Automatic road cleaning device

Abstract

An automatic road cleaning device comprising: i) a body 101 configured with several motorized wheels 102 to maneuver the body 101 over a road surface, wherein a laser sensor is installed above the body 101 to determine the level of the surface and sends the acquired data to a microcontroller connected to the laser sensor, which in turn activates a telescopically operated rod 103, which is installed between each of the wheels 102 and the body 101 to stabilize the platform above the road surface; ii) an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 104 mounted above the body 101 to capture and process multiple images of the environment, wherein the microcontroller generates a 3D (three-dimensional) map of the road surface based on the processed images; iii) a touch-sensitive interactive display panel 105 attached to the body 101 to display the 3D map, which the user can still access to display the evaluated map to select a section of the road surface on which the user wishes to perform a cleaning operation, wherein the microcontroller, on this basis, controls the actuation of the wheels 102 to maneuver the body 101 on the road surface; iv) a motorized disc 106, which is attached to the body 101 via a telescopically actuated rod 107 and is equipped with a plurality of bristles, wherein the microcontroller actuates the rod 107 to extend it, followed by actuation of the disc 106 to rotate in order to scrub the road surface via the bristles in synchronization with the actuation of the wheels 102 to maneuver the body 101 over the entire user-specified road surface; v) a curved, extendable flap 201 configured with the base part of the body, wherein the microcontroller actuates the flap 201 during the cleaning of the road surface to position it in contact with the road surface in order to wipe the dust and debris over the road surface in the direction of movement of the body 101; vi) a plurality of iris pores 202 configured on the flap 201 and connected to a suction unit, wherein, upon actuation of the flap 201, the microcontroller actuates the iris pores 202 to open, followed by actuation of the suction unit to generate a vacuum for drawing off the dust and contaminants and collecting the dust and contaminants in a container coupled to the suction unit; and vii) a pair of motorized mist spray guns with adjustable diffusers, arranged on the side of the body 101 and actuated by the microcontroller to spray a mist solution stored in a container arranged on the body 5 101 to ensure a constant distribution of the mist solution over the road surface, thereby effectively removing germs and harmful batteries from the road environment.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to an automatic road cleaning device capable of automatically cleaning the road surface and also generating the 3D map of the road surface to perform the cleaning operation on the road. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Street cleaning is essential for maintaining safety, hygiene, and aesthetics. Clean streets prevent accidents by improving traction, reduce pollution by removing contaminants, and improve the overall appearance of the environment. Regular cleaning also extends the lifespan of road surfaces and saves long-term maintenance costs. It also prevents accidents by removing debris and hazards, maintains environmental hygiene by reducing pollution, and preserves the integrity of the infrastructure by preventing damage from accumulated dirt and grime.

[0003] Mechanical sweeping traditionally uses brushes or vacuum systems to remove debris, dirt, and other contaminants from the road surface. While this method is effective at removing larger particles, it causes noise and may not be suitable for all types of road surfaces. Another traditional method is water cleaning, which uses water jets to lift and flush away dirt, grime, and contaminants from the road surface. However, they may not be effective at removing stubborn stains or oil spills without the use of additional chemicals.

[0004] CN211498667U discloses the utility model relating to a road cleaning device, particularly a highway road cleaning device. The trash can consists of a box body, a watering mechanism, and a cleaning mechanism. Running wheels are arranged on two sides of the box body, connecting rods are arranged between the running wheels, and two driving bevel gears are arranged opposite each other on the connecting rods. The watering mechanism consists of spur gears, driven bevel gears, and hydraulic rods. A first push rod is arranged at the upper end of the box body, a crossbar is arranged at the part of the first push rod located in the box body, and a second push rod is arranged in the center of the crossbar. Each cylindrical gear comprises an inner layer of the cylindrical gear and an outer layer of the cylindrical gear.A plurality of holes are formed in the bottom of the inner layer of the cylindrical gear and in the bottom of the outer layer of the cylindrical gear. The cleaning mechanism includes a first gear that can be engaged with the cylindrical gears, a second gear that is coaxially connected to the first gear, and a third gear that meshes with the second gear. A trash can is fixedly connected to the inner wall of the box. The problem of the traditional cleaning device, which is too large and inconvenient to carry, is solved. CN'667 discloses a device for cleaning road surfaces for highways, however, the aforementioned device lacks the ability to create a 3D map of the road surface for cleaning purposes.

[0005] CN110067224A The invention belongs to cleaning equipment fields, and more particularly to a kind of street sweeper cleans the technical problem of effect difference.Its purpose is to solve poor adaptability in the prior art. The street sweeper includes main car body, and cleaning bucket is connected on main car body It cleans the master that bucket is equipped with for sweeping up the garbage object on the ground and sweeping roller Main car body is equipped with for the master to convey the garbage conveyor that the garbage object that roller is swept up to be collected or store from the initial position Main car body is equipped with driving wheel and driven wheel Drive wheel and driven wheel are used to support the main car and can drive its movement.It cleans the bucket and is equipped with an accessory swivel. The cleaning bucket has a rotation axis and can rotate around the rotation axis relative to the main body, or the cleaning bucket can move up and down relative to the main body within a certain stroke. Its position can be adjusted by the cleaning bucket when working on an uneven road surface, so that the main sweeping roller can maintain an appropriate distance to sweep the debris along with the ground. CN'224 discloses a road sweeper that cleans the road surface with the aid of a water bucket, but the above-mentioned device lacks the ability to collect dust and debris.

[0006] Conventionally, there are many devices that are capable of automatically cleaning the road surface, but are not capable of creating a 3D map of the road surface to perform the cleaning of the road.

[0007] To overcome the above-mentioned drawbacks, there is a need in the art to develop a device capable of creating a 3D map of the road surface to perform the cleaning of the road and collect the dust and debris present on the road surface. OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

[0008] The main object of the present invention is to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art.

[0009] The aim of the present invention is to develop a device capable of automatically cleaning the road surface and also spraying a misting solution stored in a container to effectively remove germs and pollutants from the road environment.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to develop an apparatus capable of generating the 3D map of the road surface to perform the cleaning of the road.

[0011] Another object of the present invention is to develop a device capable of collecting the dust and debris present on the road surface.

[0012] The foregoing and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become readily apparent upon closer examination 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 an automatic road cleaning device capable of automatically cleaning the road surface and also generating the 3D map of the road surface to perform the cleaning of the road.

[0014] According to one embodiment of the present invention, an automated road surface cleaning device comprises a body configured with a plurality of motorized wheels for maneuvering the body over a road surface, a laser sensor installed above the body for determining the level of the surface, and the laser sensor, which in turn activates a telescopically operated rod mounted between each of the wheels and the body to stabilize the platform above the road surface, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit mounted above the body for capturing and processing multiple images of the surroundings, a 3D map (three-dimensional map) of the road surface, an interactive touch display panel mounted on the body for displaying the 3D map, which the user can further access to display the evaluated map,to select a section of the road surface where the user wishes to perform a cleaning operation, a motorized disc attached to the body via a telescopically operated rod and equipped with a plurality of bristles, a curved, extendable flap configured with the base part of the body to position the flap in contact with the road surface during cleaning of the road surface in order to wipe the dust and debris across the road surface in the direction of movement of the body, a plurality of iris pores configured on the flap and connected to a suction unit, wherein upon actuation of the flap, the iris pores open, followed by actuation of the suction unit to generate a vacuum pressure while drawing off the dust and debris and to collect the dust and debris in a container coupled to the suction unit.

[0015] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the proposed device further comprises a pair of motorized fog spray guns with adjustable diffuser arranged on the side of the body, wherein a fog solution is stored in a container on the body to ensure constant distribution of the fog solution over the road surface, effectively removing germs and harmful batteries from the road environment, wherein a PIR (Passive Infrared Sensor) sensor is installed on the body and synchronized with the imaging unit to detect the presence of living organisms near the body, and in the event that a living organism is detected in the immediate vicinity, the wheels and synchronously activate a loudspeaker attached to the body to inform the user about the detected living organism, a level sensor embedded in the container,to detect the level of the mist solution stored in the body, and in the event that the detected level exceeds a threshold, the loudspeaker to generate voice messages to inform the user of the detected level of the mist solution, a battery is connected to the device to power electrical and electronically operated components connected to the device.

[0016] While the invention has been described and shown with particular reference to the preferred embodiment, it will be apparent that variations are possible which 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 more apparent from the following description, the appended claims and the accompanying drawings: Fig. shows an isometric view of an automatic street cleaning device; and Fig. shows an inside view of the housing connected to the device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0018] The following description contains the preferred best mode for carrying out an embodiment of the present invention. From this description of the invention, it will be apparent that the invention is not limited to the illustrated embodiments, but that the invention also includes a variety of modifications and embodiments thereto. Therefore, the present description should be considered as illustrative and not restrictive. 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 intended 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,” “with,” and “characterized by”) may be replaced by the respective partially closed terms “consists essentially of,” “consists essentially of,” and the like, or the respective closed terms “consists of,” “consists of,” and the like.

[0020] The singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” used here refer to both the singular and the plural, unless expressly intended to refer to only the singular.

[0021] The present invention relates to an automatic road cleaning device capable of automatically cleaning the road surface and collecting the dust and debris present on the road surface to clean the road surface.

[0022] Referring to Fig. 1 and Fig.Figure 2 shows an isometric view of an automatic street cleaning device and an interior view of the device's interior, respectively, associated with the proposed device, each comprising a body 101 configured with a plurality of motorized wheels 102, a telescopically actuated rod 103 mounted between each of the wheels 102 and the body 101, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 104 mounted above the body 101, a touch-based interactive display panel 105 mounted on the body 101, a motorized disk 106 installed with the body 101, a telescopically actuated rod 107 equipped with a plurality of bristles, a curved, extendable flap 201 configured with the base part of the body 101, a plurality of iris spores 202 configured on the flap 201 and connected to a suction unit,and a speaker 108 mounted on the body 101.

[0023] The proposed device comprises a body 101 configured with multiple motorized wheels 102 to maneuver the body 101 across a road surface. The body 101 is made of any material, e.g., wood, metal, etc., which provides the components with a long service life and can be conveniently attached to any component to perform any specific task. A laser sensor is installed above the body 101 to determine the surface height. The laser sensor consists of a transmitter and a receiver and operates on the principle of measuring the time delay between the laser beam's forward and return travel to the surface. The laser sensor emits a light toward the surface, and when the laser beam hits the surface, the beam is reflected back to the sensor's receiver.When the sensor detects the reflected beam, it precisely measures the time it takes for the laser beam to travel back and forth from the surface.

[0024] The sensor then estimates the surface level, and the level is converted into an electrical signal in the form of current and sent to a microcontroller. Additionally, a PIR (passive infrared) sensor is attached to the body 101 and synchronized with the imaging unit to detect the presence of living beings near the body 101. The PIR (passive infrared) sensor detects the presence of living beings near the body 101. It works by detecting the infrared radiation emitted by warm-blooded creatures, such as humans and animals, within its detection range. When triggered by motion and infrared signatures, the sensor activates and signals the presence of nearby life. This technology is commonly used in security systems, occupancy detection, and automatic lighting to increase safety and comfort.If a living being is detected in the immediate vicinity, the microcontroller stops further movement of the wheels 102 and synchronously activates a loudspeaker 108 attached to the body 101 to inform the user about the detected living being.

[0025] The loudspeaker 108 receives signals from the microcontroller, converts them into sound waves by vibrating a membrane, and, with the help of amplification and control circuits, generates audible sounds to inform the user of the detected level of the fog solution.

[0026] The microcontroller also operates a telescopically actuated rod 103, mounted between each of the wheels 102 and the superstructure 101, to stabilize the platform above the road surface. The telescopically actuated rod 103 is connected to a pneumatic unit comprising an air compressor, air cylinders, air valves, and pistons that work together to assist in extending and retracting the wheels 102. The pneumatic unit is controlled by the microcontroller, so the microcontroller actuates the valve to allow compressed air from the compressor to pass into the cylinder, with the compressed air continuing to develop pressure against the piston, causing the piston to push and extend.The piston is connected to the platform, and due to the applied pressure, the platform extends. Similarly, the microcontroller retracts the telescopically actuated rod 103 by closing the valve, causing the piston to retract. In this way, the microcontroller controls the extension / retraction of the wheel to stabilize the platform on the roadway.

[0027] Furthermore, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 104, which is mounted above the body 101, is operated to capture multiple images of the surroundings. To generate a 3D (three-dimensional) map of the road surface. The artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 104 consists of a camera lens and a processor, whereby the camera captures multiple images of the surroundings using special lenses designed to capture high-quality images. It contains a lens that focuses the light onto a light-sensitive surface, e.g., a digital sensor or film. The captured data is then pre-processed via the processor to improve its quality and prepare it for AI analysis. The processed data is then fed into AI protocols for analysis, which use machine learning techniques, such asDeep learning neural networks are used to extract the meaningful information contained in the images. The data extracted from the captured images is transmitted to the microcontroller. The microcontroller processes the received data and creates a three-dimensional map of the road surface.

[0028] After generating the 3D (three-dimensional) map of the road surface, the microcontroller actuates a touch-interactive display panel 105 attached to the body 101 to display the 3D map. The user accesses the interactive touch display panel 105 to view the analyzed map and select a section of the road surface where the user wishes to perform cleaning. The interactive touch display 105 shown here consists of several tiny electrically active wires. When the user touches the displayed map above the panel 105, the wires are pressed together, closing the circuit. This results in a voltage flow through the circuit. This voltage flow is detected by the microcontroller connected to the panel 105 as electrical signals. The signals are processed by the microcontroller, which controls the actuation of the wheels 102 to move the body 101 along the roadway.

[0029] Based on the maneuvering of the body 101, the microcontroller actuates a motorized disc 106, which is attached to the body 101 via a telescopically actuated rod 107 and equipped with a plurality of bristles. The motorized disc 106 for scrubbing roads could consist of a rotating mechanism that drives the bristles to sweep and scrub the road surface. The design of the disc 106 would need to ensure efficient contact with the road while maintaining durability and also be capable of adjusting the pressure of the bristles. The motorized disc 106 should operate smoothly and cover a large area to effectively remove dirt, debris, and contaminants.

[0030] Upon actuation of the telescopically actuated rod 107 to extend, the microcontroller actuates the disc 106 to rotate, scrubbing the road surface via the bristles in synchronization with the actuation of the wheels 102 to maneuver the body 101 over the entire road surface specified by the user. A curved, extendable flap 201 is configured with the base portion of the body 101. During cleaning of the road surface, the microcontroller actuates the flap 201 to position it in contact with the road surface.

[0031] The curved, extendable flap 201 is connected to the base of the body 101, allowing for flexible movement and adjustment. This design improves functionality by adapting to different shapes and sizes, ensuring efficient operation in various contexts. The curvature facilitates smooth transitions and optimized performance, enabling seamless interaction with the environment. Overall, it increases versatility and utility, as well as positioning it in contact with the surface to wipe dust and dirt across the road surface in the direction of movement of the body 101.

[0032] Furthermore, a plurality of iris pores 202 are configured on the flap 201 and connected to a suction unit. Upon actuation of the flap 201, the microcontroller controls the iris pores 202 to open, followed by actuation of the suction unit to create a negative pressure to extract dust and debris and collect the dust and debris in a container coupled to the suction unit. The suction unit creates a negative pressure to extract the dust and typically consists of a suction pump, a dust collection chamber, and an inlet for the dust to enter. A vacuum pump creates a negative pressure in the chamber, causing air and dust to be sucked in. The dust is trapped in the collection chamber, while the air is expelled through a filter to prevent dust from escaping.

[0033] However, the microcontroller controls a pair of motorized fog guns with adjustable diffusers, located on the side of the housing 101, to spray a fog solution stored in a container located on the housing 101 to ensure consistent distribution of the fog solution across the road surface. The motorized fog gun ensures even distribution of the fog solution across the road surface. They incorporate a mechanism that ensures uniform coverage, minimizes uneven application, and maximizes efficiency. The fogging action then begins to evenly distribute the solution, creating a uniform layer on the road surface. This promotes effective treatment of the area, whether for disinfection, pest control, or other purposes.Motorized operation streamlines the process, increases productivity, and ensures thorough coverage for optimal results in road maintenance and rehabilitation.

[0034] Furthermore, a level sensor is embedded inside the container to detect the level of the mist solution stored in the body 101. The level sensor used here is preferably an ultrasonic level sensor. The ultrasonic level sensor works by emitting ultrasonic waves and then measuring the time it takes these waves to bounce back after hitting the surface of the cleaning solution. The ultrasonic sensor consists of two main parts: a transmitter, a propagator, a reflector, and a receiver for measuring the level of the cleaning solution in the container. The transmitter emits a short ultrasonic pulse toward the surface of the cleaning solution, which propagates through the air at the speed of sound and is reflected back to the transmitter as an echo when the pulse hits the button.The transmitter then detects the echo reflected from the surface of the cleaning solution, and the sensor performs calculations based on the time interval between the transmitted signal and the reception of the echo to determine the level of cleaning solution in the container.

[0035] The detected data is sent to the microcontroller in the form of a signal, based on which the microcontroller further processes the signal to activate a speaker 108 mounted on the platform to generate voice commands to the user regarding refilling the container if the detected fill level is below the threshold. If the detected fill level falls below a threshold, the microcontroller activates the speaker 108 to generate voice messages to inform the user of the detected fill level of the fog solution.

[0036] Finally, a battery is installed in the device which is connected to the microcontroller that supplies power to all the electrically operated components that require a certain amount of electrical energy to perform their functions and operation in an efficient manner. The battery used here is usually a dry battery, which is made of lithium-ion material and provides the device with a long lifespan along with an efficient direct current that helps all the components to function properly and efficiently. Since the device is battery-operated, it does not require any electrical voltage for its operation. The presence of a battery leads to the portability of the device, meaning the user can carry and move the device from one place to another as per their need.

[0037] The present invention works best in the following manner, where the proposed device consists of the body 101 with a plurality of motorized wheels 102 configured to maneuver the body 101 over a road surface. Furthermore, the laser sensor is installed above the body 101 to determine the level of the surface. At the same time, a telescopically operated rod 103 is attached between each of the wheels 102 and body 101 to stabilize the platform above the road surface. The telescopically operated rod 103 is attached between each of the wheels 102 and the body 101 to stabilize the platform above the road surface. The artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 104 is mounted above the body 101 to capture multiple images of the surroundings and generate a 3D (three-dimensional) map of the road surface.At the same time, the interactive touch display 105 mounted on the body 101 for displaying the 3D map and the motorized disc 106 installed with the body 101, which is equipped with a plurality of bristles via a telescopically operated rod 107 that rotate to scrub the road surface. The curved, extendable flap 201 configured with the base part of the body 101 is positioned in contact with the road surface to wipe the dust and dirt across the road surface in the direction of movement of the body 101. A plurality of iris pores 202 on the flap 201 are configured to create a negative pressure when drawing off the dust and debris and to collect the dust and debris in a container paired with the suction unit. At the same time, the pair of motorized mist spray guns for spraying a mist solution stored in a container configured on the body 101.Furthermore, the PIR (passive infrared) sensor, which is installed on the housing 101 and synchronized with the imaging unit 104, detects the presence of living organisms near the housing 101; and the speaker 108, which is attached to the housing 101 to inform the user of the detected living organism. At the same time, the level sensor is installed inside the container to detect the level of the fog solution stored in the body 101.

[0038] Although the scope of the invention has been described herein with limited reference to specific embodiments, this description is not intended to be construed in a limiting sense. Various modifications of the disclosed embodiments, as well as alternative embodiments of the invention, will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the description of the invention. QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents submitted by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the convenience of the reader. This list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] CN 211498667U

[0004] CN 110067224A

[0005]

Claims

[1] An automatic road cleaning device comprising: i) a body 101 configured with a plurality of motorized wheels 102 to maneuver the body 101 over a road surface, wherein a laser sensor is installed above the body 101 to determine the level of the surface and sends the sensed data to a microcontroller connected to the laser sensor, which in turn activates a telescopically actuated rod 103 mounted between each of the wheels 102 and the body 101 to stabilize the platform above the road surface; ii) an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 104 mounted above the body 101 to capture and process multiple images of the surroundings, wherein the microcontroller generates a 3D (three-dimensional) map of the road surface based on the processed images; iii) a touch-sensitive interactive display panel 105 attached to the body 101 for displaying the 3D map, which the user can further access to display the evaluated map in order to select a section of the road surface on which the user wishes to perform a cleaning operation, the microcontroller controlling, on this basis, the actuation of the wheels 102 to maneuver the body 101 on the road surface; iv) a motorized disc 106 attached to the body 101 via a telescopically operated rod 107 and equipped with a plurality of bristles, wherein the microcontroller actuates the rod 107 to extend it, followed by actuation of the disc 106 to rotate to scrub the road surface via the bristles in synchronization with the actuation of the wheels 102 to maneuver the body 101 over the entire user-specified road surface; v) a curved, extendable flap 201 configured with the base portion of the body, wherein, during cleaning of the road surface, the microcontroller actuates the flap 201 to position it in contact with the road surface to wipe the dust and debris across the road surface in the direction of movement of the body 101; vi) a plurality of iris pores 202 configured on the flap 201 and connected to a suction unit, wherein upon actuation of the flap 201, the microcontroller actuates the iris pores 202 to open, followed by actuation of the suction unit to create a negative pressure while drawing off the dust and contaminants and collecting the dust and contaminants in a container coupled to the suction unit; and vii) a pair of motorized fog spray guns with adjustable diffuser, arranged on the side of the body 101 and actuated by the microcontroller to spray a fog solution stored in a container arranged on the body 101 to ensure a constant distribution of the fog solution over the road surface, thereby effectively removing germs and harmful batteries from the road environment. [2] The device according to claim 1, wherein a PIR (Passive Infrared) sensor is installed on the body 101 and synchronized with the imaging unit 104 to detect the presence of living organisms in the vicinity of the body 101, and if a living organism is detected in the immediate vicinity, the microcontroller stops further movement of the wheels 102 and synchronously activates a loudspeaker 108 attached to the body 101 to inform the user of the detected living organism. [3] The device of claim 1, wherein a level sensor is embedded inside the container to detect the level of the fog solution stored in the body 101, and when the detected level exceeds a threshold, the microcontroller actuates the loudspeaker 108 to generate voice messages informing the user of the detected level of the fog solution. [4] The device of claim 1, wherein a battery is connected to the device to power electrical and electronically operated components connected to the device.

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