Automatic shoe sole repair device

Abstract

Automated device for repairing shoe soles, comprising: i) a housing 1 positioned above a solid surface and provided with an opening 2 to which a user has access in order to position a shoe to be repaired in an inverted orientation, wherein a chamber 3 is arranged inside the housing 1 to receive the shoe; ii) a touch-interactive display panel 4 installed above the housing 1 to enable a user to make an input that regulates the repair of the sole of the shoe, wherein, based on the user input, a microcontroller connected to the display panel 4 controls an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 5, which is installed above the housing 1 and integrated with a processor for capturing and processing images of the shoe, on the basis of which the microcontroller connected to the processor determines the dimensions of the shoe; iii) an inflatable layer 6 installed over the inner periphery of chamber 3 and connected to an air compressor 7 arranged with chamber 3, wherein the microcontroller, based on the detected dimensions, actuates the air compressor 7 to inflate the inflatable layer 6 in order to grip the shoe securely; iv) a telescopic rod 8 installed between the chamber 3 and the housing 1, actuated by the microcontroller to lift the housing 1 and position it near a two-axis lead screw assembly 9 installed above a ceiling section of the housing 1, the microcontroller actuating the assembly to move an electronic nozzle 10 configured with the assembly to position the nozzle 10 above the sole; (v) a container 11 in which cork filler is stored and which is connected via a line to the nozzle 10, wherein the microcontroller actuates the nozzle 10 to dispense a regulated quantity of the cork filler over the sole; and vi) a motorized circular sliding unit 12, installed above the base part of the housing 1 and actuated by the microcontroller to move a primary and secondary robot link 14 configured with the sliding unit 12 to position the links near the sole of the shoe, wherein a flamethrower 15 and a flap 16 are actuated by the microcontroller with the primary and secondary robot link 14 respectively to melt the cork filler and distribute it appropriately over the sole to repair the sole.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to an automated shoe sole repair device capable of repairing shoe soles in an automated manner, thereby facilitating user comfort, extending the life of the shoe, and contributing to sustainability by reducing the need for premature shoe replacement. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] For activities such as jogging, tennis, racquetball, basketball, and aerobics, shoes are typically repaired with a "half-sole" by removing the original sole from the toes to the narrow waist of the shoe and sewing or gluing a new sole section in place of the old one. Typically, leather or rubber soles of uniform thickness were used for this purpose. When repairing shoe soles, the user faces various difficulties, such as increased manual effort and greater time consumption. There is a need for an invention capable of solving this problem and operating in an automated manner.

[0003] Traditionally, the methods used to repair shoe soles include glue, thread, etc., but these methods are not relevant and fail to extend the life of the shoe. Existing traditional methods also fail to repair shoe soles in an automated manner, do not provide convenience for the user, and do not require premature shoe replacement. Therefore, there is a need for an invention that can replace traditional methods in an automated manner.

[0004] US4445285A discloses an invention comprising a shoe sole for attachment to the bottom of a shoe, comprising a sole element with substantially convex upper and lower surfaces. The sole element may have a toe portion at one end, and the thickness of the sole element adjacent to the toe portion may increase toward that one end.

[0005] US4551876A discloses an invention comprising a shoe patching device and a method for preserving and repairing shoes, wherein a patch member made of a thin, flexible, and durable material is shaped to be quickly bonded to the sole and / or upper of the shoe. The patch member is shaped in a suitable configuration and has a plurality of V-shaped notches extending inwardly from its edges to allow the patch member to easily adapt to all shoe sizes and be positioned at various locations on the shoe. Due to the lightweight and flexible properties of the patch member, the function and wearing characteristics of the shoe are not altered or impaired, nor is it necessary to disturb the original construction of the shoe to effect repair or preservation of the shoe.

[0006] Conventionally, many shoe sole repair devices have been developed that are capable of repairing soles. However, these devices are unable to repair a shoe's sole in an automated manner, which compromises user comfort, extends the shoe's lifespan, and contributes to sustainability by reducing the need for premature shoe replacement. Furthermore, existing devices are unable to determine the shoe's dimensions and securely grip the shoe to repair a stuck shoe.

[0007] To overcome the above-mentioned drawbacks, there is a need in the field of technology to develop a device capable of repairing the sole of a shoe in an automated manner, thus facilitating user comfort, extending the life of the shoe and contributing to sustainability by reducing the need for premature replacement of the shoe. SUBJECT 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 repairing the sole of a shoe in an automated manner, thereby facilitating user comfort, extending the life of the shoe, and contributing to sustainability by reducing the need for premature replacement of the shoe.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to develop a device capable of determining the dimensions of the shoe and gripping the shoe accordingly in order to repair the gripped shoe.

[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 shoe sole repair device capable of repairing shoe soles in an automated manner, thereby facilitating user convenience, extending the life of the shoe, and contributing to sustainability by reducing the need for premature replacement of the shoe.

[0014] According to one embodiment of the present invention, an automated shoe sole repair device comprises a housing positioned above a fixed surface and provided with an opening accessible by a user to position a shoe to be repaired in an upside-down orientation, a chamber arranged within the housing to accommodate the shoe, a touch-interactive display panel installed above the housing to allow a user to provide inputs related to the repair of the shoe sole based on the user input, a microcontroller connected to the display panel, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit installed above the housing and integrated with a processor for capturing and processing images of the shoe, based on which images the microcontroller connected to the processor determines the dimensions of the shoe,an inflatable layer installed over the inner perimeter of the chamber and connected to an air compressor arranged with the chamber based on the sensed dimensions, a telescopic rod installed between the chamber and the housing to lift the housing and position it near a two-axis lead screw assembly installed above a ceiling portion of the housing, the assembly translating an electronic nozzle configured with the assembly to position the nozzle over the loop.

[0015] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the proposed device further comprises a container in which cork filler is stored and which is connected via a conduit to the nozzle, the nozzle dispensing a regulated amount of the cork filler over the sole, a motorized circular sliding unit installed above the base part of the housing for sliding a primary and secondary robotic linkage configured with the sliding unit to position the links near the shoe sole, a flamethrower and a flap with the primary and secondary robotic links, respectively, for melting the cork filler and appropriately distributing it over the sole to repair the sole.

[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 be better understood from the following description, the appended claims and the accompanying drawings, in which: Fig. 1 shows an isometric view of an automatic shoe sole repair device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0018] The following description contains the preferred best mode for carrying out an embodiment of the present invention. From this description of the invention, it will be apparent that the invention is not limited to the illustrated embodiments, but that the invention also includes a variety of modifications and embodiments thereto. Therefore, the present description should be considered as illustrative and not restrictive. While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative constructions, it should be understood that there is no intention to limit the invention to the specific form disclosed, but on the contrary, the invention is intended to cover all modifications, alternative constructions, and equivalents falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the claims.

[0019] In any embodiment described herein, the open-ended terms “comprising,” “comprises,” and the like (which are synonymous with “including,” “with,” and “characterized by”) may be replaced by the respective partially closed terms “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 explicitly stated that only the singular is meant.

[0021] The present invention relates to an automated shoe sole repair device capable of repairing the shoe sole in an automated manner, thereby facilitating user comfort, extending the life of the shoe, and contributing to sustainability by reducing the need for premature replacement of the shoe.

[0022] See Fig.1, an isometric view of an automated shoe sole. A repair device is shown comprising a housing 1 positioned above a fixed surface and provided with an opening 2, a chamber 3 arranged within the housing 1, an interactive touch display panel 4 installed above the housing 1, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 5 installed above the housing 1, an inflatable layer 6 installed over the inner periphery of the chamber 3 and connected to an air compressor 7 arranged with the chamber 3, a telescopic rod 8 installed between the chamber 3 and the housing 1, a two-axis lead screw assembly 9 installed above the ceiling portion of the housing 1, an electronic nozzle 10 configured with the assembly, a container 11 stored with cork filler and connected to the nozzle 10 via a conduit,a motorized circular sliding unit 12 installed above the base portion of the housing 1, a primary robot link 13 and a secondary robot link 14 configured with the sliding unit 12, and a flamethrower 15 and a flap 16 with the primary and secondary robot links 14, respectively.

[0023] The proposed device comprises a housing 1 positioned above a fixed surface and provided with an opening 2 accessible by a user to position a shoe to be repaired in an inverted orientation. The housing 1 disclosed herein is made of any material selected from, among others, a metallic material similarly used for positioning above a fixed surface, with a chamber 3 disposed within the housing 1 to accommodate the shoe.

[0024] The housing 1 includes a touch-sensitive interactive display panel 4 mounted above the housing 1 to allow the user to provide inputs for repairing the shoe sole. The touch-sensitive interactive display panel 4 mentioned here is typically an LCD (liquid crystal display) screen that presents the output 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. A touch controller IC (integrated circuit) is responsible for processing the analog signals generated when the user enters information for repairing the shoe sole.

[0025] Based on user input, a microcontroller connected to the display panel 4 controls an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 5, which is installed above the housing 1 and equipped with a processor for capturing and processing images of the shoe. The artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 5 presented here is equipped with AI (artificial intelligence) protocols encoded in the microcontroller, which are used to process and analyze the images captured by the camera, allowing it to perform various tasks beyond conventional image capture. The AI ​​analysis is performed locally on the camera itself, and real-time processing on the camera enables immediate reactions and faster decision-making.

[0026] The camera captures images of the shoe using special lenses designed for capturing high-quality images. The captured data is then preprocessed by the processor to improve its quality and prepare it for AI analysis. This preprocessing includes tasks such as noise reduction, image stabilization, or color correction. The processed data is fed into AI protocols for analysis, which use machine learning techniques such as deep learning neural networks to extract meaningful information from the images. Based on the data extracted from the captured images, the microcontroller determines the shoe size. Based on the determined shoe size, the microcontroller actuates the air compressor 7 to inflate the inflatable layer 6, which is placed over the inner circumference of the chamber 3 and connected to an air compressor 7 connected to the chamber 3.

[0027] The air compressor 7 is connected to the chamber 3, which draws in air and then compresses it to increase its pressure. The air compressor 7 used here consists of an impeller equipped with a motor and connected to the microcontroller. The mechanical energy of the motor is used to transfer air from the surrounding environment to the inflatable element. The inflatable layer 6 consists of several thin polymer films. When air is introduced into the inflatable layer 6 with the help of the air compressor 7, the films are inflated and the layer becomes soft, providing comfort to the user. When the motor is operated, the impeller rotates to draw in the surrounding air and directs compressed air into the inflatable layer 6 at high speed to inflate the layer so that it securely holds the shoe.

[0028] Subsequently, a telescopic rod 8 is installed between the chamber 3 and the housing 1, which is actuated by the microcontroller to lift the housing 1 and position it near a two-axis spindle assembly 9 installed above the ceiling area of ​​the housing 1. The telescopic rod 8 used here is driven by a pneumatic unit consisting of an air compressor 7, an air cylinder, air valves, and a piston.

[0029] The air valve allows compressed air to enter or exit from the compressor 7. The valve also opens, allowing compressed air to enter the cylinder, increasing the cylinder's air pressure. The piston is connected to the cylinder, and due to the increase in air pressure, the piston extends to lift the housing 1 and position it near a two-axis spindle assembly 9. Synchronously, the microcontroller actuates the assembly to provide a transmission to an electronic nozzle 10 configured with the assembly to position the nozzle 10 over the gate.

[0030] The two-axis lead screw assembly 9, installed above the ceiling section of the housing 1, provides for the translation of an electronic nozzle 10 configured with the assembly to position the nozzle 10 over the lock. The two-axis lead screw assembly 9 disclosed here consists of a pair of lead screws, both arranged perpendicular to each other. Each screw has its own spindle and a corresponding nut. Each lead screw is driven by a motor to translate the electronic nozzle 10 configured with the assembly and to position the nozzle 10 over the lock.

[0031] After positioning the electronic nozzle 10, which is configured with the arrangement to position the nozzle 10 over the blackthorn, the microcontroller actuates the nozzle 10 to dispense a regulated amount of cork filler stored in the container through the sole. The main function of the nozzle 10 is to control the opening 2 and closing of the orifice or opening of the nozzle 10. Once the actuating mechanism receives an appropriate electrical signal, it triggers the movement to open or close the nozzle 10. This process controls the flow of the cork filler through the nozzle 10. The nozzle 10 allows precise control of the flow rate and direction of the cork filler. By modulating the actuating mechanism according to the desired parameters, the nozzle 10 is able to regulate the flow and dispense a precise, regulated amount of cork filler through the sole.

[0032] Accordingly, a motorized circular slide unit 12 is installed above the base of the housing 1 and is actuated by the microcontroller to move a primary and secondary robot linkage 14 configured with the slide unit 12. The motorized circular slide unit 12 disclosed herein consists of a rail unit that provides a guided path for linear movement. The rail unit typically comprises a pair of parallel rails or tracks along which the slide moves. The slide, also called a stage or platform, is equipped with a mechanism that minimizes friction and ensures smooth movement.

[0033] This involves the use of ball bearings. The motorized circular slide unit 12 includes a motor and a drive mechanism to generate linear motion. The motor is connected to a drive mechanism, such as a belt, lead screw, or ball screw. The drive mechanism converts the motor's rotary motion into linear motion and drives the slide carriage along the rail unit to translate a primary and secondary robot link 14 and position the links near the shoe sole. The primary and secondary robot link 14 are then actuated to melt the cork filler and distribute it appropriately over the sole to repair the sole.

[0034] A flamethrower 15 and a flap 16 with the primary and secondary robotic joints 14, respectively, are used to melt the cork filler and distribute it appropriately over the sole to repair the sole. The primary robotic joint 13 used here consists of several segments connected by joints, also called axes. Each segment joint contains a rotating stepper motor that enables the primary robotic joint 13 to perform a specific joint movement.

[0035] When the primary robot linkage 13 is actuated by the microcontroller, the motor drives the linkage movement to position the flamethrower 15 onto the cork filler to melt the cork filler over the sole. The flamethrower 15 is equipped with a controlled mechanism to ensure safe ignition. The LPG cylinder is opened, allowing gas to flow into the burner, and the electric igniter is activated, creating a spark or flame. The spark from the electric igniter ignites the gas at each burner. The burner begins producing a controlled flame, facilitating the melting of the cork filler over the sole. A temperature sensor is installed in the housing 1 to monitor the temperature of the shoe.

[0036] The temperature sensor is made of metal that generates an electrical voltage or resistance when it experiences temperature changes. The temperature sensor works by measuring the voltage across the diode terminals. The diode's resistance is detected and converted into readable values ​​to measure the temperature of the shoe. The measured temperature is then converted into an electrical signal that is received by the microcontroller. The microcontroller further processes the received signals and monitors the temperature of the shoe based on this. If the monitored temperature exceeds a threshold, the microcontroller deactivates the flamethrower 15 to stop the heating of the cork filler. At the same time, the secondary robot connection 14 with the flap 16 is activated by the microcontroller, which facilitates the distribution of the molten cork filler over the sole with a view to repairing the shoe sole.

[0037] Finally, a battery (not shown in the figure) is connected to the device to power all the electrical and electronic components necessary for its proper operation. The battery is connected to the microcontroller and supplies direct (DC) power to the microcontroller. Then, based on the sequence of operations, the microcontroller sends this power to these specific electrical or electronic components, allowing them to effectively perform their respective functions.

[0038] The present invention works best in the following manner, where the housing 1, as disclosed in the present invention, is positioned above a solid surface and provided with an opening 2 accessible by a user to position a shoe to be repaired in an upside-down orientation, here a chamber 3 is arranged within the housing 1 to accommodate the shoe. Furthermore, the interactive touch display 4 allows the user to provide inputs regarding the repair of the shoe sole. Based on the user inputs, the microcontroller connected to the display panel 4 controls the artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 5, which captures and processes images of the shoe. Based on this, the microcontroller connected to the processor determines the dimensions of the shoe.Based on the determined dimensions, the microcontroller actuates the air compressor 7 to inflate the inflatable layer 6 with a view to gripping the shoe in a secure manner. Subsequently, telescopic rods 8 lift the housing 1 and position it near a two-axis lead screw assembly 9, which sets in motion an electronic nozzle 10 configured to position the nozzle 10 over the sole. Furthermore, the nozzle 10 dispenses a regulated amount of cork filler over the sole. Thereafter, the motorized circular sliding unit 12 provides a transmission to the primary and secondary robotic limbs 14, which are configured with the sliding unit 12 to position the limbs near the shoe sole, here the flamethrower 15 and the flap 16 with the primary and secondary, respectively.secondary robotic link 14, which are actuated by the microcontroller to melt the cork filler and distribute it appropriately over the sole to repair the sole.

[0039] 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] US 4445285A

[0004] US 4551876A

[0005]

Claims

[1] Automated device for repairing shoe soles, comprising: i) a housing 1 positioned above a fixed surface and provided with an opening 2 to which a user has access to position a shoe to be repaired in an inverted orientation, a chamber 3 being arranged within the housing 1 to receive the shoe; ii) a touch-interactive display panel 4 installed above the housing 1 to enable a user to provide an input regulating the repair of the sole of the shoe, wherein, based on the user input, a microcontroller connected to the display panel 4 controls an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 5 installed above the housing 1 and integrated with a processor for capturing and processing images of the shoe, on the basis of which images the microcontroller connected to the processor determines the dimensions of the shoe; iii) an inflatable layer 6 installed over the inner periphery of the chamber 3 and connected to an air compressor 7 arranged with the chamber 3, wherein the microcontroller, based on the detected dimensions, actuates the air compressor 7 to inflate the inflatable layer 6 to grip the shoe in a secure manner; iv) a telescopic rod 8 installed between the chamber 3 and the housing 1 and actuated by the microcontroller to lift the housing 1 and position it near a two-axis lead screw assembly 9 installed above a ceiling portion of the housing 1, the microcontroller actuating the assembly to displace an electronic nozzle 10 configured with the assembly to position the nozzle 10 above the sole; v) a container 11 in which cork filler is stored and which is connected via a line to the nozzle 10, wherein the microcontroller actuates the nozzle 10 to dispense a regulated amount of the cork filler over the sole; and vi) a motorized circular sliding unit 12 installed above the base of the housing 1 and actuated by the microcontroller to displace a primary and secondary robotic linkage 14 configured with the sliding unit 12 to position the links near the shoe sole, wherein a flamethrower 15 and a flap 16 associated with the primary and secondary robotic links 14, respectively, are actuated by the microcontroller to melt the cork filler and distribute it appropriately over the sole to repair the sole. [2] Device according to claim 1, wherein a temperature sensor is installed in the housing 1 to monitor the temperature of the shoe, and when the monitored temperature exceeds a threshold, the microcontroller deactivates the flamethrower 15 to stop heating the cork filler. [3] The device according to claim 1, wherein the telescopic rod 8 is connected to a pneumatic unit comprising an air compressor 7, air cylinders, air valves and a piston which cooperate to assist in the extension and retraction of the rod 8. [4] The device of claim 1, wherein a battery is connected to the device to power electrical and electronically operated components connected to the device.

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