Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a brick cutting device that is capable of cutting bricks according to user-defined dimensions using an automated cutting mechanism, minimizing manual labor and further collects airborne dust and debris created during the cutting process, ensuring accurate and controlled cuts based on the brick’s material and thickness to prevent any damage.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Bricks play a crucial role in construction due to their strength, durability, and versatility in creating stable and long-lasting structures. They provide a reliable foundation for buildings, ensuring structural integrity while offering thermal insulation and resistance to environmental factors. Achieving precise and controlled cuts in bricks is essential to maintain construction accuracy and prevent material wastage. Inconsistent or inaccurate cutting leads to improper alignment, weak structural joints, and the need for additional adjustments, affecting overall efficiency. Proper cutting methods must account for the brick’s material composition and thickness to ensure smooth and damage-free results. Without an accurate approach, deviations in brick dimensions result in compromised stability, affecting both aesthetic and functional aspects of construction. Implementing a cutting process that maintains precision, minimizes effort, and reduces material loss enhances efficiency, ensuring high-quality brickwork with improved durability and seamless integration into construction projects.

[0003] Traditional methods for cutting bricks often rely on manual tools and techniques that require significant effort and user estimation. These approaches present several drawbacks. For example, conventional cutting methods lack the precision needed to accommodate variations in brick material and thickness, leading to uneven cuts and structural misalignment. Furthermore, manual techniques do not provide adjustments based on the required dimensions, resulting in material wastage and inconsistent sizing. The absence of advanced features, such as automated control or dust management, increases the challenges associated with maintaining accuracy and reducing airborne debris. Additionally, traditional methods fail to ensure consistent quality, particularly in projects where precision and efficiency are critical. To achieve accurate and controlled cutting, adopting advanced solutions that enhance precision, reduce effort, and minimize errors is essential for improving overall construction quality and efficiency.

[0004] CN113843885A discloses a cutting device for shale brick production. The cutting device comprises a base, a front support rod, a middle rod, a mounting rod and a bearing; a roller assembly is arranged at the center of the bearing, a locking rod A is fixedly connected to the opposite side of the front support rod, and a positioning hole is formed in the upper surface of the locking rod A; and a parting line is arranged in the positioning hole, a threaded hole is formed in one side of the locking rod A, and a locking bolt is in threaded connection with the interior of the threaded hole. The cutting device for shale brick production has the main advantages that the cutting device for shale brick production is provided, a novel cutting structure is provided by the device, through the arrangement of the novel cutting structure, the device can cut a plurality of same shale brick blanks at a time, continuous feeding of raw materials can be more conveniently achieved by the device, and therefore, the efficiency of manufacturing shale brick adobes by workers is improved, and the economic benefit is improved.

[0005] WO2009007711A1 discloses about a brick cutler has an advanceable cutting jaw which can be urged towards a brick to provide a non-impact based cutting force. The cutting force can be enhanced with the use of a hydraulic cylinder which increases cutting force. The cutting force can be enhanced with the use of a lever which increases cutting force. An adjustment mechanism allows large scale adjustment of the jaw.

[0006] Conventionally, many devices have been developed in order to cut brick, however the devices mentioned in the prior arts have limitations pertaining to ensures precise cuts to the brick’s material composition and thickness, minimizing the risk of damage to the bricks.

[0007] In order to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks, there exists a need in the art to develop a device that is required to be capable of providing brick cutting facility in accordance to user specifications using a cutting mechanism, effectively reducing the need for manual work and captures dust and debris generated during the process and guarantees controlled, precise cutting based on the brick's material and thickness, protecting the brick from damage.

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 cutting brick in user specified dimensions by means of cutting mechanism to reduce manual efforts.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of collecting airborne dust and debris generated during the brick cutting process.

[0011] Yet another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of ensuring precise and controlled cutting of the brick based on material composition and thickness of the brick in order to reduce any damage to the bricks.

[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 brick cutting device that is capable of cutting bricks to user’s specified dimensions with an efficient cutting mechanism that reduces manual effort and ensures precise cuts to the brick’s material composition and thickness, minimizing the risk of damage.

[0014] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a brick cutting device comprises of a L-shaped hollow rectangular body configured with a handle gripped by a user to position the body over a brick to be cut, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit installed on the body and integrated with a processor for capturing and processing images of the brick to detect corners of the brick, a pair of L-shaped telescopic rod installed over the body to extend and position a plate attached at ends of the rods over the corners to securely grip the brick in a secured manner, a microphone installed on the body accessed by the user to provide input voice commands regarding cutting of the bricks of user-desired dimension, a sliding unit installed within the body to provide sliding movement to a cutting unit via telescopic bar over one of plurality of slots sequentially aligned on lower portion of the body to extend and position the cutting unit towards a length of the brick to be cut.

[0015] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the proposed invention further comprises of a confocal sensor attached to the body to work in sync with the imaging unit to detect sharpness of the cutting unit, a speaker installed over the body to notify the user regarding replacement of the cutting unit, a hydraulic shaft attached in between the bar and cutting unit to apply controlled force on the cutting unit, thereby enabling precise cutting of the brick as per user-defined dimensions, a force sensor integrated within the hydraulic shaft to detect pressure applied by the hydraulic shaft on the cutting unit to ensure precise and controlled cutting of the brick based on material composition and thickness of the brick, a dust particle sensor installed on the body to detect a concentration of airborne dust and debris generated during the brick cutting process, a motorized suction unit installed over the body to create vacuum pressure to collect and dispose the airborne dust and debris within a waste container attached with the suction unit and a battery unit is associated with the device for powering up electrical and electronically operated 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 a brick cutting 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 brick cutting device that aids to cut bricks according to the user’s chosen dimensions, using an automated cutting mechanism to minimize manual effort, collects the dust and debris produced during cutting and ensures that the cutting process is precise and controlled based on the brick's material and thickness to avoid damage.

[0022] Referring to Figure 1, an isometric view of a brick cutting device is illustrated, comprises of a L-shaped hollow rectangular body 101 configured with a handle, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 102 installed on the body 101, a pair of L-shaped telescopic rod 103 installed over the body 101, a plate 104 attached at ends of the rods, a microphone 105 installed on the body 101, a sliding unit 106 installed within the body 101, a cutting unit 107 attached with the sliding unit 106 via telescopic bar 108 over one of plurality of slots 109 sequentially aligned on lower portion of the body 101, a hydraulic shaft 110 attached in between the bar 108 and cutting unit 107, a motorized suction unit 111 installed over the body 101, a waste container 112 attached with the suction unit 111, and a speaker 113 installed over the body 101.

[0023] The proposed invention includes a hollow rectangular body 101 preferably in L-shaped incorporating various components associated with the device. The body 101 is configured with a handle developed to be gripped by a user to position the body 101 over a brick to be cut. The body 101 is made up of any material selected from but not limited to metal or alloy that ensures rigidity of the body 101 for longevity of the device.

[0024] The user is required to access and presses a push button arranged on the body 101 to activate the device for associated processes of the device. The push button when pressed by the user, closes an electrical circuit and allows currents to flow for powering an associated microcontroller of the device for operating of all the linked components for performing their respective functions upon actuation.

[0025] The microcontroller, mentioned herein, is preferably an Arduino microcontroller. The Arduino microcontroller used herein controls the overall functionality of the components linked to it.

[0026] After the activation of the device, the user is enabled to provide voice command via a microphone 105 mounted on the body 101 regarding cutting of the bricks of user-desired dimension. The microphone 105 turns the sound energy emitted by the user into electrical energy. The sound waves created by the user carry energy towards the microphone 105. Inside the microphone 105, a diaphragm, made of plastic, is present and moves back and forth when the sound wave hits the diaphragm. The coil attached to the diaphragm also moves in same way. The magnetic field produced by the permanent magnet cuts through the coil. As the coil moves, the electric current flows. The electric current from coil flows to an amplifier which convert the sound into electrical signal. The microcontroller linked to the microphone 105 recognize the voice and perform the operations according to the command given by the user regarding cutting of the bricks of user-desired dimension.

[0027] Upon receiving of the user input, the microcontroller generates a command to activate an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 102 integrated on the body 101 for capturing multiple images in a vicinity of the brick to detect corners of the brick. The imaging unit 102 incorporates a processor that is encrypted with an artificial intelligence protocol. The artificial intelligence protocol operates by following a set of predefined instructions to process data and perform tasks autonomously. Initially, data is collected and input into a database, which then employs protocol to analyze and interpret the captured images. The processor of the imaging unit 102 via the artificial intelligence protocol processes the captured images and sent the signal to the microcontroller to detect corners of the brick.

[0028] The body 101 incorporates a pair of L-shaped telescopic rods 103. The ends of the rods are configured with a plate 104. The rods are powered by a pneumatic arrangement associated with the body 101 for providing extension/retraction of the rods as per requirement.

[0029] In accordance to the detected corners of the brick, the microcontroller actuates an air compressor and air valve associated with the pneumatic arrangement consisting of an air cylinder, air valve and piston which works in collaboration to aid in extension and retraction of the rods. The air valve allows entry/exit of compressed air from the compressor. Then, the valve opens and the compressed air enters inside the cylinder thereby increasing the air pressure of the cylinder. The piston is connected to the rods and due to the increase in the air pressure, the piston extends. For the retraction of the piston, air is released from the cylinder to the air compressor via the valve. Thus, providing the required extension/retraction of the rods for positioning the plate 104 over the corners to securely grip the brick in a secured manner.

[0030] A cutting unit 107 is integrated with a sliding unit 106 installed within the body 101. The cutting unit 107 is connected with the sliding unit 106 by means of a telescopic bar 108. The pneumatic arrangement powers the bar 108 as per requirement providing extension/retraction of the bar 108 in similar manner to the working of the rods as mentioned above. The cutting unit 107 have a sharp edge for cutting of brick.

[0031] For cutting operation of the brick, the microcontroller actuates the sliding unit 106 such that translates the cutting unit 107 over one of plurality of slots 109 sequentially aligned on lower portion of the body 101. The sliding unit 106 consists of a pair of sliding rails fabricated with grooves in which the wheel of a slider is positioned that is further connected with a bi-directional motor via a shaft 110. The microcontroller actuates the bi-directional motor to rotate in a clockwise and anti-clockwise direction that aids in the rotation of the shaft 110, wherein the shaft 110 converts the electrical energy into rotational energy for allowing movement of the wheel to translate over the sliding rail by a firm grip on the grooves. The movement of the sliding unit 106 results in the translation of the cutting unit 107 over one of the slots 109. Post positioning of the cutting unit 107, the microcontroller actuates the bar 108 via the pneumatic arrangement to extend and position the cutting unit 107 towards a length of the brick to be cut.

[0032] A hydraulic shaft 110 is attached in between the bar 108 and cutting unit 107. The shaft 110 is powered by a hydraulic arrangement associated with the device providing extension/retraction of the shaft 110 as per requirement. Post positioning of the cutting unit 107, the microcontroller actuates a hydraulic pump and hydraulic valve associated with a hydraulic arrangement consisting of a hydraulic cylinder, hydraulic valve and piston that work in collaboration for providing the required extension/retraction to the shaft 110 to allow passage of hydraulic fluid from the pump within the cylinder, the hydraulic fluid further develops pressure against the piston and results in pushing and extending the piston. The piston is connected with the shaft 110 and due to applied pressure the shaft 110 extends and similarly, the microcontroller retracts the shaft 110 by closing the valve resulting in retraction of the piston. The microcontroller regulates the extension/retraction of the shaft 110 thereby applying controlled force on the cutting unit 107, thereby enabling precise cutting of the brick as per user-defined dimensions.

[0033] A force sensor is integrated within the hydraulic shaft 110 to detect pressure applied by the hydraulic shaft 110 on the cutting unit 107.The force sensor is an equipment whose resistance varies with applied force. It converts force, pressure, tension, weight, etc., into a change in electrical resistance which are then measured. When external forces are applied to the brick, stress and strain are the result and the signal are sent to the microcontroller for processing in order to monitor the applied force for cutting he brick.

[0034] In case the microcontroller evaluates the applied force mismatches a threshold range, the microcontroller accordingly adjusts the hydraulic pressure to ensure precise and controlled cutting of the brick based on material composition and thickness of the brick.

[0035] During the brick cutting process, a concentration of airborne dust and debris generated are detected by a dust particle sensor installed on the body 101. The dust sensor detects the presence of dust by monitoring the particles. The dust sensor uses an optical sensing method to detect dust. A photo sensor and an infrared light-emitting diode are optically arranged in the dust sensor. The photo-sensor detects the reflected rays which are bounced off the airborne dust and debris. The bounced back rays are processed by the microcontroller integrated with the dust sensor for determining the generated airborne dust and debris in the surrounding.

[0036] In accordance top collected the generated dust and debris, the microcontroller actuates a motorized suction unit 111 installed over the body 101. The suction unit 111 operates by creating negative pressure to draw in air or fluid through a suction inlet. The suction unit 111 works on concept of a vacuum pump that generates the necessary suction force. When activated by the microcontrollers, the pump evacuates air from the suction inlet, creating a vacuum that causes atmospheric pressure to push the dust and debris substance towards the inlet. The collected airborne dust and debris is consequently directed into a waste container 112 attached with the suction unit 111 for disposal.

[0037] In addition, a confocal sensor is embedded with the body 101 to work in sync with the imaging unit 102 to detect sharpness of the cutting unit 107. The confocal sensor works on confocal chromatic measurement principle by focusing polychromatic white light onto the cutting unit 107 using a multi-lens optical attachment. The lenses are arranged in such a way that the white light is dispersed into a monochromatic light by controlled chromatic deviation, thereby the signal is sent to the microcontroller for processing in order to monitor thickness of cutting unit 107.

[0038] In case the microcontroller evaluates the sharpness falls below a threshold value, the microcontroller alerts the user to replaces the cutting unit 107 via a speaker 113 installed over the body 101. The speaker 113 works by taking the input signal from the microcontroller, it then processes and amplifies the received signal through a series of equipment in a specific order within the speaker 113, and then sends the output signal in form of audio notification through the speaker 113 for alerting the user regarding replacement of the cutting unit 107 for unhindered operation of the device.

[0039] A battery (not shown in figure) is associated with the device to supply power to electrically powered components which are employed herein. The battery is comprised of a pair of electrodes named as a cathode and an anode. The battery uses a chemical reaction of oxidation/reduction to do work on charge and produce a voltage between their anode and cathode and thus produces electrical energy that is used to do work in the device.

[0040] The present invention works best in the following manner, where the proposed invention includes the L-shaped hollow rectangular body 101 with the handle that allows the user to position the device over the brick for cutting. The imaging unit 102 on the body 101 captures and processes images of the brick to detect its corners. Upon detecting the corners, the pair of L-shaped telescopic rods 103 is activated by the microcontroller to extend, positioning the plate 104 at the ends of the rods securely over the brick. The microphone 105 allows the user to provide voice commands for cutting the brick to their desired dimensions. The microcontroller processes these commands and activates the sliding unit 106 that moves the cutting unit 107 attached to the telescopic bar 108, positioning the cutter over the designated slot on the brick. The hydraulic shaft 110 between the cutting unit 107 and bar 108 applies controlled force to ensure precise cutting as per the user’s defined dimensions. Additionally, the dust particle sensor detects airborne dust and debris generated during the cutting process. The microcontroller activates the motorized suction unit 111 to collect and dispose of the debris into the waste container 112. The device also features the force sensor within the hydraulic shaft 110 to adjust the pressure applied on the cutting unit 107, ensuring precision based on the brick's material and thickness. The thickness sensor, synchronized with the imaging unit 102, monitors the sharpness of the cutting unit 107, notifying the user via the speaker 113 when the replacement is needed.

[0041] 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 brick cutting device, comprising:

i) a L-shaped hollow rectangular body 101 configured with a handle to be gripped by a user to position said body 101 over a brick to be cut, wherein an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 102 is installed on said body 101 and integrated with a processor for capturing and processing images of said brick, respectively to detect corners of said brick;
ii) a pair of L-shaped telescopic rod 103 installed over said body 101, wherein upon detection of said corners, an inbuilt microcontroller actuates said rod to extend and position a plate 104 attached at ends of said rods over said corners to securely grip said brick in a secured manner;
iii) a microphone 105 installed on said body 101 that is accessed by said user to provide input voice commands regarding cutting of said bricks of user-desired dimension, wherein said microcontroller processes said commands and activates a sliding unit 106 installed within said body 101 to provide sliding movement to a cutting unit 107 attached with said sliding unit 106 via telescopic bar 108 , to position over one of a plurality of slots 109 sequentially aligned on lower portion of said body 101, followed by activation of said bar 108 to extend and position said cutting unit 107 towards a length of said brick to be cut;
iv) a hydraulic shaft 110 attached in between said bar 108 and cutting unit 107, wherein upon positioning said cutting unit 107, said microcontroller actuates said hydraulic shaft 110 to apply controlled force on said cutting unit 107, for precise cutting of said brick as per said user-defined dimensions; and
v) a dust particle sensor installed on said body 101 to detect a concentration of airborne dust and debris generated during said brick cutting process, wherein said microcontroller activates a motorized suction unit 111 installed over said body 101 to create vacuum pressure to collect and dispose said airborne dust and debris within a waste container 112 attached with said suction unit 111.

2) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a force sensor is integrated within said hydraulic shaft 110 to detect pressure applied by said hydraulic shaft 110 on said cutting unit 107, based on which said microcontroller adjusts said hydraulic pressure to ensure precise and controlled cutting of said brick based on material composition and thickness of said brick.

3) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a confocal sensor attached to said body 101 to work in sync with said imaging unit 102 to detect sharpness of said cutting unit 107, and if said sharpness falls below a threshold value, said microcontroller activates a speaker 113 installed over said body 101 to notify said user regarding replacement of said cutting unit 107.

4) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a battery unit is associated with said device for powering up electrical and electronically operated components associated with said device.