Abstract: An industrial machinery inspection device, comprising a body 101 with an imaging unit 102 determining spatial orientation and capturing real-time visual data of industrial machinery, a plurality of extendable legs 104 with motorized wheels 105 placed underneath body 101 enables movement and positions near machinery, an ultrasonic sensor 106 on body 101 detects surface discontinuities and material thickness variations, an OCR module 107 on body 101 extracts alphanumeric information from machinery surfaces, an articulated hydraulic bar 108 with a sensing unit on the plate 109 for monitoring temperature, vibration, and acoustic emissions and enabling underside inspection by controlled elevation, a speaker 116 on body 101 generates alerts for detected anomalies and maintenance needs, an articulated linkage 117 with a clamp meter 118 on body 101 measures electrical current and identifies irregular consumption patterns, a microphone 120 on body 101 for receiving voice commands and detecting abnormal sounds.
Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to an industrial machinery inspection device that is capable of monitoring structural condition, operational performance, and maintenance requirements through integrated analysis of visual and measured data within industrial environments
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Assistance in machinery inspection is essential for maintaining safety, efficiency, and operational reliability in manufacturing and heavy industries. Regular inspections help identify wear and tear, potential faults, and hidden defects before they lead to costly breakdowns or accidents. Assistance from trained inspectors or diagnostic tools ensures accurate assessment of components such as motors, belts, and control arrangements. This proactive approach reduces downtime, extends equipment lifespan, and improves productivity. This also supports compliance with safety regulations and industry standards, minimizing legal and financial risks. Ultimately, effective inspection assistance safeguards workers, protects investments, and enables smooth, uninterrupted industrial operations in increasingly competitive and technology-driven environments today.
[0003] Traditionally, industrial machinery inspection relied on manual means such as visual checks, listening for abnormal sounds, and basic handheld tools like thermometers, vibration meters, and oil analysis kits. Inspectors used experience and routine checklists to detect wear, misalignment, or overheating in components. While these methods were simple and cost-effective, they had notable drawbacks. Results depended heavily on human skill and judgment, making them subjective and inconsistent. Inspections were time-consuming and could miss hidden or early-stage faults. Limited data recording made trend analysis difficult, reducing predictive maintenance capability. Additionally, manual inspections sometimes required shutdowns, leading to production losses and increased operational costs in demanding industrial environments.
[0004] US20180181136A1 discloses a system includes an inspection robot having a number of payloads, a number of arms mounted to the payloads, and a number of sleds mounted to the arms. The system includes a number of sensors, each mounted to a corresponding sled, such that the sensor is operationally coupleable to an inspection surface in contact with a bottom surface of the corresponding sled. A couplant chamber is provided within at least two of the sleds, the couplant chamber between a transducer of a sensor and the inspection surface. The system includes a biasing member for each of the arms, where the biasing member provides a down force on the corresponding sled.
[0005] WO2020185719A2 discloses an inspection robot that includes a robot body, at least two sensors, a drive module, a stability assist device and an actuator. The at least two sensors are positioned to interrogate an inspection surface and are communicatively coupled to the robot body. The drive module includes at least two wheels that engage the inspection surface. The drive module is coupled to the robot body. The stability assist device is coupled to at least one of the robot body or the drive module. The actuator is coupled to the stability assist device at a first end, and coupled to one of the drive module or the robot body at a second end. The actuator is structured to selectively move the stability assist device between a first position and a second position. The first position includes a stored position. The second position includes a deployed position.
[0006] Conventionally, many devices have been developed to inspect industrial machinery using visual monitoring, limited sensing, and manual positioning techniques, but these existing devices lack integrated multi-parameter diagnostics, adaptive positioning flexibility, and real-time intelligent analysis. These existing device also fail in detecting subsurface defects, correlate diverse operational data, or provide predictive insights.
[0007] In order to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks, there exists a need in the art to develop a device that requires to enable comprehensive condition assessment through integrated multi-parameter analysis and intelligent data processing to enhances inspection accuracy, supports predictive maintenance, and minimizes downtime. Additionally, the developed device also requires to improve operational safety, expands inspection coverage, and allows efficient evaluation under varying conditions, thereby ensuring reliable performance and optimized maintenance planning in industrial environments.
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 inspects industrial machinery to identify structural and operational issues of the machine.
[0010] Another object of the present invention is to develop a device that enables real-time monitoring and analysis of machinery conditions to support timely maintenance decisions of the machine.
[0011] Another object of the present invention is to develop a device that improves detection of surface defects, material changes, and performance irregularities during inspection of the machine.
[0012] Yet another object of the present invention is to develop a device that allows reliable collection and interpretation of visual and operational data of the machine for condition assessment.
[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 an industrial machinery inspection device that is capable of focusing on monitoring structural integrity, operational behavior, and maintenance needs through combined evaluation of visual inputs and measured data within industrial settings.
[0015] According to an aspect of the present invention, an industrial machinery inspection device, comprises a body with an imaging unit and linked with a microcontroller determines exact location and spatial orientation and captures real-time visual data, a plurality of extendable legs arranged underneath the body having motorized wheels maneuver and position the body near machinery, an ultrasonic sensor integrated with the body and synchronized with the imaging unit detects discontinuities and thickness variations while legs adjust height and wheels enable positioning, an OCR module arranged with the body and synchronized with the imaging unit extracts alphanumeric data while positioning is adjusted, an articulated hydraulic bar arranged with the body having a plate embedded with a sensing unit positions the plate to monitor operational parameters during operation and elevates machinery during non-operational state for underside inspection, a speaker arranged with the body notifies detected anomalies and requirements.
[0016] According to another aspect of the present invention, the device further comprises an articulated linkage arranged with the body having a clamp meter measures electrical current and triggers alerts via the speaker upon irregularities, a display unit arranged with the body enables authorized input upon incomplete OCR detection, the imaging unit installed by means of a spherical joint permits angular adjustment for enhanced coverage, the sensing unit works in sync with the imaging unit and comprises a temperature sensor measuring thermal conditions, a vibration sensor analyzing oscillatory patterns, a corrosion sensor detecting material degradation, a gas sensor analyzing emissions, an eddy current sensor detecting defects, and a sound sensor capturing acoustic emissions, a pressure sensor integrated with the articulated hydraulic bar monitors lifting force to maintain safety, a microphone arranged with the body receives voice commands and monitors acoustic emissions, imaging unit and sensing unit processes image and sensor data for defect detection and prediction.
[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 an industrial machinery inspection 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 an industrial machinery inspection device that is capable of examining industrial machinery, particularly for assessing physical condition, operational performance, and service requirements by analyzing visual information together with collected measurement data in industrial environments.
[0023] Referring to Figure 1, an isometric view of an industrial machinery inspection device is illustrated, comprising a body 101, an imaging unit 102 installed over the body 101 via a spherical joint 103, a plurality of extendable legs 104 arranged underneath the body 101, each having a motorized wheel 105, an ultrasonic sensor 106 integrated with the body 101, an OCR module 107 arranged with the body 101, an articulated hydraulic bar 108 having a plate 109 arranged with the body 101, a temperature sensor 110 attached to the plate 109, a vibration sensor 111 embedded in the plate 109.
[0024] Figure 1 further illustrates a corrosion sensor 112 attached to the plate 109, a gas sensor 113 embedded in the plate 109, an eddy current sensor 114 attached to the plate 109, a sound sensor 115 embedded in the plate 109, a speaker 116 arranged with the body 101, an articulated linkage 117 having a clamp meter 118 arranged with the body 101, a display unit 119 arranged with the body 101 and a microphone 120 arranged with the body 101.
[0025] The device disclosed herein comprises a body 101, which serves as the core structure for the device. The body 101 is preferably in cuboidal shape and is made from lightweight yet durable materials, including but not limited to, metals or plastics, which provide strength and rigidity. The structure ensures resistance to mechanical stress and pressure while maintaining structural stability. The cuboidal shape is favoured for ease of fabrication, efficient space utilization, and ability to support an organized component layout. The shape also simplifies maintenance and enhances cooling and safety features. Together, the choice of material and the structure’s shape ensure a robust, efficient, and adaptable body 101 for industrial machinery inspection operations.
[0026] A display unit 119 operatively linked with a microcontroller, is installed on the body 101 to enable a user to provide input commands regarding industrial machinery inspection operation. The display unit 119 consists of multiple layers, including a transparent conductive layer such as indium tin oxide (ITO) coated glass, which forms the surface that users directly touch. Beneath the layer lies a grid of electrodes, preferably made of a conductive material like copper or silver, arranged in rows and columns. When the user touches the display unit 119, the touch creates a measurable change in capacitance at the point of contact, altering the electrical field between the electrodes. This change is detected by the controller circuitry embedded within the display unit 119, which interprets the position and intensity of the touch. The controller then converts this data into digital signals representing user inputs, which are further processed by the microcontroller to initiate the industrial machinery inspection operation.
[0027] An imaging unit 102 mounted on the body 101 via a spherical joint 103 to determine an exact location and spatial orientation of an industrial machinery within a facility or an enclosure and to capture real-time visual data representative of structural and operational conditions of the industrial machinery. Upon receiving the input commands from the user, the microcontroller signals to activate the imaging unit 102 to define the location and spatial orientation of the industrial machinery. The imaging unit 102 comprises a high-resolution image sensor that converts incident light into digital signals, a lens assembly that focuses and adjusts incoming light for clarity, and an auto-focus arrangement that maintains sharp imaging across varying distances. This includes an image signal processor that enhances contrast, reduces noise, and stabilizes frames in real time. During determining the location of the machine, the microcontroller signals to actuate the spherical joint 103 to provide multi-directional movement to the imaging unit 102.
[0028] The spherical joint 103 comprises an inner spherical ball, a surrounding socket housing, and a locking collar arrangement that collectively enable multi-axis rotational movement. In operation, the spherical ball rotates freely within the socket, allowing pitch, yaw, and roll adjustments of the mounted imaging unit 102. The socket provides constrained support to maintain positional stability while permitting smooth angular motion. The locking collar is actuated to fix or release joint movement, enabling controlled positioning during inspection. Friction liners within the interface ensure smooth motion, reduced wear, and precise angular retention without backlash during operation.
[0029] A plurality of extendable legs 104, each having a motorized wheel 105 is installed beneath the body 101 to maneuver and position the body 101 in proximity to a pre-selected industrial machinery for conducting inspection and diagnostic operations. Upon detecting the position of the machine, the microcontroller signals to actuate the motorized wheel 105 to position the body 101 near the machine. The motorized wheel 105 comprises a DC motor, a reduction gearbox, a drive shaft, and a traction wheel assembly. In operation, the motor converts electrical energy into rotational motion, which is transmitted through the gearbox to regulate torque and speed. The drive shaft transfers controlled rotation to the wheel hub, enabling movement of the device body 101. The traction wheel provides surface contact for motion and grip across industrial floors. The motorized wheel 105 operates under microcontroller commands to achieve forward, reverse, and directional steering, ensuring precise and stable mobility during positioning and inspection tasks. After positioning the body 101 near machine, the microcontroller signals to actuate the extendable legs 104 to adjust the height of the body 101 with respect to the machine.
[0030] The extendable legs 104 operate through a pneumatic arrangement comprising an air compressor, air cylinder, air valves, and a piston, working together to extend and retract the extendable legs 104. The extendable legs 104 feature a nested tube arrangement, with multiple concentric hollow tubes. The air cylinder, attached at the bottom of the nested tubes, houses a piston at the top. The air cylinder has an inlet and outlet valve connected to the compressor, which compresses air drawn from the surroundings. The pressurized air from the compressor enters the inlet valve, driving the piston forward. As the piston moves, the nested tubes are sequentially extended, lengthening the extendable legs 104 to adjust the height of the body 101 for conducting inspection and diagnostic operations.
[0031] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a speed sensor is attached to the extendable leg 104 to regulate the speed of the motorized wheel 105. The speed sensor comprises a rotating encoder disc, a fixed sensing head, a signal conditioning circuit, and the output interface that is the display unit. In operation, the encoder disc rotates with the drive shaft, producing periodic interruptions or variations in signal patterns. The sensing head detects these rotational changes and converts them into electrical pulses proportional to angular velocity. The signal conditioning circuit filters and amplifies the pulse train to ensure accuracy and stability. The processed signal is then transmitted through the output interface to the microcontroller, enabling real-time measurement and regulation of motorized wheel 105 speed during operation.
[0032] An ultrasonic sensor 106 operatively synchronized with the imaging unit 102, is embedded with the body 101 to detect surface discontinuities and material thickness variations in the industrial machinery. During selective adjustment of the body 101, the microcontroller signals to activate the ultrasonic sensor 106 to determine surface discontinuities. The ultrasonic sensor 106 comprises a piezoelectric transducer, a pulse generation circuit, a receiving circuit, and a signal processing module. In operation, the pulse generator excites the piezoelectric transducer to emit high-frequency ultrasonic waves toward the target surface. The same transducer receives reflected echoes from discontinuities or material boundaries, converting mechanical vibrations into electrical signals. The receiving circuit amplifies and filters these weak signals, while the processing module calculates time-of-flight and amplitude variations to determine distance and material characteristics. The processed output is then transmitted to the microcontroller for structural analysis and inspection evaluation.
[0033] An OCR (Optical Character Recognition) module 107 operatively synchronized with the imaging unit 102, is installed with the body 101 to optically recognize and extract alphanumeric information including machine nameplates, model numbers, operational specifications, and identification codes from a surface of the industrial machinery. During selective adjustment of the body 101, the microcontroller signals to activate the OCR (Optical Character Recognition) module 107 for accurate character acquisition.
[0034] The OCR module 107 comprises an image preprocessing unit, a character segmentation engine, a feature extraction processor, and a recognition classifier. In operation, the preprocessing unit enhances captured images by improving contrast and reducing noise. The segmentation engine isolates individual characters from machine nameplates or labels. The feature extraction processor converts each character into distinct structural patterns such as edges and strokes. The recognition classifier then matches these patterns against stored character templates or learned models to identify alphanumeric text. The decoded output is converted into digital form and transmitted to the microcontroller. The microcontroller processes the combined data from the imaging unit 102 and the OCR module 107 for accurate character acquisition. Upon detection of incomplete, unrecognized, or absent identification data via the OCR module 107 and the imaging unit 102 the display unit 119 facilitate authorized personnel to input, machinery identification details and operational parameters.
[0035] An articulated hydraulic bar 108 having a plate 109 embedded with a sensing unit is installed on the body 101 to evaluate operational parameters including temperature, vibration, and acoustic emissions, and as the industrial machinery is in a non-operational state. The sensing unit mentioned herein, comprises a temperature sensor 110, a vibration sensor 111, a corrosion sensor 112, a gas sensor 113, an eddy current sensor 114, a sound sensor 115. After character acquisition, the microcontroller signals to actuate the articulated hydraulic bar 108 to position the plate 109 beneath the machinery and slightly elevate the industrial machinery within predefined structural safety limits to facilitate underside inspection and condition analysis.
[0036] The articulated hydraulic bar 108 comprises a hydraulic cylinder, a telescopic piston rod, pivoted joint assemblies, and a load-bearing plate 109 mounted at the distal end. In operation, pressurized hydraulic fluid drives the piston rod to extend or retract, enabling vertical and lateral positioning of the articulated hydraulic bar 108. The pivoted joints allow multi-directional articulation for precise alignment with machinery surfaces. The telescopic structure provides controlled reach and elevation adjustment while maintaining structural rigidity. The load-bearing plate 109 transfers applied force uniformly during contact or lifting operations, ensuring stable positioning and controlled elevation of industrial machinery within defined safety limits. Once placed, the microcontroller signals to activate the temperature sensor 110 configured to continuously measure surface and ambient thermal conditions of the industrial machinery.
[0037] The temperature sensor 110 comprises a sensing element, signal conditioning circuit, reference junction, and output interface that is the display unit. In operation, the sensing element (preferably a thermistor) changes their electrical resistance proportionally with temperature variations of the machinery surface or surrounding air. The reference junction provides a stable baseline for accurate differential measurement. The signal conditioning circuit converts resistance changes into a calibrated voltage, filtering noise and linearizing output. The processed signal is transmitted through the output interface to the microcontroller, enabling real-time monitoring of thermal conditions and detection of overheating or abnormal heat patterns to detect overheating, abnormal thermal gradients, or heat signatures indicative of frictional losses or cooling failure.
[0038] The vibration sensor 111 comprises a seismic mass, MEMS (Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems) sensing element, damping structure, signal conditioning circuit, and output interface that is the display unit. In operation, mechanical vibrations from the machinery cause displacement of the seismic mass relative to the sensing element, generating proportional electrical signals. The damping structure stabilizes motion and reduces resonance distortion for accurate readings. The signal conditioning circuit amplifies, filters, and converts raw vibration signals into usable electrical data representing amplitude, frequency, and oscillatory patterns. The processed output is transmitted via the output interface to the microcontroller for analysis of mechanical imbalance, misalignment, or structural degradation.
[0039] The corrosion sensor 112 comprises a sensing electrode array, conductive surface probe, excitation source, signal conditioning circuit, and output interface that is the display unit. In operation, the excitation source applies a controlled electrical signal across the sensing electrodes in contact with or near the metallic surface. Corrosion-induced changes such as rust, pitting, or material loss alter surface conductivity and impedance characteristics detected by the probe. The resulting variations are captured by the electrode array and converted into electrical signals. The signal conditioning circuit amplifies and filters these responses, and the processed output is transmitted to the microcontroller for corrosion assessment.
[0040] The gas sensor 113 comprises a sensing element, gas-permeable filter layer, heater element, signal conditioning circuit, and output interface that is the display unit. In operation, ambient gases from the machinery environment diffuse through the filter layer and interact with the sensing element, where chemical reactions processes cause measurable changes in electrical resistance. The heater element maintains optimal operating temperature to enhance reaction sensitivity and stability. The signal conditioning circuit amplifies and filters the resulting electrical variations, converting them into calibrated output signals. These signals are transmitted to the microcontroller for analysis of gas composition, leakage, or hazardous emissions.
[0041] The eddy current sensor 114 comprises a coil assembly, alternating current excitation source, oscillation circuit, signal detection unit, and output interface that is the display unit. In operation, the excitation source drives the coil to generate a high-frequency alternating electromagnetic field near the conductive surface of the machinery. This field induces localized eddy currents within the material, whose magnitude and distribution are affected by surface and subsurface discontinuities such as cracks or material thinning. Variations in the induced eddy currents alter the coil’s impedance and oscillation characteristics. The signal detection unit captures these impedance changes, and the conditioning circuit filters and converts them into measurable electrical signals. The processed output is then transmitted to the microcontroller for analysis of structural integrity, enabling detection of hidden defects without physical contact or penetration.
[0042] The sound sensor 115 comprises a diaphragm, piezoelectric transducer, acoustic chamber, signal conditioning circuit, and output interface that is the display unit. In operation, airborne acoustic waves generated by the machinery cause the diaphragm to vibrate in response to sound pressure variations. These mechanical vibrations are converted into electrical signals by the transducer through piezoelectric. The acoustic chamber helps focus and isolate sound input for improved sensitivity. The signal conditioning circuit amplifies, filters, and removes background noise from the raw acoustic signal. The processed output is transmitted to the microcontroller for analysis of abnormal noise patterns indicating mechanical faults or irregular operation.
[0043] A speaker 116 is installed on the body 101 to notify the user regarding the detected parameters by the sensing unit. The speaker 116 works by converting the electrical signal into the audio signal. The speaker 116 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 like the electrical signal received and used to notify the user regarding the detected structural anomalies, operational irregularities, and maintenance requirements identified via the sensing unit.
[0044] A pressure sensor is attached with the articulated hydraulic bar 108 to continuously monitor lifting force applied to the industrial machinery. The pressure sensor comprises a sensing diaphragm, piezoresistive element, pressure transmission medium, signal conditioning circuit, and output interface that is the display unit. In operation, applied hydraulic force from the articulated hydraulic bar 108 causes deformation of the sensing diaphragm proportional to pressure levels. This deformation alters the electrical resistance of the piezoresistive element. The pressure transmission medium ensures uniform force distribution across the sensing surface. The signal conditioning circuit amplifies and filters the resulting electrical variations into a stable output signal. The processed data is transmitted to the microcontroller for real-time monitoring and regulation of applied lifting force.
[0045] An articulated linkage 117 having a clamp meter 118 is installed on the body 101 to non-invasively measure electrical current flowing through power supply lines of the industrial machinery. In order to measure the power supply, the microcontroller signals to actuate the articulated linkage 117 that works in a similar manner as described above for the articulated hydraulic bar 108 to place the clamp meter 118 near the machine. Once positioned, the microcontroller signals to activate the clamp meter 118 to determine the electrical current flowing through power supply.
[0046] The clamp meter 118 comprises a split-core magnetic jaw, current transformer coil, signal conditioning circuit, and digital output interface that is the display unit. In operation, the magnetic jaw encloses the current-carrying conductor without physical contact, capturing the surrounding magnetic field generated by alternating current. This field induces a proportional current in the transformer coil. The signal conditioning circuit amplifies, rectifies, and filters the induced signal to convert this into a stable electrical representation of actual current flow. The processed output is transmitted through the interface to the microcontroller for real-time monitoring of electrical consumption and anomaly detection. Upon detection of electrical consumption exceeding predefined benchmark thresholds or irregular current fluctuations associated with the industrial machinery, the speaker 116 generates an audible alert indicating potential electrical inefficiencies or operational faults in the industrial machinery, and maintenance requirements.
[0047] A machine learning protocol is operatively integrated with the microcontroller, imaging unit 102, and sensing unit, comprising a Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) for image-based defect detection and a Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) network for time-series analysis of sensor data. The microcontroller processes captured visual inputs and sequential sensor readings to identify defect patterns, classify the operational condition of industrial machinery, and predict potential mechanical failures based on learned historical and real-time operational trends. In addition, a reinforcement learning protocol is connected with the microcontroller, imaging unit 102, and sensing unit and the machine learning framework, enabling iterative optimization of inspection sequences, enhancement of defect classification accuracy, and prioritization of maintenance actions. This continuously updates decision-making parameters by learning from feedback generated during previous inspection cycles, thereby improving predictive reliability and diagnostic precision over time.
[0048] A microphone 120 is attached to the body 101 to receive voice commands from authorized personnel and to monitor acoustic emissions of the industrial machinery to detect abnormal operational sounds. The microphone 120 first captures the voice commands given by the user. These sound waves from the captured voice commands hit the diaphragm which vibrates back and forth in response to sound waves. The back and forth movement of the diaphragm is then transferred to a capacitor connected to the microphone 120 that converts the vibrations into an electrical signal that mirrors the pattern of the sound waves. The electrical signal is sent to the microcontroller to monitor acoustic emissions of the industrial machinery to detect abnormal operational sounds including grinding, knocking, or excessive friction.
[0049] A communication module is integrated within the microcontroller to establish a wireless communication with a computing unit equipped with a user interface associated with the device. The communication module is activated by the microcontroller for establishing a wireless connection between the microcontroller and the computing unit that is inbuilt with the user-interface and accessed by the user for enabling remote monitoring and control of operations. The user interacts with the interface through a touch screen, keyboard, or other input methods available on the computing unit. The computing unit mentioned herein includes, but not limited to smartphone, laptop, and tablet.
[0050] The communication module includes a Wi-Fi (wireless fidelity) module or a GSM (global system for mobile communication) module. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the communication module mentioned herein is Wi-Fi module. The Wi-Fi module, such as the ESP8266 or ESP32, enables wireless communication by connecting the device to a local wireless network (WLAN). Internally, this includes a microprocessor, transceiver, and antenna. When powered, the module scans for available networks and establishes a connection using Service Set Identifier (SSID) and password credentials. Once connected, the module uses Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) protocols to send and receive data. The module interfaces with the microcontroller via serial communication (UART, SPI, or I2C). Commands and data are exchanged in real-time, allowing the computing unit to remotely monitor and control the device through an app or web interface over the internet or local area network (LAN).
[0051] The present invention works best in the following manner, where the body 101 with the imaging unit 102 as disclosed in the invention is activated by the microcontroller to capture real time visual information of the industrial machinery, and simultaneously determine spatial position and orientation of the machinery within the facility for accurate inspection alignment. The plurality of extendable legs 104 is then actuated under control of the microcontroller to position and stabilize the body 101 in proximity to the industrial machinery, while the motorized wheels 105 enable controlled movement and precise navigation within the inspection area. The ultrasonic sensor 106 operates in coordination with the imaging unit 102 to evaluate surface conditions and detect variations in material thickness, while maintaining continuous data flow to the microcontroller for analysis. The OCR module 107 processes captured visual data to extract and recognize machine identification details and operational markings present on the surface of the industrial machinery.
[0052] In continuation, the articulated hydraulic bar 108 is controlled by the microcontroller to position the sensing unit either in contact or in close proximity to the industrial machinery during operation, and to adjust positioning beneath the machinery during non-operational states for underside assessment within safe limits. The sensing unit continuously collects operational parameters including temperature, vibration, acoustic emissions, and related physical conditions, and transmits the data to the microcontroller for processing. The articulated linkage 117 enables the clamp meter 118 to measure electrical current flow in non-invasive manner, and any abnormal readings are processed by the microcontroller to generate alerts through the speaker 116. The microphone 120 captures acoustic signals and voice inputs, which are processed for detection of abnormal operational sounds and user commands. The display unit 119 enables manual input and verification of machinery details when required, while the communication module ensures transfer of processed information to external devices for remote monitoring.
[0053] 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 industrial machinery inspection device, comprising:
i) a body 101;
ii) an imaging unit 102 installed over the body 101 and linked with a microcontroller to determine an exact location and spatial orientation of an industrial machinery within a facility or an enclosure and to capture real-time visual data representative of structural and operational conditions of the industrial machinery;
iii) a plurality of extendable legs 104 arranged underneath the body 101, each having a motorized wheel 105 at an end thereof to maneuver and position the body 101 in proximity to a pre-selected industrial machinery for conducting inspection and diagnostic operations;
iv) an ultrasonic sensor 106 integrated with the body 101 and operatively synchronized with the imaging unit 102 to detect surface discontinuities, and material thickness variations, in the industrial machinery, while the legs 104 selectively extend and retract in a controlled manner to adjust height of the body 101 in relative to the industrial machinery, and the wheels 105 simultaneously maneuverer the body 101 for accurate inspection;
v) an OCR (Optical Character Recognition) module 107 arranged with the body 101 and operatively synchronized with the imaging unit 102 to optically recognize and extract alphanumeric information including machine nameplates, model numbers, operational specifications, and identification codes from a surface of the industrial machinery, while the legs 104 extend or retract to position the body 101 accurately for accurate character acquisition;
vi) an articulated hydraulic bar 108 arranged with the body 101 having a plate 109 embedded with a sensing unit at an end thereof, wherein as the industrial machinery is in an operational state, the plate 109 is positioned in contact with or in proximity to the base region by the bar 108, and the sensing unit monitors operational parameters including temperature, vibration, and acoustic emissions, and as the industrial machinery is in a non-operational state, the bar 108 places the plate 109 underneath the machinery and slightly elevate the industrial machinery within predefined structural safety limits to facilitate underside inspection and condition analysis;
vii) a speaker 116 arranged with the body 101 to notify the user regarding the detected structural anomalies, operational irregularities, and maintenance requirements identified via the sensing unit; and
viii) an articulated linkage 117 arranged with the body 101 having a clamp meter 118 at an end to non-invasively measure electrical current flowing through power supply lines of the industrial machinery, wherein upon detection of electrical consumption exceeding predefined benchmark thresholds or irregular current fluctuations associated with the industrial machinery, the speaker 116 generates an audible alert indicating potential electrical inefficiencies or operational faults in the industrial machinery, and maintenance requirements.
2) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a display unit 119 is arranged with the body 101 to facilitate authorized personnel to input, machinery identification details and operational parameters, upon detection of incomplete, unrecognized, or absent identification data via the OCR module 107 and the imaging unit 102.
3) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the imaging unit 102 is installed by means of a spherical joint 103 that permits multi-directional angular adjustment and rotational freedom to expand a field of view and enhance visual inspection coverage without repositioning the body 101.
4) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the sensing unit works in sync with the imaging unit 102 and comprises:
a) a temperature sensor 110 configured to continuously measure surface and ambient thermal conditions of the industrial machinery to detect overheating, abnormal thermal gradients, or heat signatures indicative of frictional losses or cooling failure;
b) a vibration sensor 111 configured to measure vibration amplitude, frequency spectrum, and oscillatory patterns to identify mechanical imbalance, bearing degradation, shaft misalignment, or structural instability;
c) a corrosion sensor 112 configured to detect and quantify formation of rust, pitting, or surface material loss on metallic portions of the industrial machinery by measuring changes in surface conductivity, material thickness, or corrosion-induced surface characteristics to assess progressive structural degradation;
d) a gas sensor 113 configured to analyze concentration, density, and composition of emitted gases to identify leakage, incomplete combustion, or hazardous emissions;
e) an eddy current sensor 114 configured to generate and monitor electromagnetic field variations to detect surface and subsurface cracks, discontinuities, or conductive material defects without physical penetration; and
f) a sound sensor 115 configured to capture and analyze acoustic emissions of the industrial machinery to identify abnormal noise patterns indicative of mechanical faults.
5) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a pressure sensor is integrated with the articulated hydraulic bar 108 to continuously monitor lifting force applied to the industrial machinery and to regulate hydraulic actuation within predefined safety thresholds to prevent structural damage.
6) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a microphone 120 is arranged with the body 101 to receive voice commands from authorized personnel and to monitor acoustic emissions of the industrial machinery to detect abnormal operational sounds including grinding, knocking, or excessive friction.
7) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a machine learning protocol comprising a Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) for image-based defect detection and a Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) network for time-series sensor data analysis is operatively linked with the microcontroller, imaging unit 102 and the sensing unit, the protocol being configured to process captured images and sequential sensor data to identify defect patterns, classify machinery conditions, and predict potential mechanical failures based on learned operational trends.
8) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a reinforcement learning protocol is operatively linked with the microcontroller imaging unit 102, the sensing unit, and the machine learning protocol, to iteratively refine inspection sequencing, defect classification accuracy, and maintenance prioritization by receiving feedback from previous inspection outcomes and updating decision parameters to improve predictive reliability and diagnostic precision over successive inspection cycles.
9) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a communication module is integrated within the microcontroller for establishing a wireless communication with a computing unit inbuilt with a user interface associated with the device, enabling remote access and monitoring.