WIRE-STRIPPING ASSISTIVE DEVICE

Abstract

A wire-stripping assistive device, comprising a cuboidal frame 101 having a first and second portion (102, 103), developed to be positioned on a fixed surface, multiple suction cup 104 adhere the surface, a microphone 105 enable a user to provide input voice commands, a pair of motorized rollers 106 rotate for translating the positioned wires in the frame 101, a speaker 107 produce audio signals for guiding a user to position a wire that is to be striped in proximity to the rollers 106, a circular disc 108 having a motorized iris lid 109 get opened/closed for allowing the translated wires to displace through the disc, an imaging unit 110 determines dimensions of the wire, a plate 111 accommodates the translated wires, a motorized circular blade 112 cut insulation layer along length of the wire and a linear actuator 113 extend/retract for placing the blade 112 over the accommodated wire.

Specification

Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a wire-stripping assistive device that is capable of providing an assistance for the user in stripping an insulation layer from the wire in a precise manner, thereby reducing manual efforts as well as time-consumption of the user.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] People generally perform stripping of wire to expose the metal underneath the outer covering. Additionally, by removing the insulation, people might connect the wire to other wires or electrical equipment's to make them work. People use a wire stripping tool, as the tool specifically designed for stripping wire insulation, typically with adjustable settings for different gauges. But the tool is labor-intensive as well as are limited to precision. So, an equipment needs to be used that aids the person in performing stripping of wire in an efficient manner, thus minimizes manual efforts of the person.

[0003] Conventionally, some ways were used by people for stripping a wire. People use to strip the wire manually via using some handheld tools like pliers as pliers with a cutting edge and a notch aids the user to strip the wire efficiently. However, the tool might damage the wire during stripping. Therefore, they also use a wire stripping tool, as the tool specifically designed for stripping wire insulation, typically with adjustable settings for different gauges. But the tool is labor-intensive as well as are limited to precision

[0004] US9032842B2 discloses about an invention that includes a device for stripping coating from electric wires is provided with a function to detect any contact between a wire core and stripping blades even for electric wires which have been cut short. This device has a signal analyzer circuit for measurement of impedance via stripping blades capable of detecting any contact between the stripping blades and the wire core by detecting a change in impedance as a result of addition of impedance of the wire core to that of the stripping blades at the moment of any contact of the stripping blades with the core of the electric wire in the course of stripping coating from the electric wire. Although US'842 discloses about an invention that relates to an equipment that strips away the insulation coating from the wire. However, the cited invention lack in stripping the insulation layer of the wire by monitoring depth of the insulation layer of the wire, and are insufficient in preventing core conductive part of the wire from getting scratched or damaged during the stripping process.

[0005] US8739657B2 discloses about an invention that includes a wire stripper detects contact between a core wire of an electric wire and stripping blades and detects if the electric wire is cut short. The wire stripper includes a signal analyzer circuit that measures an impedance through the stripping blades for a change in the impedance caused by contact with the wire core and a buffer circuit, that when a contact of the stripping blades with the wire core is detected, applies a signal having the same level as that of an electric signal applied to the stripping blades to a side of a shielding material of a shielded cable for transmitting the electric signal to and from the stripping blades so as to reduce or prevent current leakage between a signal line of the shielded cable and the shielding material. Though US'657 discloses about an invention that relates to an equipment that accurately strips away a part of the insulation coating. But the cited invention fails to guide the user to position a wire that is to be striped in proximity of the equipment.

[0006] Conventionally, many devices have been developed that are capable of aiding a user in stripping an insulation layer from the wire. However, these devices are incapable of carrying out the stripping of insulation layer of the wire by monitoring depth of the insulation layer of the wire, and fails in preventing core conductive part of the wire from getting scratched or damaged during the stripping process. Additionally, these existing devices also lack in guiding the user regarding positioning of wire that is to be striped in proximity of the device.

[0007] In order to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks, there exists a need in the art to develop a device that aid the user to strip of an insulation layer from the wire in a precise manner, thereby saves manual efforts as well as time-consumption of the user in the overall process. In addition, the developed device also provide a means to guide the user to position a wire that is to be striped in proximity of the device.

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 providing an assistance for the user in stripping an insulation layer from the wire in a precise manner, thereby reducing manual efforts as well as time-consumption of the user.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of stripping the insulation layer of the wire by monitoring depth of the insulation layer of the wire, thereby preventing core conductive part of the wire from getting scratched or damaged during the stripping process.

[0011] Yet another object of the present invention is to develop a device that provide a means to guide the user to position a wire that is to be striped in proximity of the device.

[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 wire-stripping assistive device that is capable of aiding a user in stripping an insulation layer from the wire in a precise manner, thereby reducing manual efforts as well as time-consumption of the user. Additionally, the proposed device also provides a means to guide the user to position a wire that is to be striped in proximity of the device.

[0014] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a wire-stripping assistive device comprises of, a cuboidal frame having a first and second portion, developed to be positioned on a fixed surface, plurality of suction cups are assembled underneath the frame to adhere to the surface in a secured manner, a microphone installed in the frame for enabling a user to provide input voice commands for activating/deactivating the device, a pair of motorized rollers integrated vertically in first portion of the frame to rotate for translating the positioned wires in the frame towards the second portion, a speaker is installed on the frame to produce audio signals for guiding a user to position a wire that is to be striped in proximity to the rollers and a circular disc having a motorized iris lid, integrated in the frame to get opened/closed for allowing the translated wires to displace through the disc for getting positioned in the second portion.

[0015] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the proposed device further comprises of, an artificial-based imaging unit installed on the frame to determine dimensions of the wire, a plate arranged in the second portion for accommodating the translated wires, a motorized circular blade is suspended from ceiling portion of the frame, over the plate, by means of a linear actuator to extend/retract for placing the blade over the accommodated wire, to rotate for cutting insulation layer along length of the wire, a depth sensor is embedded on the frame for monitoring depth of the insulation layer, a laser measurement sensor is embedded in the frame for monitoring length of the wire, and 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 a wire-stripping assistive device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

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

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

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

[0021] The present invention relates to a wire-stripping assistive device that is capable of assisting a user in stripping an insulation layer from the wire in an efficient manner, thus saves manual efforts as well as time-consumption of the user in the overall process. In addition, the proposed device also strips the insulation layer of the wire by monitoring depth of the insulation layer of the wire, thereby preventing core conductive part of the wire from getting scratched or damaged during the stripping process.

[0022] Referring to Figure 1, an isometric view of a wire-stripping assistive device is illustrated, comprising a cuboidal frame 101 having a first and second portion (102, 103) developed to be positioned on a fixed surface, plurality of suction cup 104 is arranged underneath the frame 101, a microphone 105 integrated in the frame 101, a pair of motorized rollers 106 integrated vertically in first portion 102 of the frame 101, a speaker 107 is installed on the frame 101, a circular disc 108 having a motorized iris lid 109 integrated in the frame 101, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 110 installed on the frame 101, a plate 111 arranged in the second portion 103, and a motorized circular blade 112 is suspended from ceiling portion of the frame 101 over the plate 111 by means of a linear actuator 113.

[0023] The device disclosed herein comprises of a cuboidal frame 101 having a first and second portion (102, 103). The first portion 102 herein is the front portion of the frame and the second portion 103 is rear portion of the frame, they are developed to be positioned on a fixed surface. The frame 101 disclosed herein is preferably constructed of materials which includes but not limited to steel, iron and hard plastic, as these materials provides strength or durability and flexibility to the device. Further the body is configured with plurality of suction cup 104 that are arranged underneath the frame 101 to adhere to the surface in a secured manner. The cups used herein are in the range of 4 to 8 in number.

[0024] The suction cup 104 are used herein are consist of a circular disc which are made of a flexible material mostly rubber with a rounded edge. When the center of the suction cup 104 is pressed against the surface of the frame 101. The volume of the space between the suction cup 104 and the surface is reduced, that creates a negative pressure to adhere to the surface in a secured manner by creating a partial vacuum inside the cup. The pressure difference between the atmosphere on the outside of the cup and the low-pressure cavity on the inside of the cup keeps the cup adhered to the surface of the frame 101 in a secured manner.

[0025] Thereafter, a microphone 105 integrated in the frame 101 in order to enable a user to provide input voice commands for activating/deactivating the device. The microphone 105 mentioned herein works as a transducer that converts sound waves into audio signal. The microphone 105 on receiving the input commands from the user converts the input signal into electrical signal and sends it to the microcontroller. The microcontroller processes the received signals in order to analyze the voice inputs of the user and upon analyzing the voice commands the microcontroller actuates the device and accordingly commands the device to carry out further operations.

[0026] Upon receiving the voice commands of the user, the microcontroller activates a laser measurement sensor which is embedded in the frame 101 in order to determine length of the wire. The laser measurement sensor disclosed herein consist of an emitter and a receiver. The emitter emits a laser beam which is usually in the form of a focused, collimated light beam that hits the wire, and gets reflected back towards the receiver. The time it takes for the laser beam to travel from the emitter to the wire and back to the receiver is precisely measured by the sensor. Using the speed of light as a constant, the sensor calculates the length of the wire. The laser measurement sensor collects a significant amount of data by scanning the wire and forms a 3D point cloud, which represents the shape of the wire. The laser measurement sensor sends the data to the microcontroller which processes the acquired data and detects the length of the wire.

[0027] Consequently, a speaker 107 which is installed on the frame 101 is actuated the microcontroller to produce audio signals for guiding a user to position a wire that is to be striped. The speaker 107 disclosed herein 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 produce audio signals for guiding a user to position a wire that is to be striped.

[0028] Based on the received audio signals, the user needs to position the wire in vicinity of a pair of motorized rollers 106 that are integrated vertically in first portion 102 of the frame 101 in order to rotate for translating the positioned wires in the frame 101 towards the second portion 103. The pair of motorized rollers 106 mentioned above is a mechanical unit designed to rotate on its axis with the help of an integrated electric motor. The cylindrical roller tube serves as a surface for supporting, and unwinding the positioned wires. The motorized roller 106 is equipped with an electric motor that provides the rotational power necessary to turn the roller 106. The motor is connected to the roller tube through a drive mechanism, which involves gears, belts to transfer the motor's rotational force to the roller 106, causing it to rotate for translating the positioned wires in the frame 101 towards the second portion 103.

[0029] Thereafter, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 110 mounted on the frame 101 and paired with a processor for capturing and processing multiple images in vicinity of the frame 101. The imaging unit 110 comprises of an image capturing arrangement including a set of lenses that captures multiple images of the surroundings and the captured images are stored within memory of the imaging unit 110 in form of an optical data. The imaging unit 110 also comprises of the processor which processes the captured images. 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 from the visual data which are processed by the microcontroller to determine dimensions of the wire.

[0030] Based on determined dimension of the wire, the microcontroller actuates a motorized iris lid 109 which is configured on a circular disc 108 to get opened/closed for allowing the translated wires to displace through the disc for getting positioned in the second portion 103. The circular disc 108 disclosed herein is made up of durable material and having impact resistance and uniform thickness. The iris lid 109 mentioned above includes an inner flat ring, an outer flat ring, and an even number of iris blades (upper and lower). Each iris blade is attached to the inner ring by a pivot assembly and to the outer ring by a roller/slider assembly. The upper and lower rings are co-centered and are kept in sliding contact. On actuation by the microcontroller, the iris lid 109 is opened, by turning the outer ring around the center while holding the inner ring stationary for allowing the translated wires to displace through the lid opening of the circular disc 108 in order to get positioned in the second portion 103.

[0031] Thereafter, the translated wires get accommodated over a plate 111 which is integrated in the second portion 103. The plate 111 mentioned herein is of is preferably constructed of materials which includes but not limited to steel, iron and hard plastic. A depth sensor is embedded on the frame 101 and work in sync with the imaging unit 110 for monitoring depth of the insulation layer. The depth sensor operates by emitting various types of signals, such as infrared light or ultrasound waves. The depth sensor mentioned herein is preferably infrared depth sensor and consist an emitter as well as a receiver. The depth sensor emits infrared signals by emitter and measures the time it takes for these signals to bounce back after hitting the depth. This information is then used to calculate the distance between the sensor and the depth, allowing for accurate determining of the depth of insulation layer and as soon as the monitored depth matched with the user-specified depth, the microcontroller deactivates the further operation of device.

[0032] Based on determined depth of the insulation layer, the microcontroller actuates a linear actuator 113 which is positioned at ceiling portion of the frame 101. The linear actuator 113 disclosed herein comprises of a motor, a lead screw and a nut. On actuation, the motor generates rotational force, which is then converted into linear motion through the interaction between the lead screw and the nut.

[0033] The lead screw, driven by the motor, turns and causes the nut to move along its threads. This movement pushes or pulls a motorized circular blade 112 which is suspended from ceiling portion of the frame 101, over the plate 111 for cutting insulation layer along length of the wire in a precise manner, by exerting an optimum pressure on the targeted insulation layer. As the actuator 113 extends, it applies the necessary force over the blade 112 in order to penetrate the blade 112 into the insulation layer of the wire according to the determined depth of the insulation layer. The blade 112 disclosed above is preferably a piece of metal, that includes but not limited to iron, steel, or carbide, having one side with sharp edge for smoothly penetrating into the insulation layer of the wire, thereby assisting the user in removing the insulation layer from the wire.

[0034] Moreover, a battery is associated with the device for powering up electrical and electronically operated components associated with the device and supplying a voltage to the components. The battery used herein is preferably a Lithium-ion battery which is a rechargeable unit that demands power supply after getting drained. The battery stores the electric current derived from an external source in the form of chemical energy, which when required by the electronic component of the device, derives the required power from the battery for proper functioning of the device.

[0035] The present invention works best in the following manner, where the cuboidal frame 101 having a first and second portion (102, 103), developed to be positioned on a fixed surface. Herein the cuboidal frame 101 configured with multiple suction cup 104 to adhere to the surface in a secured manner. The user now accesses the microphone 105 to provide input voice commands for activating/deactivating the device. Upon receiving the voice commands of the user, the microcontroller activates the laser measurement sensor to determine length of the wire. Based on the determined length of the wire the speaker 107 produces audio signals for guiding a user to position a wire that is to be striped. Based on the received audio signals the user positions the wire in vicinity of the pair of motorized rollers 106 to rotate for translating the positioned wires in the frame 101 towards the second portion 103. Further the artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 110 determine dimensions of the wire. Based on determined dimension of the wire the microcontroller actuates the motorized iris lid 109 which is configured on the circular disc 108 to get opened/closed for allowing the translated wires to displace through the disc for getting positioned in the second portion 103. Thereafter the translated wires get accommodated over the plate 111 which is installed in the second portion 103. Herein the depth sensor determines depth of the insulation layer. Based on determined depth of the insulation layer the microcontroller actuates the linear actuator 113 that extend/retract for placing the blade 112 over the accommodated wire.

[0036] 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 wire-stripping assistive device, comprising:

i) a cuboidal frame 101 having a first and second portion (102, 103), developed to be positioned on a fixed surface, wherein plurality of suction cup 104 is arranged underneath said frame 101 to adhere to said surface in a secured manner;
ii) a microphone 105 integrated in said frame 101 for enabling a user to provide input voice commands for activating/deactivating said device;
iii) a pair of motorized rollers 106 integrated vertically in first portion 102 of said frame 101, wherein a speaker 107 is installed on said frame 101 that is actuated by an inbuilt microcontroller to produce audio signals for guiding a user to position a wire that is to be striped in proximity to said rollers 106, followed by actuation of said roller 106 to rotate for translating said positioned wires in said frame 101 towards said second portion 103;
iv) a circular disc 108 having a motorized iris lid, integrated in said frame 101, wherein an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 110 installed on said frame 101 and paired with a processor for capturing and processing multiple images in vicinity of said frame 101, respectively to determine dimensions of said wire, based on which said microcontroller actuates said iris lid 109 to get opened/closed for allowing said translated wires to displace through said disc for getting positioned in said second portion 103; and
v) a plate 111 arranged in said second portion 103 for accommodating said translated wires, wherein a motorized circular blade 112 is suspended from ceiling portion of said frame 101, over said plate 111, by means of a linear actuator 113 that is actuated by said microcontroller to extend/retract for placing said blade 112 over said accommodated wire, followed by actuation of said blade 112 to rotate for cutting insulation layer along length of said wire, thereby assisting said user in removing said insulation layer from said wire.

2) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a depth sensor is embedded on said frame 101 and synced with said imaging unit 110 for monitoring depth of said insulation layer, based on which said microcontroller regulates actuation of said linear actuator 113.

3) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a laser measurement sensor is embedded in said frame 101 for monitoring length of said wire, based on which said microcontroller regulates actuation of said rollers 106.

4) 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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