Automatic device for heat treatment of granite slabs

Abstract

An automated granite slab heat treatment device, comprising: i) a platform 1 which is positioned over a solid surface by means of a plurality of suction cups 2 which are arranged under the platform 1, wherein a chamber 3 is arranged above the platform 1 to which a user has access in order to store several granite slabs which are to be heat-treated; ii) a touch-interactive display panel 4 installed above the platform 1 to allow a user to make inputs regarding the heat treatment of the plates, wherein, based on the user inputs, a microcontroller connected to the display panel 4 actuates an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 5 installed above the platform 1 and integrated with a processor for capturing and processing images of the chamber 3, on the basis of which the microcontroller connected to the processor determines the positioning of the plates within the frame 11 together with the dimensions of the plate; iii) a pair of hydraulic rods 6, each installed above the platform 1 by means of a motorized ball joint 7, which are actuated by the microcontroller to rotate the rods 6 with respect to the positioning of an extendable plate 8, which is configured with the rod 6 above the slabs, wherein a motorized drawer assembly 9 is integrated into the plate 8, which is actuated by the microcontroller to extend the plate 8 in accordance with the detected dimensions; iv) a plurality of suction units 10 installed above the plate 8 and actuated by the microcontroller to generate a vacuum to grip the slab in a secure manner, the microcontroller, after gripping the slab, again actuating the ball joint 7s to pull the slab out of chamber 3 and align it under an inverted U-shaped frame 11 configured with the platform 1; and v) a two-axis lead screw assembly 12 installed above the frame 11 and actuated by the microcontroller to set a flamethrower configured with the assembly 12 into a translational movement, wherein the microcontroller actuates the rod 6 to extend and retract in order to position the slab at a predefined distance from the frame 11, followed by actuation of the assembly 12 and the flamethrower to blow a flame over the slab for heat treatment of the slab.

Description

FIELD OF INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to an automated granite slab heat treatment device capable of performing the heat treatment of granite slabs in an automated manner, thereby reducing manual effort and time consumption. Furthermore, the proposed device is capable of reducing the risk of injury to manual workers during the granite slab heating process. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Stone materials are used for a variety of purposes, including as aggregates for civil engineering, masonry or finishing materials, and exterior materials. Granite, in particular, has a beautiful surface and is significantly more affordable than marble, making it widely used as stone slabs for interior and exterior construction, building, and landscaping. However, to improve texture and durability and to intensify the natural colors of the granite, granite slabs are also thermally processed or heat-treated.

[0003] Traditionally, the heat treatment of granite slabs is performed manually by skilled workers. This traditional method typically requires the operator to hold the slab in place with the help of several workers, making the entire process more expensive. The high temperatures can cause injury to the operator and bystanders. Because the process costs time and money for the operator, it is an inefficient operation.

[0004] CN219005659U discloses an invention comprising a machine frame, two rotating disks arranged on the inner wall of the machine frame in a rotating mode, hydraulic rods fixedly installed on the side surfaces, close to each other, of the two rotating disks, a clamping plate fixedly installed on the telescopic end of each hydraulic rod, and a rotating motor and a slewing motor arranged on the left side of the machine frame. The power output end of the slewing motor penetrates the rack and is fixedly connected to the left side surface of a rotating disk. A ball screw is rotatably connected to the rack. The left end of the ball screw penetrates the rack and is fixedly connected to the power output end of the slewing motor. The outer surface of the ball screw is threadedly connected to a movable block.An electric push rod is arranged below the movable block, and a movable plate is fixedly installed at the telescopic end of the electric push rod. The arrangement of the rack, hydraulic rod, clamping plate, rotary motor, and turntable achieves the purpose of tipping granite, eliminating the need for manual tipping by workers, and reducing the labor intensity of the workers.

[0005] CN102700002A discloses an invention comprising a roller conveyor, a safety fuel gas, hot gas, and dust dispersing device, and a water cooling device. A host machine head spans the roller conveyor, has a height adjustment device, left and right reciprocating devices, a rasp frame, and a gas supply device connected to the rasp frame, and is further provided with a control box. The safety fuel gas, hot gas, and dust dispersing device is arranged in the front region of the host machine head and in front of the upper part of the rasp frame; the water cooling device is arranged behind the buffing frame and at the lower part of the main machine head; the buffing frame is mounted so as to be movable up and down by the height adjustment device.and a buffing frame can be reciprocated left and right by the left and right reciprocating device. The granite surface finishing machine has the advantages that the consumption of fuel gas and oxygen is less than 70 percent of that of conventional manual granite surface finishing; the uniform texture of a product produced by the granite surface finishing machine is consistent; the defect that mechanical operation consumes more gas than manual operation in the prior art is overcome; and compared with the conventional two-head single-flame flame finishing machine, productivity is improved by 6 to 10 times.

[0006] To date, many devices have been developed to assist users in the heat treatment of granite slabs. However, these devices are unable to perform the entire process in an automated and effective manner and fail to reduce manual effort and time consumption in the overall process. Furthermore, these devices are also unable to reduce the risk of injury to workers during the heating process of the granite slab.

[0007] To overcome the above-mentioned disadvantages, there is a need in the art to develop a device capable of heating granite slabs in an automated manner. Furthermore, the developed device should also reduce the risk of injury to workers during the heating process. 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 an apparatus capable of performing the heat treatment of granite slabs in an automated manner, thereby reducing manual effort and time consumption.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to develop a device capable of reducing the risk of injury to manual workers while performing the process of heating the granite slab.

[0011] Another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is reliable and portable in nature.

[0012] The foregoing and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become readily apparent upon a 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 granite slab heat treatment device capable of performing the heat treatment of granite slabs in an automated manner. Furthermore, the proposed device also offers reliability for the user.

[0014] According to one embodiment of the present invention, an automated granite slab heat treatment apparatus comprises a platform positioned above a fixed surface by means of a plurality of suction cups arranged below the platform, a chamber arranged above the platform and to which a user has access for storing a plurality of granite slabs to be heat treated, an interactive touch display installed above the platform for allowing a user to provide inputs regarding the heat treatment of the slabs, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit installed above the platform and integrated with a processor, determines the positioning of the slabs within the frame along with the dimensions of the slab, a pair of hydraulic rods installed above the platform, each by means of a motorized ball joint,to rotate the rods with a view to positioning an extendable platen configured with the rod over the slabs, a motorized drawer assembly integrated with the platen to extend the slab in accordance with the sensed dimensions, a plurality of suction units installed above the platen to create a negative pressure to grip the slab in a secured manner, and upon gripping the slab, the ball joints pull the slab out of the chamber and align themselves under an inverted U-shaped frame configured with the platform.

[0015] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the proposed device further comprises a two-axis lead screw assembly installed above the platform. The flamethrower blows a flame over the slab for heat treatment of the slab. A motorized hinge joint is installed between the plate and the rod to rotate the plate to align the gripped slab under the frame. A weight sensor is installed above the plate to monitor the weight of the slab. A loudspeaker is installed above the platform to notify the user of the exceeded weight. A counting proximity sensor is installed in the chamber to monitor the number of slabs stored in the chamber. The loudspeaker notifies the user of the refilling of the chamber if the monitored number of slabs falls below a threshold number. And a battery is connected to the device.to supply energy to electrical and electronically operated components connected to the device.

[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. Figure 1 shows an isometric view of an automated device for heat treating granite slabs. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0018] The following description contains the preferred best mode for 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 “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 expressly stated that only the singular is meant.

[0021] The present invention relates to an automated granite slab heat treatment apparatus capable of performing the heat treatment of granite slabs in an automated manner. Furthermore, the proposed apparatus is capable of reducing the risk of injury to workers during the granite slab heating process.

[0022] With reference to Fig.An isometric view of an automated granite slab heat treatment apparatus is shown, comprising a platform 1 positioned over a fixed surface by means of a plurality of suction cups 2 arranged beneath the platform, a chamber 3 arranged above the platform, a touch-sensitive interactive display panel 4 installed above the platform, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 5 installed above the platform, a pair of hydraulic rods 6 each installed above the platform by means of a motorized ball joint 7, an extendable plate 8 configured with the rod 6 above the slabs, a motorized drawer assembly 9 integrated with the plate 8, a plurality of suction units 10 installed above the plate 8, an inverted U-shaped frame 11 configured with the platform,a two-axis lead screw assembly 12 installed above the frame 11, a motorized hinge joint 13 installed between each of the plate 8 and the rod, and a loudspeaker 14 installed above the platform 1.

[0023] The device described herein comprises a platform 1 that is positioned over a solid surface by means of a plurality of suction cups 2 arranged beneath the platform 1. The platform 1 is cast from high-strength materials and is rigid in nature with a flat cuboid shape, offering ample space to accommodate multiple mechanical and electrical units. Furthermore, the platform 1 is lightweight, allowing the user to move the platform 1 from one location to another as needed. The outer surface of the platform 1 is coated with thin layers of paint that protect the platform 1 from dust and water accumulation and prevent the platform 1 from rusting when exposed to the outside air. The platform 1 is equipped with multiple suction cups 2 to secure the platform 1 to the surface.

[0024] The suction cup 2 is made of elastic, flexible material and has a curved surface. When the center of the suction cup 2 is pressed against the surface, the volume of the space between the suction cup 2 and the flat surface is reduced, creating a negative pressure that adheres the surface and creates a partial vacuum inside the suction cup 2. The pressure difference between the atmosphere on the outside of the suction cup 2 and the negative pressure inside the suction cup 2 holds the suction cup 2 precisely against the surface. A chamber 3 is arranged above the platform 1, which can be entered by a user to store several granite slabs to be heat-treated.

[0025] Furthermore, an interactive touch display 4 is installed above platform 1, which allows the user to make inputs regarding the heat treatment of the slabs based on the user's inputs. The touch-interactive display panel 4 shown here consists of several tiny electrically active wires. When the user touches the image shown above panel 4, the wires are pressed together, closing the circuit. This results in a voltage flow through the circuit. This voltage flow is detected by the microcontroller connected to panel 4 in the form of electrical signals. The signals are further processed by the microcontroller to determine the user's inputs regarding the heat treatment of the slabs.

[0026] Based on user input, the microcontroller controls an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 5, installed above the platform 1, to capture multiple images of the chamber 3 to determine the positioning of the plates within the frame 11 along with the plate dimensions. The artificial intelligence (AI)-based imaging unit 5 is a camera that incorporates AI protocols to enhance its functionality and capabilities. Using AI protocols, the images or videos captured by the camera are processed and analyzed, allowing it to perform various tasks beyond conventional image acquisition. The AI ​​analysis is performed locally on the camera itself, and real-time processing on the camera enables immediate reactions and faster decision-making.The camera takes pictures or videos using special lenses designed to capture high-quality images.

[0027] The acquired data is preprocessed to improve its quality and prepare it for AI analysis. This preprocessing includes tasks such as noise reduction, image stabilization, and color correction. The processed data is fed into AI protocols for analysis, which use machine learning techniques, such as deep learning neural networks, to extract meaningful information from the visual data, such as identifying the positioning of the plates along with their dimensions. Furthermore, a built-in microcontroller is fed with the necessary instructions to control the operation of various components of the proposed device.

[0028] In addition, a pair of hydraulic rods 6 are installed above the platform 1, each by means of a motorized ball joint 7, actuated by the microcontroller to provide rotation of the rods 6 with a view to positioning an extendable plate 8 configured with the rod 6 over the plates, wherein a motorized drawer assembly 9 is integrated with the plate 8, actuated by the microcontroller to provide extension of the plate 8 in accordance with the detected dimensions.

[0029] The hydraulic rods 6 consist of an oil reservoir, a pump, cylinders, valves, and a piston, which work together to assist in the extension and retraction of the rods 6. The valve opens and the compressed fluid enters the cylinder, increasing the cylinder's air pressure. The piston is connected to the cylinder, and the increase in fluid pressure causes the piston to extend. To retract the piston, air is released from the cylinder into the pump, causing the rods 6 to extend and retract.

[0030] In addition, several suction units 10 are installed above the plate 8, which are actuated by the microcontroller to create a negative pressure that grips the slab in a secure manner. After gripping the slab, the microcontroller actuates the ball joint 7s again to pull the slab out of the chamber 3 and align it under an inverted U-shaped frame 11 configured with the platform 1. Each of the suction units 10 is connected to a vacuum pump that creates the negative pressure in each suction unit 10. The vacuum pump consists of an impeller with multiple blades, which is directly connected to the shaft of a motor to rotate the impeller.

[0031] Furthermore, the motor is capable of converting electricity into mechanical work by following the principle of Lorentz's law, which states that when a current-carrying wire is placed in a magnetic or electric field, it experiences a force known as the Lorentz force. In this way, the motor converts the electrical current from an external source into mechanical torque, which provides the required rotational force to the impeller. The impeller blades are designed so that, as the impeller rotates, it creates a negative pressure within the units, causing the plate to stick together.

[0032] A two-axis spindle assembly 12 installed above the frame 11 and actuated by the microcontroller to move a flamethrower configured with the assembly 12, wherein the microcontroller actuates the rod 6 to extend and retract to position the slab at a predefined distance from the frame 11, followed by actuation of the assembly 12 and the flamethrower to blow a flame over the slab for heat treatment of the slab.

[0033] The two-axis lead screw assembly 12 uses two lead screws to control the movement and positioning of the two blades in two axes. The two-axis lead screw assembly 12 consists of a pair of lead screws, both arranged at right angles to each other. Each screw has its own lead screw and corresponding nut. Each lead screw is driven by a motor, allowing individual control and movement to move a flamethrower configured with the assembly 12.

[0034] Between the plate 8 and the rod 6, a motorized hinge 13 is installed, which is actuated by the microcontroller to rotate the plate 8 to align the gripped plate under the frame 11. Furthermore, a weight sensor is installed above the plate 8 to monitor the weight of the slab. If the monitored weight exceeds a threshold, the microcontroller activates the loudspeaker 14 installed above the platform 1 to inform the user of the exceeded weight.

[0035] The weight sensor consists of a piezoelectric sensing coil that converts the pressure exerted on the coil by the weight of the slab into an electrical pulse using the principle of piezoelectricity. The microcontroller processes the electrical pulse to determine the amplitude of the pulse, and the amplitude is used to determine the weight of the slab. Furthermore, the speaker 14 consists of a series of magnets. One of the magnets is a permanent magnet, and another is an electromagnet, which consists of a conductive coil attached to the diaphragm of the speaker 14. Whenever an electric current flows through the coil, the electromagnet is either attracted to the permanent magnets or repelled by the electromagnet. This back-and-forth motion causes the diaphragm to vibrate, resulting in the generation of the sound wave heard by the user.

[0036] In addition, a counting proximity sensor is installed in the chamber 3 to monitor the number of plates stored in the chamber 3, and when the monitored number of plates falls below a threshold, the microcontroller actuates the speaker 14 to inform the user about refilling the chamber 3.

[0037] The device is connected to a battery integrated into the device to supply a continuous direct current (DC) to the components connected to the device, such as motors, microcontrollers, and various other components. The battery used in the invention is preferably a lithium-ion battery that can be recharged after discharging to ensure proper functioning of the components.

[0038] The present invention works best in the following manner, where the platform 1 is positioned over the solid surface by means of a plurality of suction cups 2 arranged below the platform 1, as disclosed in the proposed invention. Now, the chamber 3 is arranged above the platform 1, which is accessed by the user to store several granite slabs to be heat treated, and the touch-interactive display panel 4 allows the user to enter inputs regarding the heat treatment of the slab. Then, the artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 5 determines the positioning of the slabs within the frame 11 along with the dimensions of the slab and the pair of hydraulic rods 6 to extend the slab 8 according to the detected dimensions.In addition, the plurality of suction units 10 generate the negative pressure to grip the slab in the secured manner, and the two-axis spindle assembly 12 provides the translation of the flamethrower to extend and retract the slab in such a way that it is positioned at the predefined distance from the frame 11, followed by the actuation of the assembly 12 and the flame.

[0039] Although the field 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 219005659U

[0004] CN 102700002A

[0005]

Claims

[1] An automated granite slab heat treatment apparatus comprising: i) a platform 1 positioned above a fixed surface by means of a plurality of suction cups 2 arranged below the platform 1, a chamber 3 being arranged above the platform 1 and accessible to a user for storing a plurality of granite slabs to be heat treated; ii) a touch-interactive display panel 4 installed above the platform 1 to allow a user to provide inputs regarding the heat treatment of the plates, wherein, based on the user inputs, a microcontroller connected to the display panel 4 actuates an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 5 installed above the platform 1 and integrated with a processor for acquiring and processing images of the chamber 3, on the basis of which the microcontroller connected to the processor determines the positioning of the plates within the frame 11 together with the dimensions of the plate; iii) a pair of hydraulic rods 6 installed above the platform 1, each by means of a motorised ball joint 7, actuated by the microcontroller to rotate the rods 6 with a view to positioning an extendable plate 8 configured with the rod 6 over the slabs, a motorised drawer assembly 9 being integrated into the plate 8, actuated by the microcontroller to extend the plate 8 in accordance with the detected dimensions; iv) a plurality of suction units 10 installed above the plate 8 and actuated by the microcontroller to generate a negative pressure to grip the slab in a secured manner, wherein, after gripping the slab, the microcontroller actuates the ball joint 7s again to withdraw the slab from the chamber 3 and align it under an inverted U-shaped frame 11 configured with the platform 1; and v) a two-axis lead screw assembly 12 installed above the frame 11 and actuated by the microcontroller to translate a flamethrower configured with the assembly 12, the microcontroller actuating the rod 6 to extend and retract to position the slab at a predefined distance from the frame 11, followed by actuation of the assembly 12 and the flamethrower to blow a flame over the slab for heat treatment of the slab. [2] Device according to claim 1, wherein between the plate 8 and the rod 6 there is installed a motorized hinge joint 13 which is actuated by the microcontroller to rotate the plate 8 in order to align the gripped slab under the frame 11. [3] The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a weight sensor is installed above the plate 8 to monitor the weight of the slab, and if the monitored weight exceeds a threshold value, the microcontroller actuates a loudspeaker 14 installed above the platform 1 to inform the user of the exceeded weight. [4] The apparatus of claim 1, wherein a counting proximity sensor is installed in the chamber 3 to monitor the number of disks stored in the chamber 3, and if the monitored number of disks falls below a threshold, the microcontroller actuates the loudspeaker 14 to inform the user of the refilling of the chamber 3. [5] 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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