Sand screening aids

Abstract

A sand sieve aid, comprising: i) an elongated, telescopically operated frame 101 with a first and a second end, the first end being connected to a handle 102 which is grasped by a user and the second end being provided with a wedge-shaped mesh plate 103 over which the sand to be sifted is manually collected by the user from the ground surface; ii) a plurality of touch sensors manufactured on the handle 102 to detect the presence of the user's hand on the handle 102, wherein a microcontroller connected to the touch sensors activates an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 104 mounted on the frame 101 and paired with a processor to capture and process multiple images of the user in order to detect the size of the user, whereupon the microcontroller actuates the frame 101 to extend / retract it so that the user can conveniently collect the sand on the plate 103; iii) a weight sensor configured with the plate 103 to detect the accumulation of sand above the plate 103, whereupon the microcontroller actuates a motorized ball joint 105 configured between the plate 103 and the frame 101 to cause the plate 103 to move in a controlled multidirectional motion with respect to sifting the sand through the plate 103, so that the sifted sand is collected in a wedge-shaped chamber 106, which is connected at its second end via an L-shaped connector 107 and is located below the plate 103; and iv) a level sensor embedded in the chamber 106 for detecting the level of the sand collected in the chamber 106, wherein, in the event that the detected level exceeds a first threshold, the microcontroller actuates a telescopically actuated rod 108, which is connected to the frame 101, to extend in order to support the frame 101 on the ground surface by means of an inverted U-shaped element 109, which is connected to the rod 108, during the sieving of the sand, thereby preventing the handle 102 from slipping off the user's hand.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to an auxiliary sand sifting device capable of assisting a user in sifting the sand to separate the large pebbles from the sand, and also capable of notifying the user to collect the sand once the device has sifted an optimal amount of sand, thereby preventing the spreading of sand during sifting. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Sand is an essential element in various construction projects, and the size of the sand particles also plays a role in the strength and durability of a building structure. Sand screening separates the sand into different grain sizes and filters out impurities. Sand screening ensures the quality and strength of the sand mixture. For example, concrete sand is used in construction because it provides better cohesion and greater structural strength than other fine-grained sands.

[0003] Traditionally, sand screening is performed manually using a metal tray, which has a rectangular sieve with specific-sized holes to sift the sand. Screening with a metal tray is very time-consuming, and the people involved in the screening process often experience physical strain, which impacts their working lives and health. Furthermore, conventional equipment is unable to remove the collected large-sized sand and dust after screening.

[0004] CN203695379U discloses a utility model relating to a sand screening machine in the field of mechanical equipment. The sand screening machine includes a frame, legs arranged below the frame; motors are arranged on the legs; a pull rod is fixed to the frame; a screening trough is arranged at the lower part of the fixed pull rod; blades are arranged on the fixed pull rod; the included angle between the screening trough and the ground is 15 degrees; an iron sheet baffle is arranged on the screening trough; a groove is formed in the screening trough; the iron sheet baffle is clamped to the screening trough through the groove. The sand screening machine is capable of screening coarse sand, has good effect and high efficiency, saves time, and is reasonable in structure, practical, convenient, and suitable for promotion and application.While CN'379 discloses an invention that assists the user in screening the sand through the machine, the cited invention lacks a notification to the user to collect the sand after screening to prevent the sand from spreading during screening.

[0005] EP0005332A1 discloses a screening device comprising a screen with an electric linear device mounted at a distance from the meshes of the screen. Particles fed on the side of the screen facing away from the pusher are caused by the pusher to move over the screen, and those smaller than the screen pass through the screen and reach the pusher. Conveniently, a metal sheet is located between the mesh and the plate. Particles passing through the meshes then come into contact with the plate and move along it under the influence of the pusher. EP '332 does disclose a method that assists in screening the sand to remove coarse impurities.

[0006] However, the cited invention lacks a convenient way to sift the sand and inform the user to collect the sifted sand.

[0007] Conventionally, many methods are available on the market to assist users in sifting sand. However, the cited invention lacks portability and user convenience. Furthermore, these devices are unable to inform the user to collect the sand being sifted, thus reducing the chances of sand spreading.

[0008] To overcome the aforementioned disadvantages, there is a need in the art to develop a device capable of providing the user with a means of sieving sand in a timely and safe manner, reducing the time and manual effort required. Furthermore, the device can alert the user to collect the sieved sand with an audible signal, minimizing the risk of sand spreading after sieving. OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

[0009] The main objective of the present invention is to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art.

[0010] An object of the present invention is to develop a device capable of assisting a user in sifting the sand to separate the large pebbles from the sand.

[0011] Another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is easy to operate and provides comfort to the user during use.

[0012] Another object of the present invention is to develop a device capable of notifying the user to collect the sand once the device has sieved an optimal amount of sand, thereby preventing the spreading of sand during sieving.

[0013] 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

[0014] The present invention relates to an auxiliary device for screening sand, which provides means for screening the sand in a simple and rapid manner by requiring comparatively little effort from a user, and in addition, the device is also capable of notifying the user to collect the sand once the device has screened an optimal amount of sand, thereby preventing the spreading of sand during screening.

[0015] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the auxiliary device for sieving sand comprises an elongated, telescopically operated frame, at the first end of which a handle is attached which is gripped by a user, and at the second end of which a wedge-shaped mesh plate is attached, via which the sand to be sieved is manually collected by the user from the ground surface, a plurality of touch sensors fabricated on the handle for detecting the presence of the user's hand on the handle, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit mounted on the frame and paired with a processor for capturing or processing a plurality of images of the user, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit mounted on the frame and paired with a processor for capturing or processing a plurality of images of the userto process to detect the height of the user and based thereon extend / retract the frame to allow the user to comfortably collect the sand on the plate, a weight sensor configured with the plate to detect the collection of the sand above the plate, a motorized ball joint configured between the plate and the frame to provide controlled multi-directional movement of the plate with a view to sifting the sand through the plate such that the sifted sand is collected in a wedge-shaped chamber connected to the second end via an L-shaped joint and located below the plate.

[0016] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the proposed device further comprises a level sensor embedded in the chamber for detecting the level of sand collected in the chamber. Upon detecting a level exceeding a first threshold, a telescopically actuated rod connected to the frame extends to support the frame on the ground surface through an inverted U-shaped element connected to the rod during sand sifting. This prevents the handle from slipping from the user's hand. During sand sifting, the ball joint tilts the plate to discard the pebbles / stones collected above the plate. If a level exceeding a second threshold is detected, the microcontroller sends an alarm to a processing unit to notify the user to retrieve the sifted sand from the chamber.

[0017] 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 DRAWING

[0018] These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will be better understood from the following description, the appended claims and the accompanying drawings, in which: Fig. Figure 1 shows an isometric view of a sand screening auxiliary device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0019] 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.

[0020] 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.

[0021] As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” refer to both the singular and the plural unless expressly stated to refer only to the singular.

[0022] The present invention relates to an auxiliary sand screening device capable of assisting a user in efficiently separating large pebbles from the sand. Furthermore, the proposed device is also capable of ensuring user comfort by offering simple operation and notifying the user accordingly when the optimal amount of sand has been screened, thus preventing sand spillage during the process.

[0023] Referring to Fig.1 is an isometric view of a sand screening aid comprising an elongated, telescopically actuated frame 101 having a first and a second end, the first end being attached with a handle 102, the second end being configured with a wedge-shaped grid plate 103, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 104 mounted on the frame 101, a motorized ball joint 105 disposed between the plate 103 and the frame 101, a wedge-shaped chamber 106 connected to the second end via an L-shaped member 107 and located below the plate 103, a telescopically actuated rod 108 connected to the frame 101, an inverted U-shaped member 109 connected to the rod 108, and a solar panel 110 fabricated on the frame 101.

[0024] The device disclosed herein includes an elongated, telescopically operated frame 101 having a first and a second end. The frame 101 is lightweight and of a compatible nature, allowing the user to move the frame 101 from one position to another, depending on the user's requirements. The telescopically operated frame 101 is driven by a pneumatic unit including a pneumatic cylinder, an air compressor, an electronic valve, a cylinder, and a piston. The valve is an electronic valve that allows compressed air to enter and exit from the compressor. When the valve opens, the compressed air flows into the cylinder, increasing the cylinder's air pressure. The piston is connected to the cylinder, and increasing the air pressure causes the piston to extend.To retract the piston, the air is released from the cylinder into the air compressor via the valve. This allows the frame 101 to be extended or retracted as needed.

[0025] The first end of the frame 101 is equipped with a handle 102, which can be grasped by a user for easy handling of the frame 101 as needed. Anti-slip padding is attached to the handle 102 to prevent the user's hand from slipping off the handle 102. The second end is provided with a wedge-shaped sieve plate 103 onto which the sand manually collected by the user from the ground surface is to be sieved. The wedge-shaped plate 103 is used to crush sand lumps. The wedge-shaped plate 103 is connected to the mesh plate 103 to sieve the sand according to the desired sand grain size. When the sand is poured onto the plate 103 and shaken, smaller particles pass through the sieve while larger particles are retained, facilitating the sorting process.

[0026] Several touch sensors are embedded in the handle 102 to detect the presence of the user's hand on the handle 102. The touch sensor is a type of sensor that detects and records physical touch. It functions like a switch; when there is contact, a touch, or pressure on the surface of the touch sensor, the circuit is closed and current begins to flow, which is detected by a built-in microcontroller. The microcontroller is fed with the instructions required to control the operation of the various components of the proposed device.

[0027] After detecting the user's hand, the microcontroller, synchronized with the touch sensor, activates an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 104 installed on the frame 101 to detect the user's height. The artificial intelligence (AI)-based imaging unit 104 refers to a camera that incorporates AI protocols to enhance its functionality and capabilities. AI protocols are used to process and analyze the images or videos captured by the camera, allowing it to perform various tasks beyond traditional image capture. AI analysis is performed locally on the camera itself, and real-time processing on the camera enables immediate reactions and faster decision-making.The camera takes pictures or videos using special lenses designed to capture high-quality images.

[0028] The acquired data is preprocessed to improve its quality and prepare it for analysis by artificial intelligence (AI). This preprocessing includes tasks such as noise reduction, image stabilization, and color correction. The processed data is fed into AI protocols for analysis, which use machine learning techniques, such as deep learning neural networks, to extract meaningful information from the visual data. This information is then transmitted to a microcontroller equipped with the necessary commands to control the operation of the various components of the proposed device.

[0029] Based on the received data, the microcontroller operates the frame 101 to extend / retract it so that the user can conveniently collect the sand on the plate 103. A weight sensor is embedded in the plate 103 to detect the collection of sand on the plate 103. The weight sensor consists of a piezoelectric sensing coil that converts the pressure exerted on the coil by the weight of the sand collected on the plate 103 into an electrical pulse using the principle of piezoelectricity. The microcontroller processes the electrical pulse to determine the amplitude of the pulse, and the weight of the collected sand is determined based on the amplitude.

[0030] Based on the determined weight, the microcontroller actuates a motorized ball joint 105 installed between the plate 103 and the frame 101 to set the plate 103 in a controlled, multidirectional movement and to sift the sand through the plate 103 such that the sifted sand is collected in a wedge-shaped chamber 106 connected to the second end via an L-shaped connector 107 and located below the plate 103.

[0031] The motorized ball joint 105 mentioned here enables a 360-degree rotation of the plate 103 for sieving the sand through the plate 103. The ball joint 105 is a coupling consisting of a ball joint securely locked within a socket joint 105, with the ball joint capable of moving in a 360-degree rotation within the socket, thus providing the required rotational movement for the plate 103. The ball joint 105 is driven by a DC motor actuated by the microcontroller to generate the required movement of the plate 103 for sieving the sand through the plate 103.

[0032] A level sensor is located in the chamber 106, which can be used to determine the level of the sand collected in the chamber 106. The level sensor consists of a measuring cell that detects the pressure on the sensor's measuring cell when the sensor is placed at a certain depth in the sand. The detected pressure is converted into an electrical pulse and transmitted to the microcontroller. The microcontroller evaluates the sand level by analyzing the detected pressure value, the preset density, and the gravity value. Once the detected level exceeds a first threshold, the microcontroller actuates a telescopically actuated rod 108 connected to the frame 101, extending it to support the frame 101 on the ground surface through an inverted U-shaped element 109 connected to the rod 108 during the sand screening process.

[0033] Furthermore, after the sand has been sieved, which is detected by the imaging unit 104, the microcontroller actuates the ball joint 105, which tilts the plate 103 so that the pebbles / stones collected above the plate 103 are discarded. Alternatively, if the detected level of sieved sand exceeds a second threshold, the microcontroller sends a warning message to a computing unit to prompt the user to remove the sieved sand from the chamber 106. The computing unit is wirelessly connected to a microcontroller via a communication module, which includes, but is not limited to, a Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity) module, a Bluetooth module, or a GSM (Global System for Mobile Communication) module.The communication module used here acts as an intermediary between various electronic components, whereby the module serves to establish communication between the user's computing unit and the microcontroller.

[0034] The custom Global System for Mobile Communication (GSM) module is designed to establish a wireless connection between the computing unit and the microcontroller. This module is capable of receiving serial data from radiation monitoring devices such as the microcontroller and sending the data as a text SMS to the computing unit to notify the user to collect the screened sand from chamber 106.

[0035] A battery is connected to the device to power the electrically powered components used within it. The battery consists of a pair of electrodes called the cathode and anode. The battery uses a chemical reaction of oxidation / reduction to perform work on the charge and generate a voltage between its anode and cathode, thus producing electrical energy that is used to perform work in the device.

[0036] A solar panel 110 is also fabricated on the frame 101 to harvest electrical energy from solar rays, which is stored in the battery. When the sun's rays hit the solar panel 110, the sunlight's energy is absorbed by the PV cells (photovoltaic cells) installed in the solar panel 110. This energy generates electrical charges that move in response to an internal electric field within the cell, thus generating electrical energy. Furthermore, the electrical energy is stored in the battery, which continuously supplies power to all components connected to the device.

[0037] The present invention operates as follows: The frame 101 has a handle 102, which is grasped by the user to position the plate 103 on the sand to be sieved, which is manually collected by the user from the ground surface. Upon detection of the user's hand on the handle 102, which is sensed by the touch sensors, the microcontroller activates the artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 104 to detect the user's height. Based on the received data, the microcontroller operates the frame 101 to extend / retract it so that the user can comfortably collect the sand on the plate 103. The weight sensor detects the picking up of the sand on the plate 103.Based on the detected weight, the microcontroller actuates the motorized ball joint 105 to move the plate 103 in a controlled, multidirectional motion, sieving the sand through the plate 103 such that the sieved sand is collected in a wedge-shaped chamber 106 connected to the second end via an L-shaped link. The level sensor determines the level of sand collected in the chamber 106. Once the detected level exceeds a first threshold, the microcontroller actuates the telescopically actuated rod 108 to extend it and support the frame 101 on the ground surface through the inverted U-shaped member 109 during sieving of the sand. In addition, after sieving the sand, which is captured by the imaging unit 104, the microcontroller actuates the ball joint 105, which tilts the plate 103 so that the pebbles / stones collected above the plate 103 are thrown away.In the other case, if the detected level of the screened sand exceeds a second threshold, the microcontroller sends a warning message to a computing unit to request the user to remove the screened sand from the chamber 106.

[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 203695379U

[0004] EP 0005332A1

[0005]

Claims

[1] A sand screening auxiliary device comprising: i) an elongated, telescopically operated frame 101 having a first and a second end, the first end being connected to a handle 102 which is gripped by a user, and the second end being provided with a wedge-shaped mesh plate 103 over which the sand to be screened is manually collected by the user from the ground surface; ii) a plurality of touch sensors fabricated on the handle 102 to detect the presence of the user's hand on the handle 102, wherein a microcontroller connected to the touch sensors activates an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 104 mounted on the frame 101 and paired with a processor to capture and process a plurality of images of the user to detect the user's height, whereupon the microcontroller actuates the frame 101 to extend / retract it to allow the user to conveniently collect the sand on the plate 103; iii) a weight sensor configured with the plate 103 to detect the accumulation of sand above the plate 103, whereupon the microcontroller actuates a motorized ball joint 105 configured between the plate 103 and the frame 101 to cause the plate 103 to move in a controlled multidirectional manner with a view to screening the sand through the plate 103, so that the screened sand is collected in a wedge-shaped chamber 106 connected to the second end via an L-shaped connector 107 and arranged below the plate 103; and iv) a level sensor embedded in the chamber 106 for detecting the level of sand collected in the chamber 106, wherein, in the event that the detected level exceeds a first threshold, the microcontroller actuates a telescopically actuated rod 108 connected to the frame 101 to extend to support the frame 101 on the ground surface by means of an inverted U-shaped element 109 connected to the rod 108 during sieving of the sand, thereby preventing the handle 102 from slipping from the user's hand. [2] The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the wedge-shaped plate 103 is used for breaking sand chunks. [3] Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein after sieving the sand detected by the imaging unit 104, the microcontroller actuates the ball joint 105 which tilts the plate 103 in such a way that the pebbles / stones collected above the plate 103 are discarded. [4] The apparatus of claim 1, wherein if the detected level of screened sand exceeds a second threshold, the microcontroller sends an alarm to a computing unit to notify the user to collect the screened sand from the chamber 106. [5] Device according to claim 1 and 4, wherein the microcontroller is wirelessly connected to the computing unit via a communication module comprising, inter alia, a Wi-Fi module, a GSM module or a Bluetooth module. [6] The device of claim 1, wherein the handle 102 is provided with a non-slip padding to prevent the user's hand from slipping off the handle 102. [7] The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the telescopically actuated frame 101 and the telescopically actuated rod 108 are driven by a pneumatic unit comprising an air compressor, an air cylinder, air valves and a piston that cooperate to assist in the extension and retraction of the frame 101 and the rod 108. [8] The device of claim 1, wherein a battery is connected to the device to power electrical and electronically operated components connected to the device. [9] Device according to claim 1 and 8, wherein a solar panel 110 is made on the frame 101 to obtain electrical energy from solar rays, which is stored in the battery.

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