Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a metal piece quality assessment device that is capable of performing comprehensive testing to evaluate physical properties, structural integrity, material composition, and authenticity of metal pieces for ensuring accurate quality analysis and suitability for specific applications.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Metal piece quality is assessed to ensure it meets required standards for strength, durability, composition, and performance. This helps in verifying authenticity, detecting defects, and determining suitability for specific applications, reducing the risk of failure in use and ensuring safety, reliability, and cost-effectiveness in manufacturing or commercial use. Metal piece quality assessment faces challenges such as inaccurate measurements, damage during testing, difficulty in detecting hidden defects, and complex composition analysis. Traditional methods are time-consuming, require skilled operators, and may not provide comprehensive results, leading to unreliable assessments and increased risk of using substandard or counterfeit metal pieces.

[0003] Traditionally, devices such as manual weighing scales, calipers, hardness testers, spectrometers, and multimeters are used for metal piece quality assessment. These tools often require skilled operators and separate testing steps, leading to slower and less efficient processes. Many traditional devices lack integration, preventing automated data collection and analysis, which increases the chance of human error and inconsistent results. Furthermore, they typically do not offer real-time feedback or comprehensive testing in a single setup. The absence of automation limits throughput and reliability, making it difficult to perform detailed evaluations quickly and accurately, especially in high-volume or industrial environments.

[0004] CN105352966A discloses about the invention relates to a method for inspecting the internal quality of a high-carbon steel continuous casting billet, belonging to the technical field of inspection of the internal quality of the continuous casting billet. The technical scheme is as follows: firstly, processing a continuous casting blank into a strip shape or a block shape, then carrying out quenching and tempering heat treatment on a processed sample, carrying out milling, grinding and polishing treatment on the heat-treated sample, carrying out deep corrosion on a polished surface by using a nitric acid alcohol corrosive liquid with the concentration of 4%, then carrying out metallographic detection by using inspection equipment such as an optical lens/electron microscope and taking a photo, and using an inspection image by using a computer Adobe? Photoshop software performs image processing. The invention can more clearly and comprehensively display solidification structures such as a casting blank chilling layer, columnar crystals, mixed crystals, equiaxial crystals and the like, and accurately obtain casting blank structure information such as primary dendrite spacing, secondary dendrite spacing, equiaxial crystal size and the like; the control condition of the casting blank segregation is displayed more clearly, the metallographic picture image is processed by software, qualitative and quantitative analysis of defects such as a casting blank segregation zone, the number of carbides, the size and the like is realized, objective evaluation is carried out on the internal quality of the casting blank, and the improvement and optimization of the continuous casting process are guided.

[0005] CN1039940C discloses about the present invention relates to a quick and accurate measuring method for gold content of gold jewelry. The gold content obtained by calculating the density and checking a table after the floatage of the gold jewelry in a measuring liquid is measured. The method is characterized in that the measuring liquid is an organic solvent or a solution with small surface tension and viscosity, and the density or the temperature of the measuring liquid are measured when the floatage is measured. The method has the advantages of simplicity, stable operation, reliable data, less investment and easy popularization, the standard deviation S is (+/-)0.0035, a t-detection method (t90) is 0.15, and the precision is (+/-)0.01%. A person who can accurately use and analyze a balance can get the work, a piece of gold jewelry can be detected for 5 minutes, and the present invention is quick and accurate.

[0006] Conventionally, many devices are available in market for assisting users in accessing quality of a metal piece. However, these devices lack in integration of multiple testing methods into a single automated device, resulting in time-consuming and fragmented processes. They often require manual operation and skilled personnel, which increases the risk of human error and inconsistent results. Furthermore, most existing devices do not provide real-time data processing, comprehensive analysis, or adaptive testing based on the metal piece’s condition. This limits their effectiveness in delivering accurate, reliable, and efficient quality assessments, especially in industrial or high-volume applications where speed and precision are critical.

[0007] In order to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks, there exists a need in the art to develop a device that integrates multiple testing methods into a single automated device to provide fast, accurate, and comprehensive quality assessment of metal pieces. The device also minimizes manual intervention and reduce the reliance on skilled operators while enabling real-time data collection, processing, and analysis. The device is capable of adapting the testing sequence based on the metal piece’s characteristics to prevent damage and ensure thorough evaluation. Further, the device offers reliable results with improved repeatability and consistency, suitable for both small-scale and industrial applications, improving efficiency and decision-making in metal quality control.

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 measuring and analyzing weight, size, volume, and density of a metal piece for assessing its overall quality and physical characteristics.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of identifying exact type and composition of a metal piece through material analysis for helping confirm its authenticity and intended use.

[0011] Another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of testing structural strength of a metal piece by applying controlled stress and heat for checking for signs of damage, cracks, or weaknesses.

[0012] Yet, another object of the preset invention is to develop a device that is capable of determining whether a metal piece is suitable for specific industrial or commercial applications based on results from various physical, electrical, and chemical tests.

[0013] 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

[0014] The present invention relates to a metal piece quality assessment device that is capable of performing a thorough evaluation of metal pieces by measuring their physical characteristics, determining material composition, assessing structural integrity under various conditions, and verifying authenticity. The present device is also capable of providing real-time data processing and user notifications to guide decision-making regarding the metal piece’s quality and suitability for specific uses.

[0015] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a metal piece quality assessment device is disclosed comprising, a housing installed with a plate configured to receive a metal piece, a user interface is installed in a computing unit wirelessly linked with the housing that is accessed by a user to provide input for initiating a comprehensive testing sequence for the metal piece, a microcontroller is linked with a processing unit of the computing unit for processing the input, a sensing module including a weight sensor and a laser sensor, installed on a plate for measuring weight and dimensions of the metal piece, a gripping unit installed in the housing via an extendable rod, for grasping the metal piece to submerge in a water-filled chamber located in the housing, a graduated cylinder is connected with a tray arranged at a bottom portion of the chamber, through a conduit for collecting the displaced water, an artificial intelligence-abased imaging unit paired with an OCR (Optical Character Recognition) module, installed on the platform to determine the volume of the metal piece, for calculating density of the metal piece, an expandable flap suspended from a ceiling portion of the housing via a linear actuator, configured to apply controlled compressive force to the metal piece, a heating coil is integrated in the flap to apply controlled heat to the metal piece, for thermal expansion analysis.

[0016] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the device is further comprising, a three-finger motorized gripper mounted on an extendable bar installed in the housing, configured to hold and manipulate the metal piece for a scratch test against a black stone mounted on a circular disc, a pair of clamps arranged in the housing, each via an extendable link with a motorized ball and socket joint, for holding probes of a multi-meter, to interact the probes with the metal piece for enabling measurement of electrical conductivity of the metal piece before and after exposure to a mild acidic solution stored in a vessel installed in the housing, an X-ray fluorescence (XRF) spectroscopy module is installed in the housing, configured to measure the material composition of the metal piece to identify exact type of the metal piece, a level sensor is installed in the chamber, and vessel to monitor the quantity of water and acidic solutions, ensuring suitability for submerging the metal piece, a speaker unit is installed on the housing for generating audio alerts regarding receded levels of the stored water and acidic solutions, a plurality of pressure sensors are strategically placed on flap to measure a uniform force applied during compression across the surface of the metal piece, a temperature sensor is integrated with the heating coil to monitor temperature of the flap, a plurality of suction cups are installed underneath the housing for resisting movement of the housing over the surface.

[0017] 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

[0018] 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 metal piece quality assessment device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0019] 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.

[0020] 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.

[0021] 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.

[0022] The present invention relates to a metal piece quality assessment device that is capable of conducting comprehensive evaluations to accurately measure physical properties, analyze material composition, assess structural durability under various conditions, and verify authenticity. The present device further performs multiple tests including weight, volume, and density measurements, applies controlled mechanical and thermal stresses to evaluate integrity, tests surface hardness, measures electrical conductivity before and after chemical exposure, and identifies material types.

[0023] Referring to Figure 1, an isometric view of a metal piece quality assessment device is illustrated, comprising, a housing 101 installed with a plate 102, a sensing module 103 installed on the plate 102, a gripping unit 104 installed in the housing 101 via an extendable rod 105, a water-filled chamber 106 located in the housing 101, a graduated cylinder 107 is connected with a tray 108 arranged at a bottom portion of the chamber 106, through a conduit 109, an artificial intelligence-abased imaging unit 110 installed on the platform, an expandable flap 111 suspended from a ceiling portion of the housing 101 via a linear actuator 112, a heating coil 113 is integrated in the flap 111, a three-finger motorized gripper 114 mounted on an extendable bar 115 installed in the housing 101, a black stone 116 mounted on a circular disc 117, a pair of clamps 118 arranged in the housing 101, each via an extendable link 119 with a motorized ball and socket joint 120, a vessel 121 installed in the housing 101, an X-ray fluorescence (XRF) spectroscopy module 122 is installed in the housing 101, a speaker unit 123 is installed on the housing 101, a plurality of suction cups 124 are installed underneath the housing 101.

[0024] The device disclosed herein includes a housing 101 is developed to be positioned on a flat surface. The housing 101 used herein includes all necessary component of the device to assist user in accessing metal piece quality.

[0025] In an embodiment of the present invention, the housing 101 is cuboidal in shape and constructed from, but not limited to, high-strength aluminum alloys, stainless steel, or reinforced composite materials for ensuring durability and stability.

[0026] Multiple suction cups 124 (preferably in range 4-6) are installed underneath the housing 101 to securely adhere the housing 101 over the surface. The multiple suction cups 124 used herein are made up of silicone rubber that easily eliminates pressure inside the suction cup and creating a vacuum between the cup and the surface which creates an air-tight seal, resisting any slipping of the housing 101 in order to adhere the housing 101 on the surface. The suction cups 124 are engineered for easy release and reattachment without losing their suction power, allowing for convenient repositioning of the housing 101 when necessary.

[0027] A push button is also equipped with the housing 101 on its top for activating and deactivating the device. The push button is accessed by a user for activating the device. When the user presses the push button, the electrical circuit is completed, which in response turns the device on. The push button is integrated with an actuator and a spring, which are automatically activated when pressed. They work together to move the internal contact, completing the circuit and allowing electrical current to flow, thereby activating the device.

[0028] When the push button is pressed, the button sends a signal (usually a change in voltage or current) to an inbuilt microcontroller associated with the device to either power up or shut down the microcontroller. Conversely, releasing the button allows the spring to return to its original position, breaking the circuit and sending the signal to deactivate the device. The microcontroller is pre-fed to detect this signal and respond accordingly. The microcontroller used herein is pre-fed using artificial intelligence and machine learning protocols to coordinate the working of the device. Further, the microcontroller activates a communication module, which is linked with the microcontroller for establishing a wireless connection between the microcontroller and a computing unit (includes, but not limited to smartphone, tablet or laptop) and inbuilt with a user-interface that is accessed by the user to provide input for initiating a comprehensive testing sequence for the metal piece.

[0029] The communication module used herein includes, but not limited to Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity) module, Bluetooth module, GSM (Global System for Mobile Communication) module. The communication module used herein is preferably a Wi-Fi module that is a hardware component that enables the microcontroller to connect wirelessly with the computing unit. The Wi-Fi module works by utilizing radio waves to transmit and receive data over short distances. The core functionality relies on the IEEE 802.11 standards, which define the protocols for wireless local area networking (WLAN). Once connected, the module allows the microcontroller to send and receive data through data packets.

[0030] A sensing module 103 is installed on a plate 102 installed with the housing 101 on the bottom portion where the user places a metal piece for inspection via an opening is provided on back wall of the housing 101. The sensing module 103 includes a weight sensor and a laser sensor, for measuring weight and dimensions of the metal piece. Post receiving the input commands from the computing unit, the microcontroller processes the received input commands and activates the sensing module 103 to measure above mentioned parameters. The weight sensor comprises of a transducer and a strain gauge. The force applied on the sensor due to weight load leads to the deformation of the strain gauge. The deformations are measured and the transducer converts the force to the electrical resistance which is sent as an electrical output to the microcontroller.

[0031] The laser sensor consists of an emitter and receiver, and works on the principle of measuring the time delay between the laser beam to travel to the metal piece and back. The laser sensor emits a light towards the surface of metal piece and when the laser beam hits the surface of the metal piece, the beam reflects back towards the receiver of the sensor. Upon detection of reflected beam by the sensor, the sensor precisely measures the time taken for the laser beam to travel to and back from the surface of the metal piece. The sensor then calculates the time taken by the reflected beam to reach the receiver of the sensor, based on which, the calculated the metal piece is then converted into electrical signal, in the form of current, and send to the microcontroller. Upon receiving the signals, the microcontroller processes and determine the dimensions of the metal piece. Once the dimension and weight of the metal piece is measured, the microcontroller then calculates a baseline density of the metal piece.

[0032] A gripping unit 104 installed in the housing 101 on the bottom portion via an extendable rod 105 is for grasping the metal piece to submerge in a water-filled chamber 106 located in the housing 101. The extension/retraction of the extendable rod 105 is powered pneumatically by the microcontroller by employing a pneumatic unit associated with the rod 105, including an air compressor, air cylinders, air valves and piston which works in collaboration to aid in extension and retraction of the rod 105. The pneumatic unit is operated by the microcontroller, such that the microcontroller actuates valve to allow passage of compressed air from the compressor within the cylinder, the compressed air further develops pressure against the piston and results in pushing and extending the piston. The piston is connected with the rod 105 and due to applied pressure the rod 105 extends and similarly, the microcontroller retracts the rod 105 by closing the valve resulting in retraction of the piston. Thus, the microcontroller regulates the extension/retraction of the rod 105 in order to enable the gripping unit 104 to grip the metal.

[0033] Once the gripping unit 104 is positioned near the metal piece, the microcontroller actuates the gripping unit 104 to grip the piece for submersion into the water-filled chamber 106. The gripping unit 104 consists of a pair of curved, motorized clamps. An attached motor, controlled by the microcontroller, opens and closes these clamps, thereby controlling the expansion and contraction of their jaws to securely grip the metal piece.

[0034] Once the metal piece is securely grasped, the microcontroller then regulates the actuation of the extendable rod 105 for submerging the metal piece in the water-filled chamber 106. As the metal piece submerges, it displaces water. This displaced water flows through a conduit 109 into a graduated cylinder 107, which is connected to a tray 108 at the bottom of the chamber 106.

[0035] An artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 110 mounted on the housing 101 to capture multiple images around the housing 101, specifically targeting the graduated cylinder 107 to precisely read the water level. Once the metal piece is submerged, the microcontroller activates the imaging unit 110. The imaging unit 110 itself contains an image capturing module equipped with a set of lenses that meticulously record these images, storing them as optical data within its memory. Powering this process is the imaging unit's processor, which is imbued with artificial intelligence protocols. This processor undertakes critical image processing steps, including noise reduction to enhance clarity and feature extraction to pinpoint relevant characteristics of the graduated cylinder 107, even perform segmentation to isolate the cylinder 107 from its background. Crucially, the imaging unit 110 is also seamlessly integrated with an OCR (Optical Character Recognition) module. This module works hand-in-hand with the image processing to interpret the numerical markings on the graduated cylinder 107, ensuring an accurate determination of the water level and, consequently, the volume of the metal piece. Finally, all this extracted and processed data, including the precise OCR readings, is converted into digital pulses and bits and relayed to the microcontroller. The microcontroller then processes this received data to calculates the precise density of the metal piece using the measured volume and the previously obtained weight.

[0036] A level sensor in the chamber 106 that is activated by the microcontroller to monitor the quantity of water for ensuring there's enough for submersion. The level sensor used herein is a preferably an ultrasonic level sensor. The ultrasonic level sensor works by emitting ultrasonic waves and then measuring the time taken by these waves to bounce back after hitting the surface of the water The ultrasonic sensor includes two main parts viz. transmitter, and a receiver for measuring the level of water. The transmitter sends a short ultrasonic pulse towards the surface of water which propagates through the air at the speed of sound and reflects back as an echo to the transmitter as the pulse hits the key. The transmitter then detects the reflected eco from the surface of the water and calculations is performed by the sensor based on the time interval between the sending signal and receiving echo to determine the level of water. The determined data is sent to the microcontroller in a signal form, based on which the microcontroller further process and determine the level of the water in the chamber 106 and compares the measured level with a predefined threshold level stored in a linked database. In case the measured level recedes the threshold level, then the microcontroller actuates a speaker unit 123 installed on the top of the housing 101 to generate audio alerts regarding receded levels of the stored water.

[0037] The speaker unit 123 works by converting the electrical signal into the audio signal. The speaker unit 123 consists of a cone known as a diaphragm attached to a coil-shaped wire placed between two magnets. When the electric signal is passed through the voice coil, a varying magnetic field is generated by the coil that interacts with the magnet causing the diaphragm to move back and forth. The movement of the diaphragm pushes and pulls air creating sound waves just like the electrical signal received and used to notify the user for receded levels of the stored water.

[0038] An expandable flap 111, suspended from a ceiling portion of the housing 101 via a linear actuator 112 is for apply controlled compressive force to the metal piece. The extension of the flap 111 is operated by the microcontroller by employing a drawer arrangement installed within the flap 111. The drawer arrangement consists of multiple plates that are overlapped to each other with a sliding unit, wherein upon actuation of the drawer arrangement by the microcontroller, the motor in the sliding unit starts rotating a wheel coupled via a shaft in clockwise/anticlockwise direction providing a movement to the slider in the drawer arrangement to extend or retract the flap 111 as per the requirement.

[0039] The linear actuator 112 comprises a motor, a lead screw, and a nut. When activated by the microcontroller, the motor generates rotational force, which is then converted into linear motion through the interaction between the lead screw and the nut. The lead screw, driven by the motor, turns and causes the nut to move along its threads. This movement pushes or pulls the connected flap 111, exerting pressure on the metal piece. As the actuator 112 extends, it applies the necessary force to apply a controlled compressive force to the metal piece.

[0040] While the linear actuator 112 exerting the force over the metal piece via the flap 111, the microcontroller reactivates the imaging unit 110 to continuously monitor the metal piece during compression to assess its condition. This enables the evaluation of the metal piece structural integrity, detecting weaknesses like micro-cracks or material brittleness by simulating environmental stresses (impact, heat, wear). If present, a plurality of pressure sensors on the flap 111 are activated by the microcontroller to measure uniform force application during compression.

[0041] The pressure sensor comprises a sensing element, known as a diaphragm, that experiences a force exerted by the metal piece on the diaphragm while the flap 111 applies the compressive force. This force leads to a deflection in the diaphragm, which is measured by the sensor and converted into an electrical signal that is sent to the microcontroller for real-time monitoring and adjustment of the applied force.

[0042] A heating coil 113 is integrated into the flap 111 that is activated by the microcontroller to apply controlled heat to the metal piece. The imaging unit 110 monitors the metal piece for changes, facilitating thermal expansion analysis. This heating element operates on the principle of Joule heating, converting electrical energy into thermal energy. When the microcontroller initiates the heating cycle, an electrical current flows through the resistive heating element of the coil 113, typically made of a material like nichrome. The resistance to this current flow causes the element to heat up, with the amount of heat generated directly proportional to the square of the current and the resistance of the coil 113 (P=I2R).

[0043] The microcontroller precisely regulates the power delivered to these coils 113 by controlling the voltage and current supplied, thereby determining the rate and intensity of heat output. Furthermore, the microcontroller manages the pre-set time interval for which the electrical current is allowed to flow. Concurrently, the imaging unit 110 continuously monitors the metal piece for any changes in its dimensions or surface characteristics that occur due to this applied heat. This real-time visual data is crucial for facilitating the detailed thermal expansion analysis, allowing for a precise understanding and control of how the metal responds to temperature changes.

[0044] A temperature sensor is integrated with the heating coil 113, is activated by the microcontroller to monitor the flap's temperature. This temperature sensor is composed of metal that generates an electrical voltage or resistance when exposed to temperature changes. The sensor works by measuring the voltage across its diode terminals. The detected resistance of the diode is then transformed into readable values to measure the temperature of the flap 111. The measured temperature is subsequently converted into an electrical signal, which is received by the microcontroller. The microcontroller further processes this measured temperature, and if the detected temperature matches a pre-fed temperature threshold, the microcontroller adjusts the power supplied to the heating coil 113 to maintain the desired temperature.

[0045] A three-finger motorized gripper 114 is mounted on an extendable bar 115, wherein the bar 115 is activated by the microcontroller to extend to position the three-finger motorized gripper 114 for holding and manipulating the metal piece for a scratch test against a black stone 116 mounted on a circular disc 117 installed with the housing 101. The extension/retraction of the bar 115 is regulated by the microcontroller by in the same manner as the extendable rod 105 as disclosed above, by employing the pneumatic unit, for enabling the three-finger motorized gripper 114 for holding and manipulating the metal piece.

[0046] Once the three-finger motorized gripper 114 is positioned near the metal piece, the microcontroller actuates the three-finger motorized gripper 114 to hold and manipulate the metal piece for scratching against the black stone 116. The three-finger motorized gripper 114 is engineered to precisely hold and manipulate the metal piece for scratching against the black stone 116. The gripper 114 comprises a central body housing 101 integrated electric motors, typically DC or stepper motors, which provide the driving force. These motors are mechanically linked to the three articulated fingers (or jaws) via arrangement such as lead screws, gears, or complex linkages, converting the motor's rotational energy into controlled linear or angular motion of the fingers.

[0047] When activated by the microcontroller, these motors precisely control the opening and closing of the fingers, allowing the gripper 114 to conform to and securely grasp objects of various shapes with stable, multi-point contact. For the specific task of scratching, the gripper’s fingers close firmly around the metal piece, ensuring the metal is held without slippage or unwanted rotation. This secure grip, coupled with the motorized precision of the gripper 114, enables the microcontroller to precisely position and move the metal piece, bringing a specific surface or edge into controlled contact with the black stone 116 and maintaining a consistent force and angle during the scratching motion for accurate material analysis. During the scratching test, the imaging unit 110 monitors the metal piece and the stone 116, detecting the color of streaks formed on the stone 116. This information is used by the microcontroller to determine the authenticity of the metal piece.

[0048] A pair of clamps 118 is installed inside the housing 101 at the bottom, each via an extendable link 119. The clamps 118 hold probes of a multi-meter equipped within the housing 101 near the clamps 118. The microcontroller actuates these extendable links 119 to maneuver the probes to interact with the metal piece for enabling measurement of electrical conductivity of the metal piece.

[0049] The extension/retraction of the links 119 is regulated by the microcontroller by in the same manner as the extendable rod 105 as disclosed above, by employing the pneumatic unit, for extending to enable the clamps 118 to interact the probes with the metal piece positioned on the tray 108.

[0050] A motorized ball and socket joint 120 is installed in between the clamps 118 and links 119 for enabling multi-directional movement of the clamp, while positioning for interacting the probes with the metal piece. The motorized ball and socket joint 120 includes a motor powered by the microcontroller generating electrical current, a ball shaped element and a socket. The ball moves 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 120 for providing movement to the clamps 118 for bringing the probes into contact with the metal piece.

[0051] The multi-meter applies a small test current (microamperes to milliamperes) through the metal piece, measuring voltage drop to calculate its electrical conductivity before exposure to a mild acidic solution stored in a vessel 121 installed within the housing 101.

[0052] In an embodiment of the present invention, the acidic solution such as sulfuric acid (H₂SO₄), hydrochloric acid (HCl), or a dilute solution of HCl (around 0.1 to 1 mol/L. After the measurement of electrical conductivity of the metal piece, the gripper 114 manipulates the metal piece, dipping the metal piece into the mild acidic solution. After exposure into the mild acidic solution, the metal piece is removed from the solution via the gripper 114, and its electrical conductivity is measured again using the multi-meter. Further, a level sensor is also equipped within the vessel 121 that monitors the level of the acidic solution in the vessel 121.

[0053] An X-ray fluorescence (XRF) spectroscopy module 122 is installed on the side wall of the housing 101 to measures the material composition of the metal piece to identify the exact type of the metal piece. The X-ray Fluorescence (XRF) spectroscopy module 122 operates on the principle of exciting a sample with X-rays and then analyzing the characteristic secondary (fluorescent) X-rays emitted by the sample. The module 122 typically includes an X-ray source (such as an X-ray tube) that generates primary X-rays, which are directed at the metal piece. When these high-energy primary X-rays strike the atoms within the metal, they dislodge electrons from their inner shells. To stabilize, electrons from higher energy shells drop into these vacant inner-shell positions, releasing energy in the form of secondary X-rays. Each element present in the metal piece emits X-rays at unique, characteristic energies and intensities, acting like a spectral fingerprint. An X-ray detector within the module 122 captures these emitted fluorescent X-rays. This captured emitted fluorescent X-rays is transmitted to the microcontroller, which then analyzes the energy and intensity of these characteristic X-rays. By identifying the specific energies, the microcontroller determines which elements are present in the metal, and by measuring their intensities, it quantifies the concentration of each element. This XRF spectroscopy module 122 allows the microcontroller to precisely measure the material composition of the metal piece and identify its exact type without causing any damage to the sample. If the identified metal piece is gold, the XRF is synced with the imaging unit 110 to evaluate its karat value. The microcontroller fetches market data trends from the linked database for the identified metal piece and evaluates and forecasts an optimal purchase time for such metal pieces.

[0054] All compiled data, including the purity, structural integrity, and suitability of the metal piece for specific applications, along with the forecasted optimal purchase time, is transmitted to the user interface. The user interface also displays a notification of the completion of the testing sequence, sent by the microcontroller for notifying the user regarding the completion of the test sequence. If the imaging unit 110 detects the metal piece is an ornament, the microcontroller regulates the testing sequence to prevent damage to the ornament.

[0055] Lastly, 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 electrode 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.

[0056] The present invention work best in the following manner, where the housing 101 with the plate 102 for receiving the metal piece that is linked wirelessly to the computing unit with the user interface for initiating the comprehensive testing sequence. The microcontroller activates the sensing module 103 comprising the weight sensor and the laser sensor to measure the weight and dimensions for initial density calculation. The gripping unit 104 via the extendable rod 105 submerges the metal piece in the water-filled chamber 106, where the graduated cylinder 107 connected to the tray 108 collects displaced water through the conduit 109 and the imaging unit 110 with the OCR module reads the volume for accurate density determination. The expandable flap 111 with the heating coil 113 and linear actuator 112 applies controlled compressive force and heat for assessing structural integrity and thermal expansion, monitored by the imaging unit 110. The three-finger motorized gripper 114 manipulates the metal piece for the scratch test against the black stone 116 on the circular disc 117 to detect streak color for authenticity verification. The pair of clamps 118 with motorized ball and socket joints 120 hold the multi-meter probes to measure electrical conductivity before and after dipping the metal piece into the mild acidic solution using the gripper 114. The X-ray fluorescence (XRF) spectroscopy module 122 identifies material composition, synchronized with market data for forecasting optimal purchase timing. Additionally, the level sensors in the chamber 106 and vessel 121 is for monitoring fluid levels, the speaker unit 123 for audio alerts, the pressure sensors on the flap 111 for uniform force detection, the temperature sensor for thermal control, and the suction cups 124 to stabilize the device on the surface.

[0057] 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 metal piece quality assessment device, comprising:

a) a housing 101 installed with a plate 102 configured to receive a metal piece, wherein a user interface is installed in a computing unit wirelessly linked with the housing 101 that is accessed by a user to provide input for initiating a comprehensive testing sequence for the metal piece;
b) a microcontroller is linked with a processing unit of the computing unit for processing the input to activate a sensing module 103 including a weight sensor and a laser sensor, installed on the plate 102 for measuring weight and dimensions of the metal piece, wherein the measured weight and dimensions are processed by the microcontroller to gauge a baseline density of the metal piece;
c) a gripping unit 104 installed in the housing 101 via an extendable rod 105, for grasping the metal piece to submerge in a water-filled chamber 106 located in the housing 101, wherein a graduated cylinder 107 is connected with a tray 108 arranged at a bottom portion of the chamber 106, through a conduit 109 for collecting the displaced water, which is read by an artificial intelligence-abased imaging unit 110 paired with an OCR (Optical Character Recognition) module, installed on the housing 101 to determine the volume of the metal piece, for calculating density of the metal piece;
d) an expandable flap 111 suspended from a ceiling portion of the housing 101 via a linear actuator 112, configured to apply controlled compressive force to the metal piece, wherein the imaging unit 110 monitors the metal piece for assessing condition of the metal piece, for enabling evaluation of structural integrity of the metal piece, while a heating coil 113 is integrated in the flap 111 to apply controlled heat to the metal piece, for thermal expansion analysis;
e) a three-finger motorized gripper 114 mounted on an extendable bar 115 installed in the housing 101, configured to hold and manipulate the metal piece for a scratch test against a black stone 116 mounted on a circular disc 117, wherein the imaging unit 110 monitors the metal piece for detecting color of the streaks formed on the stone 116, to determine authenticity;
f) a pair of clamps 118 arranged in the housing 101, each via an extendable link 119 with a motorized ball and socket joint 120, for holding probes of a multi-meter, to interact the probes with the metal piece for enabling measurement of electrical conductivity of the metal piece before and after exposure to a mild acidic solution stored in a vessel 121 installed in the housing 101, wherein, the metal piece is manipulated by the gripper 114 for dipping/removing in/from the solution; and
g) an X-ray fluorescence (XRF) spectroscopy module 122 is installed in the housing 101, configured to measure the material composition of the metal piece to identify exact type of the metal piece, wherein the microcontroller fetches market data trends from a linked server to evaluate and forecast an optimal purchase time for the identified metal pieces, that are transmitted to the user interface, along with notification of completion of the testing sequence and purity, structural integrality and suitability of the metal piece for specific applications.

2) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the XRF is further synced with the imaging unit 110 to evaluate a karat value of the metal piece, in case the identified metal piece is a gold piece.

3) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the imaging unit 110 is configured to detect ornaments, based on which the microcontroller regulates the testing sequence, to prevent damage to the ornament.

4) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a level sensor is installed in the chamber 106, and vessel 121 to monitor the quantity of water and acidic solutions, ensuring suitability for submerging the metal piece.

5) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a speaker unit 123 is installed on the housing 101 for generating audio alerts regarding receded levels of the stored water and acidic solutions.

6) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the multi-meter is configured to apply a small test current in range of microamperes to milliamperes, through the metal piece for measuring voltage drop to calculate resistance, enabling detection of conductivity.

7) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the linear actuator 112 applies a compressive force to simulate environmental stresses, including impact, heat, or wear, enabling identification of structural weaknesses such as micro-cracks or material brittleness in the metal piece.

8) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a plurality of pressure sensors is strategically placed on flap 111 to measure a uniform force applied during compression across the surface of the metal piece.

9) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a temperature sensor is integrated with the heating coil 113 to monitor temperature of the flap 111.

10) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a plurality of suction cups 124 is installed underneath the housing 101 for resisting movement of the housing 101 over the surface.