Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a road analysis and maintenance device that is designed for identifying, and repairing road damages, including cracks and potholes, and autonomously performs repairing tasks, thereby improving efficiency, accuracy, and safety during road maintenance operations.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Connecting different cities and towns and even villages, roads serve a very important means for vehicles and users to travel from one place to another. However, roads need proper maintenance time-to-time as by the passing of time there is always a chance that roads might get cracks on their surface, and these cracks might be hazardous to drivers, passengers, and other road users, increasing the risk of accidents and vehicle damage. These cracks have been maintained via the help of pebbles and charcoal. User generally use some equipment’s like rollers or squeeze for maintaining the roads efficiently, but maintenance of roads with such equipment’s consumes a lot of time as well as requires skilled labor for carrying out the maintenance of the roads efficiently. Thus, user uses an equipment’s for carrying out the maintenance of the road effectively, within less time and physical efforts.

[0003] User uses some conventional ways for maintaining the road, like they usually maintain the road manually via spreading some pebbles on the crack. However, that is a temporary method for maintaining the road also a lot of maula labor are required while maintain the roads manually. They also use some equipment’s like rollers or spray nozzle or a squeegee for maintaining the roads, as pebbles are filled in the cracks and charcoals are sprayed on those pebbles via the nozzle or a squeeze, afterwards rollers are used to provide a press in an effective manner over the surface in order to level the surface of the roads in an efficient manner. But these equipment’s requires a skilled labor for carrying out the maintenance of the road efficiently.

[0004] CN213296004U includes a crack patching device is used in road construction relates to road surface crack patching technical field. This crack patching device is used in road construction, comprising a base plate, the top surface welding of bottom plate is provided with fixed plate, cement insulation can, first side frame, limiting plate and second side frame, the top of fixed plate, first side frame and second side frame is all welded and is provided with the roof, the limiting plate sets up with the bottom surface of roof and the welding of one side outer wall of second side frame respectively, the rear side surface welding of limiting plate is provided with the motor, the front side surface of limiting plate rotates respectively and is provided with first toothed disc and second toothed disc, the output shaft of motor run through the limiting plate and set up with the rear side surface welding of first toothed disc. The utility model discloses replace the manpower and fill the cracked mode in road surface, great improvement staff's work efficiency, reduced staff's intensity of labor.

[0005] CN210368564U includes a highway crack repair's cementation of fissures device, including pitch holding vessel, base, mounting bracket and cementation of fissures spray gun, the both sides of base are all through the vertical fixed riser that is provided with of mounting, and the top between the fixed riser transversely is provided with the horizontal pole, the top intermediate position department of horizontal pole installs step motor, and step motor's output shaft runs through the horizontal pole and installs the runner, the both sides of runner all transversely are provided with first diaphragm, and the top of first diaphragm all is provided with the groove of keeping in, the mount is all installed to the bottom of first diaphragm, and transversely is provided with the slide bar between the mount, the slide bar bottom is provided with the cementation of fissures spray gun. The utility model discloses can utilize two cementation of fissures spray gun round trip movement cementation of fissures according to the fissured length of highway, improve cementation of fissures efficiency, can be according to the fissured angle modulations of highway angle modulation two cementation of fissures spray gun angle in addition, the suitability is stronger.

[0006] Conventionally, many devices have been developed that are capable of performing maintenance of roads. However, these existing devices are incapable of filling the cracks present on the surface of the road without any requirement of skilled persons. Additionally, these existing devices also fail in identifying missing road signs to ensure a safer and more navigable roads .

[0007] In order to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks, there exists a need in the art to develop a device that requires to be capable of providing a means to fill the cracks present on the surface of the road without any requirement of skilled persons in view of executing maintenance of the road in less time. In addition, the developed device also needs to identify missing road signs and automatically execute painting operation, thereby ensuring safer and more navigable roads.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

[0008] The principal 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 that is capable of providing a means to fill the cracks present on the surface of the road without any requirement of skilled persons in view of maintaining the road in less time.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to develop a device that identifies missing road signs and automatically paints, thereby ensuring safer and more navigable roads.

[0011] Yet another object of the present invention is to develop a device that provides a means for real-time mapping and remote access to the device, for enabling operators to monitor road conditions and repairs through a remote interface.

[0012] 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

[0013] The present invention relates to a road analysis and maintenance device that is capable of detecting road damages such as cracks, potholes, and surface irregularities, and facilitating autonomous repair of these damages by filling cracks with concrete, flattening the filled concrete, and addressing uneven road shoulders.

[0014] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a road analysis and maintenance device comprises of a cuboidal housing having four perpendicularly installed telescopic rods with motorized omnidirectional wheels at the ends, attached underneath the housing, for a locomotion of the housing, a cuboidal structure mounted on the housing by means of a perpendicular member configured with a motor disposed on the housing, for rotation of the structure, a wireless communication unit, linked with the microcontroller, is provided on the housing to enable a user to wirelessly connect with the device via a computing unit to operate the device, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit, installed in the structure and in synchronisation with a LIDAR (light detection and ranging) sensor provided in the structure, to create a detailed map of roads along with damages on the roads, including cracks, potholes, and store onto a database linked with the microcontroller, a touch enabled display unit mounted on the housing to display the map of roads along with detected damages and deviations of the roads, an ultrasonic sensor embedded in the housing measures surface elevation of the roads and determines uneven road shoulders and save into the database, an air blower connected with the housing by means of an L-shaped articulated arm, to blow air on to cracks for removal of debris and prepare for repair.

[0015] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the proposed device further comprises of an articulated L-shaped bar having a primary nozzle at an end, connected with a concrete tank disposed in the housing, to fill the cracks with the concrete for repair, wherein a motorized shaft incorporated underneath the housing by means of a pair of telescopic poles connected with the housing by means of hinges, to flatten the filled concrete, an artificial intelligence-based camera, installed in the housing and integrated with a processor for recording and processing images in a vicinity of the housing, to determine gaps and missing signs on the roads, and record on the database, and an articulated L-shaped limb having a secondary nozzle at an end, connected with a paint chamber disposed in the housing, to paint missing road signs onto the road.

[0016] 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

[0017] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with regard to the following description, appended claims, and accompanying drawings where:
Figure 1 illustrates a perspective view of a road analysis and maintenance device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0018] 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.

[0019] 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.

[0020] 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.

[0021] The present invention relates to a road analysis and maintenance device that enables filling of road cracks efficiently, for eliminating need for skilled personnel, and significantly reduces the time required for maintenance of road. Additionally, the proposed device detects missing road signs and autonomously applies replacements, for ensuring improved safety and enhanced navigability on the roads.

[0022] Referring to Figure 1, a perspective view of a road analysis and maintenance device is illustrated, respectively, comprising a cuboidal housing 101 having four perpendicularly installed telescopic rods 102 with motorized omnidirectional wheels 103 at the ends, attached underneath the housing 101, a cuboidal structure 104 mounted on the housing 101 by means of a perpendicular member 105 configured with a motor 106 disposed on the housing 101, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 107, installed in the structure 104, an artificial intelligence-based camera 108, installed in the housing 101, an air blower 109 connected with the housing 101 by means of an L-shaped articulated arm 110.

[0023] Figure 1 further illustrates an articulated L-shaped bar 111 having a primary nozzle 112 at an end, connected with a concrete tank 113 disposed in the housing 101, a motorized shaft 114 incorporated underneath the housing 101 by means of a pair of telescopic poles 115 connected with the housing 101, an articulated L-shaped limb 116 having a secondary nozzle 117 at an end, connected with a paint chamber 118 disposed in the housing 101 and a touch enabled display unit 119 mounted on the housing 101.

[0024] A housing 101 used herein comprises of a handy and portable cuboidal enclosure encasing various components associated with the device, wherein the housing 101 is made up of material that includes but not limited to plastic or metal that ensures that the device is of generous size and is light in weight.

[0025] A wireless communication unit is integrated with the microcontroller and mounted on the housing 101 of the device. This unit facilitates wireless connectivity between the device and a user’s computing unit, such as a smartphone, tablet, or computer. Through this wireless connection, the user can remotely interact with the device, enabling them to control and operate the device's functions without direct physical contact. The communication unit ensures seamless transmission of data between the device and the computing unit, allowing for convenient and efficient operation, including the adjustment of settings or monitoring of performance from a distance.

[0026] The computing unit includes but not limited to a mobile and laptop that comprises a processor where the input received from the user is stored to process and retrieve the output data in order to display in the computing unit. The microcontroller is wirelessly linked with the computing unit via a communication module which includes but not limited to Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity) module, Bluetooth module. GSM (Global System for Mobile communication). The communication module acts as a medium between various electronic unit for establishing communication between the computing unit and device to aid in to operating the device.

[0027] The communication module employed herein acts as an intermediate between various electronic components, wherein the module is used to establish the communication between the user’s computing unit and the microcontroller. The customized Global System for Mobile communication (GSM) module is designed for establishing a wireless connection between computing unit and the microcontroller. This module is able to receive serial data from radiation monitoring devices such as computing unit and transmit the data as text SMS to the microcontroller.

[0028] Underneath of the housing 101 multiple motorized omnidirectional wheels 103 (preferably 2 to 6 in numbers) are arranged by means of four perpendicularly installed telescopic rods 102. The motorized wheels 103 are a circular object that revolves on an axle to enable the housing 101 to move easily over the ground surface. For maneuvering the housing 101 each of the wheels 103 need to rotate and which is governed by a hub motor fit in the hub of each of the wheels 103. The hub motor is an electric motor that is integrated into the hub of the wheels 103. The hub motor is comprising a series of permanent magnets and electromagnetic coils. When the motor is activated, a magnetic field is set up in the coil and when the magnetic field of the coil interacts with the magnetic field of the permanent magnets, a magnetic torque is generated causing the stator of the motor to turn and that provides the rotation motion to the wheels 103 for maneuvering the housing 101 on the ground surface.

[0029] The rods 102 are pneumatically actuated, wherein the pneumatic arrangement of the rods 102 comprises of a cylinder incorporated with an air piston and the air compressor, wherein the compressor controls discharging of compressed air into the cylinder via air valves which further leads to the extension/retraction of the piston. The piston is attached to the telescopic rods 102, wherein the extension/retraction of the piston corresponds to the extension/retraction of the rods 102. The actuated compressor allows extension of the rods 102 to provide stability to the housing 101 while maneuvering over the surface.

[0030] A cuboidal structure 104 is affixed to the housing 101 via a perpendicular member 105, which is securely attached to the housing 101. A motor 106, also mounted on the housing 101, is connected to the cuboidal structure 104. The motor 106 is responsible for the rotational movement of the cuboidal structure 104. Upon activation, the motor 106 drives the rotation of the cuboidal structure 104, enabling it to perform specific functions as required. The rotation of the structure 104 is controlled through the motor 106, which operates in conjunction with the microcontroller to execute precise movements.

[0031] The structure 104 is installed with an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 107 which works in synchronization with a LIDAR (light detection and ranging) sensor provided in the structure 104 in order to create a detailed map of roads. The imaging unit 107 disclosed herein comprises of an image capturing arrangement including a set of lenses that captures multiple images of the surroundings and the captured images are stored within memory of the imaging unit 107 in form of an optical data.

[0032] The imaging unit 107 also comprises of the processor which processes the captured images. This pre-processing involves tasks such as noise reduction, image stabilization, or color correction. The processed data is fed into AI protocols for analysis which utilizes machine learning techniques, such as deep learning neural networks, to extract meaningful information from the visual data which are processed by the microcontroller to to create a detailed map of roads along with damages on the roads, including cracks, potholes.

[0033] Synchronously, the LiDAR sensor sends out rapid laser pulses in a sweeping motion towards roads for creating a detailed map of roads. These pulses travel through the air and interact with the roads. When the laser pulses encounter the roads, the laser bounces off from the surface of the roads. The LiDAR sensor precisely measures the time it takes for these laser pulses to travel to the surface of the roads and back to the sensor and calculations is performed by the sensor based on the time interval between the sending signal and receiving echo to create a detailed map of roads along with damages on the roads, including cracks, potholes. Simultaneously, the data is stored onto a database linked with the microcontroller.

[0034] At the same time, the microcontroller measures surface elevation of the roads and determines uneven road shoulders via an ultrasonic sensor that is embedded in the housing 101. The ultrasonic sensor works by emitting ultrasonic waves and then measuring the time taken by these waves to bounce back after hitting the surface of the roads. The ultrasonic sensor includes two main parts viz. transmitter, and a receiver. The transmitter sends a short ultrasonic pulse towards the surface of roads which propagates through the air at the speed of sound and reflects back as an echo to the transmitter as the pulse hits the roads The transmitter then detects the reflected eco from the surface of roads and calculations is performed by the sensor based on the time interval between the sending signal and receiving echo to measures surface elevation of the roads and determines uneven road shoulders and save into the database.

[0035] The housing 101 is installed with a touch enabled display unit 119 which display the map of roads along with detected damages and deviations of the roads. The display unit 119 comprises an LED or LCD screen, a control board, a backlight arrangement, and input connectors. The LED/LCD screen serves as the main visual output, while the control board manages data input and image processing. The backlight arrangement, often made of LEDs, illuminates the screen, ensuring visibility. When information is sent to the display, the control board processes the data and directs the LED/LCD pixels to show specific colors, creating images or text. The backlight adjusts brightness for optimal clarity. This combined functionality enables the display unit 119 to accurately display the map of roads along with detected damages and deviations of the roads.

[0036] An air blower 109 is connected to the housing 101 via an L-shaped articulated arm 110. This setup allows the air blower 109 to be positioned and adjusted as needed, providing flexibility in directing airflow. The blower 109 is used to blow air onto cracks or damaged surfaces, effectively removing debris and dirt that interfere with repair or maintenance processes. The forceful stream of air ensures that the area is properly cleaned and prepared for subsequent repair work, facilitating a more efficient and precise restoration process. The articulated arm 110 allows the blower 109 to reach various angles and positions, enhancing its usability in different repair scenarios.

[0037] The air blower 109 generates a high-velocity stream of air that is directed towards cracks or damaged surfaces. This airflow dislodges and removes debris, dust, and small particles from the surface, clearing the area in preparation for repair. The blower 109 operates via a motor, which powers the air output, ensuring a strong and consistent flow of air.

[0038] The articulated arm 110 is a mechanical structure 104 attached to the housing 101, designed to provide flexibility in positioning the air blower 109. The arm 110 is composed of multiple segments that can pivot and rotate, allowing for precise adjustments in the direction of airflow. Controlled by a motor, the arm 110 extends, retract, or move horizontally and vertically, ensuring that the air blower 109 can target cracks and surfaces at various angles. This movement enables the blower 109 to clean specific areas effectively, ensuring that debris is cleared from all necessary sections before repair work begins.

[0039] An articulated L-shaped bar 111 is connected to the housing 101 structure 104 and is designed to facilitate the accurate application of concrete into cracks for repair purposes. One end of the bar 111 is equipped with a primary nozzle 112, which is responsible for directing and dispensing the concrete material. The bar 111 is connected to a concrete tank 113 housed within the housing 101, which stores the concrete until required for application. The articulated nature of the bar 111 allows for flexibility in positioning, enabling the primary nozzle 112 to target cracks from various angles. Upon activation, concrete is transferred from the tank 113 through the bar 111 and out of the primary nozzle 112, effectively filling the cracks to perform the repair. The movement and control of the bar 111 are managed by the integrated microcontroller, ensuring precision and controlled dispensing of the concrete.

[0040] The nozzle when activated, the microcontroller controls the flow of concrete from the storage tank 113 to the nozzle. As the nozzle is directed towards the crack, the microcontroller regulates the release of concrete through the nozzle, ensuring that the crack is filled evenly. The nozzle design allows for a precise and controlled application of concrete, ensuring that the material is dispensed only when needed and in the correct amount for effective repair. The nozzle directs the flow with accuracy to repair the crack.

[0041] A motorized shaft 114 is incorporated underneath the housing 101, supported by a pair of telescopic poles 115 connected to the housing 101 via hinges. The motorized shaft 114 is actuated by a microcontroller to rotate, flattening the filled concrete in the crack. The telescopic poles 115 allow the shaft 114 to adjust its height and positioning to ensure even distribution of the concrete. As the shaft 114 rotates, it applies pressure to the freshly applied concrete, smoothing and leveling the surface. This mechanism ensures that the filled crack is evenly compacted and the concrete is properly set, facilitating an effective and uniform repair.

[0042] At the same time, the microcontroller determines gaps and missing signs on the roads via an artificial intelligence-based camera 108, that is installed in the housing 101. Upon activation, the camera 108 scans its surroundings to detect gaps and missing signs on the roads. The AI modules analyze the captured data, identifying relevant gaps and missing signs on the roads. The camera 108 continuously adjusts focus and processing in response to changing conditions. Once the analysis is complete, the microcontroller triggers necessary actions.

[0043] An articulated L-shaped limb 116, connected at one end to a paint chamber 118 integrated within the housing 101, is designed to facilitate the application of paint onto missing road signs. The limb 116 is configured with a secondary nozzle 117 at its distal end, which is linked to the paint chamber 118. Upon activation, the paint chamber 118 releases a controlled flow of paint through the secondary nozzle 117, allowing for precise application onto designated areas of the road. The articulated design of the limb 116 enables the nozzle to be maneuvered and positioned accurately over the surface, ensuring that road signs are painted according to predetermined specifications and locations.

[0044] Moreover, a battery is associated with the device for powering up electrical and electronically operated components associated with the device and supplying a voltage to the components. The battery used herein is preferably a Lithium-ion battery which is a rechargeable unit that demands power supply after getting drained. The battery stores the electric current derived from an external source in the form of chemical energy, which when required by the electronic component of the device, derives the required power from the battery for proper functioning of the device.

[0045] The present invention works best in the following manner, where the cuboidal housing 101 as disclosed in the invention possesses four perpendicularly installed telescopic rods 102 with motorized omnidirectional wheels 103 at the ends, attached underneath the housing 101, for the locomotion of the housing 101. The cuboidal structure 104 mounted on the housing 101 by means of the perpendicular member 105 configured with the motor disposed on the housing 101, for rotation of the structure 104. Now the wireless communication unit, linked with the microcontroller is provided on the housing 101 to enable the user to wirelessly connect with the device via the computing unit to operate the device. Thereafter the artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 107, installed in the structure 104 and in synchronisation with the LIDAR (light detection and ranging) sensor provided in the structure 104, develops detailed map of roads along with damages on the roads, including cracks, potholes, and store onto the database linked with the microcontroller. Synchronously, the touch enabled display unit 119 mounted on the housing 101 to display the map of roads along with detected damages and deviations of the roads. At the same time the ultrasonic sensor embedded in the housing 101 measures surface elevation of the roads and determines uneven road shoulders and save into the database.

[0046] In continuation, the air blower 109 connected with the housing 101 by means of the L-shaped articulated arm 110 blows air on to cracks for removal of debris in view of getting prepared for repairing purpose. Now the articulated L-shaped bar 111 having the primary nozzle 112 at the end, connected with the concrete tank 113 disposed in the housing 101, fills the cracks with the concrete for repair. Afterwards the motorized shaft 114 incorporated underneath the housing 101 by means of the pair of telescopic poles 115 connected with the housing 101 by means of hinges, to flatten the filled concrete. After maintenance of cracks, the artificial intelligence-based camera 108, installed in the housing 101 determines gaps and missing signs on the roads, and record on the database. Further the articulated L-shaped limb 116 having the secondary nozzle 117 at the end, connected with the paint chamber 118 disposed in the housing 101, to paint missing road signs on the road.

[0047] 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:1) A road analysis and maintenance device, comprising:

i) a cuboidal housing 101 having four perpendicularly installed telescopic rods 102 with motorized omnidirectional wheels 103 at the ends, attached underneath said housing 101, for a locomotion of said housing 101;
ii) a cuboidal structure 104 mounted on said housing 101 by means of a perpendicular member 105 configured with a motor 106 disposed on said housing 101, for rotation of said structure 104;
iii) an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 107, installed in said structure 104 and integrated with a processor for recording and processing images in a vicinity of said structure 104, in synchronisation with a LIDAR (light detection and ranging) sensor provided in said structure 104, to create a detailed map of roads along with damages on said roads, including cracks, potholes, and store onto a database linked with said microcontroller;
iv) an artificial intelligence-based camera 108, installed in said housing 101 and integrated with a processor for recording and processing images in a vicinity of said housing 101, to determine gaps and missing signs on said roads, and record on said database;
v) an ultrasonic sensor embedded in said housing 101 measures surface elevation of said roads and determines uneven road shoulders and save into said database;
vi) an air blower 109 connected with said housing 101 by means of an L-shaped articulated arm 110, to blow air on to cracks for removal of debris and prepare for repair; and
vii) an articulated L-shaped bar 111 having a primary nozzle 112 at an end, connected with a concrete tank 113 disposed in said housing 101, to fill said cracks with said concrete for repair, wherein a motorized shaft 114 incorporated underneath said housing 101 by means of a pair of telescopic poles 115 connected with said housing 101 by means of hinges, to flatten said filled concrete.
2) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein an articulated L-shaped limb 116 having a secondary nozzle 117 at an end, connected with a paint chamber 118 disposed in said housing 101, to paint missing road signs onto said road.

3) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a touch enabled display unit 119 mounted on said housing 101 to display said map of roads along with detected damages and deviations of said roads.

4) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a wireless communication unit, linked with said microcontroller, is provided on said housing 101 to enable a user to wirelessly connect with said device via a computing unit to operate said device.