Automatic PPF (Paint Protection Film) film application system

Abstract

Automated device for applying PPF (Paint Protection Film) films, comprising: i) a cuboid body 101 designed to be installed on a ground surface near a vehicle, wherein several motorized wheels 102 are arranged below the body 101 to move the body 101 on the surface; ii) an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 103, which is attached to the body 101 and integrated with a processor to capture and process multiple images in the vicinity of the body 101 in order to recognize a model of the vehicle each time, wherein an integrated microcontroller evaluates the dimensions and contours of the vehicle based on the recognized model of the nearby vehicle, which are further stored in a database connected to the microcontroller, and the microcontroller simultaneously actuates the wheels 102 to maneuver the body 101 in the vicinity of the recognized vehicle; iii) a water reservoir 104 arranged on the body 101 and integrated with several electronically controlled nozzles 105 which are actuated by the microcontroller to deliver pressurized water onto the vehicle, wherein a telescopically actuated L-shaped rod 106 is arranged on the body 101 and integrated with a motorized rotatable brush 107 which is actuated by the microcontroller synchronously with the imaging unit 103 to perform a scrubbing of the vehicle in order to clean the vehicle for a correct view of the specified contours; iv) a first robot arm 201 installed on the body 101 and configured with a plate 202, wherein several primary motorized hinge joints are configured within the plate 202, which are actuated by the microcontroller to modulate the shape of the plate 202 with a view to facilitating the proper application of the PPF (paint protection film) to the vehicle, wherein the microcontroller actuates the first robot arm 201 to impart a linear movement to the plate 202 in order to effectively apply the PPF to the vehicle; (v) an ultrasonic sensor installed on the plate 202 to detect the thickness of the film, according to which the microcontroller evaluates an optimal amount of pressure to be exerted by the plate 202 on the film, wherein a pressure sensor is embedded on the plate 202 to detect the pressure exerted by the plate 202 during the application of the PPF film, and the microcontroller accordingly regulates the actuation of the first robot arm 201 for the proper application of the PPF film to the vehicle without tearing the PPF film; and vi) a LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) sensor installed on the plate 202 and synchronized with the imaging unit 103 to detect the presence of air bubbles generated during the application of the film, wherein, upon detection of air bubbles, the microcontroller actuates a secondary motorized hinge configured on the rear part of the plate 202 to unfold a flap connected to the secondary hinge upon contact with the vehicle surface, followed by actuation of the flap to extend it in order to exert an optimal amount of force on the detected bubble in order to remove the bubble from the PPF film.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to an automated PPF (Paint Protection Film) application device that detects the thickness of the PPF film to evaluate an optimal pressure to be applied to the vehicle when effectively applying the PPF film, and that applies an optimal force while eliminating the bubbles formed on the PPF film while effectively applying the film. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Paint Protection Film (PPF) films are typically made from thermoplastic urethane, a clear, durable material that resists various environmental elements. The primary purpose of PPF films is to protect vehicle paint from scratches, rock chips, mosquito spray, bird droppings, and other damage encountered during daily driving. Traditionally, the application of paint protection film (PPF) involves several steps to ensure proper adhesion and a smooth finish. The user carefully positions the PPF film over the target area of ​​the vehicle to ensure proper alignment and coverage, using squeegees or special tools to smooth the film and remove any air bubbles or wrinkles. Once the film is applied, excess material is trimmed out with a sharp blade or knife.

[0003] While useful, conventional methods have their limitations. The traditional method of manually cutting and applying PPF films is time-consuming, especially for complex vehicle shapes and contours. Each piece of film must be carefully measured, cut, and applied, resulting in longer installation times compared to newer automated or pre-cut methods. Conventional methods offer limited coverage options because installers must manually cut and shape the PPF films to fit specific areas of the vehicle. This results in gaps or inconsistencies in the coverage, leaving certain areas vulnerable to damage.Therefore, it is necessary to develop a device that detects the thickness of the PPF film to evaluate an optimal pressure to be applied in the effective application of the PPF film on the vehicle and that applies an optimal force while eliminating the blistering on the PPF film while effectively applying the film.

[0004] WO2015175911A1 discloses a transparent paint protection film comprising an acrylic adhesive layer, the acrylic adhesive layer comprising a first crosslinking agent comprising a metal ion and a second crosslinking agent; and a base layer disposed therebetween, the base layer being selected from at least one of polyurethane, polyvinyl chloride, polyolefins, and combinations thereof, the transparent paint protection film having a Young's modulus of less than or equal to 200 MPa; and optionally, a clear coat layer disposed along a major surface of the base layer opposite the surface adhering to the adhesive layer. WO'911 is capable of providing transparent paint protection films, but lacks the ability to perform on-vehicle washing to properly view the determined contours.

[0005] US20140278277A1 discloses a method and system for generating protective surface templates. The method includes recording the dimensions of a first vehicle panel and an adjacent second vehicle panel, identifying a boundary between the first vehicle panel and the second vehicle panel, determining a transition point between a substantially planar surface and an edge of the first vehicle panel, generating a protective film template for the first panel based on the dimensions of the first vehicle panel and the determined transition point, and transferring the protective film template to a sheet of protective film. The system includes components for performing the method. US'277 is capable of applying protective covers to the vehicles, but is unable to apply an optimal force to the detected bubble to remove the bubble from the PPF film.

[0006] Conventionally, many automated PPF (Paint Protection Film) film application machines have been developed that are capable of applying protective coverings to vehicles. However, they lack the ability to scrub the vehicle to clean it so that the determined contours are clearly visible, as well as the ability to determine the thickness of the PPF film to determine the optimal pressure on the film.

[0007] To overcome the above-mentioned drawbacks, there is a need in the art to develop a device that detects the thickness of the PPF film to evaluate an optimal pressure to be applied in effectively applying the PPF film to the vehicle, and that applies an optimal force while eliminating the bubbles formed on the PPF film while effectively applying the film. OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

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

[0009] An object of the present invention is to develop a device capable of scrubbing the vehicle to clean the vehicle in such a way that the detected contours are clearly visible.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to develop an apparatus capable of detecting the thickness of the PPF film to evaluate an optimal amount of pressure to be applied to the film.

[0011] Another object of the present invention is to develop a device capable of detecting air bubbles on the PPF film to apply an optimal force to the detected bubble to remove the bubble from the PPF film.

[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 automated PPF (Paint Protection Film) film application device that detects the thickness of the PPF film to evaluate an optimal amount of pressure while effectively applying the PPF film to the vehicle, and applies an optimal amount of force while eliminating the bubbles formed on the PPF film while effectively applying the film.

[0014] According to one embodiment of the present invention, an automated device for applying PPF (Paint Protection Film) comprises a cuboid-shaped body designed to be installed on a ground surface near a vehicle, with several motorized wheels arranged under the body to move the body on the surface, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit attached to the body and integrated with a processor to capture and process several images near the body to recognize a model of the vehicle, a water tank arranged on the body and integrated with several electronically controlled nozzles actuated by the microcontroller to deliver pressurized water onto the vehicle, a telescopically actuated L-shaped rod arranged on the body and integrated with a motorized rotating brush,which is actuated by the microcontroller in synchronization with the imaging unit to perform a scrubbing of the vehicle to clean the vehicle. Several primary motorized hinge joints configured within the plate are actuated by the microcontroller to modulate the shape of the plate to facilitate the proper application of the PPF film (paint protection film) to the vehicle. A first robotic arm that moves the plate linearly to effectively apply the PPF film to the vehicle. An ultrasonic sensor installed on the plate to detect the thickness of the film. A pressure sensor embedded on the plate to detect the pressure exerted by the plate during the application of the PPF film.

[0015] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the proposed device comprises a LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) sensor installed on the plate and synchronized with the imaging unit to detect the presence of air bubbles formed during the application of the film, a secondary motorized hinge configured on the rear part of the plate to deploy a flap connected to the secondary hinge upon contact with the vehicle surface, the flap extending to exert an optimal force on the detected bubble to remove the bubble from the PPF film, a motorized hot air blower installed on the body via a second robotic arm to blow hot air over the PPF film.

[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 be better understood from the following description, the appended claims and the accompanying drawings, in which: Fig. 1 shows an isometric view of an automated device for applying PPF (Paint Protection Film); and Fig. Figure 2 shows an isometric front view of a first and second robot arm connected to the proposed device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0018] The following description contains the preferred best mode of carrying out an embodiment of the present invention. It will be apparent from this description of the invention 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 “consisting essentially of,” “consists essentially of,” and the like, or the respective closed terms “consisting of,” “consists of,” and the like.

[0020] As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” refer to both the singular and the plural unless it is expressly stated that only the singular is meant.

[0021] The present invention relates to an automated PPF (Paint Protection Film) film applying apparatus that detects the thickness of the PPF film to evaluate an optimal amount of pressure while effectively applying the PPF film to the vehicle, and applies an optimal amount of force while eliminating the bubble formed on the PPF film while effectively applying the film.

[0022] With reference to Fig. 1 and Fig.Figure 2 shows an isometric view of an automated device for applying PPF (paint protection film) films and an isometric view of a first and second robotic arm, each consisting of a cuboid-shaped body 101 designed to be installed on a floor, a plurality of motorized wheels 102 arranged under the body 101, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 103 mounted on the body 101, and a water tank 104 arranged on the body 101, a water reservoir 104 arranged on the body 101 and integrated with a plurality of electronically controlled nozzles 105, a telescopically actuated L-shaped rod 106 arranged on the body 101 and integrated with a motorized rotatable brush 107, a first robotic arm 201 installed on the body 101 and configured with a plate 202, a motorized hot air blower 203,which is installed on the body 101 via a second robot arm 204, a motorized ball joint 108 which is integrated between the first robot arm 201 and the body 101.,

[0023] The device consists of a cuboid-shaped body 101 designed for installation on a floor surface near a vehicle. Several motorized wheels 102 are arranged below the body 101 to move the body 101 on the surface. The number of motorized wheels 102 is between four and six. The motorized wheel consists of a disc or wheel coupled to a motor via a shaft. Upon receiving a command from the microcontroller, the motor begins to rotate clockwise or counterclockwise to move the wheel via the shaft. The wheel thus provides maximum assistance to the user and ensures the movement of the body 101 on the surface.

[0024] When the body 101 is set in motion on the surface, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 103, attached to the body 101 and integrated with a processor, captures and processes multiple images near the body 101 to recognize the vehicle model. The artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 103 consists of a camera lens and a processor. The 360-degree rotatable camera captures multiple images of the body 101, and the processor then performs a series of steps, including preprocessing, feature extraction, and segmentation. During preprocessing, unwanted data such as noise and background are removed and the image is converted into a format recommended for feature extraction. The features such as pixel intensities of the foreground image are extracted and sent for classification to recognize the vehicle model.Furthermore, based on the detected vehicle model in the vicinity, a built-in microcontroller evaluates the dimensions and contours of the vehicle, which are stored in a database connected to the microcontroller, and simultaneously the microcontroller actuates the wheels 102 to maneuver the body 101 near the detected vehicle.

[0025] Additionally, a water tank 104 mounted on the body 101, which includes a plurality of electronically controlled nozzles 105, is controlled by the microcontroller to deliver pressurized water to the vehicle. The electronically controlled nozzle uses electrical energy to automate the flow of the solution in a controlled flow pattern by converting the pressure energy of a fluid into kinetic energy, which increases the fluid's velocity to deliver pressurized water to the vehicle. When the nozzle is actuated by the microcontroller, the electric motor or pump pressurizes the incoming pressurized water, significantly increasing its pressure. The high pressure allows the water to be delivered to the vehicle with great force.

[0026] Furthermore, a level sensor is arranged in the water tank 104 to detect the level of the water stored in the tank 104. 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 for these waves to rebound after hitting the water surface. The ultrasonic sensor consists of two main parts: a transmitter, a propagator, a reflector, and a receiver for measuring the water level in the tank 104. The transmitter emits a short ultrasonic pulse toward the water surface, 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 water surface, and the sensor performs calculations based on the time interval between the transmitted signal and the received echo to determine the water level in reservoir 104. The acquired data is sent to the microcontroller in the form of a signal.

[0027] After receiving the data, the microcontroller activates a loudspeaker mounted on the housing 101 to alert the user that the container 104 needs to be refilled when the detected water level falls below a threshold. The loudspeaker receives signals from the microcontroller, converts them into sound waves by vibrating a membrane, and, with the help of an amplification and control circuit, generates audible sounds to alert the user to refill the container 104.

[0028] After the high-pressure water is applied to the vehicle, a telescopically actuated L-shaped rod 106, mounted on the body 101 and integrated with a motorized rotating brush 107, is actuated by the microcontroller in synchronization with the imaging unit 103 to scrub the vehicle to clean the vehicle for a proper view of the specific contours. The telescopically actuated L-shaped rod 106 is connected to a pneumatic unit including an air compressor, air cylinders, air valves, and a piston, which work together to assist in the extension and retraction of the motorized rotating brush 107.The pneumatic unit is operated by the microcontroller, so the microcontroller actuates the valve to allow compressed air from the compressor to pass into the cylinder. This compressed air continues to develop pressure against the piston, causing the piston to push and extend. The piston is connected to the motorized rotating brush 107, and due to the applied pressure, the motorized rotating brush 107 extends. Similarly, the microcontroller retracts the telescopically actuated L-shaped rod 106 by closing the valve, causing the piston to retract. In this way, the microcontroller controls the extension / retraction of the motorized rotating brush 107 to clean the vehicle so that the detected contours are clearly visible.

[0029] The motorized rotating brush 107 consists of a brush 107 mounted on the telescopically operated L-shaped rod 106. The brush 107 is connected by a cylindrical element integrated into a shaft coupled to a DC motor to impart the required movement to the hinge. Clockwise and counterclockwise rotation of the shaft assists in opening and closing the hinge, respectively. Therefore, the microcontroller actuates the hinge, which in turn moves the motorized rotating brush 107 to scrub and clean the vehicle so that the specified contours are clearly visible.

[0030] After obtaining a correct view of the determined contours, several primary motorized hinge joints configured within a plate 202 on a first robot arm 201 installed on the body 101 are actuated by the microcontroller to modulate the shape of the plate 202 to facilitate the correct application of the PPF (paint protection film) film to the vehicle. The first robot arm 201 consists of a robot joint and a clamp attached to this joint. The robot joint consists of several segments connected by joints, also called axes. Each joint of the segments contains a stepper motor that rotates and enables the robot linkage to perform a specific arm movement.When the first robot arm 201 is actuated by the microcontroller, the motor drives the movement of the clamp to position the plurality of primary motorized hinge joints configured within the plate 202.

[0031] Furthermore, a motorized ball joint 108, integrated between the first robot arm 201 and the body 101, provides multi-axis rotational movement of the first robot arm 201 to enable smooth and effective application of the PPF film to the vehicle. The motorized ball joint 108 includes a microcontroller-driven motor that generates electrical current, a spherical element, and a bushing. The ball is freely movable within the socket. The motor rotates the ball in various directions controlled by the microcontroller, which also commands the motor to precisely position the ball. The microcontroller also controls the motor to generate electrical current, which rotates within the joint to enable smooth and effective application of the PPF film to the vehicle.

[0032] Furthermore, the number of primary motorized hinge joints ranges from two to four. The majority of primary motorized hinge joints consist of a pair of vanes bolted to the surfaces of plate 202. The vanes are connected by a cylindrical element incorporating a shaft coupled to a DC motor to impart the required movement to the hinge. Clockwise and counterclockwise rotation of the shaft assists in opening and closing the hinge, respectively. The microcontroller thus actuates the hinge, which in turn moves plate 202 to properly apply the PPF (Paint Protection Film) to the vehicle.

[0033] After the PPF (Paint Protection Film) film has been properly applied to the vehicle, a motorized hot air blower 203 is installed on the body 101 via a second robotic arm 204 to blow hot air over the PPF film. The microcontroller synchronously operates the first robotic arm 201 to move the air blower 203 to heat the film, enabling smooth application of the PPF film to the vehicle. The motorized hot air blower 203 is the device that expels the hot air stream, typically at temperatures between 100 and 550 °C (373 and 823 K; 212 and 1,022 °F), with some hotter models operating around 760 °C (1,030 K; 1,400 °F). The motorized hot air gun 203 includes a heat source, typically an electrically heated element or propane / liquefied petroleum gas, and a mechanism for moving the hot air, such as an electric fan.The nozzle attached to the heat gun directs the air in one direction to concentrate the heat on the film, thus facilitating an even application of the PPF film to the vehicle.

[0034] After the PPF sheet is evenly applied to the vehicle, an ultrasonic sensor installed on the sheet 202 measures the thickness of the sheet, after which the microcontroller determines the optimal pressure that the sheet 202 must exert on the sheet. The ultrasonic sensor works by emitting ultrasonic waves and then measuring the time it takes for these waves to rebound after hitting the surface of the sheet. The ultrasonic sensor consists of two main parts: a transmitter and a receiver for the sheet. The transmitter sends a short ultrasonic pulse toward the sheet surface, which travels through the air at the speed of sound and is reflected back to the transmitter as an echo when the pulse hits the sheet.The transmitter then detects the echo reflected from the sheet surface, and the sensor performs calculations based on the time interval between the transmitted signal and the reception of the echo to determine the thickness of the sheet.

[0035] The acquired data is sent to the microcontroller in the form of a signal. Based on this signal, the microcontroller further processes the signal to actuate a pressure sensor embedded on the plate 202 to detect the pressure exerted by the plate 202 during the application of the PPF film. Accordingly, the microcontroller controls the actuation of the first robot arm 201 to properly apply the PPF film to the vehicle without tearing the PPF film. The pressure sensor consists of a sensing element called a membrane, which experiences a force exerted by the gripper as it grips the PPF film during the application of the PPF film. This force results in a deflection of the membrane, which is measured by the sensor and converted into an electrical signal, which is sent to the PPF microcontroller to actuate the first robot arm 201 and properly apply the PPF film to the vehicle without tearing the PPF film.

[0036] In addition, a LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) sensor, installed on the plate 202 and synchronized with the imaging unit 103, detects the presence of air bubbles created during the film application. The LiDAR sensor emits fast laser pulses in a sweeping motion toward the plate to detect the presence of air bubbles. These pulses travel through the air and interact with the air bubbles. When the laser pulses hit the air bubbles, the laser bounces off the surface of the air bubbles. The LiDAR sensor precisely measures the time it takes these laser pulses to travel to the surface of the air bubbles and back to the sensor. The sensor performs calculations based on the time interval between the transmitted signal and the received echo to determine the presence of air bubbles created during the film application.

[0037] Upon detecting the presence of air bubbles created during film application, the microcontroller actuates a second motorized hinge located on the rear portion of plate 202 to deploy a flap connected to the second hinge upon contact with the vehicle surface. This is followed by actuation of the flap to extend it and apply an optimal force to the detected bubble to remove the bubble from the PPF film. The second motorized hinge functions similarly to the first motorized hinge to extend the flap and remove the bubble from the PPF film.

[0038] 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.

[0039] The following invention works best in the following manner, consists of the cuboid body 101 designed to be installed on a ground surface near the vehicle. Further, a plurality of motorized wheels 102 provides movement of the body 101 on the surface, the artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 103 captures and processes multiple images near the body 101 to recognize the model of the vehicle. Based on the detected vehicle model in the vicinity, the dimensions and contours of the vehicle are evaluated, which are stored in the database connected to the microcontroller, and simultaneously the microcontroller actuates the wheels 102 to maneuver the body 101 near the detected vehicle. Furthermore, the water tank 104 with multiple electronically controlled nozzles 105 is controlled by the microcontroller to deliver pressurized water to the vehicle.The level sensor detects the level of water stored in the reservoir 104, and when the detected water level falls below the threshold, the microcontroller activates the speaker mounted on the housing 101 to alert the user that the reservoir 104 needs to be refilled. Furthermore, the telescopically actuated L-shaped rod 106 with the motorized rotating brush 107 is actuated by the microcontroller in synchronization with the imaging unit 103 to scrub the vehicle to clean it so that the detected contours are properly visible. Furthermore, the plurality of primary motorized hinge joints configured within the plate 202 are actuated by the microcontroller to modulate the shape of the plate 202 to facilitate the proper application of the PPF (paint protection film) film to the vehicle.The microcontroller actuates the first robot arm 201 to move the plate 202 linearly so that the PPF film can be effectively applied to the vehicle. The motorized ball socket provides multi-axis rotational movement of the first robot arm 201 to enable smooth and effective application of the PPF film to the vehicle. After the PPF film is effectively applied to the vehicle, a motorized hot air blower 203, via the second robot arm 204, blows hot air over the PPF film. Synchronously, the microcontroller actuates the first robot arm 201 to give the air blower 203 a movement to heat the film, enabling uniform application of the PPF film to the vehicle. After the PPF film has been evenly applied to the vehicle, the ultrasonic sensor detects the thickness of the film, whereupon the microcontroller determines an optimal pressure that must be exerted by the plate 202 on the film.Furthermore, the pressure sensor embedded in the plate 202 detects the pressure applied to the plate 202 during application of the PPF film, and the microcontroller accordingly controls the operation of the first robot arm 201 to properly apply the PPF film to the vehicle without tearing the PPF film. After the PPF film is properly applied, the LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) sensor detects the presence of air bubbles generated during the film application. Upon detection of air bubbles, the microcontroller actuates the secondary motorized hinge joint to extend the flap connected to the secondary hinge joint upon contact with the vehicle surface, followed by actuation of the flap to extend it and apply an optimal force to the detected bubble to remove the bubble from the PPF film.

[0040] In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, a display panel arranged with the device may be used to provide the input commands.

[0041] Although the scope of the invention has been described herein with limited reference to specific embodiments, this description is not intended to be taken 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] WO 2015175911A1

[0004] US 20140278277A1

[0005]

Claims

[1] Automated device for applying PPF (Paint Protection Film), comprising: i) a cuboid-shaped body 101 designed to be installed on a ground surface near a vehicle, with a plurality of motorized wheels 102 arranged below the body 101 to move the body 101 on the surface; ii) an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 103 mounted on the body 101 and integrated with a processor for acquiring and processing a plurality of images in the vicinity of the body 101, each of which detects a model of the vehicle, wherein a built-in microcontroller evaluates the dimensions and contours of the vehicle based on the detected model of the nearby vehicle, which are further stored in a database connected to the microcontroller, and the microcontroller simultaneously actuates the wheels 102 to maneuver the body 101 in the vicinity of the detected vehicle; iii) a water reservoir 104 arranged on the body 101 and integrated with a plurality of electronically controlled nozzles 105 actuated by the microcontroller to deliver pressurized water onto the vehicle, wherein a telescopically actuated L-shaped rod 106 is arranged on the body 101 and integrated with a motorized rotatable brush 107 actuated by the microcontroller synchronously with the imaging unit 103 to scrub the vehicle to clean the vehicle for a correct view of the specific contours; iv) a first robotic arm 201 installed on the body 101 and configured with a plate 202, wherein a plurality of primary motorized hinge joints are configured within the plate 202, which are actuated by the microcontroller to modulate the shape of the plate 202 with a view to facilitating the proper application of the PPF (paint protection film) film to the vehicle, wherein the microcontroller actuates the first robotic arm 201 to impart linear movement to the plate 202 to effectively apply the PPF film to the vehicle; v) an ultrasonic sensor installed on the plate 202 to detect the thickness of the film, according to which the microcontroller evaluates an optimal amount of pressure to be exerted by the plate 202 on the film, wherein a pressure sensor is embedded on the plate 202 to detect the pressure exerted by the plate 202 during the application of the PPF film, and the microcontroller accordingly regulates the operation of the first robot arm 201 for the proper application of the PPF film to the vehicle without tearing the PPF film; and vi) a LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) sensor installed on the plate 202 and synchronized with the imaging unit 103 to detect the presence of air bubbles generated during the application of the film, wherein, upon detection of air bubbles, the microcontroller actuates a secondary motorized hinge configured on the rear part of the plate 202 to deploy a flap connected to the secondary hinge upon contact with the vehicle surface, followed by actuation of the flap to extend it to apply an optimal amount of force to the detected bubble to remove the bubble from the PPF film. [2] The apparatus of claim 1, wherein a motorized hot air blower 203 is installed on the body 101 via a second robot arm 204 to blow hot air over the PPF film, and wherein the microcontroller synchronously operates the first robot arm 201 to move the air blower 203 to heat the film to facilitate smooth application of the PPF film to the vehicle. [3] The apparatus of claim 1, wherein an internet module is connected to the microcontroller to enable the microcontroller to utilize online resources to determine the design and contours of the vehicle. [4] The apparatus of claim 1, wherein a motorized ball joint 108 is integrated between the first robot arm 201 and the body 101 to enable the first robot arm 201 to perform multi-axis rotational movement to enable uniform and effective application of the PPF film to the vehicle. [5] The device according to claim 1, wherein a level sensor is arranged in the water tank 104 to detect the level of water stored in the tank 104, and when the detected water level falls below a threshold, the microcontroller activates a loudspeaker attached to the body 101 to notify the user to refill the tank 104. [6] The device of claim 1, wherein a battery is connected to the device to power electrical and electronically operated components connected to the device.

Images