Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to an engine piston cylinder sleeve manufacturing device that is capable of securely holding a pipe and accordingly performing cutting operation on the pipe as per a user-specified dimensions and parameters of engine piston cylinder sleeve to be manufactured in a precise and automated manner.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Engine piston cylinder sleeves, also known as cylinder liners, are cylindrical components that fit into the engine block of an internal combustion engine. They serve as the surface within which the engine's pistons move up and down during combustion. The sleeves provide a durable and wear-resistant surface for the pistons, helping to maintain compression and prevent the engine block from wearing out over time. They are crucial in ensuring the efficient operation of the engine, as they help to minimize friction, manage heat, and maintain proper sealing within the cylinder.

[0003] Traditionally, the manufacturing of engine piston cylinder sleeves has relied heavily on manual methods or semi-automated machinery. These methods typically involve multiple separate processes, including manually securing the pipe, setting up the cutting tools, and performing measurements to ensure the sleeve meets the required specifications. Such approaches are labor-intensive, time-consuming, and prone to human error, which can lead to inconsistencies in product quality. Thus, the present invention overcomes these limitations by ensuring precise control over every aspect of the manufacturing process. This not only improves the accuracy and quality of the final product but also significantly reduces production time, labor costs, and material waste, offering a more reliable and cost-effective solution for cylinder sleeve manufacturing.

[0004] JPS61123488A discloses about a a cylinder sleeve provided with a large diameter collar part on one end of a thin wall cylinder by rotating a cylindrical collar part base material, bringing a cylindrical base material having a piston hole to a friction welding to its end face, and thereafter, bringing the collar part base material to a cut-off working. CONSTITUTION: A cylinder sleeve 42 consists of a cylindrical part 44 and a collar part 45 provided on its one end. First of all, in the first process, a cylindrical part base material B for constituting the cylinder sleeve is brought to a friction welding to the end face of a comparatively long cylindrical collar part base material A used for forming many pieces. Subsequently, in the second process, the collar part base material A is separated independently by bringing it to a cut-off working by a cutting tool C at a position separated by a pre scribed distance (t) from a joint part. Accordingly, comparing with the case when a thin cylindrical part and the collar part of a thick wall are cut out of the cast iron pipe of the thick wall, a small cutting allowance is enough, also the material is not deformed owing to the friction welding and the long collar part base material, and the cylinder sleeve having a high accuracy is obtained. Although, JPS’448 is capable of producing a cylinder sleeve with high accuracy by minimizing cutting allowance, however the device relies heavily on manual intervention and also fails to detect presence of corrosion of the pipe before manufacturing the sleeve.

[0005] CN102416457A discloses about an opening and closing mold for manufacturing a split cylinder liner blank body, and belongs to the technical field of manufacturing of engine cylinder liner blank bodies. The mold consists of a locking mold frame, an upper half mold, a lower half mold, a flange plate, a conical sleeve, a rotating pin, an upper joint and a lower joint, wherein the flange plate is arranged at one end of the locking mold frame; the upper joint and the lower joint are arranged on the rotating pin in the locking mold frame and connected with the upper half mold and the lower half mold; concave annular grooves consistent with the external surface of the cylinder liner blank body are formed on the inner walls of the upper half mold and the lower half mold; and an upper mold opening slide rail and a lower mold opening slide rail are formed on the outer walls of the upper half mold and the lower half mold. The upper half mold and the lower half mold are pushed to move forwards and be opened in a rotating mode by the upper joint and the lower joint, so that the problems that the conventional cylinder liner blank body can only be made into a hollow cylinder with taper by a whole pouring mold, machining allowance is high, machining yield is low, raw materials are wasted and only a single blank piece is manufactured are solved. A demolding structure is simple, and the mold is low in manufacturing cost and convenient to maintain. Although, CN’457 is capable of manufacturing of cylinder liner blanks, however the device relies on manual intervention for manufacturing the cylinder liner and also fails to detect presence of corrosion of the pipe before manufacturing the sleeve.

[0006] Conventionally, many devices have been developed for the manufacturing of cylinder liners, however, these traditional devices typically rely heavily on manual intervention, requiring operators to manually secure the pipe, set up the cutting tools, and monitor the process throughout the production. Additionally, these conventional devices fail to detect the presence of corrosion on the pipe before beginning the manufacturing process, which lead to the use of compromised materials and result in substandard cylinder sleeves.

[0007] In order to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks, there exists a need in the art to develop a device that automates the entire manufacturing process of cylinder liners, reducing reliance on manual intervention and enhancing the precision and consistency of the final product.

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 securely hold a pipe and accordingly performing cutting operation on the pipe as per a user-specified dimensions and parameters of engine piston cylinder sleeve to be manufactured in a precise and automated manner.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to develop a device that detects and alert user regarding the presence of corrosion on pipes, ensuring that only suitable and undamaged pipes are used in the manufacturing process.

[0011] Yet another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is reliable, user-friendly and easy-to-operate.

[0012] The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become readily apparent upon further review of the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0013] The present invention relates to an engine piston cylinder sleeve manufacturing device that is designed to securely hold the pipe, perform accurate cutting and material removal operations based on user-specified dimensions, and detect any corrosion or material defects before beginning the manufacturing process.

[0014] According to an embodiment of the present invention, an engine piston cylinder sleeve manufacturing device comprises of a cuboidal housing having four telescopic rods attached underneath the housing and provided with motorized omnidirectional wheels for locomotion of the housing, a storage container in the housing having plurality of partitions for storing pipes, a pair of telescopic grippers provided within the housing for fetching and gripping a pipe placed in the housing from which the sleeve is to me manufactured, a touch-enabled display provided on the housing for enabling the user to provide touch input regarding inputting dimensions and parameters of sleeve to be manufactured, a corrosion sensor embedded in the housing detects corrosion on the pipe, a speaker provided on the housing to generate an audio alert regarding changing the pipe on positively detecting the corrosion, an L-shaped telescopic link having a motorized cutting wheel at an end, installed in the housing via a primary ball and socket joint, for cutting pipe, a motorized expansion pulley provided on the housing for internally gripping the pipe and rotating the pipe, an L-shaped telescopic bar having a turning tool bit at an end, installed in the housing via a secondary ball and socket joint for removing material from inner surface, outer surface and edges of the pipe for achieving user inputted dimensions, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit, in synchronization with an ultrasonic sensor provided in the housing to determine dimensions and surface imperfections of the pipe gripped by the expansion pulley, a microphone provided on the housing for receiving an audio command from the user regarding cutting the pipe and a battery associated with the device for powering up electrical and electronically operated components associated with the device.

[0015] 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

[0016] 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 engine piston cylinder sleeve manufacturing device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0017] 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.

[0018] 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.

[0019] 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.

[0020] The present invention relates to an engine piston cylinder sleeve manufacturing device that is designed to securely hold a pipe and perform cutting operations on it according to user-specified dimensions and parameters. The device also enables precise and automated production of cylinder sleeves, ensuring accuracy and efficiency throughout the manufacturing process.

[0021] Referring to Figure 1, an isometric view of an engine piston cylinder sleeve manufacturing device is illustrated, respectively comprising a cuboidal housing 101 positioned on a ground surface, a storage container 102 positioned in the housing 101, a pair of telescopic grippers 103 provided within the housing 101, a touch-enabled display 104 provided on the housing 101, a speaker 105 provided on the housing 101, an L-shaped telescopic link 106 having a motorized cutting wheel at an end, installed in the housing 101 via a primary ball and socket joint, a motorized expansion pulley 107 provided on the housing 101, an L-shaped telescopic bar 108 having a turning tool bit at an end, installed in the housing 101 via a secondary ball and socket joint, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 109 provided in the housing 101 and a microphone 110 provided on the housing 101.

[0022] The proposed device herein comprises of a cuboidal housing 101 equipped with four telescopic rods affixed to the underside of the housing 101. The housing 101 is constructed from a durable, high-strength material such as aluminum or reinforced polymer. These materials are chosen for their excellent strength-to-weight ratio, ensuring that the housing 101 is both robust and lightweight. Each of the rod is fitted with motorized omnidirectional wheels, which enable the housing 101 to move seamlessly in any direction. The housing 101 is a configured with a storage container 102 having plurality of partitions for storing pipes.

[0023] A user is required to press a push button integrated with the device, such that when the user presses the push button, it initiates an electrical circuit mechanism. Inside the push button, there is a spring-loaded contact mechanism that, under normal circumstances, maintains an open circuit. When the button is pressed, it compresses the spring, causing the contacts to meet and complete the circuit. This closure then sends an electrical signal to an inbuilt microcontroller associated with the device to either power up or shut down. Conversely, releasing the button allows the spring to return to its original position, breaking the circuit and sending the signal to deactivate the device.

[0024] Upon activation of the device, the microcontroller activates a pair of telescopic grippers 103 provided within the housing 101 for fetching and gripping the pipe. The telescopic gripper 103 is linked to a pneumatic unit, including an air compressor, air cylinders, air valves and piston which works in collaboration to aid in extension and retraction of the gripper 103. The pneumatic unit is operated by the microcontroller. Such that the microcontroller actuates valve to allow passage of compressed air from the compressor within the cylinder, the compressed air further develops pressure against the piston and results in pushing and extending the piston. The piston is connected with the gripper 103 and due to applied pressure the gripper 103 extends and similarly, the microcontroller retracts the gripper 103 by closing the valve resulting in retraction of the piston. Thus, the microcontroller regulates the extension/retraction of the gripper 103 in order to fetch and grip the pipe from the storage container 102 from which the sleeve is to be manufactured.

[0025] The user is required to provide input commands via a touch-enabled display 104 provided on the housing 101 regarding dimensions and parameters of sleeve to be manufactured. The display 104 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, typically made of a conductive material like copper or silver, arranged in rows and columns. When the user touches the display 104, it 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 104, 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.

[0026] Based on the user input commands, the microcontroller activates a corrosion sensor embedded in the housing 101 to detect corrosion on the pipe. The corrosion sensor measures the changes in its electrical resistance when it is exposed with the pipe. The sensor measures an electric resistance value and transmits an output signal in the form of data to the microcontroller and the microcontroller detects the corrosion level of the pipe in accordance to which the microcontroller actuate a speaker 105 provided on the housing 101 to generate an audio alert regarding changing the pipe.

[0027] The microcontroller then actuates an L-shaped telescopic link 106 having a motorized cutting wheel at an end, installed in the housing 101 by means of a primary ball and socket joint for cutting the pipe. The telescopic link 106 operates on the same manner as that of the telescopic gripper 103 disclosed above, thus the telescopic link 106 positions the cutter in proximity to the corroded pipe. The microcontroller then actuates the cutter for cutting the pipe. The cutter is powered by a DC (direct current) motor that is capable of converting the electric current provided from an external force into mechanical force for providing the required power to the cutter, thus cutting the pipe efficiently.

[0028] The housing 101 is provided with a motorized expansion pulley 107 for internally gripping the pipe. The expandable pulley 107 works on a mechanism such that the pulley 107 changes its size while maintaining its circular shape. The pulley 107 arrangement is powered by a DC (Direct Current) motor to actuate the arrangement, aiding in expansion or retraction of the arrangement that in turn expands to form a cavity as per the dimension of the pipe for securing the pipe.

[0029] An L-shaped telescopic bar 108 is mounted within the housing 101 using a secondary ball and socket joint, which allows for flexible movement and positioning. At the end of this bar 108 is a turning tool bit designed to remove material from inner surface, outer surface and edges of the pipe. The secondary ball and socket joint provides a 360-degree rotation to the turning tool for aiding the turning tool to turn at a desired angle. The ball and socket joint is a coupling consisting of a ball joint securely locked within a socket joint, where the ball joint is able to move in a 360-dgree rotation within the socket thus, providing the required rotational motion to the turning tool. The ball and socket joint is powered by a DC (direct current) motor that is actuated by the microcontroller thus providing multidirectional movement to the turning tool to remove material from inner surface, outer surface and edges of the pipe for achieving user-desired dimensions.

[0030] An artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 109 in synchronization with an ultrasonic sensor provided in the housing 101 determine dimensions and surface imperfections of the pipe gripped by the expansion pulley 107. The imaging unit 109 comprises of an image capturing arrangement including a set of lenses that captures multiple images of the surroundings, and the captured images are stored within a memory of the imaging unit 109 in form of an optical data. The imaging unit 109 also comprises of a processor that is integrated with artificial intelligence protocols, such that the processor processes the optical data and extracts the required data from the captured images. The extracted data is further converted into digital pulses and bits and are further transmitted to the microcontroller.

[0031] Simultaneously the microcontroller actuates the ultrasonic sensor, wherein the ultrasonic sensor works by generating ultrasonic waves, wherein the waves hit the pipe and are diffracted back. The diffracted waves are received by a receiver integrated within the sensor. The pattern of the received waves gets converted into an analog value which is further converted into an electrical signal, wherein the electrical signal is send to the microcontroller.

[0032] The microcontroller then processes the received signal both from the imaging unit 109 and the ultrasonic sensor, thus determining dimensions and surface imperfections of the pipe gripped by the expansion pulley 107. Based on which the microcontroller actuate motor of the expansion pulley 107 to rotate and the bar 108 and the secondary ball and socket joint to contact the rotating pipe surfaces to remove material from the pipe surfaces to achieve the dimensions and eliminate surface imperfections.

[0033] The housing 101 is integrated with a microphone 110 for receiving an audio command from a user regarding cutting of pipe. The microphone 110 consists of a diaphragm, typically made of a thin, flexible material such as metal or plastic. When sound waves reach the microphone 110, they cause the diaphragm to vibrate. These vibrations are directly proportional to the variations in air pressure caused by the sound waves. The diaphragm is coupled to a coil of wire, as the diaphragm vibrates, the coil moves within a magnetic field, inducing an electric current in the wire. This current is proportional to the amplitude and frequency of the sound waves. The electrical signal generated by the diaphragm-coil is transmitted to the microcontroller. Upon receiving signals via the microphone 110, the microcontroller initiates actuation of the ultrasonic sensor to detect dimensions of the pipe to actuate the link 106 and the primary ball and socket joint to articulate the cutting wheel to cut the pipe as per the inputted dimensions.

[0034] The device is associated with a battery for providing the required power to the electronically and electrically operated components including the microcontroller, electrically powered sensors, motorized components and alike of the device. The battery within the device is preferably a lithium-ion-battery which is a rechargeable battery and recharges by deriving the required power from an external power source. The derived power is further stored in form of chemical energy within the battery, which when required by the components of the device derive the required energy in the form of electric current for ensuring smooth and proper functioning of the device.

[0035] The present invention works best in the following manner, where the cuboidal housing 101, equipped with four telescopic rods and motorized omnidirectional wheels, allows the device to be maneuvered easily across different work environments. Within this housing 101, the storage container 102 holds various pipes, which are selected for the manufacturing process. The telescopic grippers 103 then retrieve and secure the pipe, while the touch-enabled display 104 provides an interface for users to input specific dimensions and parameters for the sleeve. Upon input, the corrosion sensor detects any potential rust or damage on the pipe, triggering an audio alert if replacement is necessary. Once the pipe is deemed suitable, the L-shaped telescopic link 106, fitted with the motorized cutting wheel, cuts the pipe to the required length. The motorized expansion pulley 107 then rotates the pipe, enabling the L-shaped telescopic bar 108 with a turning tool bit to accurately remove material from the pipe's inner surface, outer surface, and edges. This process ensures that the pipe meets the user-specified dimensions. The imaging unit 109, in conjunction with the ultrasonic sensor, monitors the pipe's dimensions and surface quality, providing real-time adjustments to the machining process, thus manufacturing the engine piston cylinder sleeves, meeting high standards of quality and performance.

[0036] 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 engine piston cylinder sleeve manufacturing device, comprising:

i) a cuboidal housing 101 having four telescopic rods attached underneath said housing 101, wherein ends of said rods are provided with motorized omnidirectional wheels for a locomotion of said housing 101;
ii) a storage container 102 in said housing 101 having a plurality of partitions for storing of pipes;
iii) a pair of telescopic grippers 103 provided within said housing 101 for fetching and gripping a pipe placed in said housing 101, from which said sleeve is to me manufactured;
iv) a touch-enabled display 104, linked with said microcontroller, is provided on said housing 101 for enabling said user to provide touch input regarding inputting dimensions and parameters of sleeve to be manufactured;
v) a corrosion sensor embedded in said housing 101 detects corrosion on said pipe, to trigger a microcontroller to actuate a speaker 105 provided on said housing 101 to generate an audio alert regarding changing said pipe on positively detecting said corrosion;
vi) an L-shaped telescopic link 106 having a motorized cutting wheel at an end, installed in said housing 101 by means of a primary ball and socket joint, for cutting of said pipe;
vii) a motorized expansion pulley 107 provided on said housing 101 for internally gripping said pipe and rotating said pipe;
viii) an L-shaped telescopic bar 108 having a turning tool bit at an end, installed in said housing 101 by means of a secondary ball and socket joint, for removing material from inner surface, outer surface and edges of said pipe for achieving user inputted dimensions; and
ix) an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 109, in synchronization with an ultrasonic sensor provided in said housing 101, installed in said housing 101 and integrated with a processor for recording and processing images in a vicinity of said housing 101, to determine dimensions and surface imperfections of said pipe gripped by said expansion pulley 107 to trigger said microcontroller to actuate motor of said expansion pulley 107 to rotate and said bar 108 and said secondary ball and socket joint to contact said rotating pipe surfaces to remove material from said pipe surfaces to achieve said dimensions and eliminate surface imperfections.

2) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a microphone 110, linked with said microcontroller, provided on said housing 101 for receiving an audio command from said user regarding cutting said pipe to trigger said microcontroller to actuate said ultrasonic sensor to detect dimensions of said pipe to actuate said link 106 and said primary ball and socket joint to articulate said cutting wheel to cut said pipe as per said inputted dimensions.

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