Claims:1) An automated manhole cleaning device, comprising:
i) a portable body 1 configured with a first and second portion 2, 3, wherein said portions 2, 3 include at least two artificial intelligence based imaging units 4a, 4b in connection with a microcontroller for detecting location of a manhole and type of waste present inside said manhole;
ii) plurality of motorized omnidirectional wheels 5 attached on said first portion 2 and connected to said microcontroller for facilitating movement of said body 1 towards said location;
iii) at least two motorized grippers 6 attached on a primary telescopic shaft 7 arranged in said second portion 3 and operated by said microcontroller, wherein said grippers 6 hold lid of said manhole and said shaft 7 retracts back to remove lid and open said manhole;
iv) a cleaning unit installed at said second portion 3 and operated by said microcontroller, wherein said unit comprises;
a. a cover 8 attached on a secondary telescopic shaft 9 mounted in said second portion 3, wherein said cover 8 includes a suction unit 10 that helps in air-tight attachment of said cover 8 over said manhole;
b. an air filtration module embodied in said cover 8 and connected to said microcontroller, wherein based on output provided by an odor sensor fabricated in said cover 8, said module filters air to prevent exposure of foul gases outside said manhole;
c. a collection unit 11 attached to said cover 8 through a pulley arrangement 14 operated by said microcontroller, wherein said unit 11 includes a shape shifting fabric 12 convertible into a set of configurations to collect waste matter floating on surface or sludge sediment present at bottom surface said manhole;
d. a propeller 13 installed on said collection unit 11 operated by said microcontroller for displacing waste and helping in movement of said unit 11 inside waste matter so as to collect said sludge; and
e. plurality of chambers arranged within said cover 8 in association with said collection unit 11 for storing waste matter and sludge collected by said unit 11 in a segregated manner, facilitating in cleaning of said manhole.

2) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said grippers 6 and cleaning unit is attached to said second portion 3 through a rack and pinion arrangement 15 connected to said microcontroller directing movement of said grippers 6 and unit according to positioning of said manhole.

3) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said body includes a GSM (Global System for Mobile Communication) based communication module integrated within said microcontroller for connecting said body 1 to a user platform that enables a user to provide commands for guiding movement of said body 1.

4) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said pulley arrangement 14 is attached on a sliding rack present within said cover 8 connected to said microcontroller for sliding said collection unit 11 towards said chambers.

5) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said chambers include a motorized door operated by said microcontroller such that said door opens automatically when close proximity between said collection unit and door is detected by an infrared sensor fabricated in said door.

6) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said configurations include but not limited to gripper and scooper for collecting floating matter and sludge respectively.
, Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to an automated manhole cleaning device that helps in cleaning non-degradable floating matter present on surface of waste water and sewage sludge sediment present at base of a manhole for preventing blockage and ceasing the practice of manual scavenging.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Manholes are small openings paved in the middle of the road for directing water or waste towards the sewers and preventing flooding situations at the roads. The diameter of manholes is usually 4 to 5 feet wide but beyond the cover, the lid comprises adjusting rings in line with pavement grade for ensuring collection of overflowing water and directing it to the sewage lines. Accumulation of waste on roads by in appropriate waste disposal often leads to blockage in these manholes. Heavy rains cause accumulation of water which takes along the non-biodegradable waste such as sanitary remnants, plastic waste, sewage etc. into the manhole, degradation of the waste inside the manhole leads to spread of foul smell which is capable of causing health problems. The most usual way of treating clogged manholes in remove waste manually or by taking help of manual scavengers.

[0003] Manual scavenging refers to the act of cleaning sewers or waste from toilets, manholes or sewage lines using bare hands, without utilizing any equipment. The untreated human excreta along with other forms of waste is removed from the manholes by using buckets or shovels. Manual scavengers typically use buckets lined with sack and handle to remove clogging waste or deposited sludge out of the manholes. The lack of rehabilitation and employment opportunities force people to engage in activities like manual scavenging to earn for their living. The occupation of sanitation is prevalent in India, where it is intrinsically linked with the caste system. The work is considered as dehumanizing and many laws exist to stop the practice, however lack of alternative solutions leads to continuation of the practice. Thus, there is a need to find out solutions for cleaning clogged manholes for preventing employment of people as manual scavengers.

[0004] KR20110016363A discloses about a scavenger for deposits of a manhole is provided to reinforce the flux discharged with a submerged motor or pump while assembling a screw fan or perforated pipe to a side of a drain pipe connected to the lower side of a manhole. A scavenger for deposits of a manhole comprises a hanger (50), a filtering member (45), and an insertion bar (42) for a rope (41). The hanger is installed in a frame (49) which is assembled on the interior wall and bottom edge of a manhole (51). The filtering member is installed in a gunny bag (61). The insertion bar for a rope is provided on an edge of the gunny bag. An extended filtering member (45') is installed on both sides of the gunny bag, corresponding to a drain pipe. A discharge tube (63) with an insertion bar (42'') for a rope (41') is formed on the bottom of an insertion bar (42') provided in the gunny bag.

[0005] KR101914365B1 discloses about a manhole sweeper equipped with a filtration device. The manhole sweeper includes a wastewater suction pipe (21) connected to the vacuum suction device (10) and sucking wastewater from a manhole, a wastewater discharge pipe (22) for discharging wastewater sucked, And a filtration apparatus 100 connected to the sewage tank 20 to filter the wastewater flowing into the manhole and flowing the wastewater into the sewage tank 20 And a high pressure spraying part (30) connected to the sewage tank (20) and spraying sewage or washing water filled in the sewage tank (20) at a high pressure, wherein the filtering device (100) A primary filtration body 40 connected to the waste water discharge pipe 22 of the sewage tank 20 to primarily filter the wastewater discharged through the waste water discharge pipe 22 and a primary filtration body 40 communicating with the primary filtration body 40 So that the primary filtered primary wastewater is introduced by the primary filtering wastewater 40 Rimmed made is provided in the second filtering portion 50 for filtering the waste water secondary.

[0006] As per the discloses prior art mentioned above, the inventions are focused on collecting waste water from sewage, but lack in providing a way to remove non-biodegradable floating waste as well as sludge sediments accumulated at walls and base of the manhole.

[0007] In order to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks, there is a need to develop a device that helps in cleaning manhole by collecting floating waste and sludge sediment to relive manhole clogging without requiring manual intervention.

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 for helping a user in collecting waste matter floating at top surface and sludge sediment present at bottom surface of a manhole.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to develop a device for helping the user in preventing exposure of harmful gases out of the manhole during cleaning process.

[0011] Another object of the present invention is to develop a device for helping the user in collecting non-biodegradable waste and sewage sludge in a segregated manner.

[0012] Another object of the present invention is to develop a device that helps in relieving blockage of manholes, thereby helping in ceasing the practice of manual scavenging.

[0013] Yet another objective of the present invention is to develop a device that prevents severe diseases that are caused when scavengers enter the manhole for cleaning purposes.

[0014] 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

[0015] The present invention relates to an automated manhole cleaning device that helps a user in collecting different types of waste present in the manhole to prevent clogging without needing manual labor for opening and entering the manhole for cleaning purposes.

[0016] According to an embodiment of the present invention, an automated manhole cleaning device includes a portable body having a first (outer) and second (inner) portion, where the body includes at least two AI (artificial intelligence) based imaging units attached on outer and inner portions respectively for identifying location of a manhole and types of waste present in the manhole, multiple motorized omnidirectional wheels attached on the outer portion for allowing movement of body towards the manhole, at least two motorized grippers attached on a primary telescopic shaft mounted on inner portion through a rack and pinion assembly for opening lid of the manhole, a cleaning unit attached on the same assembly for allowing movement of cleaning unit to collect waste matter present in the manhole and a communication module integrated within the body for connecting the body with a user platform enabling a user to provide commands regarding cleaning operations or movement of the body.

[0017] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the cleaning unit associated with the device includes a cover attached on a secondary telescopic shaft mounted on the assembly for attain air tight attachment with opening of the manhole, an air filtration module coupled with an odor sensor arranged in the cover for filtering gases having foul smell and preventing exposure of foul gases outside the manhole, a collection unit having a shape shifting fabric attached on a pulley arrangement such that the fabric attains gripper or scooper like configuration in response to the imaging unit attached on the cover to collect non-biodegradable waste floating on waste water and sludge sediment deposited on wall and base of the manhole respectively, a propeller attached to the collection unit for helping the unit to move inside the waste matter to collect sludge and multiple containers arranged within the cover for storing waste collected by the unit in a segregated manner to prevent sewage clogging.

[0018] 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

[0019] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with regard to the following description, appended claims, and accompanying drawings where:
Figure 1 illustrates an isometric view of an automated manhole cleaning device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0020] 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.

[0021] 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.

[0022] 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.

[0023] The present invention relates to an automatic manhole cleaning device that helps a user in cleaning manhole waste to relieve clogging without the need to enter the manholes to manually remove the waste matter. The manhole waste typically includes non-biodegradable waste usually found floating on top of waste water and sludge sediment present at bottom surface of the manhole. The device helps in collecting both forms of waste and storing them in a segregated manner to relive clogging.

[0024] The device is capable of being operated through a portable computing unit installed with a user platform that enables the user in provides command regarding navigation towards manhole to be cleaned and other cleaning operations. The computing unit is wirelessly connected to the device through a GSM (Global system for mobile communication) based communication module that retrieves command provided by the platform and commands a microcontroller to generate signals for the components of the device to perform one or more functions including but not limited to waste collection and storage.

[0025] Referring to Figure 1, an isometric view of an automated manhole cleaning device is illustrated, wherein the device includes a portable body 1 having a first (outer) 2 and second (inner) 3 portions, at least two imaging units 4a, 4b, multiple omnidirectional wheels 5 present at the outer portion 2, at least two motorized grippers 6 attached on a primary telescopic shaft 7 movable through a rack and pinion mechanism 15 installed at the inner portion 3, a cleaning unit having a motorized cover 8 with suction unit 10 and attached on a secondary telescopic shaft 9, a collection unit 11 equipped with a shape shifting fabric 12 arranged on a pulley assembly 14 attached to the cover 8, a propeller 13 installed on the collection unit 11 and multiple chambers arranged within the cover 8, helping in cleaning the manhole.

[0026] When a manhole needs to be cleaned, the user provides a command through the user platform which transfers information towards the body 1 through the communication module. The body 1 is included with a GSM (global system for mobile communication) based communication module. The module is installed within the microcontroller. The GSM is basically a wireless modules that generates, transmits or decodes the data received from a cellular network, in order to establish communication. It requires a SIM (Subscriber Identity Module) card similarly used as the mobile phones to activate communication with the network. The GSM based communication module links the portable body 1 to a user platform which enables the user to select the location and specific manhole that needs to be cleaned.

[0027] The location and path towards the manhole is provided by the user platform that is transfers the information towards the microcontroller, which provides operating command towards the AI (artificial intelligence) based imaging unit 4a installed at outer portion 2 of the body 1. The imaging unit 4a captures images of the manhole and nearby surface to analyze positioning of the manhole cover as per directions provided by the microcontroller and creates a reference map to guide movement of the body accordingly. The microcontroller is pre-fed with image processing protocols involving pre-processing, feature extraction and segmentation by comparing the features with a pre-fed database. The information captured by the unit 4a is updated to the microcontroller for providing commands to regulate set of operations required for opening and cleaning the manhole.

[0028] The outer portion 2 is equipped with multiple omnidirectional wheels 5 connected with the imaging unit via microcontroller. Based on navigation provided by the imaging unit 4a, the microcontroller provides command to the wheels 5 which direct movement of the body 1 towards the manhole. The wheels 5 consist of small rolling parts attached around the circumference which entail perpendicular orientation according to the turning direction. Thus, while movement of the body, the wheels are capable of sliding smoothly to provide easy transition while changing directions of movement according to output provided by the microcontroller.

[0029] Once the body 1 has achieved close proximity with the manhole by moving through the wheels 5 and aligning itself such that the inner portion 3 of the body is aligned with the lid of manhole. The inner portion 3 is equipped with at least two grippers 6 attached on a primary telescopic shaft 7 that is mounted on a rack and pinion arrangement 15. The arrangement 15 helps in movement of the grippers 6 horizontally to attain proximity with handles present on the manhole’s cover as identified by the imaging unit 4a. The arrangement 15 includes a liner gear i.e. rack and a motorized circular gear i.e. pinion which is operated by the microcontroller to translate rotational motion into linear motion. The pinion is attached with the telescopic shaft 7 which is telescopically actuated towards the handles to enable the grippers 6 to get aligned according to positioning of the handles.

[0030] The telescopic shaft 7 is powered through a pneumatic arrangement including valve, compressor, rod, and cylinder. The rod consists of pneumatic cylinder, pneumatic valve, and piston and air compressor. A pneumatic cylinder is a cylindrical metal machine that guides a piston in a straight-line reciprocating movement in a cylinder. The cylinder is crafted with two ports (i.e. inlet and outlet) on either of the cylinder and a piston is incorporated within the cylinder in such a way that air coming through the ports forces the piston to move linearly. The pneumatic valve acts a control mechanism for alternatively allowing the flow of air through the ports in order to produce the linear motion to move the grippers 6 towards the handles. Each of the grippers 6 include at least two motorized elements that are expand or collapse according to the microcontroller to release or hold the handles. The grippers 6 collapse the elements through motorized hinge which helps in clasping the handles of the manhole cover.

[0031] Once the handles are clasped, the shaft 7 undergoes pneumatic contraction to provide pressure leading to pulling of the cover apart from the manhole, creating open space to access internal portion of the manhole. The body 1 also includes a cleaning unit attached on the same rack and pinion arrangement 15, where the unit is mounted on a secondary pinion arranged on the same rack. One the lid is pulled off, the primary shaft 7 moves horizontally to create space for the cleaning unit to attain close contact with the open space of the manhole. The cleaning unit moves horizontally along the rack and actuated towards the manhole through a secondary telescopic shaft 9 which is attached on the rack and carrying the cleaning unit towards the manhole, in association with the imaging unit and microcontroller.

[0032] The cleaning unit includes a cover 8 attached to the secondary shaft 9 which attains contact with the manhole opening to close prevent leakage of foul odor out of the manhole. The cover 8 includes a suction unit 10 which generates vacuum pressure through cup like elements present beneath the cover. Upon receiving information from the imaging unit 4b attached on the cover 8, the microcontroller activates the suction unit 10 for generating vacuum pressure and attaching the cover 8 in air-tight manner on top of the manhole.

[0033] The cover 8 also includes an air filtration module coupled with an odor sensor integrated within the cover and connected to the microcontroller for filtering gases emitting from waste present in the manhole. The sensor detects volatile compounds of foul smell by chemical reactions and generates an electrochemical output towards the microcontroller to activate the filtration module. The filtration module includes an inlet port and a high efficient particulate air (HEPA) filter for filtering volatile organic compounds that produces foul smell. The module also includes a blower that directs flow of gases towards the filter so that only filtered gases are allowed to be exposed out of the manhole in case the gases leak from interstitial spaces left between the cover 8 and manhole.

[0034] Further, the bottom portion of the cover includes a collection unit 11 that is attached on a pulley arrangement 14. The arrangement 14 comprises at least two motorized wheels with string winded around them. One of the wheels is attached to the cover 8 through a sliding rack and other wheel is equipped with a shape shifting fabric 12. Based on output provided by the microcontroller, the wheel rotates to wind/unwind the string which further rotates another wheel and leads to movement of fabric 12 vertically.

[0035] The movement of the fabric 12 is maneuvered by the microcontroller based on secondary imaging unit 4b attached on the cover. The imaging unit 4b identifies the waste falling into different categories which may include but not limited to floating waste present at surface of waste water and sludge sediment present at base of the manhole. Based on output provided by the unit 4b, the fabric 12 is capable of attaining different configurations suitable for collecting the waste. The fabric 12 is made up of a composite material fabricated with carbon fibers doped with lithium ions present on each side of a thin separator. As per electrical output generated by the microcontroller, the ions migrate from one side of the separator to another and lead to bending of the fabric leading to formation of a set of configurations which include but not limited to a gripper and scooper.

[0036] When the imaging unit 4b detects the presence of non-biodegradable floating material such as plastic waste, the microcontroller generates command to convert the fabric 12 into a gripper like configuration. The configuration helps the fabric 12 to grip and hold the waste and the fabric 12 moves upwards through the pulley arrangement. Alternatively, when the imaging unit 4b determines presence of sludge sediment deposited at base of the manhole, the propeller 13 attached to the collection unit helps in movement of the unit inside the waste matter.

[0037] The microcontroller commands the motor attached to blades of the propeller 13 to displace the waste matter that helps in pushing the unit 11 forward to attain proximity with base and sides of the manhole. Then, the microcontroller generates electrical signal towards the fabric 12 to attain scooper like configuration to collect sludge sediment present at walls and/or base of the manhole. After collection, the unit 11 is moved upwards towards the cover 8, such that the unit 11 is capable of entering core of the cover 8 where multiple chambers are present.

[0038] The cover 8 used herein is basically a cylindrical hollow form having at least two chambers configured within the hollow core. The chambers contains motorized lid which has an infrared sensor. The infrared sensor includes a light ray emitter which is incident on the unit 11 and when the unit 11 is moved towards the chamber through the sliding rack, the reflected rays are detected by the sensor which provides signal to the microcontroller. Based on configuration of the fabric 12 detected by the imaging unit 4b, the microcontroller provides commands to open the respective lid to store the floating waste and/or sludge sediment segregated in separate chambers. The collection unit 11 repeats the procedure to collect the waste until the manhole is cleaned and clog free, thus helping in maintaining cleanliness and efficient operation of sewage pipelines connected to the manhole.

[0039] In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, the chambers may include motorized shredder operated by the microcontroller for disintegrating waste collected in the chambers and creating space for storing large amount of waste within one time cleaning operation performed by the body.

[0040] 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.