INSTALLATION SYSTEM AND POSITIONING SYSTEM ASSOCIATED WITH FENCE ASSEMBLY

Abstract

An installation system for a board associated with a fence assembly includes a machine to hold the board and insert the board into at least one beam of the fence assembly. The at least one beam defines a channel that extends along a vertical axis and receives a portion of the board therein. The channel has a first size. The installation system also includes at least one guiding device coupled to the at least one beam. The at least one guiding device guides the board towards the channel. The at least one guiding device includes at least one side wall that is disposed at an oblique angle relative to the vertical axis. The at least one guiding device defines a first opening that is spaced apart from and in communication with the channel. The first opening has a second size that is greater than the first size of the channel.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to an installation system for a board associated with a fence assembly, a method of installing the board associated with the fence assembly, a positioning system for a beam associated with a fence assembly, and a method of positioning the beam associated with the fence assembly.

BACKGROUND

A fence assembly typically includes one or more beams that are arranged to build a fence around a desired location. The beam may include an I-beam, an H-beam, and the like. The fence assembly is completed by inserting one or more boards between adjacently disposed beams. Particularly, a flange of each beam defines a channel that supports a portion of the boards therein. The flanges of the beam may hold the boards in position, without the need for additional fasteners.

Generally, manual effort and/or manually operated machines are required to install the boards of the fence assembly, which may warrant increased human effort. The operator may use their skill and expertise to place the boards between the beams. During installation, the boards may fit tightly within the channel of each beam thereby having zero or minimum tolerance. However, such zero or minimum tolerances while placing the boards between the beams autonomously or semi-autonomously, via a work machine, may be a difficult task and may increase efforts required in installing the boards.

Further, in order to install the fence assembly, one or more beams are driven into the ground via a tool, such as, a pile driver. The tool includes a bracket having a slot that may receive the beam. The slot may be designed in such a way that it perfectly receives the beam. The slot of the tool may provide stability to the beam and may allow the tool to install the beam at a correct location. In some cases, operators may maneuver the beam into the slot, via a work machine, which may increase human effort and may require high skill/expertise. Alternatively, the work machine may autonomously maneuver the beam into position. However, maneuvering and positioning the beam into the slot autonomously, or with minimum human interference, may be difficult due to a design of the slot and tight tolerances.

DE2743010 discloses a lifting machine in the form of a mobile hydraulic excavator, having a derricking jib to which an interchangeable timber grapple is fixed. The grapple is in the form of log-splitting tongs, typically comprising dish sections hinging on a central girder and actuated by rams. The dish sections have pointed splitting wedges. The girder can also have a slewing drive.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

In an aspect of the present disclosure, an installation system for a board associated with a fence assembly is provided. The installation system includes a machine to hold the board and insert the board into at least one beam of the fence assembly. The at least one beam defines a channel that extends along a vertical axis. The channel of the at least one beam receives a portion of the board therein. The channel has a first size. The installation system also includes at least one guiding device. The at least one guiding device is adapted to be coupled to the at least one beam. The at least one guiding device guides the board towards the channel. The at least one guiding device includes at least one side wall that is disposed at an oblique angle relative to the vertical axis. The at least one guiding device defines a first opening that is spaced apart from and in communication with the channel of the at least one beam. The first opening has a second size that is greater than the first size of the channel.

In another aspect of the present disclosure, a method of installing a board associated with a fence assembly is provided. The method includes providing at least one guiding device. The at least one guiding device is adapted to be coupled to at least one beam of the fence assembly. The at least one beam defines a channel that extends along a vertical axis. The channel has a first size. The at least one guiding device guides the board towards the channel. The at least one guiding device includes at least one side wall that is disposed at an oblique angle relative to the vertical axis. The at least one guiding device defines a first opening that is spaced apart from and in communication with the channel of the at least one beam. The first opening has a second size that is greater than the first size of the channel. The method also includes coupling the board with a machine. The machine holds the board and inserts the board into at least one beam of the fence assembly. The channel of the at least one beam receives a portion of the board therein. The method further includes positioning the machine proximate to the at least one beam of the fence assembly. The method includes aligning the board with the first opening of the at least one guiding device. The method also includes guiding, by the at least one side wall of the at least one guiding device, the board towards the channel of the at least one beam. The method further includes inserting, by the machine, a portion of the board into the channel of the at least one beam.

In yet another aspect of the present disclosure, a positioning system for a beam associated with a fence assembly is provided. The positioning system includes a tool including a bracket. The bracket defines a bracket slot to receive a portion of the beam therein. The bracket slot has a first size. The positioning system also includes a guiding device. The guiding device is adapted to be coupled to the bracket of the tool. The guiding device is configured to guide the beam towards the bracket slot. The guiding device includes at least one side wall that is disposed at an oblique angle relative to a portion of the bracket. The guiding device defines a first opening that is spaced apart from and in communication with the bracket slot of the bracket. The first opening has a second size that is greater than the first size of the bracket slot.

In yet another aspect of the present disclosure, a method of positioning a beam associated with a fence assembly is provided. The method includes providing a tool. The tool includes a bracket defining a bracket slot to receive a portion of the beam therein. The bracket slot has a first size. The method also includes providing a guiding device. The guiding device is adapted to be coupled with the bracket of the tool. The guiding device includes at least one side wall that is disposed at an oblique angle relative to a portion of the bracket. The guiding device defines a first opening. The guiding device is coupled to the bracket such that the first opening is spaced apart from and in communication with the bracket slot of the bracket. The first opening has a second size that is greater than the first size of the bracket slot. The method further includes aligning the beam with the first opening of the guiding device. The method includes guiding, by the at least one side wall of the guiding device, the beam towards the bracket slot. The method also includes receiving a portion of the beam within the bracket slot based on the guiding of the beam towards the bracket slot.

Other features and aspects of this disclosure will be apparent from the following description and the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of an exemplary fence assembly;

FIG. 2 is a schematic view illustrating an installation system for a board associated with the fence assembly of FIG. 1, according to an example of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3 is a schematic view of a guiding device coupled to a beam, according to an example of the present disclosure;

FIG. 4 is a schematic view illustrating a positioning system for a beam associated with the fence assembly of FIG. 1, according to an example of the present disclosure;

FIG. 5 is a schematic perspective view of a guiding device coupled to a bracket of a tool of the positioning system of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a flowchart for a method of installing the board associated with the fence assembly of FIG. 1, according to an example of the present disclosure; and

FIG. 7 is a flowchart for a method of positioning the beam associated with the fence assembly of FIG. 1, according to an example of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts.

Referring to FIG. 1, a schematic perspective view of an exemplary fence assembly 100 is illustrated. The fence assembly 100 may be disposed around a worksite to prevent entry of people or vehicles into a work zone. In other examples, the fence assembly 100 may be disposed along the sides of a road or around commercial establishments, without any limitations.

The fence assembly 100 includes one or more beams 101, 102, 103. The one or more beams 101, 102, 103 includes three beams 101, 102, 103 herein for illustrative purposes. However, the fence assembly 100 may include any number of beams based on application attributes. Each beam 101, 102, 103 may be disposed at a predetermined distance from each other. In some examples, the beam 101, 102, 103 may include an I-beam, an H-beam, a W-beam, and the like. Each of the one or more beams 101, 102, 103 defines a channel 104 that extends along a vertical axis A1. The channel 104 has a first size 106 (shown in FIG. 3). In the illustrated example of FIG. 1, the one or more beams 102, 103 includes a first beam 102 and a second beam 103 spaced apart from the first beam 102. The beam 102 will be hereinafter interchangeably referred to as “first beam 102” and the beam 103 will be hereinafter interchangeably referred to as “second beam 103”.

The fence assembly 100 also includes one or more boards 108. The one or more boards 108 are received between two adjacent beams 101, 102, 103. Particularly, the channel 104 of each beam 101, 102, 103 receives a portion of the board 108 therein. The boards 108 may be stacked between the beams 101, 102, 103 relative to the vertical axis A1. A total number of the boards 108 being disposed between two adjacent beams 101, 102, 103 may depend on a height of the beams 101, 102, 103 and a height of each board 108.

Referring to FIG. 2, a schematic view illustrating an installation system 110 for the board 108 associated with the fence assembly 100 of FIG. 1 is illustrated. The installation system 110 includes a machine 112 to hold the board 108 and insert the board 108 into one or more beams 102, 103 (see FIG. 1) of the fence assembly 100. For explanatory purposes, only the beam 102 is illustrated herein. The machine 112 is embodied as a hydraulic excavator herein. Alternatively, the machine 112 may include any other machine that may allow holding and insertion of the board 108 into the beam 102. In one example, the machine 112 may be manually operated. In other examples, the machine 112 may be semi-autonomous or autonomous.

The machine 112 includes a linkage assembly 114 and a grappler 116. The linkage assembly 114 is movably coupled to a body 118 of the machine 112. The linkage assembly 114 includes a boom 150 and a stick 152. The boom 150 is movably coupled to the body 118 and the stick 152 is movably coupled to the boom 150. The grappler 116 is coupled to the linkage assembly 114 by a pivot assembly 120. Specifically, the grappler 116 is pivotally coupled to the stick 152 via the pivot assembly 120. Thus, the pivot assembly 120 may allow the grappler 116 to pivot relative to the stick 152 during installation of the board 108. The machine 112 further includes a hydraulic actuator 111 coupled to the linkage assembly 114. The hydraulic actuator 111 may allow the grappler 116 to be positioned in a desired orientation relative to the stick 152.

The grappler 116 includes a pair of arms 122. Each of the pair of arms 122 defines a first end 124 and a second end 126. Each of the pair of arms 122 is coupled to the pivot assembly 120 at corresponding first ends 124. Each of the pair of arms 122 engages with the board 108 at corresponding second ends 126. In other words, the second ends 126 of each of the pair of arms 122 hold the board 108 and insert the board 108 into the beam 102 of the fence assembly 100. Each of the pair of arms 122 includes a ball and socket joint 125 at corresponding second ends 126.

The machine 112 also includes an operator cabin 128. The machine 112 further includes a hood 130 and a power source (not shown) disposed within the hood 130. The power source may include an engine, such as, an internal combustion engine, a battery system, a fuel cell, and the like. The power source may provide power to various components of the machine 112 for operational and mobility requirements. The machine 112 includes a pair of tracks 132. The pair of tracks 132 provide support and mobility to the machine 112 on grounds. Alternatively, the machine 112 may include wheels instead of the tracks 132. If the machine 112 is an autonomous work machine, the operator cabin 128 may be omitted.

With reference to FIG. 3, the installation system 110 includes one or more guiding devices 134, 136. The one or more guiding devices 134, 136 are coupled to the one or more beams 102, 103. The one or more guiding devices 134, 136 guide the board 108 (see FIGS. 1 and 2) towards the channel 104. It should be noted that each beam 102, 103 includes a corresponding guiding device 134, 136. In some examples, the guiding device 134, 136 may be removably coupled to the beam 102, 103 via mechanical fasteners. In other examples, the guiding device 134, 136 may be fixedly coupled to the beam 102, 103 via joining techniques, such as, welding, soldering, brazing, and the like.

The guiding device 134, 136 includes one or more side walls 142, 144 that are disposed at an oblique angle S1 relative to the vertical axis A1. Particularly, the one or more side walls 142, 144 includes a first side wall 142 and a second side wall 144 that is angularly disposed relative to the first side wall 142. “Angularly disposed” means the first side wall 142 lies in a first plane and the second side wall 144 lies in a second plane that is not parallel to the first plane. The side wall 142 may be hereinafter interchangeably referred to as “first side wall 142” and the side wall 144 may be hereinafter interchangeably referred to as “second side wall 144”. Each of the first side wall 142 and the second side wall 144 may be distinct structures which are attached to the corresponding beams 102, 103 or may be integral parts of the corresponding beams 102, 103.

Each of the first side wall 142 and the second side wall 144 are disposed at the oblique angle S1 that is less than 90 degrees relative to the vertical axis A1. Thus, it may be said that the first side wall 142 and the second side wall 144 taper inward towards the channel 104 of the beam 102, 103. As will be explained hereafter, this configuration facilitates mounting of the board 108 between the beams 102, 103. In some instances, the first side wall 142 may be disposed relative to the vertical axis A1 at an oblique angle (not shown) and the second side wall 144 may be disposed relative to the vertical axis A1 at an oblique angle (not shown), such that each of the oblique angles may have different absolute values.

The guiding device 134, 136 defines a first opening 146 that is spaced apart from and in communication with the channel 104 of the one or more beams 102, 103. The first opening 146 has a second size 148 that is greater than the first size 106 of the channel 104. Specifically, the guiding device 134, 136 has a third end 154 and a fourth end 156. The first opening 146 is defined at the third end 154. Further, the guiding device 134, 136 is coupled to the beam 102, 103 at the fourth end 156. Furthermore, the guiding device 134, 136 defines a second opening 158 at the fourth end 156. The second opening 158 is spaced apart from and in communication with the first opening 146. Further, the second opening 158 is disposed adjacent to the channel 104 of the beam 102, 103. The second opening 158 has a third size 162 that corresponds to the first size 106 of the channel 104.

The installation system 110 further includes one or more sensors 164, 166. The one or more sensors 164, 166 may be disposed on the machine 112 (see FIG. 2), the one or more beams 102, 103, and/or the one or more side walls 142, 144 of the one or more guiding devices 134, 136. In the illustrated example of FIG. 3, the sensors 164, 166 are disposed on the guiding device 134, 136, respectively. Particularly, the sensor 164 is disposed on the first side wall 142 of the first guiding device 134 and the sensor 166 is disposed on the first side wall 142 of the second guiding device 136. In other examples, each guiding device 134, 136 may include two sensors, each of which may be disposed on respective first and second side walls 142, 144. Additionally, or alternatively, the sensors 164, 166 may be disposed on the stick 152 (see FIG. 2) of the machine 112 or on the beams 102, 103, without any limitations. In some examples, the sensors 164, 166 may include global positioning systems (GPS), cameras, light detection and ranging (LIDAR) sensors, radio detection and ranging (RADAR) sensors, capacitive displacement sensors, eddy-current sensors, hall effect sensors, inductive sensors, and the like. Other types of sensors are also contemplated.

Referring again to FIG. 1, the one or more guiding devices 134, 136 include a first guiding device 134 and a second guiding device 136. The guiding device 134 will be hereinafter interchangeably referred to as “first guiding device 134” and the guiding device 136 will be hereinafter interchangeably referred to as “second guiding device 136”. The first guiding device 134 is coupled to the first beam 102 and the second guiding device 136 is coupled to the second beam 103. Specifically, the first guiding device 134 guides the board 108 towards the channel 104 of the first beam 102 and the second guiding device 136 guides the board 108 towards the channel 104 of the second beam 103.

Referring now to FIG. 2, in order to insert the board 108 between two beams 102, 103 (see FIG. 1), the machine 112 holds the board 108 via the grappler 116 to guide the board 108 towards the channel 104 of the corresponding beam 102, 103 along a direction D1. Although the singular “channel” is used herein, it will be understood that the board 108 fits within the channel 104 of the beam 102 and the facing channel 104 of the beam 103. Further, the one or more sensors 164, 166 generate a position signal indicative of a current position of at least a part of the board 108 relative to the one or more guiding devices 134, 136 (see FIGS. 1 and 3). In some examples, the position signal may be indicative of a current position of a portion of the board 108 that is proximal to an edge of the board 108. In some examples, the position signals from the one or more sensors 164, 166 may provide an indication of a proximity of the board 108 relative to the side walls 142, 144. Furthermore, a position of the board 108 relative to the one or more guiding devices 134, 136 is adjusted, based on the position signal received from the one or more sensors 164, 166.

If the machine 112 is manually operated, an operator may control the linkage assembly 114 to adjust the position of the board 108 relative to the channel 104, based on the position signal received from the sensors 164, 166. This way, position signals from the sensors 164, 166 may assist the operator to adjust the position of the board 108, so that the board 108 is in alignment with the channel 104 for insertion between the beams 102, 103. Further, if the machine 112 is autonomous or semi-autonomous, the position signal may be received by a controller (not shown) associated with the machine 112. Further, the controller may control the linkage assembly 114 to adjust the position of the board 108 relative to the channel 104, based on the position signal received from the sensors 164, 166. This way, the sensors 164, 166 and the controller may together ensure that board 108 is in alignment with the channel 104, so that the board 108 may be inserted between the beams 102, 103.

Once the board 108 is aligned with the channel 104, the grappler 116, and the linkage assembly 114, may operate to insert the board 108 within the channel 104. Specifically, during the insertion of the board 108, the grappler 116 is operated in a float state so that the board 108 may swing easily in one plane. The operation of the grappler 116 in the float state may cause the grappler 116 to pivot based on contact of the board 108 with one of the side walls 142, 144 or the beam 102, 103. As the grappler 116 includes the ball and socket joint 125 at corresponding second ends 126, the board 108 may remain vertical even if the board 108 comes in contact with the side walls 142, 144. Further, the ball and socket joint 125 may also allow the board 108 to slide down the channel 104 vertically even if the ball and socket joints 125 on the pair of arms 122 are not in alignment with each other. In other words, the ball and socket joint 125 may cause the board 108 to remain vertical at all times during insert of the board 108. Some deviation of the board 108 from vertical is also contemplated.

Referring to FIG. 4, a schematic view illustrating a positioning system 200 for a beam 402 is illustrated. The beam 402 may be associated with the fence assembly 100 of FIG. 1, and may be substantially similar in design to the beams 101, 102, 103 shown in FIG. 1. The positioning system 200 includes a tool 202. The tool 202 is embodied as a pile driver that may be used to drive a beam, pole, and the like into a surface to build piers, bridges, cofferdams, fence assemblies, and other pole supported structures. In the illustrated example of FIG. 4, the tool 202 is used to drive the beam 402 into a ground surface 404. The tool 202 includes a frame 232. The tool 202 also includes a drive assembly 230. The frame 232 supports the drive assembly 230. When operated, the drive assembly 230 may cause the tool 202 to drive the beam 402 into the ground surface 404. The drive assembly 230 includes a holding assembly 234 for holding the beam 402 relative to the ground surface 404. The drive assembly 230 also includes a structure 242 that couples with an upper portion 406 of the beam 402 during the driving of the beam 402 into the ground surface 404. The tool 202 further includes a bracket 204. The bracket 204 forms a part of the holding assembly 234. In order to drive the beam 402 into the ground surface 404, the bracket 204 holds the beam 402 in place and the structure 242 couples with the beam 402. Subsequently, the drive assembly 230 is operated to drive the beam 402 into the ground surface 404.

Referring to FIG. 5, the bracket 204 of the tool 202 defines a first wall 236 and a second wall 238. The bracket 204 further defines a bracket slot 206 to receive a portion of the beam 402 (see FIG. 4) therein. Particularly, the bracket slot 206 extends inward from the first wall 236 and the second wall 238 along a direction D2. The bracket slot 206 has a first size 208. The bracket slot 206 receives a portion of the beam 402 therein during the insertion of the beam 402 into the ground surface 404.

The positioning system 200 also includes a guiding device 210. The guiding device 210 is coupled to the bracket 204 of the tool 202. The guiding device 210 guides the beam 402 towards the bracket slot 206. In some examples, the guiding device 210 may be removably coupled to the bracket 204 of the tool 202 via mechanical fasteners. In other examples, the guiding device 210 may be fixedly coupled to the bracket 204 via joining techniques, such as, welding, soldering, brazing, and the like.

The guiding device 210 includes one or more side walls 212, 214 that are disposed at an oblique angle S2 relative to a portion of the bracket 204. Specifically, one or more side walls 212, 214 includes a first side wall 212 and a second side wall 214 that is angularly disposed relative to the first side wall 212. “Angularly disposed” means the first side wall 212 lies in a first plane and the second side wall 214 lies in a second plane that is not parallel to the first plane. The side wall 212 may be hereinafter interchangeably referred to as “first side wall 212” and the side wall 214 may be hereinafter interchangeably referred to as “second side wall 214”.

Each of the first side wall 212 and the second side wall 214 may be distinct structures which are attached to the bracket 204 or may be integral parts of the bracket 204. The oblique angle S2 is less than 90 degrees relative to the bracket 204. Particularly, the first side wall 212 is disposed at the oblique angle S2 relative to the first wall 236 of the bracket 204. Further, the second side wall 214 is disposed at the oblique angle S2 relative to the second wall 238 of the bracket 204. The oblique angle S1 (see FIG. 3) and the oblique angle S2 may have the same absolute value, or different absolute values. Thus, it may be said that the first side wall 212 and the second side wall 214 taper inward towards the bracket slot 206. As will be explained hereafter, this configuration facilitates positioning of the beam 402 in the bracket 204.

The guiding device 210 defines a first opening 216 that is spaced apart from and in communication with the bracket slot 206 of the bracket 204. The first opening 216 has a second size 218 that is greater than the first size 208 of the bracket slot 206. Specifically, the guiding device 210 has a first end 220 and a second end 226. The first opening 216 is defined at the first end 220. Further, the guiding device 210 is coupled to the bracket 204 at the second end 226. Alternatively, an integral construction of the guiding device 210 with the bracket 204 is also contemplated. Furthermore, the guiding device 210 defines a second opening 222 at the second end 226. The second opening 222 is spaced apart from and in communication with the first opening 216. Further, the second opening 222 is disposed adjacent to the bracket slot 206 of the bracket 204. The second opening 222 has a third size 224 that corresponds to the first size 208 of the bracket slot 206.

Referring again to FIG. 4, the positioning system 200 also includes a machine 228 coupled to the beam 402 to hold the beam 402 relative to the guiding device 210 (see FIG. 5). In the illustrated example of FIG. 4, the machine 228 is embodied as a hydraulic excavator. Alternatively, the machine 228 may include any other machine that may be able to hold the beam 402. In some examples, the machine 228 may be similar to the machine 112 explained in relation to FIG. 2. The machine 228 includes a linkage assembly 248. The linkage assembly 248 includes a boom and stick arrangement herein. The linkage assembly 248 further includes a tilt rotor 250. The tilt rotor 250 is coupled with the boom and stick arrangement of the linkage assembly 248. In order to position the beam 402 within the bracket slot 206 (see FIG. 5), the beam 402 is coupled to the tilt rotor 250 of the linkage assembly 248.

With reference to FIGS. 4 and 5, the positioning system 200 includes one or more sensors 244, 246. In the illustrated example of FIG. 5, the sensors 244, 246 are disposed on the side walls 212, 214 of the guiding device 210. Particularly, the sensor 244 is disposed on the first side wall 212 and the sensor 246 is disposed on the second side wall 214. Although, the positioning system 200 includes two sensors 244, 246 disposed on the side walls 212, 214 of the guiding device 210, it may be contemplated that the positioning system 200 includes a single sensor that may be disposed, for example, on any one of the side walls 212, 214 of the guiding device 210. Alternatively, the one or more sensors 244, 246 may be disposed on the machine 228, the frame 232 of the tool 202, the drive assembly 230 of the tool 202, and/or the bracket 204 of the tool 202. In some examples, the sensors 244, 246 may include global positioning systems (GPS), cameras, light detection and ranging (LIDAR) sensors, radio detection and ranging (RADAR) sensors, capacitive displacement sensors, eddy-current sensors, hall effect sensors, inductive sensors, and the like. Other types of sensors are also contemplated.

The machine 228 holds the beam 402 to guide the beam 402 towards the bracket slot 206 of the tool 202 along the direction D2. Further, the one or more sensors 244, 246 generate a position signal indicative of a current position of at least a part of the beam 402 relative to the guiding device 210. In some examples, the position signals from the one or more sensors 244, 246 may provide an indication of a proximity of the beam 402 relative to the side walls 212, 214. Further, a position of the beam 402 relative to the guiding device 210 is adjusted, based on the position signal received from the one or more sensors 244, 246. The inward taper of the side walls 212, 214 helps to guide the beam 402 into the bracket slot 206.

If the machine 228 is manually operated, the operator may control the linkage assembly 248 to adjust the position of the beam 402 relative to the bracket slot 206, based on the position signal received from the sensors 244, 246. This way, position signals from the sensors 244, 246 may assist the operator to adjust the position of the beam 402, so that the beam 402 is in alignment with the bracket slot 206 for insertion within the bracket slot 206. Further, if the machine 228 is autonomous or semi-autonomous, the position signal may be received by a controller (not shown) associated with the machine 228. Further, the controller may control the linkage assembly 248 to adjust the position of the beam 402 relative to the bracket slot 206, based on the position signal received from the sensors 244, 246. This way, the sensors 244, 246 and the controller may together ensure that beam 402 is in alignment with the bracket slot 206, so that the beam 402 may be inserted between the bracket slot 206.

Once the beam 402 is aligned with the bracket slot 206 of the guiding device 210, the beam 402 is inserted within the bracket slot 206.

It is to be understood that individual features shown or described for one embodiment may be combined with individual features shown or described for another embodiment. The above described implementation does not in any way limit the scope of the present disclosure. Therefore, it is to be understood although some features are shown or described to illustrate the use of the present disclosure in the context of functional segments, such features may be omitted from the scope of the present disclosure without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure as defined in the appended claims.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

The present disclosure relates to the installation system 110. The installation system 110 includes the guiding devices 134, 136 that may increase a success rate of placing the boards 108 between the beams 102, 103. The one or more guiding devices 134, 136 includes the side walls 142, 144 that are angularly disposed relative to each other. The side walls 142, 144 may form a funnel shaped entrance, thereby providing a substantially large entrance area to accurately guide the board 108 into the channel 104. Further, the guiding device 134, 136 may reduce time, efforts, and human interference that may be required to install the boards 108.

Further, when the board 108 is being inserted, the grappler 116 may be operated in the float state. The float state may allow the board 108 to be inserted into the beams 102, 103 without any significant resistance. The operation of the grappler 116 in the float state may also allow the board 108 to swing easily in one plane and therefore may assist in proper positioning of the board 108 between the beams 102, 103. Furthermore, the ball and socket joints 125 at the second ends 126 of the grappler 116 may cause the board 108 to remain vertical even when the second ends 126 of the corresponding pair of arms 122 may not be perfectly aligned.

Moreover, the sensors 164, 166 may indicate if the position of the board 108 needs to be adjusted, while inserting the board 108 into the guiding device 134, 136. The sensors 164, 166 may allow the board 108 to be aligned with the channel 104, which may cause the board 108 to be easily and quickly received within the channel 104. Thus, the sensors 164, 166 may further assist in placement of the board 108 between the beams 102, 103.

The present disclosure also relates to the positioning system 200. The positioning system 200 includes the guiding device 210 that may increase a success rate of placing the beam 402 within the bracket slot 206 of the bracket 204. The guiding device 210 includes the side walls 212, 214 that are angularly disposed relative to each other. The side walls 212, 214 may form a funnel shaped entrance thereby providing a substantially large entrance area to accurately guide the beam 402 within the bracket slot 206, with minimum efforts. Further, the guiding device 210 may reduce time, efforts, and human interference that may be required to receive the beams 402 within the bracket slot 206. The guiding device 210 may increase stability and may increase an accuracy with which the beam 402 is inserted within the bracket slot 206.

Further, the sensors 244, 246 may indicate if the position of the beam 402 needs to be adjusted, while inserting the beam 402 into the guiding device 210. The sensors 244, 246 may allow the beam 402 to be aligned with the bracket slot 206, which may cause the beam 402 to be easily and quickly received within the bracket slot 206. Thus, the sensors 244, 246 may further assist in placement of the beam 402 within the bracket slot 206.

Overall, the installation system 110 and the positioning system 200 of the present disclosure may reduce human effort and involvement in building the fence assembly 100. Further, the guiding devices 134, 136 of the installation system 110 and the guiding device 210 of the positioning system 200 are simple in construction, may improve installation accuracy, and may be cost-effective to implement. Moreover, the guiding device 134, 136 may be retrofitted to existing beams and the guiding device 210 may be retrofitted to existing tools, such as, pile drivers.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart for a method 600 of installing the board 108 associated with the fence assembly 100 of FIG. 1. With reference to FIGS. 1 to 3 and FIG. 6, at step 602, the one or more guiding devices 134, 136 are provided. The one or more guiding devices 134, 136 are coupled to the one or more beams 102, 103. The one or more beams 102, 103 define the channel 104 that extends along the vertical axis A1. The channel 104 has the first size 106. The one or more guiding devices 134, 136 guide the board 108 towards the channel 104. The one or more guiding devices 134, 136 include the one or more side walls 142, 144 that are disposed at the oblique angle S1 relative to the vertical axis A1. The one or more guiding devices 134, 136 define the first opening 146 that is spaced apart from and in communication with the channel 104 of the one or more beams 102, 103. The first opening 146 has the second size 148 that is greater than the first size 106 of the channel 104.

Further, the one or more guiding devices 134, 136 includes the first guiding device 134 and the second guiding device 136. The one or more beams 102, 103 include the first beam 102 and the second beam 103 spaced apart from the first beam 102. The first guiding device 134 is coupled to the first beam 102 and the second guiding device 136 is coupled to the second beam 103. Furthermore, the one or more side walls 142, 144 includes the first side wall 142 and the second side wall 144 that is angularly disposed relative to the first side wall 142.

At step 604, the board 108 is coupled to the machine 112. Further, the machine 112 holds the board 108 and inserts the board 108 into the one or more beams 102, 103 of the fence assembly 100. Further, the channel 104 of the one or more beams 102, 103 receives the portion of the board 108 therein.

The machine 112 includes the linkage assembly 114 and the grappler 116. The grappler 116 is coupled to the linkage assembly 114 by the pivot assembly 120. The grappler 116 includes the pair of arms 122. Each of the pair of arms 122 defines the first end 124 and the second end 126. Each of the pair of arms 122 is coupled to the pivot assembly 120 at corresponding first ends 124. Each of the pair of arms 122 includes the ball and socket joint 125 at corresponding second ends 126. The step 604 of coupling the board 108 with the machine 112 further includes engaging the board 108 with each of the pair of arms 122 at the corresponding second ends 126.

At step 606, the machine 112 is positioned proximate to the one or more beams 102, 103 of the fence assembly 100.

At step 608, the board 108 is aligned with the first opening 146 of the one or more guiding devices 134, 136. The step 608 further includes generating the position signal by the one or more sensors 164, 166 indicative of the current position of at least a part of the board 108 relative to the one or more guiding devices 134, 136. The step 608 further includes adjusting the position of the board 108 relative to the one or more guiding devices 134, 136, based on the position signal generated by the one or more sensors 164, 166.

At step 610, the board 108 is guided by the one or more side walls 142, 144 of the one or more guiding devices 134, 136 towards the channel 104 of the one or more beams 102, 103.

At step 612, the portion of the board 108 is inserted by the machine 112 into the channel 104 of the one or more beams 102, 103.

The step 612 further includes operating the linkage assembly 114 of the machine 112 in the float state. The step 612 further includes sliding, by the ball and socket joint 125 of the corresponding arm 122 from the pair of arms 122, the board 108 towards the channel 104 of the one or more beams 102, 103 to insert the portion of the board 108 into the channel 104 of the one or more beams 102, 103.

It may be desirable to perform one or more of the steps shown in FIG. 6 in an order different from that depicted. Furthermore, various steps could be performed together.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart for a method 700 of positioning the beam 402 associated with the fence assembly 100 of FIG. 1. With reference to FIGS. 1, 4, 5, and 7, at step 702, the tool 202 is provided. The tool 202 includes the bracket 204 defining the bracket slot 206 to receive the portion of the beam 402 therein. The bracket slot 206 has the first size 208.

At step 704, the guiding device 210 is provided. The guiding device 210 is coupled to the bracket 204 of the tool 202. The guiding device 210 includes the one or more side walls 212, 214 that are disposed at the oblique angle S2 relative to the portion of the bracket 204. The guiding device 210 defines the first opening 216. The guiding device 210 is coupled to the bracket 204 such that the first opening 216 is spaced apart from and in communication with the bracket slot 206 of the bracket 204. The first opening 216 has the second size 218 that is greater than the first size 208 of the bracket slot 206. Further, the one or more side walls 212, 214 includes the first side wall 212 and the second side wall 214 that is angularly disposed relative to the first side wall 212.

At step 706, the beam 402 is aligned with the first opening 216 of the guiding device 210. Further, the machine 228 is coupled to the beam 402 to hold the beam 402 relative to the guiding device 210. The step 706 further includes adjusting, by the machine 228, the position of the beam 402 relative to the guiding device 210, based on the position signal generated by the one or more sensors 244, 246.

At step 708, the beam 402 is guided by the one or more side walls 212, 214 of the guiding device 210 towards the bracket slot 206.

At step 710, the portion of the beam 402 is received within the bracket slot 206 based on the guiding of the beam 402 towards the bracket slot 206.

The method 700 includes a step (not shown) at which the position signal is generated by the one or more sensors 244, 246 indicative of the current position of at least a part of the beam 402 relative to the guiding device 210.

It may be desirable to perform one or more of the steps shown in FIG. 7 in an order different from that depicted. Furthermore, various steps could be performed together.

While aspects of the present disclosure have been particularly shown and described with reference to the embodiments above, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various additional embodiments may be contemplated by the modification of the disclosed machines, systems and methods without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. Such embodiments should be understood to fall within the scope of the present disclosure as determined based upon the claims and any equivalents thereof.

Claims

1. An installation system for a board associated with a fence assembly, the installation system comprising: a machine to hold the board and insert the board into at least one beam of the fence assembly, the at least one beam defining a channel that extends along a vertical axis, wherein the channel of the at least one beam receives a portion of the board therein, and wherein the channel has a first size; andat least one guiding device, wherein the at least one guiding device is adapted to be coupled to the at least one beam, wherein the at least one guiding device guides the board towards the channel, wherein the at least one guiding device includes at least one side wall that is disposed at an oblique angle relative to the vertical axis, wherein the at least one guiding device defines a first opening that is spaced apart from and in communication with the channel of the at least one beam, and wherein the first opening has a second size that is greater than the first size of the channel.

2. The installation system of claim 1, wherein the at least one guiding device includes a first guiding device and a second guiding device, wherein the at least one beam includes a first beam and a second beam spaced apart from the first beam, and wherein the first guiding device is coupled to the first beam and the second guiding device is coupled to the second beam.

3. The installation system of claim 1, further comprising at least one sensor configured to generate a position signal indicative of a current position of at least a part of the board relative to the at least one guiding device, wherein a position of the board relative to the at least one guiding device is adjusted, based on the position signal received from the at least one sensor.

4. The installation system of claim 3, wherein the at least one sensor is disposed on at least one of the machine, the at least one beam, and the at least one side wall of the at least one guiding device.

5. The installation system of claim 1, wherein the at least one side wall includes a first side wall and a second side wall that is angularly disposed relative to the first side wall.

6. The installation system of claim 1, wherein the machine includes a linkage assembly and a grappler, and wherein the grappler is coupled to the linkage assembly by a pivot assembly.

7. The installation system of claim 6, wherein the grappler includes a pair of arms, each of the pair of arms defining a first end and a second end, wherein each of the pair of arms is coupled to the pivot assembly at corresponding first ends, wherein each of the pair of arms engages with the board at corresponding second ends, and wherein each of the pair of arms includes a ball and socket joint at corresponding second ends.

8. A method of installing a board associated with a fence assembly, the method comprising: providing at least one guiding device, wherein the at least one guiding device is adapted to be coupled to at least one beam of the fence assembly, wherein the at least one beam defines a channel that extends along a vertical axis, wherein the channel has a first size, wherein the at least one guiding device guides the board towards the channel, wherein the at least one guiding device includes at least one side wall that is disposed at an oblique angle relative to the vertical axis, wherein the at least one guiding device defines a first opening that is spaced apart from and in communication with the channel of the at least one beam, and wherein the first opening has a second size that is greater than the first size of the channel;coupling the board with a machine, wherein the machine is adapted to hold the board and insert the board into at least one beam of the fence assembly, and wherein the channel of the at least one beam receives a portion of the board therein;positioning the machine proximate to the at least one beam of the fence assembly;aligning the board with the first opening of the at least one guiding device;guiding, by the at least one side wall of the at least one guiding device, the board towards the channel of the at least one beam; andinserting, by the machine, a portion of the board into the channel of the at least one beam.

9. The method of claim 8, wherein the at least one guiding device includes a first guiding device and a second guiding device, wherein the at least one beam includes a first beam and a second beam spaced apart from the first beam, and wherein the first guiding device is coupled to the first beam and the second guiding device is coupled to the second beam.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein the step of aligning the board with the first opening of the at least one guiding device includes: generating, by at least one sensor, a position signal indicative of a current position of at least a part of the board relative to the at least one guiding device; andadjusting a position of the board relative to the at least one guiding device, based on the position signal generated by the at least one sensor.

11. The method of claim 8, wherein the at least one side wall includes a first side wall and a second side wall that is angularly disposed relative to the first side wall.

12. The method of claim 8, wherein the machine includes a linkage assembly and a grappler, and wherein the grappler is coupled to the linkage assembly by a pivot assembly.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein the grappler includes a pair of arms, each of the pair of arms defining a first end and a second end, wherein each of the pair of arms is coupled to the pivot assembly at corresponding first ends, wherein each of the pair of arms includes a ball and socket joint at corresponding second ends, and wherein the step of coupling the board with the machine further includes engaging the board with each of the pair of arms at corresponding second ends.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein the step of inserting the board into the channel of the at least one beam includes: operating the linkage assembly of the machine in a float state; andsliding, by the ball and socket joint of the corresponding arm from the pair of arms, the board towards the channel of the at least one beam to insert the portion of the board into the channel of the at least one beam.

15. A positioning system for a beam associated with a fence assembly, the positioning system comprising: a tool including a bracket, the bracket defining a bracket slot to receive a portion of the beam therein, and wherein the bracket slot has a first size; anda guiding device, wherein the guiding device is adapted to be coupled to the bracket of the tool, wherein the guiding device is configured to guide the beam towards the bracket slot, the guiding device including at least one side wall that is disposed at an oblique angle relative to a portion of the bracket, wherein the guiding device defines a first opening that is spaced apart from and in communication with the bracket slot of the bracket, and wherein the first opening has a second size that is greater than the first size of the bracket slot.

16. The positioning system of claim 15, further comprising at least one sensor configured to generate a position signal indicative of a current position of at least a part of the beam relative to the guiding device.

17. The positioning system of claim 16, further comprising a machine coupled to the beam to hold the beam relative to the guiding device, wherein the machine adjusts a position of the beam relative to the guiding device, based on the position signal received from the at least one sensor.

18. The positioning system of claim 17, wherein the at least one sensor is disposed on at least one of the machine, a frame of the tool, the bracket of the tool, and the at least one side wall of the guiding device.

19. The positioning system of claim 15, wherein the at least one side wall includes a first side wall and a second side wall that is angularly disposed relative to the first side wall.

20. A method of positioning a beam associated with a fence assembly, the method comprising: providing a tool, wherein the tool includes a bracket defining a bracket slot to receive a portion of the beam therein, and wherein the bracket slot has a first size; andproviding a guiding device, wherein the guiding device is adapted to be coupled to the bracket of the tool, the guiding device including at least one side wall that is disposed at an oblique angle relative to a portion of the bracket, the guiding device defining a first opening, wherein the guiding device is coupled to the bracket such that the first opening is spaced apart from and in communication with the bracket slot of the bracket, and wherein the first opening has a second size that is greater than the first size of the bracket slot;aligning the beam with the first opening of the guiding device;guiding, by the at least one side wall of the guiding device, the beam towards the bracket slot; andreceiving a portion of the beam within the bracket slot based on the guiding of the beam towards the bracket slot.

21. The method of claim 20, further comprising generating, by at least one sensor, a position signal indicative of a current position of at least a part of the beam relative to the guiding device.

22. The method of claim 21, wherein a machine is coupled to the beam to hold the beam relative to the guiding device, and wherein the step of aligning the beam with the first opening of the guiding device includes: adjusting, by the machine, a position of the beam relative to the guiding device, based on the position signal generated by the at least one sensor.

23. The method of claim 20, wherein the at least one side wall includes a first side wall and a second side wall that is angularly disposed relative to the first side wall.