Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to an automated screeding device for uncured floorings that is capable of providing a means to screed uncured concrete floor surface as per user requirement in an automated manner.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Screeding for uncured floorings is a crucial process in flooring installation, involving the application of a leveling layer to ensure a smooth and even surface before the final flooring material is laid. This step is essential for addressing imperfections and inconsistencies in the underlying substrate, which could otherwise affect the durability and appearance of the finished floor. Screeding typically involves mixing and applying a screed mixture—often composed of sand, cement, and sometimes additives—over the uncured base to fill low spots and create a uniform surface. The screed is usually applied to a thickness that is suitable for the specific flooring type being installed, whether it be tiles, vinyl, or other materials. Proper screeding ensures better adhesion, reduces the risk of future cracking, and contributes to a longer-lasting and aesthetically pleasing floor.

[0003] Traditional methods for screeding uncured floorings typically involve the use of sand and cement mixtures applied by hand or with simple mechanical tools. These methods include hand troweling and screed boards, where the screed mixture is spread, leveled, and compacted manually or with basic machinery. While effective for creating a level surface, these traditional approaches can present several issues. Hand troweling may result in inconsistent thickness and surface irregularities, especially over large areas, and requires significant labor and skill to achieve a uniform finish. Screed boards can be challenging to maneuver and may not always ensure precise leveling. Additionally, traditional screeding methods often require extended drying times, making the process slower and potentially delaying subsequent flooring installations. Variability in the screed mixture's consistency and the manual nature of these methods can lead to issues such as uneven surfaces, increased risk of cracking, and difficulties in achieving the desired flatness and smoothness.

[0004] US7320558B2 discloses a screeding apparatus and method for screeding and smoothing an uncured concrete surface includes a vibrating member and a grade setting device adjustably mounted to said vibrating member. The screeding apparatus may include a wheeled support which at least partially supports the vibrating member and/or the grade setting device. The grade setting device may be vertically adjustable to set or indicate the desired grade of the concrete surface as the screeding apparatus is moved over and through the uncured concrete. The level of the screeding apparatus may be automatically adjustable to maintain a desired level and angle of attack of the vibrating member. Although US’558 relates to an apparatus for screeding uncured concrete surfaces, however, cited art lacks in detecting presence of gaps on surface of an uncured concrete floor’s surface.

[0005] US20090123229A1 discloses a wheeled screeding device includes a wheeled support having a frame portion supported by at least one wheel, with the at least one wheel defining an axis of rotation. A screed head is mounted to the frame portion and is balanced such that the screed head is at least partially supportable on an uncured concrete surface. The screed head is adapted to impart a force onto the uncured concrete surface. An adjustment device may be operable to adjust a balance of the wheeled support about the axis of rotation to adjust the force imparted by the screed head. The screed head may be pivotable about an axis generally normal to the axis of rotation of the wheel and relative to the at least one wheel to adjust an angle of the screed head relative to the axis of rotation of the wheel. Though US’229 relates to an apparatus for screeding uncured concrete surfaces, however, the cited art lacks in detecting smoothness level of a concrete surface.

[0006] Conventionally, many devices have been developed to screed an uncured flooring, however, the prior arts mentioned above have limitations pertaining to detecting presence of gaps on surface of an uncured concrete floor’s surface and detecting smoothness level of a concrete surface.

[0007] In order to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks, there exists a need in the art to develop a device that is capable of detecting presence of gaps on surface of an uncured concrete floor’s surface and accordingly adjust to spread excess concrete to fill the gaps for ensuring proper smoothening and levelling of the surface as per user requirement and detecting smoothness level of a concrete surface and accordingly adjust to translate over the uncured concrete floor’s surface to smoothen the surface in an automated manner.

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 screed uncured concrete floor surface as per user requirement in an automated manner.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of detecting presence of gaps on surface of an uncured concrete floor’s surface and accordingly adjust to spread excess concrete to fill the gaps for ensuring proper smoothening and levelling of the surface as per user requirement.

[0011] Yet another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of detecting smoothness level of a concrete surface and accordingly adjust to translate over the uncured concrete floor’s surface to smoothen the surface in an automated manner.

[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 screeding device for uncured floorings that is capable of assessing smoothness of a concrete surface and automatically adjust to move across the uncured concrete floor, thereby smoothing the surface in an automated manner.

[0014] According to an embodiment of the present invention, an automated screeding device for uncured floorings, comprises of a cuboidal body developed to be positioned on a ground surface of an uncured concrete floor, wherein plurality of motorized wheels are arranged underneath the body over the surface, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit installed on the body and paired with a processor for capturing and processing multiple images in vicinity of the body, respectively to generate a 3-dimensional mapping of surroundings of the body, that are displayed on a touch interactive display panel installed on the body, for enabling a user to select an area whose surface is to be levelled, an elongated bar arranged with the body by means of a pair of extendable L-shaped rods that are actuated by an inbuilt microcontroller to extend/retract for positioning the bar in proximity to the selected area, wherein a motorized ball and socket joint is integrated within the rods for providing required movement to the bar for positioning the bar onto the uncured concrete floor’s surface, in view of moving the bar over the surface to smoothen the uncured surface, an ultrasonic sensor embedded in the body for detecting any blank gaps on the surface, based on which the microcontroller actuates plurality of C-shaped plates arranged on back side of the bar and integrated with a motorized hinge joint for providing converging/diverging movement to the plates for spreading excess concrete into the gaps to fill the gaps, thus ensuring proper smoothening and levelling of the surface.

[0015] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the proposed device further comprises of an elongated flap arranged underneath the bar by means of plurality of electromagnetic springs, wherein in case the user-desires to form a slanted structure, based on which the microcontroller evaluates distances at which more pressure is to be applied, in accordance to which the microcontroller actuates the springs to expand/contract for applying an appropriate pressure at the evaluated distances, in view of levelling the surface to attain the slanted structure over the surface, a tactile sensor is embedded in the flap for determining hardness of the concrete, in accordance to which the microcontroller regulates actuation of the springs, a level sensor is embedded in the body for detecting smoothness level of the surface, based on which the microcontroller regulates movement of the bar over the surface and a battery is configured with the device for providing a continuous power supply to electronically powered components associated with the device.

[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 an isometric view of an automated screeding device for uncured floorings.

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 an automated screeding device for uncured floorings that is capable of identifying gaps on a uncured concrete surface and automatically adjust to distribute excess concrete to fill these gaps, ensuring proper smoothing and leveling of the surface according to user specifications.

[0022] Referring to Figure 1, an isometric view of an automated screeding device for uncured floorings is illustrated, comprising a cuboidal body 101 developed to be positioned on a ground surface, plurality of motorized wheels 102 arranged underneath the body 101, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 103 installed on the body 101, a touch interactive display panel 104 installed on the body 101, an elongated bar 105 arranged with the body 101 by means of a pair of extendable L-shaped rods 106, plurality of C-shaped plates 107 arranged on back side of the bar 105 and integrated with a motorized hinge joint 108 and an elongated flap 109 arranged underneath the bar 105 by means of plurality of electromagnetic springs 110.

[0023] The proposed device includes a cuboidal body 101 designed to be placed on a ground surface of an uncured concrete floor. The platform serves as the core structure and is made up of lightweight yet robust metals like aluminum or high-strength plastics. These materials provide structural integrity while keeping the device manageable in weight for ease of use and portability. The outer layer of the platform is made from durable and washable materials which includes but not limited to fabric, leather, vinyl, or synthetic materials.

[0024] The body 101 is configured with multiple motorized wheels 102 positioned underneath the body 101, wherein an inbuilt microcontroller commands the motorized wheels 102 for translating the body 101 on the surface. The multiple motorized wheels 102 used herein ranges from (2 to 4 in numbers). The microcontroller, mentioned herein, is preferably an Arduino microcontroller. The Arduino microcontroller used herein controls the overall functionality of the components linked to it. The motorized wheels 102 include a motor as actuated by the microcontroller for generating electrical current and multiple rollers around the circumference of the wheel that are placed perpendicular to the turning direction. The motor powers the rollers for translating the body 101 on the surface.

[0025] The body 101 is mounted with an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 103 integrated with a processor to capture and process images in proximity of the body 101 for generating a 3-Dimensioanl mapping of the surroundings. The imaging unit 103 comprises of an image capturing arrangement including a set of lenses that captures multiple images in proximity of the body 101 and the captured images are stored within memory of the imaging unit 103 in form of an optical data. The imaging unit 103 also comprises of a processor that is integrated with artificial intelligence protocols, such that the processor processes the optical data and extracts the required data from the captured images. The extracted data is further converted into digital pulses and bits and are further transmitted to the microcontroller. The microcontroller processes the data for generating the 3-Dimensioanl mapping of the surroundings.

[0026] Based upon successful generation of the 3-Dimensioanl mapping of the surroundings, the microcontroller commands a touch interactive display panel 104 configured on the body 101 for displaying the generated 3-d mapping of the surrounding for enabling a user to select an area whose surface needs to be levelled. When the user accesses the touch interactive display panel 104 for displaying the generated 3-d mapping of the surrounding for enabling the user to select the area whose surface needs to be levelled, then an internal circuitry of the display panel 104 senses those touches of the user and synchronically, the internal circuitry automatically converts the touch responses into electric signals and then transmits those signals to an microcontroller. The microcontroller further analyses the signals and the display panel 104 enables the user in providing inputs related to select the area whose surface needs to be levelled.

[0027] The body 101 is configured with an elongated bar 105 via a set of extendable L-shaped rods 106 commanded by the microcontroller to extend/retract for placing the bar 105 in vicinity to the selected area. The extendable L-shaped rods 106 are powered by a pneumatic unit. The pneumatic unit includes air valves and piston attached with the rods 106. The piston is coupled to the rods 106 penetrating the compressed air released from the compressor over the rods 106. The valves used herein, are air valves installed between the compressor and piston that upon actuation enables release of the compressed air through the piston to extend/retract for placing the bar 105 in vicinity to the selected area.

[0028] The rods 106 are installed with a motorized ball and socket joint commanded by the microcontroller for providing movement to the bar 105 to place the bar 105 onto the uncured concrete floor’s surface to move the bar 105 on the surface for smoothening the uncured surface. The motorized ball and socket joint includes a motor powered by the microcontroller generating electrical current, a ball shaped element and a socket. The ball move freely within the socket. The motor rotates the ball in various directions that is controlled by the microcontroller that further commands the motor to position the ball precisely. The microcontroller further actuates the motor to generate electrical current to rotate in the joint for providing movement to the bar 105 to place the bar 105 onto the uncured concrete floor’s surface to move the bar 105 on the surface for smoothening the uncured surface.

[0029] The body 101 is integrated with an ultrasonic sensor for detecting blank gaps on the surface. The ultrasonic sensor consists of an emitter and a receiver, the emitter emits ultrasonic sound waves towards the surface. Further, the radiation strike to the surface and reflect back which are captured by the receiver. The signal is sent to the microcontroller. The microcontroller processes the received signal from the ultrasonic sensors and on the basis of time lapse in between the sent and received radiations, the microcontroller detect blank gaps on the surface. Based on the detected blank gaps, the microcontroller commands multiple C-shaped plates 107 installed on back portion of the bar 105 via motorized hinge joint 108 to provide required converging/diverging movement to the plates 107 to spread excess concrete in the detected gaps to ensure proper smoothening and levelling of the surface. The multiple C-shaped plates 107 used herein ranges from (2 to 4 in numbers).

[0030] The motorized hinge joint 108 used herein, are piece of metal that joins two sides or items together and allows it to be opened or closed by revolving along the longitudinal axis whose operation is governed by a DC motor to provide required converging/diverging movement to the plates 107 to spread excess concrete in the detected gaps to ensure proper smoothening and levelling of the surface. The body 101 is integrated with a level sensor for detecting smoothness of the surface.

[0031] The level sensor, used herein, is a type of point sensor which detects the level of the surface by measuring the amount of infrared light that is reflected back from the surface into a photodiode associated with the sensor. The level sensor detects the level of the surface and sends to the microcontroller in the form of electrical signal to the microcontroller. Based on the detected level, the microcontroller regulates actuation of the movement of the bar 105 on the surface.

[0032] The bar 105 is installed with an elongated flap 109 positioned underneath via multiple electromagnetic springs 110. In case, the user desires for formation of a slanted structure, the microcontroller evaluates distances at which more pressure needs to be applied and accordingly, the microcontroller commands the springs 110 to extend/retract to apply an optimal amount of pressure at the evaluated distances for levelling of the surface to attain the slanted structure on the surface. The multiple springs 110 used herein ranges from (2 to 4 in numbers).

[0033] The electromagnetic spring 110 as actuated by the microcontroller includes an electromagnetic coil, a spring 110, and an armature. The coil, when applied with the electrical current, creates a magnetic field. The magnetic force is strong enough for deflecting the spring 110 hereby pulling the armature across a small air gap into the magnet leading to generation of friction between the magnet and the armature to extend/retract to apply an optimal amount of pressure at the evaluated distances for levelling of the surface to attain the slanted structure on the surface. The flap 109 is integrated with a tactile sensor to detect hardness of the concrete.

[0034] The tactile sensor detects the hardness of the concrete by measuring the force of contact between the sensor and the concrete. The sensor is typically a small, flat component that is placed against concrete and then pressed down. As the force of contact increases, the sensor measures the amount of pressure being applied and sends a signal to the microcontroller. The microcontroller then interprets the signal and determines the hardness of the concrete. On the basis of the detected hardness, the microcontroller regulates actuation of the springs 110.

[0035] Furthermore, the battery (not shown in fig.) is installed with the device to power all electrical and electronic component necessary for their operation. The battery is linked to the microcontroller and provides (DC) Direct Current to the microcontroller. And then, based on the order of operations, the microcontroller sends that current to those specific electrical or electronic components so they effectively carry out their appropriate function.

[0036] The proposed device works best in the following manner, the proposed device includes the cuboidal body 101 developed to be positioned on the ground surface of the uncured concrete floor, wherein plurality of motorized wheels 102 are arranged underneath the body 101 over the surface. The artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 103 installed on the body 101 and paired with the processor for capturing and processing multiple images in vicinity of the body 101, respectively to generate the 3-dimensional mapping of surroundings of the body 101, that are displayed on the touch interactive display panel 104 installed on the body 101, for enabling the user to select the area whose surface is to be levelled. The elongated bar 105 arranged with the body 101 by means of the pair of extendable L-shaped rods 106 that are actuated by the inbuilt microcontroller to extend/retract for positioning the bar 105 in proximity to the selected area, wherein the motorized ball and socket joint is integrated within the rods 106 for providing required movement to the bar 105 for positioning the bar 105 onto the uncured concrete floor’s surface, in view of moving the bar 105 over the surface to smoothen the uncured surface. The level sensor is embedded in the body 101 for detecting smoothness level of the surface, based on which the microcontroller regulates movement of the bar 105 over the surface.

[0037] In continuation, the ultrasonic sensor embedded in the body 101 for detecting any blank gaps on the surface, based on which the microcontroller actuates plurality of C-shaped plates 107 arranged on back side of the bar 105 and integrated with the motorized hinge joint 108 for providing converging/diverging movement to the plates 107 for spreading excess concrete into the gaps to fill the gaps, thus ensuring proper smoothening and levelling of the surface. The elongated flap 109 arranged underneath the bar 105 by means of plurality of electromagnetic springs 110, wherein in case the user-desires to form the slanted structure, based on which the microcontroller evaluates distances at which more pressure is to be applied, in accordance to which the microcontroller actuates the springs 110 to expand/contract for applying the appropriate pressure at the evaluated distances, in view of levelling the surface to attain the slanted structure over the surface and the tactile sensor is embedded in the flap 109 for determining hardness of the concrete, in accordance to which the microcontroller regulates actuation of the springs 110.

[0038] 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 screeding device for uncured floorings, comprising:

i) a cuboidal body 101 developed to be positioned on a ground surface of an uncured concrete floor, wherein plurality of motorized wheels 102 are arranged underneath said body 101 over said surface;
ii) an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 103 installed on said body 101 and paired with a processor for capturing and processing multiple images in vicinity of said body 101, respectively to generate a 3-dimensional mapping of surroundings of said body 101, that are displayed on a touch interactive display panel 104 installed on said body 101, for enabling a user to select an area whose surface is to be levelled;
iii) an elongated bar 105 arranged with said body 101 by means of a pair of extendable L-shaped rods 106 that are actuated by an inbuilt microcontroller to extend/retract for positioning said bar 105 in proximity to said selected area, wherein a motorized ball and socket joint is integrated within said rods 106 for providing required movement to said bar 105 for positioning said bar 105 onto said uncured concrete floor’s surface, in view of moving said bar 105 over said surface to smoothen said uncured surface;
iv) an ultrasonic sensor embedded in said body 101 for detecting any blank gaps on said surface, based on which said microcontroller actuates plurality of C-shaped plates 107 arranged on back side of said bar 105 and integrated with a motorized hinge joint 108 for providing converging/diverging movement to said plates 107 for spreading excess concrete into said gaps to fill said gaps, thus ensuring proper smoothening and levelling of said surface; and
v) an elongated flap 109 arranged underneath said bar 105 by means of plurality of electromagnetic springs 110, wherein in case said user-desires to form a slanted structure, based on which said microcontroller evaluates distances at which more pressure is to be applied, in accordance to which said microcontroller actuates said springs 110 to expand/contract for applying an appropriate pressure at said evaluated distances, in view of levelling said surface to attain said slanted structure over said surface.

2) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a tactile sensor is embedded in said flap 109 for determining hardness of said concrete, in accordance to which said microcontroller regulates actuation of said springs 110.

3) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a level sensor is embedded in said body 101 for detecting smoothness level of said surface, based on which said microcontroller regulates movement of said bar 105 over said surface.

4) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a battery is configured with said device for providing a continuous power supply to electronically powered components associated with said device.