WOOD BLOCK ROT REPAIRING DEVICE

Abstract

A wood block rot repairing device comprises of a rectangular base 1 having four telescopic rods 2 with motorized omnidirectional wheels 3 underneath the base 1 for locomotion of base 1, a robotic arm 4 provided on base 1 for picking and placing the wood block on cutting platform, a pair of clamps 5 provided on cutting platform to grip wood block, sliding unit having cutting blade 6 attached to hydraulic plunger 7 for cutting of rot from wooden block, L-shaped telescopic arm 8 having a rectangular wedge-shaped flap 10 attached by quick return mechanism for inserting into cuts made by cutting blade 6 for a removal of rot, L-shaped telescopic member having nozzle 12 connected to tank 13 with pump for applying filler material on region of wood block, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 14 installed on base 1 for recording and processing images in vicinity of base 1.

Specification

Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a wood block rot repairing device that detects the dimension of the rot on the wood block in order to cut and remove the rot section of the wood block as well as determines the volume and shape of the wood block to apply the filler material on the region from where the rot has been removed in order to fix the new piece of wood block with the previous one.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Wood is a versatile and widely used natural material that has been integral to human civilization for thousands of years. Wood is derived from the stems and branches of trees, which are primarily composed of cellulose fibers and this unique composition gives strength, durability, and flexibility to the wood in order to make the wood suitable for the vast array of applications and carving the woodblock.

[0003] Traditionally the wood block requires skill and precision. Artists use sharp tools such as chisels and knives to carefully remove material from the surface of the wood, leaving behind the desired shape and size. However, these traditional methods offers many benefits, but they also pose several challenges and drawbacks like the work done on the wood block are not always accurate as well as cutting the wood requires more precision along with removing the rot section of the wood block requires more skill otherwise the whole block may be wasted.

[0004] CN100589945C discloses about a method for cutting and mending defects in timber square stocks and sheet materials. The method is realized according to the following seven steps taking a dry square stock and a sheet material with lumpy defects as cutting and mending objects selecting a drill bit with the width approximating to the surface width and the diameter of a punched lumpy defect to punch a hole positioning the drill bit in the center of the lumpy defect with the positioning angle in accord with the trend of the lumpy defect adopting a common drill press to carry out drilling and realize rough removal of the defect using a milling machine to carry out tapered milling along the original drilling track, thereby realizing finished removal of the defect prefabricating and matching of a mending block, in which, a long round prefabricated rod with even transition from thick to thin is made and cut into corresponding sections, namely the mending blocks, according to the depth, angle and diameter of a drilled hole, and the mending blocks are made as similar as possible to the color and grain of mended timber glue spreading and pressed mending. When adopted, the method realize fine cutting and mending, firm combination and unobvious mending mark of lumpy defects in the timber square stocks and the sheet materials, regardless of size, depth and trend; therefore, the method is propitious to improve timber grade and utilization rate. Although, CN'945 is able to cut and mend the defects in wood block. However the device is not capable of applying the filler material on the region from where the rot has been removed.

[0005] DE102017011825b4 discloses about a method for cutting elongated workpieces made of wood, plastic and the like into lamellas, in which at least one saw cut is made in the workpiece from one side with at least one cut-off saw, characterized in that the saw cut is made in such a way that a retaining web is on the opposite side of the workpiece, which connects the lamellas with one another and which is then at a distance behind the cutting saw during the passage of the workpiece through the processing machine across the width of the workpiece for complete separation of the lamellas is separated from each other. Although, DE'825 is able to cut the elongated workpieces. However the device is not capable of detecting and removing the rot section of the wood block.

[0006] Conventionally, many devices have been developed for repairing the wood block rot. However most of the devices are incapable of determining the volume and shape of the wood block in order to apply the filler material on the region from where the rot has been removed and detecting the dimension of the rot on the wood block in order to cut and remove the rot section of the wood block.

[0007] In order to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks, there exists a need in the art to develop a device that is capable determining the volume and shape of the wood block in order to apply the filler material on the region from where the rot has been removed. In addition, the proposed device is also capable of detecting the dimension of the rot on the wood block in order to cut and remove the rot section of the wood block.

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 volume and shape of the wood block in order to apply the filler material on the region from where the rot has been removed.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of detecting the dimension of the rot on the wood block in order to cut and remove the rot section of the wood block.

[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 wood block rot repairing device that detects the dimension of the rot on the wood block in order to cut and remove the rot section of the wood block as well as determines the volume and shape of the wood block in order to apply the filler material on the region from where the rot has been removed.

[0014] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a wood block rot repairing device, comprises of a rectangular base having four telescopic rods with motorized omnidirectional wheels for locomotion of the base, robotic arm provided on the base for picking the wood block and placing the wood block on the cutting platform, a proximity sensor provided on the cutting platform for detecting the presence of the wood block on the platform, a pair of clamps provided on the cutting platform to grip the wood block, an inverted-U shaped frame having a sliding unit provided on the cutting platform for cutting of the rot from the wooden block, a moisture sensor provided on the base for detecting the rot on the wood block, a laser sensor provided on the platform for detecting dimension of the rot on the wood block.

[0015] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the proposed device further comprises of an L-shaped telescopic arm provided on the base by a primary ball and socket joint having a rectangular wedge-shaped flap for inserting into cuts made by the cutting blade for the removal of the rot, an L-shaped telescopic member attached on the base by a secondary ball and socket joint having a nozzle connected to a tank with a pump having a filler material for applying the filler material on the region of the wood block from which the rot has been removed, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit installed on the base for recording and processing images in the vicinity of the base to determine a volume and shape of the region of the wood block, microphone linked with the microcontroller provided on the base for receiving an audio command.

[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 wood block rot repairing 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 wood block rot repairing device that is capable of detecting the dimension of the rot on the wood block in order to cut and remove the rot section of the wood block as well as capable of determining the volume and shape of the wood block to apply the filler material on the region from where the rot has been removed.

[0022] Referring to Figure 1, an isometric view of a wood block rot repairing device is illustrated, comprising of a rectangular base 1 having four telescopic rods 2 with motorized omnidirectional wheels 3, a robotic arm 4 provided on the base 1, a pair of clamps 5 provided on the cutting platform, a cutting blade 6 attached to a hydraulic plunger 7, an L-shaped telescopic arm 8 provided on the base 1 by a primary ball and socket joint 9, a rectangular wedge-shaped flap 10 attached by a quick return mechanism, L-shaped telescopic member attached on the base 1 by a secondary ball and socket joint 11, a nozzle 12 connected to a tank 13 with a pump attached on the base 1, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 14 installed on the base 1, a microphone 15 linked with the microcontroller provided on the base 1.

[0023] The disclosed device comprises of a rectangular base 1 having four telescopic rods 2 with motorized omnidirectional wheels 3 underneath the base 1 for locomotion of the base 1. The telescopic rods 2 is linked to a pneumatic unit, including an air compressor, air cylinders, air valves and piston which works in collaboration to aid in extension and retraction of the rods 2. The pneumatic unit 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.

[0024] The piston is connected with the omnidirectional wheels 3 and due to applied pressure the omnidirectional wheels 3 extends and similarly, the microcontroller retracts the telescopically rods 2 by closing the valve resulting in retraction of the piston. Thus, the microcontroller regulates the extension/retraction of the omnidirectional wheels 3 for locomotion of the base 1. The omnidirectional wheel is designed to move the base 1 in any direction without changing the orientation of the platform offering exceptional maneuverability to the base 1. The wheels 3 enable the platform to move seamlessly in any direction, making it valuable for locomotion of the base 1.

[0025] Further, a microphone 15, linked with the microcontroller actuates a proximity sensor provided on the cutting platform to detect the presence of the wood block on the platform. The microphone 15 contains a small diaphragm connected to a moving coil. When sound waves of the voice of the user's input to detect the presence of the wood block on the platform, hit the diaphragm, the diaphragm 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 to process and activate the proximity sensor for detecting the presence of the wood block on the platform.

[0026] The proximity sensor used herein is preferably an ultrasonic proximity sensor that uses ultrasonic waves to detect the presence of the wood block on the platform. The ultrasonic proximity sensor typically emits ultrasonic waves towards the wood block, the ultrasonic waves hit the wood block and bounce back to the sensor's receiver. The receiver of the ultrasonic proximity sensor is sensitive to the emitted ultrasonic waves and listens for the reflected waves. When the emitted ultrasonic waves are received by the receiver the proximity sensor sends the data to the microcontroller which processes and analyzes the acquired data for detecting the presence of the wood block on the platform.

[0027] Upon detecting the presence of the wood block on the platform, the microcontroller to actuate a pair of clamps 5 provided on the cutting platform to grip the wood block. The clamps 5 are powered by a DC (direct current) motor that is actuated by the microcontroller by providing required electric current to the motor. The motor comprises of a coil that converts the received electric current into mechanical force by generating magnetic field, thus the mechanical force provides the required power to the clamps 5 thus extending/retracting for gripping the wood block.

[0028] Upon gripping the wood block, an inverted-U shaped frame having a sliding unit provided on the cutting platform, with a cutting blade 6 attached to a hydraulic plunger 7 on the sliding unit, for cutting of the rot from the wooden block. The sliding unit 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 sliding unit results in the translation of the cutting blade 6 over the wooden block.

[0029] Further, the hydraulic plunger 7 provided on the sliding unit is powered by a hydraulic unit consisting of a hydraulic cylinder, hydraulic compressor, hydraulic valve and piston that work in collaboration for providing the required extension/retraction to the plunger 7. The microcontroller actuates the valve to allow passage of hydraulic fluid from the compressor within the cylinder, the hydraulic fluid further develops pressure against the piston and results in pushing and extending the piston. The piston is connected with the plunger 7 and due to applied pressure the plunger 7 extends and similarly, the microcontroller retracts the plunger 7 by closing the valve resulting in retraction of the piston. The microcontroller regulates the extension/retraction of the plunger 7 on the sliding unit for cutting the rot from the wooden block.

[0030] Upon cutting the rot from the wooden block, the microcontroller actuates a moisture sensor provided on the base 1 for detection of the rot on the wood block. The moisture sensor measures the moisture content. The measured data is then converted into an analogue value which is further converted into an electrical signal, wherein the electrical signal is sent to the microcontroller. Thus, the microcontroller processes the received signal and determines the moisture level of rot on the wood block. Further, in case the moisture level recedes a threshold level then the microcontroller activates the sliding unit to position the cutting blade 6 above the detected rot for a cutting of the rot.

[0031] Upon cutting of the rot, microcontroller actuates a laser sensor provided on the platform detects the dimension of the rot on the wood block. The laser sensor consists of an emitter and receiver, and works on the principle of measuring the time delay between the laser beam to travel to the rot on the wood block and back. The laser sensor emits a light towards the surface of rot on the wood block and when the laser beam hits the surface of the rot on the wood block, the beam reflects back towards the receiver of the sensor.

[0032] Upon detection of reflected beam by the sensor, the sensor precisely measures the time taken for the laser beam to travel to and back from the surface of the rot on the wood block. The sensor then calculates the dimension of the rot on the wood block and the calculated dimension is then converted into electrical signal, in the form of current, and send to a microcontroller. Upon receiving the signals regarding dimension of the rot on the wood block, the microcontroller actuates the sliding unit and the hydraulic plunger 7 to cut the rot as per the detected dimension.

[0033] Further, an L-shaped telescopic arm 8 provided on the base 1 by a primary ball and socket joint 9, the arm having a rectangular wedge-shaped flap 10 attached by a quick return mechanism, insert into cuts made by the cutting blade 6 for a removal of the rot. The L-shaped telescopic arm 8 is linked to a pneumatic unit, including an air compressor, air cylinders, air valves and piston which works in collaboration to aid in extension and retraction of the telescopic arm 8.

[0034] The pneumatic unit 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 rectangular wedge-shaped flap 10 and due to applied pressure the flap 10 extends and similarly, the microcontroller retracts the L-shaped telescopic arm 8 by closing the valve resulting in retraction of the piston. Thus, the microcontroller regulates the extension/retraction of the wedge-shaped flap 10.

[0035] Further, the quick return mechanism comprises of a motorized crank driver driving the slider ram by the connecting rod to slide in the slotted bar attached to the arm. The motorized crank arrangement consists of three main components that is a slider ram, connecting rod, and the arm, wherein the crank is powered by a DC (Direct Current) motor. The crank is a rotating shaft driven by a motor or other power source. The connecting rod is a linear link that connects the crank to the slider.

[0036] The slider is a sliding element that moves back and forth along a straight line. As the crank rotates, it drives the connecting rod and slider through a series of pivot points, causing the slider to move back and forth that is in a reciprocating motion which is connected to the roller. The speed and distance of the slider movement be controlled by adjusting the connecting rod length, the crank speed, or the pivot point's position. Thus, the motorized slider crank arrangement the converts the rotational motion to a reciprocating motion to the wedge-shaped flap 10 for inserting into cuts made by the cutting blade 6 for the removal of the rot.

[0037] Upon removal of the rot, the L-shaped telescopic member attached on the base 1 by the secondary ball and socket joint 11 having a nozzle 12 connected to a tank 13, applies the filler material on the region of the wood block from which the rot has been removed. The nozzle 12 works by utilizing electrical energy to atomize 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 for applying the filler material. Upon actuation of nozzle 12 by the microcontroller, the electric motor or the pump pressurizes the incoming filler material solution on the region of the wood block from which the rot has been removed.

[0038] Upon applying the filler material, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 14 installed on the base 1 records and processes images in the vicinity of the base 1, to determine the volume and shape of the region of the wood block. An artificial intelligence based imaging unit 14 comprises of a camera lens and a processor, wherein the 360 degree rotatable camera captures multiple images of the base 1 and then the processor carries out a sequence of steps including pre-processing, feature extraction and segmentation. In pre-processing, the unwanted data like noise, background is removed out and the image is converted into a format recommended for feature extraction. The features like pixel intensities of the foreground image are extracted and are sent for classification to determine the volume and shape of the region of the wood block. Upon determining the volume and shape of the region of the wood block, microcontroller accordingly actuate L-shaped member, the secondary ball and socket joint 11, and the pump to fill the filler material in the region.

[0039] 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.

[0040] The following invention works best in the following manner. The rectangular base 1 having four telescopic rods 2 with motorized omnidirectional wheels 3 loco motes the base 1. Upon locomotion of the base 1, the robotic arm 4 pick the wood block and placing the wood block on the cutting platform for initiating the removal of the rot on the wood block. Further, the microphone 15 upon receiving the audio command from the user actuates the proximity sensor for detecting the presence of the wood block on the platform and actuates the pair of clamps 5 to grip the wood block. Upon gripping the wooden block the inverted-U shaped frame having the sliding unit with the cutting blade 6 attached to the hydraulic plunger 7 cut the rot from the wooden block. Further, the moisture sensor detects the rot on the wood block, by detecting the moisture level. When the moisture reaches above the threshold moisture level, the microcontroller actuate the sliding unit to position the cutting blade 6 above the detected rot for cutting the rot. Upon cutting the rot the laser sensor detects the dimension of the rot on the wood block to trigger the microcontroller to actuate the sliding unit and the hydraulic plunger 7 to cut the rot as per the detected dimension. Further, the L-shaped telescopic arm 8 having the rectangular wedge-shaped flap 10 inserts into cuts made by the cutting blade 6 for the removal of the rot. Upon removal of the rot the L-shaped telescopic member having a nozzle 12 connected to the tank 13 with the pump having the filler material, applies the filler material on the region of the wood block from which the rot has been removed. Further the artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 14 records and processes images in the vicinity of the base 1, to determine the volume and shape of the region of the wood block to trigger the microcontroller to accordingly actuate L-shaped member and the pump to fill the filler material in the region.

[0041] In an alternate embodiment of the present invention, a level sensor is attached with the base 1 that may monitor the leveling of the applied filler solution in order to prevent wastage of the filler solution.

[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 wood block rot repairing device, comprising:

i) a rectangular base 1 having four telescopic rods 2 with motorized omnidirectional wheels 3, underneath said base 1 for a locomotion of said base 1;
ii) a robotic arm 4 provided on said base 1 for picking a wood block and placing said wood block on a cutting platform for initiating a removal of a rot on said wood block;
iii) a proximity sensor provided on said cutting platform, detects a presence of said wood block on said platform to trigger a microcontroller to actuate a pair of clamps 5, provided on said cutting platform, to grip said wood block;
iv) an inverted-U shaped frame having a sliding unit provided on said cutting platform, said sliding unit having a cutting blade 6 attached to a hydraulic plunger 7 on said sliding unit, for a cutting of said rot from said wooden block;
v) a moisture sensor provided on said base 1, for a detection of said rot on said wood block, by detecting for a moisture level above a threshold moisture level, to trigger said microcontroller to actuate said sliding unit to position said cutting blade 6 above said detected rot for a cutting of said rot;
vi) a laser sensor provided on said platform, for detecting dimension of said rot on said wood block to trigger said microcontroller to actuate said sliding unit and said hydraulic plunger 7 to cut said rot as per said detected dimension;
vii) an L-shaped telescopic arm 8 provided on said base 1 by a primary ball and socket joint 9, said arm having a rectangular wedge-shaped flap 10 attached by a quick return mechanism, for inserting into cuts made by said cutting blade 6 for a removal of said rot; and
viii) an L-shaped telescopic member attached on said base 1 by a secondary ball and socket joint 11, said member having a nozzle 12 connected to a tank 13 with a pump, attached on said base 1, said tank 13 having a filler material, for applying said filler material on a region of said wood block from which said rot has been removed, wherein an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 14 installed on said base 1 and integrated with a processor for recording and processing images in a vicinity of said base 1, to determine a volume and shape of said region of said wood block to trigger said microcontroller to accordingly actuate L-shaped member, said secondary ball and socket joint 11, and said pump to fill said filler material in said region.

2) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said quick return mechanism comprises having a motorized crank driver driving a slider ram by a connecting rod to slide in a slotter bar attached to said arm.

3) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a microphone 15, linked with said microcontroller, provided on said base 1 for receiving an audio command from a user regarding removing said rot from said wood block to trigger said microcontroller to actuate said moisture sensor and said laser sensor for detecting said rot and said dimensions of said rot, respectively, and actuate said siding unit and said hydraulic plunger 7 to cut said rot and said telescopic arm 8, said primary ball and socket joint 9 and said quick return mechanism for said removal of said rot.

4) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a wireless communication module, linked with said microcontroller, is provided on said base 1 for enabling said user to remotely trigger said microcontroller, by connecting with a computing unit, to actuate said moisture sensor and said laser sensor for detecting said rot and said dimensions of said rot, respectively, and actuate said siding unit and said hydraulic plunger 7 to cut said rot and said telescopic arm 8, said primary ball and socket joint 9 and said quick return mechanism for said removal of said rot.

5) 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.

Documents