Automatic device for replacing guide rails

Abstract

An automatic device for replacing guide rails, comprising: i) a platform (1) positioned above a ground surface by means of a plurality of motorized omnidirectional wheels (2) installed beneath the platform (1), wherein a touch-interactive display panel (3) is installed above the platform (1) to enable a user to make inputs regarding the maintenance of guide rails installed over multiple masts pre-installed above the surface along with the position of the guide rails; ii) a GPS module integrated into a microcontroller connected to the display panel 3, which evaluates a route to follow based on user input to reach the position specified by the user and actuates the housing accordingly to position it near the guide rails; iii) an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 4 is installed above platform 1 and synchronized with a laser sensor to capture and process images of the guide rails, wherein a microcontroller connected to the imaging unit 4 determines the condition of the guide rails based on the captured images; iv) a robot connection 5, installed above the housing and actuated by the microcontroller, to position a motorized wrench 6, configured with the connection 5, over nuts and bolts installed sequentially on the damaged guide rail and the corresponding posts, only when a damaged condition of the guide rail is detected, wherein the microcontroller actuates the motorized wrench 6 to loosen the nuts, resulting in the damaged guide rail being released from the posts; (v) a chamber 7 arranged within the housing in which several new guide rails are stored, a pair of robot grippers 8 being installed above the housing and actuated by the microcontroller to pull out one of the new guide rails and align the cavities produced above the guide rail with the holes produced above the rods; and vi) a pair of robot arms 9, installed above the housing and actuated by the microcontroller to access a multi-part container holding new nuts and bolts, arranged above the housing to pull the nuts and bolts out of the container and successively engage them in the aligned cavities and holes, the microcontroller again actuating the motorized wrench 6 to close the new nuts in order to secure the new guide rail to the rods and thereby replace the damaged guide rail.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to an automated guide rail replacement device that assists a user in replacing guide rails in accordance with the condition of the guide rail in a simple and effective manner, thereby reducing both the user's physical effort and time. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] To monitor road traffic in tunnels, guide rails are usually installed inside the tunnel, and the traffic monitoring machine runs on the guide rails to monitor the driving conditions of vehicles in the tunnel and capture images of illegal vehicles. If the traffic monitoring machine malfunctions and needs to be repaired or replaced, construction personnel can only remove the traffic monitoring machine from the height of the rail system.

[0003] Conventional methods for replacing guide rails are relatively difficult, and require construction personnel to work at high altitudes, which poses a certain construction risk. Therefore, there is a need for a device that can assist users in replacing the guide rail according to the condition of the guide rail in a simple and effective way, reducing physical effort and saving time for the user.

[0004] CN201257487Y discloses a lifting cylinder quick-change device of a T-shaped guide rail in a metal forming machine, comprising a transverse guide rail and a longitudinal guide rail. Both the transverse guide rail and the longitudinal guide rail are mounted on a support seat, and the upper end surfaces of the transverse guide rail and the longitudinal guide rail are arranged on the same horizontal plane to be spliced ​​into a grooved shape. The transverse guide rail is provided with a broken part, a hydraulic oil cylinder is mounted on the support seat at the bottom of the broken part, and a lifting block is mounted on a piston of the hydraulic oil cylinder and is spliced ​​and joined to the broken part. The lifting cylinder quick-change device of the T-shaped guide rail in the metal forming machine is characterized in that the lifting block is formed by connecting a plurality of components.Through the structural improvement of the lifting block, while quickly replacing a sealing ring of the hydraulic oil cylinder, the transverse guide rail or the longitudinal guide rail does not need to be disassembled, but can be directly replaced, so it is very convenient, has a simple structure and greatly improves work efficiency.

[0005] CN212480648U discloses a guide rail lifting and replacement device. The guide rail lifting device includes a vertical transmission guide rail; the transmission part is arranged on the vertical transmission guide rail; the running part is fitted to the vertical transmission guide rail; the mounting part is connected to the running part and the transmission part and is provided with at least one guide rail mounting assembly; and the transmission part drives the mounting part to move on the vertical transmission guide rail through the running part. According to the embodiment of the utility model, the problems of replacement and maintenance of the inspection machine in the tunnel are effectively solved.

[0006] Conventionally, there are many devices capable of replacing the guide rail. However, these devices fail to monitor the damaged condition of the guide rail in a self-sufficient manner, eliminating the need for the user to manually monitor the guide rail for repair. These devices do not assist the user in replacing the guide rail according to the condition of the guide rail in a simple and effective manner, reducing the user's physical effort and time.

[0007] To overcome the above-mentioned disadvantages, there is a need in the art to develop a device capable of monitoring the damaged condition of the guide rail in a self-sufficient manner, eliminating the need for manual monitoring of the guide rail by the user for guide rail repair. The device also assists the user in replacing the guide rail in accordance with the condition of the guide rail in a simple and effective manner, reducing physical effort and saving the user time. 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 monitoring the damaged condition of the guide rail in a self-sufficient manner, thereby eliminating the need for manual monitoring of the guide rail by the user with a view to repairing the guide rail.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to develop a device capable of assisting a user in replacing the guide rail in accordance with the condition of the guide rail in a simple and effective manner, thereby reducing the physical effort and saving the user's time.

[0011] Another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is inherently reliable.

[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 guide rail replacement device that assists a user in replacing guide rails in accordance with the condition of the guide rail in a simple and effective manner, thereby reducing both the user's physical effort and time.

[0014] According to one embodiment of the present invention, an automated guide rail replacement device comprises a platform positioned above a ground surface by means of a plurality of motorized, omnidirectional wheels installed beneath the platform; a touch-sensitive interactive display panel installed above the platform to allow a user to provide inputs regarding the maintenance of guide rails installed via a plurality of masts pre-installed above the surface, along with the position of the guide rails; a GPS module integrated into a microcontroller connected to the display panel, which, based on user input, evaluates a path to be followed to reach the location specified by the user and accordingly causes the positioning of the housing near the guide rails;An artificial intelligence-based imaging unit installed above the platform and synchronized with a laser sensor to capture and process images of the guide rails and determine the condition of the guide rails; a robotic linkage installed above the housing to position a motorized wrench configured with the linkage over nuts and bolts installed on the damaged guide rail and the corresponding posts in a sequential manner; the microcontroller actuates the motorized wrench to open the nuts, resulting in the detachment of the damaged guide rail from the posts; a chamber disposed within the housing and containing a plurality of new guide rails.

[0015] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the proposed device also includes a pair of robotic grippers installed above the housing to extract one of the new guide rails and align the cavities made above the guide rail with the holes made above the poles, a pair of robotic arms installed above the housing to access a multi-part container supported with new nuts and bolts arranged above the housing to extract the nuts and bolts from the container and engage them with the aligned cavities and holes in a sequential manner, after the engagement of the new nuts and bolts, the microcontroller again actuates the motorized wrench to close the new nuts with a view to securing the new guide rail to the poles, thereby replacing the damaged guide rail,A proximity sensor is installed inside the chamber to count the number of new guide rails, a speaker is installed above the housing to generate a voice command to notify the user about the refilling of the chamber.

[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 DRAWING

[0017] These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following description, the appended claims and the accompanying drawings: Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of an automatic guide rail changing device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0018] The following description contains the preferred embodiment of 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 "consists essentially of," "consists essentially of," and the like, or the respective closed terms "consists 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 explicitly stated that only the singular is meant.

[0021] The present invention relates to an automated guide rail replacement device capable of monitoring the damaged condition of the guide rail in a self-contained manner, thereby eliminating the need for manual monitoring of the guide rail by the user with a view to repairing the guide rail.

[0022] Referring to Fig.1 is a perspective view of an automatic guide rail replacement device comprising a platform 1 positioned above a floor surface by means of a plurality of motorized omnidirectional wheels 2 installed below the platform 1, an interactive touch display panel 3 installed above the platform 1, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 4 installed above the platform 1, a robotic linkage 5 installed above the housing, a motorized wrench 6 configured with the linkage 5, a chamber 7 disposed within the housing and in which a plurality of new guide rails are stored, a pair of robotic grippers 8 installed above the housing, a pair of robotic arms 9 installed above the housing, and a loudspeaker 10 installed above the housing.

[0023] The device disclosed herein comprises a platform 1 designed to be positioned above a ground surface by means of a plurality of motorized omnidirectional wheels 2 installed beneath the platform 1. The platform 1 has a rectangular shape and is made of stainless steel, which provides the device with corrosion resistance, strength, and durability, as well as being easy to maintain.

[0024] After the platform 1 is placed on the ground surface, a touch The interactive display panel 3 installed above the platform 1 allows a user to provide inputs regarding the maintenance of guide rails installed via several masts pre-installed on the surface and the position of the guide rails. The interactive touch display 3 mentioned here is typically an LCD (liquid crystal display) screen that presents the data in a visible form. The screen is equipped with touch-sensitive technology that allows the user to interact directly with the display using their fingers.

[0025] A touch controller IC (Integrated Circuit) is responsible for processing the analog signals generated when the user inputs information about the maintenance of guide rails installed via several pins pre-installed on the surface and the position of the guide rails. A touch controller is typically connected to a built-in microcontroller embedded in the platform 1 via various interfaces, which may include SPI (Serial Peripheral Interface) or I2C (Inter-Integrated Circuit).

[0026] Based on the user's input command, the microcontroller evaluates a path to be traveled to the location specified by the user via a GPS module integrated into Platform 1 and connected to the microcontroller, and accordingly initiates the positioning of the housing near the guide rails. The GPS (Global Positioning System) module is a satellite-based navigation system. Satellites in space, which move in fixed orbits, transmit information about the real-time location of Platform 1.

[0027] The signals travel at the speed of light and are picked up by the GPS module, allowing the GPS module to calculate 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 1. Once the distance is determined, the GPS module uses a trilateration technique to determine the precise position of Platform 1, thus mapping the real-time location coordinates of Platform 1 onto a path to follow to reach the location specified by the user.

[0028] Based on the evaluated path, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 4, installed above the platform 1, determines the state of the guide rails in synchronization with a laser sensor arranged on the platform 1. The imaging unit 4 consists of an image pickup assembly with an array of lenses that captures multiple images of the environment around the guide rails. The captured images are stored in the memory of the imaging unit 4 in the form of optical data. The imaging unit 4 also includes a processor integrated with artificial intelligence protocols, so the processor processes the optical data and extracts the required data from the captured images. The extracted data is then converted into digital pulses and bits and forwarded to the microcontroller.The microcontroller processes the received data and stores it in a database connected to the microcontroller.

[0029] The laser sensor consists of a transmitter and a receiver and works on the principle of measuring the time delay between the laser beam traveling to the guide rails and back. The laser sensor emits light onto the surface of the guide rails, and when the laser beam hits the surface of the guide rails, the beam is reflected back to the sensor's receiver. When the sensor detects the reflected beam, it precisely measures the time it takes the laser beam to travel back and forth from the surface of the guide rails. The sensor then determines the condition of the guide rails, and the determined condition of the guide rails is then converted into an electrical signal in the form of current and sent to a microcontroller. After receiving the signals, the microcontroller processes the signal to determine the condition of the guide rails.

[0030] Based on the determined condition of the guide rails, if a damaged condition of the guide rail is detected, a robotic link 5 installed above the housing is actuated by the microcontroller to position a motorized wrench 6 configured to bring the guide rails into the correct position.

[0031] Based on the determined condition of the guide rails, if a damaged condition of the guide rail is detected, a robotic link 5 installed above the housing is actuated by the microcontroller to position a motorized wrench 6 configured with the link 5 over nuts and bolts installed on the damaged guide rail and the corresponding posts in a sequential manner.

[0032] After positioning the motorized wrench 6 over the nuts and bolts of the damaged guide rail and the corresponding rods in a sequential manner, the microcontroller actuates the motorized wrench 6 to open the nuts, resulting in the detachment of the damaged guide rail from the rods.

[0033] Furthermore, a chamber 7 is located within the housing, in which several new guide rails are stored. After the damaged guide rail is removed from the masts, a pair of robot grippers 8, installed above the housing, are actuated by the microcontroller to pull out one of the new guide rails. The robot grippers 8 consist of a joint 5 connected to several motorized ball joints, and a gripper 8 for gently and precisely gripping the guide rail.

[0034] The motorized ball joint comprises a microcontroller-driven motor that generates electric current, a spherical element, and a socket. 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 electric current to rotate within the joint and move the grippers (8) to pull out one of the new guide rails. After gripping the new guide rail, the microcontroller instructs the grippers (8) to align the cavities formed in the guide rail with the holes formed in the poles.

[0035] After aligning the cavities machined above the guide rail with the holes machined above the rods, a pair of robot arms 9 installed above the housing are actuated by the microcontroller to access a multi-part container located above the housing, in which new nuts and bolts are stored, and to retrieve the nuts and bolts from the container. The robot arms 9 consist of a robot joint 5 and a clamp attached to the joint 5. The robot joint 5 consists of several segments connected by joints (also called axes). Each joint of the segments contains a stepper motor that rotates and allows the robot link 5 to perform a specific movement of the arms 9.

[0036] When the microcontroller operates the robot arms 9, the motor drives the clamp to extract the bolts and nuts from the container. After the bolts and nuts are extracted from the container, the microcontroller instructs the arms 9 to engage the aligned cavities and holes one after the other. After inserting the new nuts and bolts, the microcontroller operates the motorized wrench 6 again to tighten the new nuts and secure the new guide rail to the rods, replacing the damaged guide rail.

[0037] A proximity sensor installed in chamber 7 counts the number of new guide rails. The proximity sensor used here is preferably an ultrasonic proximity sensor, which uses ultrasonic waves to count the number of new guide rails in chamber 7. The ultrasonic proximity sensor typically emits ultrasonic waves toward chamber 7. The ultrasonic waves hit chamber 7 and are reflected back to the sensor's receiver. The receiver of the ultrasonic proximity sensor is sensitive to the emitted ultrasonic waves and listens for the reflected waves.

[0038] When the emitted ultrasonic waves are received by the receiver, the proximity sensor sends the data to the microcontroller, which processes and analyzes the acquired data to count the number of new guide rails in chamber 7. The determined number of new guide rails in chamber 7 is further processed by the microcontroller to compare the determined value with a threshold stored in a database connected to the microcontroller. If the monitored number falls below the threshold, the microcontroller controls a loudspeaker 10 installed above the housing to generate a voice command informing the user that chamber 7 needs refilling.

[0039] The loudspeaker 10 receives signals from the microcontroller, converts them into sound waves by vibrating a membrane, and generates audible sounds with the help of amplification and control circuits to inform the user about the refilling of the chamber 7.

[0040] 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.

[0041] The present invention works best in the following manner, where the platform 1 is designed to be positioned above the ground surface by means of a plurality of motorized omnidirectional wheels 2. After positioning the platform 1 above the ground surface, the interactive touch display panel 3 allows the user to provide inputs regarding the maintenance of guide rails installed via several masts pre-installed above the surface, along with the position of the guide rails. Based on the user's input command, the microcontroller, via the GPS module linked to the microcontroller, evaluates the path that must be traveled to reach the position specified by the user and causes the positioning of the enclosure near the guide rails. The GPS module (Global Positioning System) is a satellite-based navigation system.Satellites in space, moving in fixed orbits, transmit information about the real-time location of platform 1. The artificial intelligence-based image processing unit 4 determines the condition of the guide rails based on the detected path in synchronization with the laser sensor arranged on platform 1. If, based on the detected condition of the guide rails, a damaged condition of the guide rails is detected, the robot link 5 installed above the housing is actuated by the microcontroller to position the motorized wrench over the nuts and bolts attached to the damaged guide rail and the corresponding masts in sequence. After detaching the damaged guide rail from the masts, the pair of robot grippers 8 are actuated by the microcontroller to pull out one of the new guide rails.After aligning the cavities machined above the guide rail with the holes machined above the rods, the pair of robot arms 9 are actuated by the microcontroller to access the multi-part container supported with new nuts and bolts arranged above the housing to extract the nuts and bolts from the container.

[0042] 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 upon reference to 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 201257487Y

[0004] CN 212480648U

[0005]

Claims

[1] An automatic guide rail replacement device comprising: i) a platform (1) positioned above a ground surface by means of a plurality of motorized omnidirectional wheels (2) installed below the platform (1), wherein a touch-interactive display panel (3) is installed above the platform (1) to enable a user to provide inputs regarding the maintenance of guide rails installed via a plurality of masts pre-installed above the surface along with the position of the guide rails; (ii) a GPS module integrated into a microcontroller connected to the display panel 3, which, on the basis of user input, evaluates a path to be followed to reach the position indicated by the user and actuates the housing accordingly to position it near the guide rails; iii) an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 4 is installed above the platform 1 and synchronised with a laser sensor to capture and process images of the guide rails, whereby a microcontroller connected to the imaging unit 4 determines the state of the guide rails based on the captured images; iv) a robotic link 5 installed above the housing and actuated by the microcontroller to position, only when a damaged condition of the guide rail is detected, a motorized wrench 6 configured with the link 5 over nuts and bolts installed on the damaged guide rail and the corresponding posts in a sequential manner, wherein the microcontroller actuates the motorized wrench 6 to open the nuts, resulting in the detachment of the damaged guide rail from the posts; v) a chamber 7 arranged within the housing and in which a plurality of new guide rails are stored, wherein a pair of robot grippers 8 are installed above the housing and actuated by the microcontroller to extract one of the new guide rails and align the cavities made above the guide rail with the holes made above the rods; and vi) a pair of robotic arms 9 installed above the housing and actuated by the microcontroller to access a multi-part container storing new nuts and bolts arranged above the housing to extract the nuts and bolts from the container and engage them sequentially in the aligned cavities and holes, wherein after the new nuts and bolts have engaged, the microcontroller again actuates the motorized wrench 6 to close the new nuts to fix the new guide rail to the rods and thereby replace the damaged guide rail. [2] The device according to claim 1, wherein a proximity sensor is installed in the chamber 7 to count the number of new guide rails, and when the monitored number falls below a threshold, the microcontroller actuates a loudspeaker 10 installed above the housing to generate a voice command to inform the user of the refilling of the chamber 7. [3] 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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