Automated drywall fixation device

Abstract

The present invention relates to an automated drywall finishing device, comprising, handheld body 1 included with artificial intelligence based imaging unit 4over first 2 portion for detecting type of joint while attaching multiple sections of drywall together, proximity sensor for detecting distance between joint and first 2 portion when user manually holds body 1 over joint, tape dispenser 5 rotates to unwind sticky side of tape facing down that is controlled through a clip regulating movement of tape towards first 2 portion, guide rails 9 assembly equipped with two motorized rollers for moving rollers over guiderails in accordance with type of edge detected for providing pressure while pasting tape on drywall's joint and a motorized applicator 6 for spreading plaster over tape, thereby providing smooth finish at joints of drywall. Ref. Figure 1 & 2

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to an automated drywall fixation device that is pre-programmed to automate the dry walling procedure in order to provide insulating walls and ceiling with less manual efforts.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Drywall is basically a construction material that is used for creating walls and ceilings in user's home / offices etc. The drywall construction is also used for creating various designs that features, arches, eaves and other architectural specialties. The drywell is a way simpler and easier method to install and also they are much durable and require very simple repairs. The drywall construction is used in commercial building world also for wrapping the columns for concealing steel beams. The method of drywall construction is cost effective as well as they are safety effective as they are fire resistance at walls and ceilings and prevent walls from containing the spread of fire. Due to drywall, people are capable of evacuating user safely during an emergency.

[0003] The traditional process of drywell requires a lot of time and manual intervention as in dry wall construction, taping is followed by plaster. Both the taping joints and plastering them requires a lot of human efforts which makes the economic factor of dry walling less favorable. To combat this situations various dry wall constructors use automatic dry walling techniques that makes the work of dry walling easier.

[0004] Several existing solutions for the dry walling are dry walling device, tapping device, automatic plastering etc. However, none of the mentioned devices are capable of conceiving in a successful effort to overcome the aforementioned problems. So, there is need to develop a device that not only automates the dry walling procedure but also eliminates the safety risk of the user.

[0005] US4406730A discloses a tape supply roll journal between spaced apart sidewalls for forward advancement of a drywall tape along a guide path established between a pair of pinch rolls and upwardly along a pressure roller at the leading end of the dispenser. The dispenser is sufficiently compact and lightweight that it can be held in one hand and includes a hand operable lever to operate a tape cutter to sever the tape at the end of each tape application; and a corner roller is pivotally mounted for movement into a position along the path of travel of the tape for selective application of tape along the corners between adjoining drywall sections.

[0006] ES2798175T3 discloses a plaster casting tray, the apparatus comprising: a base for irremovably attaching the apparatus to the plaster casting tray; and a frame having a first 2end coupled to the base and a second 8 end that supports a wheel member rotatable attached thereto, whereby a periphery of the Wheel has a V-shaped profile comprising a pair of tread surfaces that meet at a predetermined angle to apply plaster mix coated tape exiting the bank along a first 2side and a second 8 side of an inner corner joint and within a vertex of the inner corner joint; the apparatus being characterized in that: the wheel member is rotatable attached to said second 8 end by means of a retaining bolt and because a pair of toothed discs having a radius less than the wheel member are positioned on either side of the wheel member and are retained by the retaining bolt coaxial with the wheel member so that the tape when applied to the inner corner joint is applied along the first 2side and the second 8 side of the inner corner joint and embedded at the apex of the inner corner joint in motion through the wheel member and toothed discs resulting in a uniform application of the tape and plaster mix.

[0007] Conventionally, there exists various existing dry walling devices and apparatuses. However, the above mentioned device aren't capable of automating the procedure of the dry walling with less human intervention.

[0008] In order to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks, there is a dire need to develop a device that not only reduces the manual intervention of the user but also performs automatic dry walling procedures in order to provide insulation to the user.OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

[0009] The principal object of the present invention is to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art.

[0010] An object of the present invention is to provide a smooth finishing to the joints of the drywall.

[0011] Another object of the present invention is to direct the automated procedure of the tapping for drywall.

[0012] Another object of the present invention is to pre-programmed to automatically spread the liquid solution of plaster over the tapping area.

[0013] Yet another object of the present invention is to eliminate the human effort and requires a less manual intervention.

[0014] The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become readily apparent upon further review of the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0015] The present invention relates to an automated drywall fixation device that is capable of automatically perform the dry walling construction over the user's wall and ceilings in order to get an enhanced and smooth dry walling.

[0016] According to an embodiment of the present invention, an automated drywall fixation device, comprises of a handheld body segregated into a pair of portion i.e. first and second portion which is categorized as bottom and inner portion of the body, the bottom portion incorporates an artificial intelligence based imaging unit for detecting type of joint while attaching multiple sections of a drywall together, a proximity sensor connected at the bottom portion in connection with a microcontroller for detecting distance between the joint and bottom portion when the user manually holds the body over the joint with the help of a handle.

[0017] According to another embodiment of the present invention, an automated drywall fixation device, further comprises of a tape dispenser assembled at the second portion connected to the microcontroller for rotating the roll to unwind sticky side of the tape facing down that is controlled through a clip regulating movement of the tape towards the bottom portion, a guide rails assembly fabricated with a pair of motorized rollers installed in the bottom portion for moving rollers over the guiderails through the microcontroller in accordance with the type of edge detected through the imaging unit for providing pressure while pasting the tape on the drywall's joint and a motorized applicator connected to the bottom portion and operated through the microcontroller for spreading plaster over the tape, thereby providing smooth finish at joints of the drywall.

[0018] While the invention has been described and shown with particular reference to the preferred embodiment, it will be apparent that variations might be possible that would fall within the scope of the present invention.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with regard to the following description, appendedDETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0020] The following description includes the preferred best mode of one embodiment of the present invention. It will be clear from this description of the invention that the invention is not limited to these illustrated embodiments but that the invention also includes a variety of modifications and embodiments thereto. Therefore, the present description should be seen as illustrative and not limiting. 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 to cover all modifications, alternative constructions, and equivalents falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the claims.

[0021] In any embodiment described herein, the open-ended terms "comprising," "comprises," and the like (which are synonymous with "including," "having" and "characterized by") may be replaced by the respective partially closed phrases "consisting essentially of," consists essentially of," and the like or the respective closed phrases "consisting of," "consists of, the like.

[0022] As used herein, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" designate both the singular and the plural, unless expressly stated to designate the singular only.

[0023] The present invention relates to an automated drywall fixation device is directed to provide a smooth finishing to the joints of the drywall in order to reduce the manual intervention.

[0024] The proposed invention is capable of automating the procedure of the dry walling by dispensing tape and plaster automatically in order to reduce the human intervention.

[0025] Referring to Figure 1 & 2, an isometric view of an automated drywall fixation device and a sectional view of inner portion of the automated drywall fixation device is illustrated. The device comprises of a body 1 having first 2 and second 8 section, multiple nozzles 3 are fabricated over body 1, an imaging unit 4 fabricated over first section 2, a tape dispenser 5 is equipped within second section 8, a motorized applicator 6 positioned over body 1, a pair of guide rails 9 placed within second section 8 and a handle 7 connected with the body 1.

[0026] The device comprises of a handheld body 1 assembled with a pair of portion i.e. first 2and second 8 portion. The first 2and second 8 portions are categorized as bottom and inner portion of the body 1. The bottom portion 2 is included with an artificial intelligence (AI) based imaging unit 4. A user manually holds the body 1 over the joint of the drywell. The AI based imaging unit 4 is electronically paired with the image processing protocols in microcontroller. The microcontroller is pre-fed with the functions that are needed to be performed by the imaging unit 4.

[0027] The microcontroller directs the AI based imaging unit 4 for capturing the images of the joints of the drywall in a specified manner for determining and analyzing the characteristics of joint while attaching multiple sections of drywell together, whether plain or edged. The imaging unit 4 is integrated with processing unit which is configured with image processing protocols that involves, pre-processing, feature extraction, segmentation by comparing the features with pre-stored database. The imaging unit 4 updates all the information to the microcontroller.

[0028] The microcontroller used herein is preferably an Arduino Uno microcontroller that processes the images received from the camera. Arduino Uno is a microcontroller board based on the ATmega328P (datasheet). It has 14 digital 8 input / output pins (of which 6 is used as PWM outputs), 6 analog inputs, a 16 MHz ceramic resonator (CSTCE16M0V53-R0), a USB connection, a power jack, an ICSP header and a reset button. It is simply connected to a computer with a USB cable or is powered up with an AC- DC adapter or battery to get started.

[0029] The microcontroller is electronically paired with a proximity sensor that is positioned within the bottom portion of the body 1. The proximity sensor is a non-contact sensor that detects the presence of joints, when the joints enter the sensor's field. The proximity sensor emits light to the joints and the time or amplitude taken by the sensor to reflect back is used by microcontroller in detecting the distance between the joint and the bottom portion of the body 1.

[0030] The tape dispenser 5 is arranged at the inner portion of the body 1 and connected electronically to the microcontroller. Multiple clips are arranged on a slider through a ball and socket joint and are assembled within inner portion and moves over the slider along with the clamped tape via the microcontroller. The clamped tape automatically dispensed through tape dispenser 5s along with the movement of the clampers. The tape dispenser 5 is a unit that holds a roll of tape and has a mechanism at one end to shear the tape and rotates the tape to unwind sticky side of the tape facing down after receiving an output from the proximity sensor. The movement of rotation of the roller is controlled by the clip and extends the tape towards the bottom portion along with pasting over the drywall.

[0031] The guide rails 9 assembly is equipped with a pair of motorized rollers that are functionally connected with the microcontroller and positioned in the bottom portion of the body 1. The guiderails are basically a vertical and internal track lied within the body 1. The guide rails 9 are fixed with the help of two sides of the shaft, both the sides of the shaft guides the motorized rollers. The guiderails operate both the shafts with stabilization, as when the microcontroller actuates the motor present within the guiderail assembly. The rollers move over the guiderails through the microcontroller according to type of edge detected through the imaging unit. Both the rollers are differently designed and are shifted in between a stowed and deployed configuration based on the type of joint. A clip is attached over a guiderail installed between the bottom and inner portion for movement of the clip while holding the tape and guiding the tape towards the drywall's joint.

[0032] The rollers are embodied with an impact sensor connected to the microcontroller. The impact sensor is also known as shock sensor. The impact sensor works by detecting the physical impact associated with the roller. The force behind a physical damage is detected by shock sensor and causes it to activate and update the information to the microcontroller. The shock sensor herein this invention is capable of detecting contact of the tape and roller. Then the microcontroller actuates the clamper for releasing the tape accordingly while guiding the tape towards the drywall's joint.

[0033] The rollers are categorized with a pair of roller that involves a corner shaped roller and a cylindrical roller. Both the rollers are attached to a respective motor and operated in accordance with the microcontroller. The rollers provide a pressure over the tape while pasting the tape over the joint. The body 1 is included with a telescopic blade that is attached to the bottom portion of the body 1. The telescopic blade is nothing but the blade attached with the telescopic rod.

[0034] The telescopic blade is actuated via a controller in order to extend / retract the blade. The pneumatic telescopic arrangements are the arrangements that consist of a compressor, pneumatic cylinder, blade and a pneumatic valve. The pneumatic valve is an electronic valve that is controlled via controller to retract / extend the blade. The blade is electronically connected with the microcontroller. Once the microcontroller actuates the blade, the telescopic blade actuates for separating the tape extended from the tape dispenser 5.

[0035] The motorized applicator 6 is included with a pair of two metal plates that are connected together through a motorized hinge. The metal plates are connected with the bottom portion of the body 1 and attached with a pair of telescopic rods. The telescopic rods are actuated by the microcontroller and provide a movement to the metal plates in order to optimize angular orientation of the plates. The motorized hinge functionally connected with the telescopic rod for adjusting shape of the applicator 6 based on type of joint detected through the imaging unit.

[0036] The movement of the plates is achieved by a set of motorized hinge joint. The hinge joint rotates allowing the flaps to move. The hinge joints are typically made of steel, stainless steel or brass. The rotation of the hinge joint is achieved by a motor. In case the applicator 6 is in contact with the plain wall the motorized hinge enables the metal plates to be open and in case the edge portion of the wall strikes, the motorized hinge displaces and develops a v-shape metal plate in order to pressurize the tape.

[0037] The applicator 6 is fabricated with multiple nozzles 3 that are attached to a storage container via a pipe. The containers are filled with a liquid solution of plaster of Paris (POP) and embodied with a pump. The nozzles 3 helps in dispensing POP over the determined area. The container is attached to the nozzles 3 through pipe having electrical valves for regulating the flow of the POP solution through the microcontroller for providing plaster towards the applicator 6. Once the microcontroller detects that the tape is already present over the joints, the microcontroller actuates the pump for dispensing plaster of Paris stored in the container towards the joint via nozzles 3.

[0038] According to alternative embodiment of the present invention the device may employ a feature of the buzzer unit that works in connection with the microcontroller. The microcontroller is capable of actuating the buzzer unit in case the tape in the roller in exhausted in order to notify user.

[0039] Although the field of the invention has been described herein with limited reference to specific embodiments, this description is not meant to be construed in a limiting sense. Various modifications of the disclosed embodiments, as well as alternate embodiments of the invention, will become apparent to persons skilled in the art upon reference to the description of the invention.

Claims

claims, and accompanying drawings where:Figure 1 illustrates an isometric view of an automated drywall fixation device;Figure 2 illustrates a sectional view of inner portion of the automated drywallfixation device.We Claim:1) An automated drywall finishing device, comprising:i) a handheld body 1 configured with a first 2 and second 8 portion, wherein said first 2portion includes an artificial intelligence based imaging unit 4for detecting type of joint while attaching multiple sections of a drywall together;ii) a proximity sensor fabricated at said first 2portion in connection with a microcontroller for detecting distance between said joint and first 2 portion when said user manually holds said body 1 over said joint;iii) a tape dispenser 5 arranged at said second 8 portion and connected to said microcontroller, wherein said dispenser rotates after receiving an output from said sensor, to unwind said tape through a clip regulating movement of said tape towards said first 2portion;iv) a guide rail assembly equipped with at least two differently designed motorized rollers installed in said first 2 portion, wherein said rollers move over said guiderails on receiving command from said microcontroller according to type of edge detected through said imaging unit 4for providing required pressure while pasting said tape on said dry wall's joint; andv) a motorized applicator 6 attached to said first 2 portion and operated through said microcontroller for spreading plaster over said tape, thereby providing smooth finish at joints of said drywall.2) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said clip is attached over a guiderailinstalled between said first 2and second 8 portion for movement of said clip whileholding said tape and guiding said tape towards said drywall's joint.3) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein each of said rollers include an impact sensor connected to said microcontroller for detecting contact of said tape and roller, operating a clamper to release said tape accordingly while guiding said tape towards said drywall's joint.4) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said rollers include a corner shaped roller and a cylindrical roller attached to respective motors operated through said microcontroller for providing pressure over said tape while pasting said tape over said joint.5) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said applicator 6 includes at least two metal plates attached together in V-shape through a motorized hinge, wherein said hinge in regulated by said microcontroller for adjusting shape of said applicator 6 based on type of joint detected through said imaging unit.6) The device as claimed in claim 1 and 5, wherein said metal plates are attached to said first 2portion through at least two telescopic rods actuated by said microcontroller in order to optimize angular orientation of said plates based on type of said drywall's edge.7) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said applicator 6 is associated with plurality of nozzles 3 attached to a storage container for dispensing plaster stored in said container towards said joint.8) The device as claimed in claim 1 and 7, wherein said container is attached to said nozzles 3 through pipe having electrical valves regulated through said microcontroller for providing plaster towards said applicator 6.9) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said body 1 includes a telescopic blade attached to said first 2 portion, wherein said blade is actuated by saidmicrocontroller, when said user provides command for separating pasted tape from said tape dispenser 5.