DESC:This application claims priority from provisional patent application number 202221072259 titled “Adjustable probe for insulation measurement of Submarine Battery Body” filed on 14-12-2022.

FIELD OF DISCLOSURE
[0001] The field of the invention relates to automated drive systems and method. More specifically, the invention is directed toward automated drives for opening and closing valves, with a primary focus on their application within the context of dock gate operations for the precise and efficient control of valves.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0002] Valve control is a critical aspect of numerous industries, including maritime operations, building management, and industrial processes. The conventional methods of manually operating valves are often time-consuming, labour-intensive, and prone to inefficiencies. To address these challenges, the present invention introduces an automated drive system that revolutionizes valve control, particularly within the scope of dock gate operations and associated applications.
[0003] In the maritime industry, dock gate operations involve the precise control of water levels within dock facilities, ensuring safe passage for vessels. This process often necessitates the manipulation of large valves and gates, which traditionally rely on manual labour. The invention offers an automated drive system that simplifies and streamlines these operations, reducing the time and effort required for opening and closing valves in dock gate systems. By doing so, it enhances efficiency and minimizes the margin of error associated with manual control.
[0004] Furthermore, the scope of this invention extends to applications outside the maritime sector. It encompasses the operation of large gates in residential and commercial buildings, such as garage doors, entrance gates, and security barriers. Additionally, the invention is relevant for shipboard applications, including the control of large valves used in various fluid management systems on vessels.
[0005] The novel features and materials incorporated into this automated drive system distinguish it from existing valve control mechanisms. These innovative design features contribute to increased reliability, precision, and safety in valve operations, making it a unique and effective solution to the challenges faced by a wide range of industries.
[0006] The automated drive system for valve control described in this patent application represents a significant advancement in the field, with the potential to greatly enhance the efficiency and reliability of valve control processes in diverse applications, from dock gate operations to building management and maritime engineering.
SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0007] The following is a summary description of illustrative embodiments of the invention. It is provided as a preface to assist those skilled in the art to more rapidly assimilate the detailed design discussion which ensues and is not intended in any way to limit the scope of the claims which are appended hereto in order to particularly point out the invention.
[0008] According to illustrative embodiments, the present disclosure focuses on the creation, construction, and usage of equipment or tools for use in medical operations involving the reshaping or modification of cartilage in the human body.
[0009] An objective of the present invention is to allow users to access confined or distant areas that would be otherwise challenging to reach.
[0010] Users can accomplish tasks more efficiently, potentially reducing the time and effort required for certain applications.
[0011] In light of the above, in one aspect of the present disclosure, a method for automated drive control for dock gate operations and valve control is disclosed. The method includes providing an electric motor, a reduction gearbox, two bevel gears, a key material, sixteen nuts and bolts, four angle plates (50*20 mm), a locking hub, and two limit switches. The method also includes assembling components to create an automated drive unit. The method also includes configuring a control unit to operate the electric motor based on input signals from said limit switches. The method also includes operatively connecting said automated drive system to a dock gate assembly for automated dock gate operations and to a valve assembly for automated valve control.
[0012] In one embodiment, the method further comprising using said key material to securely fasten said bevel gears to said electric motor and reduction gearbox.
[0013] In one embodiment, the method further comprising using said nuts and bolts to assemble and secure the components of the automated drive system.
[0014] In one embodiment, the method further comprising using four angle plates (50*20 mm) for structural support and alignment of said electric motor, reduction gearbox, and bevel gears.
[0015] In one embodiment, the method further comprising using a locking hub to provide additional mechanical stability to the assembly.
[0016] In one embodiment, the method further comprising using said limit switches to detect the position of the dock gate and provide feedback to the control unit for precise operation.
[0017] In light of the above, in one aspect of the present disclosure, an automated drive control system is disclosed. The system includes a dock gate assembly. The system also includes an electric motor, reduction gearbox, and bevel gears are operatively connected to said dock gate assembly to facilitate automated opening and closing of the dock gate. The system also includes a locking hub to provide additional mechanical stability to the assembly. The system also includes limit switches are configured to detect the position of the dock gate and provide feedback to the control unit for precise.
[0018] In one embodiment, the system also includes a valve assembly, wherein said electric motor, reduction gearbox, and bevel gears are operatively connected to said valve assembly to enable automated control of valve positions.
[0019] In one embodiment, nuts and bolts are used to assemble and secure the components of the system.
[0020] In one embodiment, four angle plates (50*20 mm) used for structural support and alignment of said electric motor, reduction gearbox, and bevel gears.
[0021] These and other advantages will be apparent from the present application of the embodiments described herein.
[0022] The preceding is a simplified summary to provide an understanding of some embodiments of the present invention. This summary is neither an extensive nor exhaustive overview of the present invention and its various embodiments. The summary presents selected concepts of the embodiments of the present invention in a simplified form as an introduction to the more detailed description presented below. As will be appreciated, other embodiments of the present invention are possible utilizing, alone or in combination, one or more of the features set forth above or described in detail below.
[0023] These elements, together with the other aspects of the present disclosure and various features are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed hereto and form a part of the present disclosure. For a better understanding of the present disclosure, its operating advantages, and the specified object attained by its uses, reference should be made to the accompanying drawings and descriptive matter in which there are illustrated exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0024] To describe the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present disclosure or in the prior art more clearly, the following briefly describes the accompanying drawings required for describing the embodiments or the prior art. Apparently, the accompanying drawings in the following description merely show some embodiments of the present disclosure, and a person of ordinary skill in the art can derive other implementations from these accompanying drawings without creative efforts. All of the embodiments or the implementations shall fall within the protection scope of the present disclosure.
[0025] The advantages and features of the present disclosure will become better understood with reference to the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawing, in which:
[0026] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of an automated drive control system, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure disclosed herein;
[0027] FIG. 2 illustrates a schematic view of an automated drive control system, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure disclosed herein;
[0028] FIG. 3-FIG. 4 provides a flow chart for an automated drive control for dock gate operations and valve control, in an exemplary embodiment of the claimed method.
[0029] Like reference, numerals refer to like parts throughout the description of several views of the drawing.
[0030] The system and method is illustrated in the accompanying drawings, which like reference letters indicate corresponding parts in the various figures. It should be noted that the accompanying figure is intended to present illustrations of exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. This figure is not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. It should also be noted that the accompanying figure is not necessarily drawn to scale.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0031] The following is a detailed description of embodiments of the disclosure depicted in the accompanying drawings. The embodiments are in such detail as to communicate the disclosure. However, the amount of detail offered is not intended to limit the anticipated variations of embodiments; on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.
[0032] In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments of the present disclosure. It may be apparent to one skilled in the art that embodiments of the present disclosure may be practiced without some of these specific details.
[0033] Various terms as used herein are shown below. To the extent a term is used, it should be given the broadest definition persons in the pertinent art have given that term as reflected in printed publications and issued patents at the time of filing.
[0034] The terms “a” and “an” herein do not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denote the presence of at least one of the referenced items.
[0035] The terms “having”, “comprising”, “including”, and variations thereof signify the presence of a component.
[0036] Referring now to FIG. 1 to FIG. 4 to describe various exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0037] An automated drive control system 100 includes a dock gate assembly. The system 100 also includes an electric motor, reduction gearbox, and bevel gears are operatively connected to said dock gate assembly to facilitate automated opening and closing of the dock gate.
[0038] The system 100 also includes a locking hub to provide additional mechanical stability to the assembly. The system 100 also includes limit switches are configured to detect the position of the dock gate and provide feedback to the control unit for precise.
[0039] In one embodiment, the system also includes a valve assembly, wherein said electric motor, reduction gearbox, and bevel gears are operatively connected to said valve assembly to enable automated control of valve positions.
[0040] In one embodiment, nuts and bolts are used to assemble and secure the components of the system. Four angle plates (50*20 mm) used for structural support and alignment of said electric motor, reduction gearbox, and bevel gears.
[0041] Angle plates are structural components that provide support and alignment for the electric motor, reduction gearbox, and bevel gears. The four angle plates, each measuring 50*20 mm, contribute to the overall stability and proper positioning of the components within the system.
[0042] The locking hub is a mechanism designed to enhance mechanical stability in the assembly. It may include features such as locking teeth or clamps to secure the relative positions of components, preventing undesired movement or misalignment during operation.
[0043] Limit switches are electrical devices used to detect the physical position of moving parts in the system. In this context, the two limit switches are strategically placed to sense specific positions of the dock gate or valve, providing feedback to the control unit. This feedback allows the control unit to make informed decisions about motor operation for precise control.
[0044] The control unit is an electronic system responsible for managing and coordinating the operation of the entire automated drive system. It receives input signals from the limit switches, processes this information, and directs the electric motor to operate accordingly. The control unit plays a crucial role in ensuring the accurate and automated control of dock gate operations and valve positions.
[0045] The electric motor is a device that converts electrical energy into mechanical energy. It serves as the prime mover in the automated drive system, generating rotational motion to drive the subsequent components.
[0046] The reduction gearbox is a mechanical device designed to reduce the speed of the electric motor's output while increasing its torque. This component plays a crucial role in adapting the motor's high-speed rotation to the optimal speed for the intended dock gate operations and valve control.
[0047] Bevel gears are a type of gear designed to transmit motion between intersecting axes. In this system, two bevel gears are employed to redirect the rotational motion from the reduction gearbox and transmit it efficiently to the dock gate assembly or valve control mechanism.
[0048] The key material serves as a means of securely fastening the bevel gears to both the electric motor and the reduction gearbox. It ensures a reliable and synchronized transfer of rotational force between these components, preventing slippage and maintaining precision in operation.
[0049] Nuts and bolts are essential fastening elements used to assemble and secure various components of the automated drive system. They provide structural integrity and stability to the entire assembly, preventing unintended disassembly during operation.
[0050] At 402, providing an electric motor, a reduction gearbox, two bevel gears, a key material, sixteen nuts and bolts, four angle plates (50*20 mm), a locking hub, and two limit switches.
[0051] At 404, assembling components to create an automated drive unit.
[0052] At 406, configuring a control unit to operate the electric motor based on input signals from said limit switches.
[0053] At 408, operatively connecting said automated drive system to a dock gate assembly for automated dock gate operations and to a valve assembly for automated valve control.
[0054] In one embodiment, the method further comprising using said key material to securely fasten said bevel gears to said electric motor and reduction gearbox.
[0055] In one embodiment, the method further comprising using said nuts and bolts to assemble and secure the components of the automated drive system.
[0056] In one embodiment, the method further comprising using four angle plates (50*20 mm) for structural support and alignment of said electric motor, reduction gearbox, and bevel gears.
[0057] In one embodiment, the method further comprising using a locking hub to provide additional mechanical stability to the assembly.
[0058] In one embodiment, the method further comprising using said limit switches to detect the position of the dock gate and provide feedback to the control unit for precise operation.
[0059] However, the scope of the invention extends beyond this specific context to encompass various other applications, including but not limited to the operation of large gates in residential and commercial buildings, as well as the manipulation of large valves on ships.
[0060] While the invention has been described in connection with what is presently considered to be the most practical and various embodiments, it will be understood that the invention is not to be limited to the disclosed embodiments, but on the contrary, is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the scope of the appended claims.
[0061] A person of ordinary skill in the art may be aware that, in combination with the examples described in the embodiments disclosed in this specification, units and algorithm steps may be implemented by electronic hardware, computer software, or a combination thereof.
[0062] The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present disclosure have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the present disclosure to the precise forms disclosed, and many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The embodiments were chosen and described to best explain the principles of the present disclosure and its practical application, and to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the present disclosure and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is understood that various omissions and substitutions of equivalents are contemplated as circumstances may suggest or render expedient, but such omissions and substitutions are intended to cover the application or implementation without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.
[0063] Disjunctive language such as the phrase “at least one of X, Y, Z,” unless specifically stated otherwise, is otherwise understood with the context as used in general to present that an item, term, etc., may be either X, Y, or Z, or any combination thereof (e.g., X, Y, and/or Z). Thus, such disjunctive language is not generally intended to, and should not, imply that certain embodiments require at least one of X, at least one of Y, or at least one of Z to each be present.
[0064] In a case that no conflict occurs, the embodiments in the present disclosure and the features in the embodiments may be mutually combined. The foregoing descriptions are merely specific implementations of the present disclosure, but are not intended to limit the protection scope of the present disclosure. Any variation or replacement readily figured out by a person skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in the present disclosure shall fall within the protection scope of the present disclosure. Therefore, the protection scope of the present disclosure shall be subject to the protection scope of the claims.
,CLAIMS:I/We claim:
1. A method (400) for an automated drive control for dock gate operations and valve control, the method comprising:
providing an electric motor, a reduction gearbox, two bevel gears, a key material, sixteen nuts and bolts, four angle plates (50*20 mm), a locking hub, and two limit switches;
assembling components to create an automated drive unit;
configuring a control unit to operate the electric motor based on input signals from said limit switches; and
operatively connecting said automated drive system to a dock gate assembly for automated dock gate operations and to a valve assembly for automated valve control.

2. The method (400) as claimed in claim 1, further comprising using said key material to securely fasten said bevel gears to said electric motor and reduction gearbox.

3. The method (400) as claimed in claim 1, further comprising using said nuts and bolts to assemble and secure the components of the automated drive system.

4. The method (400) as claimed in claim 1, further comprising using four angle plates (50*20 mm) for structural support and alignment of said electric motor, reduction gearbox, and bevel gears.
5. The method (400) as claimed in claim 1, further comprising using a locking hub to provide additional mechanical stability to the assembly.

6. The method (400) as claimed in claim 1, further comprising using said limit switches to detect the position of the dock gate and provide feedback to the control unit for precise operation.

7. An automated drive control system (100) comprising:
a dock gate assembly;
an electric motor, reduction gearbox, and bevel gears are operatively connected to said dock gate assembly to facilitate automated opening and closing of the dock gate;
a locking hub to provide additional mechanical stability to the assembly; and
limit switches are configured to detect the position of the dock gate and provide feedback to the control unit for precise.

8. The system (100) as claimed in claim 7, further comprising a valve assembly, wherein said electric motor, reduction gearbox, and bevel gears are operatively connected to said valve assembly to enable automated control of valve positions.

9. The system (100) as claimed in claim 7, wherein nuts and bolts are used to assemble and secure the components of the system.
10. The system (100) as claimed in claim 7, further comprising four angle plates (50*20 mm) used for structural support and alignment of said electric motor, reduction gearbox, and bevel gears.