold assembly for a molding of the melted plastic into a shape of a traffic cone, a temperature sensor provided on the base, detects a temperature of the mold assembly, a telescopic bar with a clipper, provided on the base for a removal of the molded cone from the mold assembly and placing of the cone on a painting station, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit installed on the base to determine a deformation in the molded cone, a speaker, provided on the base to generate an audio alert for a user regarding a remolding of the cone and a pair of robotic link arranged in the painting station, with second nozzles for spraying a paint onto the cone.

[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 a perspective view of a traffic cone manufacturing 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 traffic cone manufacturing device that assists a user in manufacturing of traffic cone by using plastic waste in an easy and effective manner, thereby reducing plastic waste as well as reducing cost of manufacturing traffic cones.

[0021] Referring to Figure 1, a perspective view of a traffic cone manufacturing device is illustrated, comprising a rectangular base 101 having plurality of motorized omnidirectional wheels 102 underneath the base 101, a first conveyor belt 103, provided on the base 101, a shredding chamber 104 arranged on the base 101, the shredding chamber 104 having a downward directed hopper, a bathing tank 106 arranged on the base 101, an L-shaped telescopic arm 107, having a curved flap 108 with plurality attached on the base 101 by a ball and socket joint, a second conveyor belt 105 provided on the base 101 , an air blower 109 provided on the base 101, a first nozzle 110 connected with the container via a conduit, a mold assembly 111 provided on the base 101, a telescopic bar 112 with a clipper, provided on the base 101, an artificial intelligence- based imaging unit 113 installed on the base 101, a speaker 114 provided on the base 101 , a pair of robotic link 115 with second nozzles provided on the base 101 , a microphone 116 provided on the base 101 and a painting station 117 provided on the base 101 .

[0022] The device disclosed herein includes herein is a rectangular base 101 having multiple motorized omnidirectional wheels 102 underneath the base 101 that is developed to be positioned on a ground surface.

[0023] Upon positioning the base 101 on the ground surface, a microphone 116, link 115ed with a microcontroller provided on the base 101 enables the user to input voice command regarding initiating manufacturing of the traffic cone. The microphone 116 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 for processing the input voice command of the user regarding initiating manufacturing of the traffic cone.

[0024] Based on the input command from the user, the microcontroller actuate a first conveyor belt 103 provided on the base 101 for a conveying of a waste plastic into a shredding chamber 104 arranged on the base 101 . The conveyer belt 103 consists of a belt 103 stretched across two or more pulley in close loop and one of the pulley is attached with a driven motor that is interlink 115ed with the microcontroller. On actuation, the driven motor rotates the pulley which in turn results that the primary conveyer belt 103 also rotates that leads to translate the waste plastic into the shredding chamber 104 in view of shredding of the waste plastic.

[0025] Upon translation of the waste plastic into the shredding chamber 104, plurality of motorized blades provided in the shredding chamber 104 is actuated by the microcontroller for a cutting of the waste plastic into smaller pieces. The motorized blade consists of motor connected to a set of blades for cutting the waste plastic into smaller pieces. The motor is the key component that converts electrical energy into mechanical energy to provide movement to the blade. Upon actuation of the blade by the microcontroller, the motor starts rotating the blades in a clockwise/ anti-clockwise direction by imparting the rotational motion to the blades thus cutting waste plastic into smaller pieces.

[0026] A downward directed hopper arranged with the shredding chamber 104 delivers the shredded plastic into a bathing tank 106 containing a washing solution, for a purification of the shredded plastic.

[0027] An L-shaped telescopic arm 107 attached on the base 101 by a ball and socket joint having a curved flap 108 with plurality perforations and the arm 107 is actuated by the microcontroller to fetch the purified shredded plastic from the tank 106. The robotic arm 107 comprises of a robotic link 115 and a clamp attached to the link 115. The robotic link 115 is made of several segments that are attached together by joints also referred to as axes. Each joint of the segments contains a step motor that rotates and allows the robotic link 115 to complete a specific motion of the arm 107. Upon actuation of the robotic arm 107 by the microcontroller, the motor drives the movement of the clamp to fetch the purified shredded plastic from the tank 106. Upon fetching the plastic from the tank 106, the microcontroller directs the arm 107 to place the plastic on a second conveyor belt 105 provided on the base 101.

[0028] Upon placing the plastic on the second conveyor belt 105, an air blower 109 provided on the base 101 is actuated by the microcontroller to direct an air towards the plastic on the second conveyor belt 105 for a drying of the shredded plastic. The air blower 109 comprises of a vortex, heater, impeller and an outlet duct. The air blower 109 increases the pressure of the air drawn for the surrounding of the base 101 by a series of vortex motions formed by the centrifugal movement of the impeller. Upon actuation of the blower 109 by the microcontroller, the impeller is rotating wherein the channels in the impeller push the drawn air from the surrounding forward through a heating unit 113, that increase the temperature of the absorbed air by creating the centrifugal movement that generates a helical movement of the air. During this centrifugal movement, the absorbed air is continuously compressed along the channel and the pressure increases linearly. The pressurized air is transferred from the outlet duct of the blower 109 to the shredded plastic for drying the shredded plastic.

[0029] Upon drying of the shredded plastic, the second conveyor belt 105 conveys the dried shredded plastic into a container with a pump. The movement of the second conveyor belt 105 is regulated by the microcontroller in the same manner as the first conveyor belt 103 for translation of the dried shredded plastic into the container.

[0030] Upon translation of the dried shredded plastic into the container, a heating unit 113 arranged in the container is activated by the microcontroller for melting of the purified shredded plastic. The heating unit 113 used herein is made up of metal and uses electricity as the energy source. The heating unit 113 uses electrical resistance to convert the electric energy into heat energy which is then transferred through to an air medium over the wire for melting of the purified shredded plastic.

[0031] Upon melting of the shredded plastic, a first nozzle 110 connected with the container via a conduit is actuated by the microcontroller for delivering the melted plastic from the container into a mold assembly 111 for molding of the melted plastic into a shape of a traffic cone. The first nozzle 110 works by utilizing electrical energy to automize the flow solution in a controlled flow pattern by converting the pressure energy of a fluid into kinetic energy, which increases the fluid's velocity to get dispensed. Upon actuation of nozzle 110 by the microcontroller, the electric motor or the pump pressurizes the melted plastic from the container, increasing its pressure significantly. High pressure enables the solution to be sprayed out with a high force into the mold assembly 111 for molding of the melted plastic into a shape of a traffic cone. The mold assembly 111 comprises a first mold part and a second mold part, the first mold part and the second mold part, in a mated position forming an internal cavity having a shape of the traffic cone.

[0032] A temperature sensor provided on the base 101 detects a temperature of the mold assembly 111. The temperature sensor is composed of metal that generate an electrical voltage or resistance when experienced to temperature changes of the mold assembly 111. The sensor works by measuring the voltage across the diode terminals. The resistance of the diode is detected and transformed into readable values in order to measure the temperature of the laptop body. The measured temperature is then converted into electrical signal which is received by the microcontroller. The microcontroller processes the signal to determine temperature of the mold assembly 111. The determined temperature is further processes by the microcontroller to compare the determined value to a threshold temperature stored within a database 101 link 115ed to the microcontroller. In case the determined temperature is detected to below the threshold temperature, the microcontroller actuates the mold assembly 111 to open.

[0033] Upon opening of the mold assembly 111, the microcontroller actuates a telescopic bar 112 with a clipper, provided on the base 101 for removal of the molded cone from the mold assembly 111. The telescopic bar 112 is link 115ed to a pneumatic unit 113, including an air compressor, air cylinders, air valves and piston which works in collaboration to aid in extension and retraction of the bar 112.

[0034] The pneumatic unit 113 is operated by the microcontroller, such that the microcontroller actuates valve to allow passage of compressed air from the compressor within the cylinder, the compressed air further develops pressure against the piston and results in pushing and extending the piston. The piston is connected with the bar 112 and due to applied pressure, the bar 112 extends and similarly, the microcontroller retracts the bar 112 by closing the valve resulting in retraction of the piston. Thus, the microcontroller regulates the extension/retraction of the bar 112 in order to get positioned in proximity to the mold assembly 111.

[0035] Upon positioning of the bar 112 in proximity to the mold assembly 111, the clipper is actuated by the microcontroller for removal of the molded cone from the mold assembly 111. The clippers are operated by a pair of handles which are alternately squeezed together and released for griping or releasing the molded cone and are driven by the motor which makes the blades of clip to oscillate from side to side. Upon actuation of the clipper by the microcontroller the motor rotates the blade to oscillate in order to grip the molded cone for removal of the molded cone from the mold assembly 111. Upon removal of the cone, the microcontroller further directs the movement of the clippers for placing of the cone on a painting station 117 provided on the base 101.

[0036] The painting station 117 is having a pair of robotic links, with second nozzles for spraying a paint onto the cone. Upon placing of the cone on the painting station 117, the microcontroller regulates the movement of the robotic link 115 for positioning the second nozzles over the cone, along with actuation of the nozzles for spraying a paint onto the cone. The actuation of the second nozzles is actuated by the microcontroller in the same manner as the nozzle 110 for spraying a paint onto the cone.

[0037] Further, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 113 installed on the base 101 is activated by the microcontroller for recording and processing images in a vicinity of the base 101. The imaging unit 113 comprises of an image capturing arrangement including a set of lenses that captures multiple images of the surroundings around the base 101, and the captured images are stored within memory of the imaging unit 113 in form of an optical data. The imaging unit 113 also comprises of a processor that is integrated with artificial intelligence protocols, such that the processor processes the optical data and extracts the required data from the captured images. The extracted data is further converted into digital pulses and bits and are further transmitted to the microcontroller. The microcontroller processes the received data and determines a deformation in the molded cone.

[0038] Based on the determined deformation, the microcontroller activates a speaker 114, provided on the base 101 to generate an audio alert for a user regarding a remolding of the cone. The speaker 114 works by receiving signals from the microcontroller, converting them into sound waves through a diaphragm's vibration, and producing audible sounds with the help of amplification and control circuitry in order to notify the user regarding a remolding of the cone.

[0039] Additionally, a wireless communication module, link 115ed with the microcontroller, is provided on the base 101 enables the user to remotely trigger the microcontroller, by connecting with a computing unit 113, to actuate the first conveyor belt 103 to convey the waste plastic into the shredding chamber 104.

[0040] 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.

[0041] The present invention works best in the following manner, where the rectangular base 101 having plurality of motorized omnidirectional wheels 102 underneath the base 101 that is developed to be positioned on the ground surface. Upon positioning the base 101 on the ground surface, the microphone 116 enables the user to input voice command regarding initiating manufacturing of the traffic cone. Based on the input command from the user, the microcontroller actuate the first conveyor belt 103 for conveying of the waste plastic into the shredding chamber 104. Upon translation of the waste plastic into the shredding chamber 104, the downward directed hopper delivers the shredded plastic into the bathing tank 106 containing washing solution, for purification of the shredded plastic. The L-shaped telescopic arm 107 attached on the base 101 by ball and socket joint having the curved flap 108 with plurality perforations and the arm 107 is actuated by the microcontroller to fetch the purified shredded plastic from the tank 106. Upon placing the plastic on the second conveyor belt 105, the air blower 109 provided on the base 101 is actuated by the microcontroller to direct air towards the plastic on the second conveyor belt 105 for drying of the shredded plastic. Upon drying of the shredded plastic, the second conveyor belt 105 conveys the dried shredded plastic into the container with the pump. Upon translation of the dried shredded plastic into the container, the heating unit 113 is activated by the microcontroller for melting of the purified shredded plastic. Upon melting of the shredded plastic, the first nozzle 110 is actuated by the microcontroller for delivering the melted plastic from the container into the mold assembly 111 for molding of the melted plastic into the shape of the traffic cone. Upon opening of the mold assembly 111, the microcontroller actuates the telescopic bar 112 with clipper for removal of the molded cone from the mold assembly 111. Upon positioning of the bar 112 in proximity to the mold assembly 111, the clipper is actuated by the microcontroller for removal of the molded cone from the mold assembly 111. Further, the artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 113 is activated by the microcontroller for recording and processing images in the vicinity of the base 101 to determine the deformation in the molded cone. Based on the determined deformation, the microcontroller activates the speaker 114 to generate the audio alert for the user regarding the remolding of the cone.

[0042] 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 traffic cone manufacturing device, comprising:

i) a rectangular base 101 having plurality of motorized omnidirectional wheels 102 underneath said base 101 for a locomotion of said base 101 ;
ii) a first conveyor belt 103, provided on said base 101 , for a conveying of a waste plastic into a shredding chamber 104, for a shredding of said waste plastic;
iii) said shredding chamber 104 having a downward directed hopper for delivering a shredded plastic into a bathing tank 106 containing a washing solution, for a purification of said shredded plastic;
iv) an L-shaped telescopic arm 107, having a curved flap 108 with plurality perforations, said arm 107 attached on said base 101 by a ball and socket joint to fetch said purified shredded plastic from said tank 106 and place said plastic on a second conveyor belt 105, wherein an air blower 109 provided on said base 101 , directs an air towards said plastic on said second conveyor belt 105 for a drying of said shredded plastic;
v) said second conveyor belt 105 conveys said dried shredded plastic into a container with a pump, said container having a heating unit 113 for a melting of said purified shredded plastic;
vi) a first nozzle 110 connected with said container via a conduit, for delivering said melted plastic from said container into a mold assembly 111 for a molding of said melted plastic into a shape of a traffic cone;
vii) a temperature sensor provided on said base 101 , detects a temperature of said mold assembly 111 to trigger a microcontroller to actuate said mold assembly 111 to open and actuate a telescopic bar 112 with a clipper, provided on said base 101 for a removal of said molded cone from said mold assembly 111 and placing of said cone on a painting station 117, if said detected temperature is below a threshold temperature;
viii) 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 deformation in said molded cone to trigger said microcontroller to actuate a speaker 114, provided on said base 101 and link 115ed with said microcontroller, to generate an audio alert for a user regarding a remolding of said cone; and
ix) Said painting station 117 having a pair of robotic link 115, with second nozzles for spraying a paint onto said cone.

2) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said shredding chamber 104 comprises plurality of motorized blades for a cutting of said waste plastic into smaller pieces.

3) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said mold assembly 111 comprises a first mold part and a second mold part, said first mold part and said second mold part, in a mated position forming an internal cavity having a shape of said traffic cone.

4) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a microphone 116, link 115ed with said microcontroller, provided on said base 101 for receiving an audio command from said user regarding initiating manufacturing of said traffic cone to trigger said microcontroller to actuate said first conveyor belt 103 to convey said waste plastic into said shredding chamber 104.

5) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a wireless communication module, link 115ed with said microcontroller, is provided on said housing for enabling said user to remotely trigger said microcontroller, by connecting with a computing unit 113, to actuate said first conveyor belt 103 to convey said waste plastic into said shredding chamber 104.

6) 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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