Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to an automated underground gap repairing device, designed to assist users in efficiently repairing gaps and damaged portions of a pavement by detecting underlying structural issues, assessing the damage, and providing automated solutions for filling and restoring the pavement, thereby improving the repair process with precision and minimal manual intervention.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Pavement repairing is crucial for maintaining the safety, functionality, and longevity of roadways, sidewalks, and other paved surfaces. Over time, pavements suffer from wear and tear due to heavy traffic, weather conditions, and natural aging, leading to cracks, potholes, and surface degradation. Repairing these issues promptly is essential to prevent further damage, reduce maintenance costs, and avoid potential accidents. Neglected pavement damage can worsen, leading to more expensive repairs and even posing safety risks to pedestrians and vehicles. Properly repaired pavements enhance road safety, improve the overall aesthetic of urban spaces, and contribute to smoother, more efficient traffic flow. Additionally, timely repairs help extend the lifespan of the pavement, reducing the need for frequent replacements. In cities with high foot traffic, such as near schools or commercial areas, pavement repairs also support better accessibility and prevent trips and falls, promoting public well-being and mobility.

[0003] Traditional methods of pavement repairing typically involve manual labor and basic techniques such as patching cracks, filling potholes with asphalt, and resurfacing with new layers. These methods often rely on simple tools like shovels, compactors, and hot mix asphalt, with repair crews physically applying the material to the damaged areas. While effective for small-scale repairs, these methods have several drawbacks. First, they are time-consuming and labor-intensive, requiring considerable manpower and extended road closures. The quality of repairs may also vary, leading to inconsistent results and potential for rework. Additionally, traditional methods often fail to address underlying issues, such as structural damage or moisture infiltration beneath the surface, which can cause the pavement to deteriorate again quickly. The reliance on manual labor also increases the risk of human error and inefficiency. Lastly, traditional methods can be disruptive to traffic flow and may not provide long-term, durable solutions to pavement problems.

[0004] CN106118570A belongs to technical field of floor, relate to floor healant, particularly relate to a kind of solid wooden floor board healant and using method thereof.A kind of solid wooden floor board healant, including composition 1: bisphenol A type epoxy resin 40～45%, polyamide 40～45%, potter's clay 8～15%；Composition 2: butyl glycidyl ether 20～35%, ethylenediamine 10～15%, aluminium powder 30～45%, toner 3～10%；Composition 3: white powder putty；By three kinds of compositions in composition 1: composition 2: the mass ratio of composition 3 is that the ratio allotment of 2:1:5～8 is uniform.The invention also discloses first sanding and refill the using method of the last sanding again of healant.Healant of the present invention can repair the cellular resin cyst in floor and worm channel, and its repair efficiency is good, has the features such as the repairing time is short, repairing is stable, pigmentable, sanding surplus are little, preferably in production line popularization and application.

[0005] CN217518088U relates to the technical field of floor paint damage repair, in particular to floor paint damage repair equipment, which comprises a base, wherein the upper end surface of the base is fixedly connected with a supporting rod, the upper end surface of the supporting rod is fixedly connected with a top plate, the upper end surface of the top plate is fixedly connected with a charging basket, the lower part of the charging basket is communicated with one end of a discharging pipe, the other end of the discharging pipe is communicated with a high-speed rotating joint, the middle position of the lower end surface of the top plate is fixedly connected with a driving motor, the end of a main shaft of the driving motor is fixedly connected with an electric telescopic rod, the lower end surface of the electric telescopic rod is fixedly connected with the high-speed rotating joint, the lower end surface of the high-speed rotating joint is fixedly connected with a limiting rod, the lower end surface of the limiting rod is fixedly connected with a spray head, the interior of the spray head is communicated with the high-speed rotating joint, so that the high-speed rotating joint can be driven to rotate when the driving motor rotates, and raw materials in the charging basket can be uniformly sprayed on a floor to be repaired, the appearance is more attractive, and the working efficiency is improved.

[0006] Conventionally, many devices in the technical field of floor repair focus on floor sealants and surface-level treatments, however these devices do not offer the capability to assist users in efficiently repairing gaps and damaged portions of a pavement by detecting underlying structural issues, accurately assessing the extent of the damage, or providing automated solutions for filling and restoring the pavement, thus limiting the effectiveness in addressing more complex repair needs and structural concerns associated with pavement deterioration.

[0007] To address the limitations of traditional pavement repair methods, there is a need to develop a device that helps users efficiently repair gaps and damaged areas by detecting underlying structural issues, accurately assessing the extent of damage, and automatically providing solutions for filling and restoring the pavement, thus improving repair efficiency, reducing manual labor, minimizing errors, and offering long-term, durable solutions that enhance the safety, performance, and lifespan of the pavement while minimizing road disruptions and repair costs.

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 assists users in repairing damaged pavement by detecting the presence and dimensions of any gaps beneath the affected area, enabling precise identification of underlying structural issues, and facilitating efficient repair work with improved accuracy and effectiveness.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to develop a device that detects moisture level within the gap beneath a damaged pavement and, based on the detected moisture, automatically provide appropriate means for filling the gap, ensuring optimal repair conditions and preventing further deterioration of the pavement structure.

[0011] Yet another object of the present invention is to develop a device capable of projecting warning signs, such as caution symbols or alerts, to inform people in the surrounding area about ongoing pavement repairs, enhancing safety by making them aware of potential hazards and ensuring they take necessary precautions to avoid the repair zone.

[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 an automated underground gap repairing device that assists users in efficiently repairing gaps and damaged sections of pavement by detecting underlying issues, evaluating the extent of damage, and providing automated solutions for gap filling, ultimately simplifying the repair process, enhancing accuracy, and reducing the need for manual labor.

[0014] According to an embodiment of the present invention, an automated underground gap repairing device, comprising a housing positioned over surface of a pavement that is to be repaired via multiple motorized omni-directional wheels, an artificial intelligence based imaging unit installed over the housing and synced with a LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) sensor determines damage over the pavement, a GPR (Ground Penetrating Radar) sensor determine presence and dimensions of gap beneath damaged portion that is to be filled for repairing the portion, a motorized drilling unit configured with the housing by means of robotic link to drill a hole in the damaged portion, a moisture sensor integrated with the drilling unit monitor moisture level of the gap to determine type of material to be filled in the gap that includes concrete mix and polyurethane foam, a pair of chambers arranged within the housing paired with an electronic nozzle configured with bottom portion of the housing each via a flexible conduit dispense a regulated amount of the concrete mix/polyurethane foam within the gap, a motorized two axis lead screw arrangement installed at the bottom portion of the housing position the nozzle over the hole to fill the gap.

[0015] 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

[0016] 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 an automated underground gap repairing device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0017] 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.

[0018] 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.

[0019] 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.

[0020] The present invention relates to an automated underground gap repairing device, designed to assist users in repairing gaps and damaged portions of a pavement by detecting underground issues, assessing damage, and providing efficient solutions for gap filling, thus streamlining the repair process with minimal manual effort and ensuring accurate restoration of the pavement.

[0021] Referring to Figure 1, a perspective view of an automated underground gap repairing device is illustrated, comprising a housing 101 installed with multiple motorized omni-directional wheels 102, an artificial intelligence based imaging unit 103 installed over the housing 101, a motorized drilling unit 104 configured with the housing 101 by means of robotic link 105, a pair of chambers 106 arranged within the housing 101 paired with an electronic nozzle 107 configured with bottom portion of the housing 101 each via a flexible conduit 109, a touch interactive display panel 110 installed over the housing 101 and a motorized two axis lead screw arrangement 108 installed at the bottom portion of the housing 101.

[0022] The device proposed herein includes a housing 101 to be positioned over surface of a pavement that is to be repaired. The housing 101 as mentioned herein is a cuboidal enclosure encasing various components associated with the device, wherein the housing 101 is made up of material that includes but not limited to stainless steel, which in turn ensures that the device is of generous size and is light in weight.

[0023] The housing 101 is equipped with multiple motorized omni-directional wheels 102 in association with a microcontroller, wherein the wheels 102 are installed with support of multiple rod like structure to maneuver the housing 101 throughout the surface. The supporting rods helps to maintain an optimum distance between the base of the housing 101 and the surface to enable the device to supervise the condition of the surface.

[0024] In order to activate functioning of the device, a user is required to manually switch on the device by pressing a button positioned on the housing 101, wherein the button used herein is a push button. Upon pressing of the button, the circuits get closed allowing conduction of electricity that leads to activation of the device and vice versa.

[0025] Upon activation of the device by the user, an inbuilt microcontroller embedded within the housing 101 and linked to the switch generates a command to activate an artificial intelligence based imaging unit 103 installed over the housing 101 and synced with a LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) sensor to determine damage over the pavement. The artificial intelligence (AI)-based imaging unit 103, when synchronized with a LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) sensor, offers an advanced method for detecting and assessing pavement damage. The LiDAR sensor scans the pavement surface, emitting laser pulses that create a high-resolution 3D map of the terrain, capturing detailed topographical data, including cracks, potholes, and deformations. The AI-based imaging unit 103 processes the visual data from high-definition cameras or sensors, identifying patterns, anomalies, and specific damage types based on pre-trained machine learning models. These models are trained on large datasets of pavement conditions, enabling the AI to classify, measure, and assess the severity of the damage in real time. By combining LiDAR's precise spatial data with AI's ability to analyze and interpret visual features, the microcontroller detects and categorize pavement degradation, and accordingly directs the wheels 102 to position the housing 101 in proximity to the damaged portion.

[0026] The motorized omni-directional wheels 102 comprises a wheel coupled with a motor via a shaft that is designed to move the housing 101 in any direction without changing the orientation of the housing 101 offering exceptional maneuverability to the housing 101. Upon actuation of the wheel by the microcontroller, the motor starts to rotate in clockwise or anti-clockwise direction in order to provide movement to the wheel via the shaft. The wheel thus enables the platform to move seamlessly in any direction, making it valuable for moving and positioning the housing 101 in proximity to the damaged portion over the pavement.

[0027] Upon positioning of the housing 101 in proximity to the damaged portion, a GPR (Ground Penetrating Radar) sensor integrated with the housing 101 determine presence and dimensions of gap beneath damaged portion that is to be filled for repairing the portion. The Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) sensor works by emitting high-frequency radar waves into the pavement surface and measuring the reflected signals as they bounce off subsurface structures. When scanning a damaged portion, the GPR detects anomalies in the underlying materials, such as voids or gaps beneath the surface. The sensor analyzes the time it takes for the radar waves to return, which helps the microcontroller to determine presence and dimensions of gap beneath damaged portion that is to be filled for repairing the portion.

[0028] A robotic link 105 configured with the housing 101 is then actuated by the microcontroller to position a motorized drilling unit 104 integrated with the link 105 to position the drilling unit 104 over damaged portion of the pavement. The robotic link 105 is made of several segments that are attached together by joints also referred to as axes. Each joint of the segments contains a step motor that rotates and allows the robotic link 105 to complete a specific motion of the link 105. Upon actuation of the robotic link 105 by the microcontroller, the motor drives the movement of the link 105 to position the drilling unit 104 over damaged portion of the pavement.

[0029] The microcontroller then directs actuation of the drilling unit 104 to drill a hole in the damaged portion. The drilling unit 104 operates by using a rotating drill bit that is powered by a motor to bore a hole into the damaged pavement. The drill bit, often made of hardened material, applies pressure while rotating at high speeds to penetrate the surface. The unit is controlled by the microcontroller to ensure precision in drilling depth and location in view of inserting materials or conducting further analysis, aiding in the repair process of the pavement.

[0030] A moisture sensor integrated with the drilling unit 104 monitors moisture level of the gap. The moisture sensor works by detecting the water content within the gap beneath the pavement's surface and typically uses electrical resistance or capacitance-based methods to measure moisture levels. As the sensor is placed near or within the gap, it emits signals or passes current through the material; the moisture in the gap alters the electrical properties, which the sensor detects. This change is then measured by the microcontroller to monitor moisture level of the gap. In case the monitored moisture level is detected to exceed or recede a predefined threshold value, the microcontroller accordingly determines type of material to be filled in the gap that includes concrete mix and polyurethane foam.

[0031] In response to the determined type of material to be filled in the gap, the microcontroller activates an electronic nozzle 107 configured with bottom portion of the housing 101 and connected to a pair of chambers 106 arranged within the housing 101 via a flexible conduit 109 to dispense a regulated amount of the concrete mix/polyurethane foam within the gap. The electronic nozzle 107 works by utilizing electrical energy to automize the flow solution in a controlled flow pattern by converting the pressure energy of a fluid into kinetic energy, which increases the fluid's velocity to get dispensed. Upon actuation of nozzle 107 by the microcontroller, the electric motor or the pump pressurizes concrete mix and polyurethane foam within the chambers 106, increasing its pressure significantly. High pressure enables the solution to get dispensed out with a high force within the gap to fill the gap.

[0032] A motorized two axis lead screw arrangement 108 installed at the bottom portion of the housing 101 is synchronously actuated by the microcontroller to position the nozzle 107 configured with arrangement 108 over the hole. The two-axis lead screw arrangement 108 utilizes two lead screws to control the movement and positioning of the nozzle 107 in two axes. The two-axis lead screw arrangement 108 comprises of a pair of lead screws both are positioned perpendicular each other. Each screws have its own dedicated lead screw and corresponding nut assembly. Each lead screw is driven by a motor for positioning of the nozzle 107 over the hole, to dispense a regulated amount of the concrete mix/polyurethane foam within the gap, thereby repairing the gap.

[0033] A weight sensor integrated with each of the chambers 106 monitors weight of the stored concrete mix and polyurethane foam. The weight sensor comprises of a convoluted diaphragm and a sensing module. Due to the weight of stored concrete mix and polyurethane foam in the chambers 106, the size of the diaphragm changes which is detected by the sensing module. The sensing module detects the weight of the stored concrete mix and polyurethane foam and on the basis of the changes in sizes of the diaphragm, the acquired data is forwarded to the microcontroller in the form of an electrical signal. The microcontroller processes the received signal to determine weight of the stored concrete mix and polyurethane foam in the chambers 106.

[0034] In case the monitored weight is detected to recede a predefined threshold value, the microcontroller actuates a speaker installed over the housing 101 to produce a voice command to notify the user regarding refilling of the chambers 106. The speaker works by receiving signals from the microcontroller, converting them into sound waves through a diaphragm’s vibration, and producing audible sounds with the help of amplification and control circuitry in order to notify the user regarding refilling of the chambers 106.

[0035] The microcontroller is integrated with a GPS (Global Positioning System) module to monitor real time location of the damaged portion and nearby localities. The GPS (Global Positioning System) module is a satellite-based navigation system. The satellites present in space moving in fixed orbits transmits information about the real-time location of the housing 101 The signals travel at the speed of light and are intercepted by the GPS module such that the GPS module calculates the distance of each satellite and based on the time taken by the information to arrive at the receiver. The GPS module locates four or more satellites and calculates the distance between each of them. Using this information, the GPS module finds out the current location of the housing 101. Once the distance is determined, the GPS module uses a trilateration method to determine the exact position of the housing 101 and thus fetching the real-time location coordinates of the housing 101 to monitor real time location of the damaged portion and nearby localities.

[0036] In response the real-time location coordinates of the housing 101, the microcontroller determines any source of moisture for the gap and in case of detection of any continuous moisture source, the microcontroller directs the nozzle 107 to fill the gap with the polyurethane foam.

[0037] A touch interactive display panel 110 installed over the housing 101 is activated by the microcontroller to display traffic movement in surroundings as determined via the GPS module. The touch interactive display panel 110 as mentioned herein is typically an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) screen that presents output in a visible form. The LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) screen works by using liquid crystals that align in response to electric currents. These crystals are sandwiched between two polarizing filters and a backlight. When activated, the liquid crystals change their orientation, controlling the amount of light passing through each pixel. The screen is divided into millions of pixels, each capable of displaying different colors by adjusting the light intensity. This process allows the LCD to present images, text, and other outputs in a visible form by selectively blocking or allowing light to pass through in order to display traffic movement in surroundings as determined via the GPS module, allowing the user to selects an area where pavement repair is to be conducted and accordingly directs the wheels 102 to reach up-to the user specified area.

[0038] During repairing process of the cave, an augmented reality 3-Dimensional holographic projector installed over the housing 101 is activated by the microcontroller to project warning signs to aware people in surrounding regarding ongoing repair. The augmented reality (AR) 3D holographic projector uses advanced projection technology to create interactive, real-time visual displays in the physical environment. By integrating sensors, cameras, and AR protocol, it can detect ongoing repair work and the augmented reality 3-Dimensional holographic projector project warning signs, such as flashing lights or caution symbols, into the surrounding space. These holograms appear to float in the air, alerting people nearby to potential hazards.

[0039] Lastly, a battery is installed within the device which is connected to the microcontroller that supplies current to all the electrically powered components that needs an amount of electric power to perform their functions and operation in an efficient manner. The battery utilized here, is preferably a dry battery which is made up of Lithium-ion material that gives the device a long-lasting as well as an efficient DC (Direct Current) current which helps every component to function properly in an efficient manner. As the device is battery operated and do not need any electrical voltage for functioning. Hence the presence of battery leads to the portability of the device i.e., user is able to place as well as moves the device from one place to another as per the requirements.

[0040] The present invention works best in the following manner, where the housing 101 as disclosed in the invention is developed to be positioned over surface of a pavement that is to be repaired. Upon activation of the device by the user, the microcontroller generates a command to activate an artificial intelligence based imaging unit 103 and synced with a LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) sensor to determine damage over the pavement and accordingly directs the wheels 102 to position the housing 101 in proximity to the damaged portion. Upon positioning of the housing 101 in proximity to the damaged portion, a GPR (Ground Penetrating Radar) sensor to determine presence and dimensions of gap beneath damaged portion that is to be filled for repairing the portion. A robotic link 105 is then actuated by the microcontroller to position a motorized drilling unit 104 to position the drilling unit 104 over damaged portion of the pavement. The microcontroller then directs actuation of the drilling unit 104 to drill a hole in the damaged portion. A moisture sensor monitors moisture level of the gap. In response to the determined type of material to be filled in the gap, the microcontroller activates an electronic nozzle 107 to dispense a regulated amount of the concrete mix/polyurethane foam within the gap. A motorized two axis lead screw arrangement 108 is synchronously actuated by the microcontroller to position the nozzle 107 over the hole. thane foam within the gap, thereby repairing the gap.

[0041] In continuation, a weight sensor monitors weight of the stored concrete mix and polyurethane foam. In case the monitored weight is detected to recede a predefined threshold value, the microcontroller actuates a speaker to produce a voice command to notify the user regarding refilling of the chambers 106. The GPS (Global Positioning System) module monitor real time location of the damaged portion and nearby localities to monitor real time location of the damaged portion and nearby localities. In response the real-time location coordinates of the housing 101, the microcontroller determines any source of moisture for the gap and in case of detection of any continuous moisture source, the microcontroller directs the nozzle 107 to fill the gap with the polyurethane foam, thus repairing the gap.

[0042] 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) An automated underground gap repairing device, comprising:

i) a housing 101 positioned over surface of a pavement that is to be repaired via multiple motorized omni-directional wheels 102 arranged beneath said housing 101, wherein said wheels 102 actuates to provide translation of said housing 101 over said surface;

ii) an artificial intelligence based imaging unit 103 installed over said housing 101 and synced with a LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) sensor for capturing and processing images of said pavement, wherein based on said captured images, a microcontroller linked with said imaging unit 103 determines damage over said pavement and accordingly directs said wheels 102 to position said housing 101 in proximity to said damaged portion;

iii) a GPR (Ground Penetrating Radar) sensor integrated with said housing 101 to captures images below said damaged portion to determine presence and dimensions of gap beneath damaged portion that is to be filled for repairing said portion, wherein a motorized drilling unit 104 is configured with said housing 101 by means of robotic link 105 that actuates to drill a hole in said damaged portion;

iv) a moisture sensor integrated with said drilling unit 104 to monitor moisture level of said gap, wherein in case said monitored moisture level exceeds or recedes a threshold value, said microcontroller accordingly determines type of material to be filled in said gap that includes concrete mix and polyurethane foam;

v) a pair of chambers 106 each stored with said concrete mix and polyurethane foam, arranged within said housing 101, wherein said chambers 106 are connected with an electronic nozzle 107 configured with bottom portion of said housing 101 each via a flexible conduit 109; and

vi) a motorized two axis lead screw arrangement 108 installed at said bottom portion of said housing 101 and actuated by said microcontroller to position said nozzle 107 configured with arrangement 108 within said hole, wherein upon positioning of said nozzle 107, said microcontroller commands said nozzle 107 to dispense a regulated amount of said concrete mix/polyurethane foam within said gap, thereby repairing said gap.

2) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a GPS (Global Positioning System) module is integrated with said microcontroller to monitor real time location of said damaged portion and nearby localities based on which said microcontroller determines any source of moisture for said gap and in case of detection of any continuous moisture source, said microcontroller directs said nozzle 107 to fill said gap with said polyurethane foam.

3) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a touch interactive display panel 110 is installed over said housing 101 to display traffic movement in surroundings as determined via said GPS module based on which a user selects an area where pavement repair is to be conducted and accordingly directs said wheels 102 to reach up-to said user specified area.

4) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a weight sensor is integrated with each of said chambers 106 to monitor weight of said stored concrete mix and polyurethane foam, and in case said monitored weight recedes a threshold value, said microcontroller actuates a speaker installed over said housing 101 to produce a voice command to notify said user regarding refilling of said chambers 106.

5) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein an augmented reality 3-Dimensional holographic projector installed over said housing 101 and actuated by said microcontroller to project warning signs to aware people in surrounding regarding ongoing repair.