Automatic lifting device for concrete slabs

Abstract

An automated concrete slab lifting device comprising the following: i) a platform 101 positioned above a ground surface and near concrete slabs, by means of a plurality of motorized omnidirectional wheels 102 arranged under the platform 101, the wheels 102 being actuated to move the platform 101 over the surface as required; ii) an interactive touch display 103 installed above the platform 101 to allow a user to input the number of panels to be laid, wherein, based on the user input, the microcontroller controls an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 104, which is installed above the platform 101 and integrated with a laser measurement sensor for capturing and processing images of the panels, on the basis of which the microcontroller determines the positioning and dimensions of the panels and accordingly controls the wheels 102 to position the platform 101 near one of the panels; iii) an extendable robot connection 105, installed above the platform 101 and actuated by the microcontroller to position an extendable plate 106, configured with the robot connection 105, above the plate, wherein, upon positioning the plate 106, the microcontroller actuates a motorized drawer assembly installed in the plate 106 to provide extension and retraction of the plate 106 in accordance with the detected dimensions; iv) a plurality of suction units 201 arranged above the plate 106 and actuated by the microcontroller to generate a vacuum in order to grip the slab in a secure manner, the weight sensor being installed above the plate 106 to monitor the weight of the slab and actuating the suction units 201 accordingly to grip the slab in a secure manner; and v) a primary 107, secondary 108 and tertiary 109 extendable robot arm installed above the platform 101 and actuated by the microcontroller only when it is detected that the weight exceeds a threshold in order to position the arms around the slab, wherein a curved element 110 is configured with each of the arms to support the slab in order to prevent the slab from detaching from the plate 106, thereby lifting the slab in a secure manner.

Description

AREA OF INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to an automated concrete slab lifting device which is able to determine the position and dimensions of the slabs and, in accordance with the determined position and dimensions of the slabs, efficiently lay a certain number of slabs at a location desired by the user, thereby reducing the manual effort of the user. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] A concrete slab is a flat, robust surface made of concrete, essentially a mixture of sand, gravel, cement, and water. They are often used as foundations for buildings, roads, or other structures because they are strong and durable. People lift concrete slabs manually using handheld tools like crowbars, wedging them between the concrete slabs to raise them. However, this method is quite labor-intensive and time-consuming. Therefore, some machines are used for lifting concrete slabs, as these machines lift the slab with minimal manual effort. However, efficient operation of such machines requires skilled labor. Therefore, a device needs to be developed that lifts concrete slabs efficiently with minimal manual effort.

[0003] Traditionally, several methods have been used to lift concrete slabs. People use handheld tools like pry bars to lift the slab manually, wedging the lever between the concrete and the slab. However, this is quite labor-intensive and time-consuming. Therefore, people also use jacks and crowbars to lift the slab, as these tools allow for a gradual and precise lift, but these tools are limited in their precision and are also labor-intensive.

[0004] US7213380B2 discloses an invention comprising a concrete slab lifter, wherein the concrete slab lifter includes a central support, a base plate attached to the underside of the central support, a pair of wheels attached near the underside of the central support, a jaw pivotably attached to the central support, and a handle attached to the top of the central support. The jaw is configured to slide along the central support and comprises a first element attached to the central support and configured to lock in a position where it is flush with the central support, a second element attached perpendicularly to the first element, and a tooth comprising a sharpened plate attached perpendicularly to the second element. While US'380 relates to a mechanical device used for gripping, lifting, and transporting concrete slabs, the invention does not explicitly address this issue.However, the cited invention is not able to determine the position and dimensions of the plates and to efficiently move a certain number of plates to a location desired by the user.

[0005] US20240102274A1 discloses an invention comprising a lifting system that uses a lifting device for lifting a floor (e.g., a concrete slab), wherein the lifting device serves to support the floor from below during lifting. The lifting device may have a first part (e.g., an extension element and a saddle) installed under a slab. Piles are driven into the ground through the first part of the lifting device. Subsequently, a second part of the lifting device is operationally connected to the first part and the uppermost pile. A lifting device (e.g., a hydraulic cylinder) is operationally connected to the lifting device and / or the pile and is used to lift the slab. While US'274 relates to a device, a system, and a method for lifting a concrete slab,However, the cited invention is insufficient when it comes to connecting the plate to the surface at a location specified by the user, and fails in applying adequate pressure to the plate to protect it from damage.

[0006] Many devices have been developed that are capable of lifting a concrete slab. However, these devices are unable to determine the position and dimensions of the slabs and efficiently move a specific number of slabs to a location desired by the user. Furthermore, existing devices are unable to connect the slab to the surface at a user-defined point and apply sufficient pressure to protect it from damage.

[0007] To overcome the aforementioned disadvantages, it is technically necessary to develop a device capable of determining the position and dimensions of the panels and, accordingly, efficiently laying a specific number of panels at a location desired by the user, thereby reducing the user's manual effort. Furthermore, the developed device should also secure the panel surface at the user-specified location by applying appropriate pressure, thus protecting the panel from damage. OBJECTS OF INVENTION

[0008] The main objective 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 that is able to determine the position and dimensions of the plates and accordingly to efficiently lay a certain number of plates at a location desired by the user, thereby reducing the manual effort of the user.

[0010] Another objective of the present invention is to develop a device that is able to determine the weight of the slab and, if the determined weight exceeds a certain limit, to support the slab in order to prevent it from detaching, thereby enabling the slab to be lifted safely.

[0011] Another objective of the present invention is to develop a device that is able to attach the plate to the surface at a user-defined location by applying appropriate pressure to the plate, thereby protecting the plate from damage.

[0012] The aforementioned 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 lifting device for concrete slabs, which is capable of determining the position and dimensions of the slabs and, accordingly, efficiently laying a specific number of slabs at a location desired by the user, thereby reducing the user's manual effort. Furthermore, the proposed device connects the slab to the surface at a user-defined location by exerting appropriate pressure on the slab, thus protecting it from damage.

[0014] According to one embodiment of the present invention, an automated lifting device for concrete slabs comprises a platform positioned above a ground surface and near concrete slabs by means of a plurality of motorized, omnidirectional wheels arranged under the platform to move the platform above the surface as required; an interactive touch display installed above the platform to allow a user to input the number of slabs to be moved; an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit installed above the platform to determine the positioning and dimensions of the slabs and accordingly actuate the wheels to position the platform near one of the slabs; and an extendable robot linkage installed above the platform to extend a slab configured with the linkage.to be positioned above the slab, a motorized drawer assembly installed in the slab to extend and retract the slab in accordance with the detected dimensions, a variety of suction units arranged above the slab to create a vacuum to grip the slab securely, a weight sensor installed above the slab to monitor the slab's weight, a primary, secondary, and tertiary extendable robotic arm installed above the platform to position the arms around the slab, and a curved element configured with each of the arms to support the slab and prevent it from detaching from the slab.

[0015] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the proposed device further comprises a proximity sensor installed with the plate to monitor the distance of the plate from the platform, a PIR (Passive Infrared) sensor installed above the platform to monitor the presence of a person in the vicinity, a loudspeaker installed above the platform to generate a voice command to alert the person, a microphone installed above the platform to receive a voice command from the user specifying the location where the plate is to be positioned, a GPS module integrated into the microcontroller to determine a route to follow to reach the location specified by the user, a plurality of hinge joints installed in each of the plates to adjust the shape of the plate in accordance with the detected dimensions, and a tilt sensor.which is installed above the platform to monitor the platform's tilt angle; a multitude of inverted L-shaped hydraulic rods installed with the platform to extend and position an anchor pad configured so that each rod is in contact with the surface to prevent the platform from tipping; an L-shaped hydraulic slider installed above the platform to extend and position itself over the plate to apply pressure to the plate to secure it to the surface; and a battery connected to the device to power electrical and electronic components connected to the device.

[0016] While the invention has been described and shown with particular reference to the preferred embodiment, it is obvious 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 be better understood with reference to the following description, the attached claims and the attached drawings: Fig. shows an isometric view of an automatic concrete slab lifting device; and Fig. shows a perspective view of a plate connected to the proposed device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0018] The following description contains the preferred best embodiment of an embodiment of the present invention. It is clear from this description of the invention that the invention is not limited to the embodiments shown, but that the invention also includes a multitude of modifications and embodiments thereof. Therefore, the present description should be regarded as illustrative and not limiting. While the invention is open to various modifications and alternative designs, it should be understood that there is no intention to limit the invention to the specific form disclosed; on the contrary, the invention is intended to cover all modifications, alternative designs, and equivalents that fall within the spirit and scope of the invention, as defined in the claims.

[0019] In each embodiment described herein, the open terms “comprising”, “comprises” and the like (which are synonymous with “including”, “with” and “characterized by”) can be replaced by the respective partially closed expressions “consists substantially of”, “consists substantially of” and the like, or the respective closed expressions “consists of”, “consists of” and the like.

[0020] The singular forms “ein”, “ein” and “die” used here refer to both the singular and the plural, unless explicitly only the singular is meant.

[0021] The present invention relates to an automated lifting device for concrete slabs, which is capable of determining the position and dimensions of the slabs and, accordingly, efficiently laying a specific number of slabs at a location desired by the user, thereby reducing the user's manual effort. Furthermore, the proposed device also determines the weight of the slab, and if the determined weight exceeds a certain limit, the device supports the slab to prevent it from detaching and thus lifts the slab safely.

[0022] Referring to Fig. 1 and Fig.Figure 2 shows an isometric view of an automated concrete slab lifting device and a perspective view of a slab connected to the proposed device, each comprising a platform 101 positioned above a ground surface and near concrete slabs, a plurality of motorized omnidirectional wheels 102 arranged beneath the platform 101, an interactive touch display 103 installed above the platform 101, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 104 installed above the platform 101, an extendable robot link 105 installed above the platform 101, an extendable slab 106 configured with the robot link 105, a plurality of suction units 201 arranged above the slab 106, and a primary, secondary, and tertiary extendable robot arm 107, 108, 109 installed above the platform 101.a curved element 110 configured with each of the arms 107, 108, 109, a loudspeaker 111 installed above the platform 101, a microphone 112 installed above the platform 101, several hinge joints 113 installed in each of the arms 107, 108, 109, several inverted L-shaped hydraulic rods 114 installed with the platform 101, an anchor pad 115 configured with each of the rods 114, and an L-shaped hydraulic slide 116 installed above the platform 101.

[0023] The device disclosed herein comprises a platform 101 positioned above a ground surface and near concrete slabs, by means of a plurality (preferably 4 to 8) of motorized omnidirectional wheels 102 arranged beneath the platform 101 to move the platform 101 across the surface as required. The platform 101 is preferably constructed of materials including, but not limited to, steel, iron, and hard plastic, as these materials provide the device with strength, durability, and flexibility.

[0024] The aforementioned motorized omnidirectional wheels 102 are circular objects that rotate around an axis, allowing the platform 101 to move easily across the ground surface. To maneuver the platform 101, each of the wheels 102 must rotate, a process controlled by a hub motor integrated into the hub of each wheel 102. The hub motor is an electric motor integrated into the hub of the wheels 102. It consists of an array of permanent magnets and electromagnetic coils. When the motor is activated, a magnetic field builds up in the coil. When this magnetic field interacts with the magnetic field of the permanent magnets, a magnetic torque is generated, causing the motor's stator to rotate and the wheels 102 to move the platform 101 across the ground surface.

[0025] Consequently, an interactive touch display 103 is installed above the platform 101 to allow a user to input the number of disks to be moved. The touch-sensitive interactive display 103 described here is typically an LCD (liquid crystal display) that presents the output in visible form. The screen is equipped with a touch-sensitive mechanism that allows the user to interact directly with the display using their fingers. A touch controller IC (integrated circuit) is responsible for processing the analog signals generated when the user inputs information about the number of disks to be moved. A touch controller is typically connected to the microcontroller via various interfaces, which may include SPI (Serial Peripheral Interface) or I2C (Inter-Integrated Circuit).

[0026] Based on user input, the microcontroller activates an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 104, which is installed above platform 101 and equipped with a laser measurement sensor for capturing and processing images of the slabs. The imaging unit 104 consists of an image acquisition arrangement with an array of lenses that capture multiple images of the slabs, and the captured images are stored in the imaging unit 104's memory as optical data. The imaging unit 104 also includes a processor that processes the captured images. This preprocessing includes tasks such as noise reduction, image stabilization, and color correction. The processed data is fed into AI protocols for analysis, employing machine learning techniques such as…deep learning neural networks are used to extract meaningful information from the visual data, which is processed by the microcontroller to determine the position and dimensions of the plates.

[0027] The laser measuring sensor described here emits a laser beam, typically a focused, collimated beam, which strikes the surface of the slab and is reflected back to the sensor. The time it takes for the laser beam to travel from the sensor to the slab and back is measured. Using the speed of light as a constant, the sensor calculates the distance between itself and the slab surface. The laser measuring sensor collects a large amount of data by scanning the entire surface of the slab and creating a 3D point cloud that represents its shape. The laser measuring sensor sends this data to a microcontroller, which processes the acquired data and determines the position and dimensions of the slabs.

[0028] Based on the position and dimensions of the plates, the microcontroller actuates the wheels 102 to move the platform 101 close to one of the plates. An extendable robot link 105 is installed above the platform 101 and is actuated by the microcontroller to position an extendable plate 106, configured with the robot link 105, above the plate. The robot link 105 is driven by a pneumatic unit comprising an air compressor, air cylinders, air valves, and a piston, which work together to assist in extending and retracting the robot link 105. The pneumatic unit is controlled by the microcontroller, which actuates the valve to allow compressed air to flow from the compressor into the cylinder. The compressed air exerts pressure against the piston, causing it to push and extend.The piston is connected to the robot arm 105, and due to the applied pressure, the robot arm 105 extends. Similarly, the microcontroller retracts the extendable robot arm 105 by closing the valve, which causes the piston to retract. In this way, the microcontroller controls the extension / retraction of the robot arm 105 depending on the distance of the plate from the plate 106, which is monitored by a proximity sensor connected to the plate 106.

[0029] The proximity sensor described here consists of a transmitter and a receiver. The sensor emits infrared beams through a transmitter towards the plate and receives the reflected beams via the receiver, converting the captured data into an electrical signal that is sent to the microcontroller. The microcontroller processes the signal received from the proximity sensor to monitor the distance between the plate and the shield 106. Based on this, the microcontroller actuates the robot connection 105 to position the plate 106 appropriately over the slab. Several hinge joints 113 (preferably 2 to 6 in number) are installed in each of the plates 106 and are actuated by the microcontroller to adjust the shape of the plate 106 according to the detected dimensions.

[0030] The aforementioned hinge joints 113 are preferably motorized hinge joints in which an electric motor is used to control the movement of the hinge and the connected component. The hinge joints 113 form the pivot point around which the movement takes place. The motor is the core component responsible for generating the rotary motion. It converts electrical energy into mechanical energy and generates the necessary torque that drives the hinge joints 113. As the motor rotates, the motorized hinge joints 113 adjust the shape of the plate 106 in accordance with the detected dimensions.

[0031] After the plate 106 is positioned, the microcontroller actuates a motorized drawer assembly installed within the plate 106 to extend and retract the plate 106. The drawer assembly shown here consists of several plates 106 that overlap each other with a sliding unit. When the microcontroller actuates the drawer assembly, the motor in the sliding unit begins to rotate a wheel coupled via a shaft clockwise, which causes the slider in the drawer assembly to move the plate 106 out and in according to the detected dimensions.

[0032] Subsequently, a number of suction units 201 (preferably 4 to 8) are arranged above the plate 106 to create a negative pressure that securely holds the slab. The suction units 201 consist of a cup-shaped unit with two openings, one side of which has a larger diameter and the other side a smaller diameter. The smaller diameter of the cup is connected to a suction pump via a line connected to the microcontroller. When activated, the suction pump creates a negative pressure, which in turn creates a vacuum inside the cup to securely hold the slab.

[0033] Therefore, a weight sensor is installed above plate 106 to monitor the weight of the slab. The weight sensor described here consists of a coiled membrane and a sensor module. The size of the membrane changes due to the weight of the slab in plate 106, and this change is detected by the sensor module. The sensor module monitors the weight of the slab, and based on the changes in the membrane's size, the detected data is forwarded as a signal to the microcontroller for further processing. If the weight is detected to exceed a threshold, the microcontroller actuates a primary 107, a secondary 108, and a tertiary 109 extendable robot arm, which are installed above platform 101.

[0034] The primary robot arm 107, as mentioned above, works in conjunction with the pneumatic unit to extend and retract. The primary 107 robot arm consists of motor controllers, the arm itself, an end effector, and sensors. The arm is the most important part of the robot arm and comprises three sections: the shoulder, the elbow, and the wrist. All these components are connected by joints, with the shoulder resting at the base of the arm and typically connected to the microcontroller. The elbow is located in the middle and allows the upper part of the arm to move forward or backward independently of the lower part. Finally, the wrist is located at the very end of the upper arm and is connected to the end effector. The end effector, attached to the arm, functions as a hand and serves as a grip for positioning the arms around the platform.

[0035] The secondary 108 and tertiary 109 extendable robot arms function in the same way as the primary 107 robot arm mentioned above. A curved element 110 is configured with each of the arms to support the slab. This curved element 110 is preferably made of materials such as steel, iron, and hard plastic, as these materials provide the device with strength or durability and flexibility, and prevent the slab from detaching from the plate 106, thus ensuring the slab is lifted safely.

[0036] Therefore, a tilt sensor is installed above platform 101 to monitor its tilt angle. The tilt sensor works by detecting changes in the orientation or tilt angle of platform 101 relative to the Earth's surface. The sensor relies on a gyroscope, which responds to gravity and allows the sensor to determine the tilt angle relative to the Earth's surface. The gyroscope consists of a rotating rotor that maintains its axis of rotation regardless of the orientation of platform 101. When platform 101 tilts or changes its inclination, the gyroscope's rotor, due to its angular momentum, tends to resist this change. This resistance to changes in orientation allows the gyroscope to determine the tilt angle of platform 101.By measuring the forces that occur when the rotor resists changes in orientation, the gyroscope determines the tilt angle of platform 101 with respect to the surface.

[0037] When the monitored tilt angle exceeds or falls below the threshold, the microcontroller causes a number of inverted L-shaped hydraulic rods 114 (2 to 6 in number), installed with the platform 101, to extend. The hydraulic rods 114 are driven by a hydraulic power unit consisting of a hydraulic cylinder, a hydraulic compressor, a hydraulic valve, and a piston, which work together to enable the required extension and position an anchor pad 115. The microcontroller actuates the valve to allow the flow of hydraulic fluid from the compressor into the cylinder; the hydraulic fluid builds up pressure against the piston, thereby pushing the piston in and extending it.The piston is connected to the anchoring pad 115, and due to the applied pressure, the anchoring pad 115 extends. Similarly, the microcontroller positions the anchoring pad 115 by closing the valve, which causes the piston to retract. The microcontroller extends an anchoring pad 115 and positions it so that each of the rods 114 is in contact with the surface to prevent the platform 101 from tipping.

[0038] A passive infrared (PIR) sensor is then mounted above platform 101 and synchronized with the imaging unit 104 to monitor for the presence of a person in the vicinity. The PIR sensor works by detecting the infrared radiation emitted by the person near platform 101. When the person passes in front of the sensor, they emit a heat signature that causes the sensor to detect their presence. Based on the detection of a person's presence near platform 101, the microcontroller activates a speaker 111, which is installed above platform 101, to issue a voice command to warn the person.

[0039] The aforementioned speaker 111 consists of audio information generated or stored as digital data in the form of recorded voice, synthesized voice, or other sounds. This digital audio data is converted into analog electrical signals. The analog signal is amplified, and the amplified audio signal is then sent to the speaker 111. At the heart of the speaker 111 is an electromagnet attached to a flexible cone. These sound waves propagate as pressure waves through the air and are picked up by the user's ear. The speaker 111 is connected to the microcontroller, and when a person is detected nearby, the microcontroller activates the speaker 111 to issue a voice command to alert the person.

[0040] A microphone 112 is then installed above platform 101 to receive voice commands from the user regarding the location where the slab should be positioned. This microphone 112 acts as a transducer, converting sound waves into audio signals. When the microphone 112 receives the user's input commands, it converts the input signal into an electrical signal and sends it to the microcontroller. The microcontroller processes the received signals to analyze the user's voice input, and after analyzing the voice commands, the microcontroller activates the device to determine the location where the slab should be positioned.

[0041] Based on a user voice command, the microcontroller activates an integrated GPS module to determine a route to the user-specified location. The GPS (Global Positioning System) module is a satellite-based navigation system. Satellites in space, moving in fixed orbits, transmit information about the real-time location of Platform 101. These signals travel at the speed of light and are received by the GPS module, which calculates the distance to each satellite and the time it takes for the information to reach the receiver. The GPS module locates four or more satellites and calculates the distance between them. Using this information, the GPS module determines the current location of Platform 101.Once the distance is determined, the GPS module uses a trilateration method to determine a path to follow to reach the user-specified location, thus determining the real-time location coordinates of Platform 101 to follow the determined path and reach the user-specified location.

[0042] After the plate is placed at the location specified by the user, the microcontroller actuates an L-shaped hydraulic slide 116, which is installed above the platform 101, to extend and position itself over the plate in order to apply pressure to the plate and connect it to the surface. The hydraulic slide 116 is driven by a hydraulic power unit, which functions in the same way as the hydraulic rods 114 mentioned above.

[0043] Furthermore, the device includes a battery that supplies power to the device's electrical and electronic components and provides voltage to these components. The battery used here is preferably a rechargeable lithium-ion battery that must be recharged after it is depleted. The battery stores the electrical current from an external source in the form of chemical energy, which, when required by the device's electronic components, draws the energy necessary for the device to function properly from the battery.

[0044] The present invention works best when the platform 101 is positioned above a floor surface and near concrete slabs, using a plurality of motorized omnidirectional wheels 102 that move the platform 101 across the surface. The interactive touch display 103 allows the user to input the number of slabs to be moved. Based on the user input, the microcontroller controls the artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 104, which is integrated with the laser measuring sensor, to determine the position and dimensions of the slabs. The extendable robot joint 105 then positions the extendable plate 106, configured with the robot joint 105, above the slab. The microcontroller controls the extension / retraction of the robot joint 105 depending on the distance of the plate 106, which is monitored by the proximity sensor.Subsequently, several hinge joints 113 adjust the shape of the plate 106 according to the detected dimensions. After positioning the plate 106, the microcontroller actuates the motorized drawer assembly to extend and retract the plate 106. A multitude of suction units 201 then generate a vacuum to securely grip the plate. The weight sensor monitors the weight of the slab. If the weight is detected exceeding a threshold, the microcontroller actuates the primary 107, secondary 108, and tertiary 109 extendable robot arms to extend and retract the arms and position the slab. The curved element 110 then supports the slab and prevents it from detaching from the plate 106, thus safely lifting the slab. The tilt sensor monitors the tilt angle of the platform 101.If the monitored tilt angle exceeds or falls below the threshold, the microcontroller actuates several inverted L-shaped hydraulic rods 114 to extend and position the anchor pad 115, with each rod 114 in contact with the surface to prevent the platform 101 from tipping. The PIR sensor then monitors for the presence of a person in the vicinity. If a person is detected near the platform 101, the microcontroller activates the speaker 111 to issue a voice command to warn the person. The microphone 112 then receives the user's voice command regarding the location where the slab should be positioned. Based on the user's voice command, the microcontroller activates the GPS module to determine a route to be followed to the location specified by the user.After the plate is placed at the location specified by the user, the microcontroller actuates the L-shaped hydraulic slide 116 to extend and position it over the plate so that it exerts pressure on the plate to secure it to the surface.

[0045] Although the field of the invention has been described here with limited reference to specific embodiments, this description should not be understood in a restrictive sense. Various modifications of the disclosed embodiments, as well as alternative embodiments of the invention, will be obvious to the person skilled in the art from the description of the invention. QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

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

[0000] US 7213380B2

[0004] US 20240102274A1

[0005]

Claims

[1] An automated concrete slab lifting device comprising: i) a platform 101 positioned above a ground surface and proximate concrete slabs by means of a plurality of motorized omnidirectional wheels 102 arranged beneath the platform 101, the wheels 102 being actuated to move the platform 101 across the surface as required; ii) an interactive touch display 103 installed above the platform 101 to allow a user to provide an input regarding the number of slabs to be laid, wherein the microcontroller, based on the user input, controls an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 104 installed above the platform 101 and integrated with a laser measurement sensor for capturing and processing images of the slabs, on the basis of which the microcontroller determines the positioning and dimensions of the slabs and accordingly controls the wheels 102 to position the platform 101 near one of the slabs; iii) an extendable robot linkage 105 installed over the platform 101 and actuated by the microcontroller to position an extendable plate 106 configured with the robot linkage 105 over the plate, wherein upon positioning the plate 106, the microcontroller actuates a motorized drawer assembly installed in the plate 106 to provide extension and retraction of the plate 106 in accordance with the sensed dimensions; iv) a plurality of suction units 201 arranged above the plate 106 and actuated by the microcontroller to create a negative pressure to grip the slab in a secured manner, wherein the weight sensor is installed above the plate 106 to monitor the weight of the slab and accordingly actuates the suction units 201 to grip the slab in a secured manner; and v) a primary 107, secondary 108 and tertiary 109 extendable robot arm installed above the platform 101 and actuated by the microcontroller only when it is detected that the weight exceeds a threshold to position the arms around the slab, wherein a curved element 110 is configured with each of the arms to support the slab to prevent the slab from becoming detached from the plate 106, thereby lifting the slab in a secured manner. [2] The apparatus of claim 1, wherein a proximity sensor is installed with the plate 106 to monitor the distance of the plate from the plate 106, whereupon the microcontroller actuates the robot link 105 to appropriately position the plate 106 over the plate. [3] The device of claim 1, wherein a PIR (Passive Infra-Red) sensor is installed above the platform 101 and synchronized with the imaging unit 104 to monitor the presence of a person in the environment, and upon detection of the person, the microcontroller activates a loudspeaker 111 installed above the platform 101 to generate a voice command to alert the person. [4] Device according to claim 1, in which a microphone 112 is installed above the platform 101 to receive a voice command from the user indicating the location where the plate is to be positioned, whereupon the microcontroller controls a GPS module integrated in the microcontroller to determine a path to be followed to reach the location indicated by the user and accordingly controls the wheels 102 to follow the determined path to reach the location indicated by the user. [5] The device according to claim 1, wherein a plurality of hinge joints 113 are installed in each plate 106 and are actuated by the microcontroller to regulate the shape of the plate 106 in accordance with the detected dimensions. [6] The apparatus of claim 1, wherein a tilt sensor is installed above the platform 101 to monitor the tilt angle of the platform 101, and in the event that the monitored tilt angle exceeds or falls below the threshold value, the microcontroller actuates a plurality of inverted L-shaped hydraulic rods 114 installed with the platform 101 to extend and position an anchor pad 115 configured with each of the rods 114 in contact with the surface to prevent tipping of the platform 101. [7] The apparatus of claim 1, wherein, after the plate has been placed at the user-specified location, the microcontroller actuates an L-shaped hydraulic pusher 116 installed above the platform 101 to extend and position itself over the plate to apply pressure to the plate to secure the plate to the surface. [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.

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