ADAPTABLE BALLOON INFLATING ASSISTIVE DEVICE

Abstract

An adaptable balloon inflating assistive device, comprises a platform 101 positioned on a fixed surface, a suction cups 102 arranged underneath platform 101 adheres the platform 101 to the surface, a touch interactive display panel 103 installed on platform 101 enables user to give input specifications regarding balloon colors, a chamber 104 arranged on platform 101 stores multiple balloons, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 106 integrated on platform 101 captures images of the platform 101, a robotic arm 107 installed on platform 101 acquires grip of user-specified color of balloon, an inflating unit 201 configured with platform 101 inflates air inside the balloon, a robotic gripper 108 arranged on platform 101 grabs open end of balloon to tie knot.

Specification

Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to an adaptable balloon inflating assistive device that is capable of inflating balloons in an automatic manner without requiring any manual intervention from the user.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Inflating balloons is a common activity in various activities, including parties, celebrations, and artistic endeavors. Inflating the balloon is a simple yet fun process that involves introducing air, helium, or another gas into the balloon to increase its volume and create buoyancy. However, for individuals with disabilities such as arthritis, muscular dystrophy, or limited hand strength, inflating balloons is difficult or impossible without assistance. Historically balloons are inflated manually by blowing air through mouth which is physically demanding for the people Latterly, manual pump mechanism used to inflate balloon which is operated by hand, foot, or another body part, which makes accessible to individuals with different mobility levels.

[0003] Although the traditional method of manually inflating balloon using manual pump that has proven effective to some extent, but it comes with inherent limitations. Like a manual pump mechanism is typically used by manually pumping the pump which is labour intensive and time consuming. And individuals with limited strength or mobility may still finds challenging to operate the device effectively, especially if a significant amount of force is required. Thus, there is a need to develop an innovative tool that provide a consistent way of manually inflating balloon where traditional methods may fall short and to meet the evolving demands of modern requirements.

[0004] US7147016B1 discloses a balloon inflation device for use with a keyed balloon weight associated with a balloon to be filled with gas includes a source of pressurized gas sending gas through gas lines and multiple valves associated with an inflation block, wherein each valve is opened by properly manipulating elements of the inflation block. A key weight valve is opened by placing a key weight into a key weight receptacle in the inflation block, and a clamp valve is opened by manipulating a clamp mechanism. The key weight is associated with a balloon having a open neck that is placed over an inflation nozzle of the inflation block, before placing the key weight into the key weight receptacle. The clamp mechanism clamps the neck of the balloon to the inflation nozzle as it opens the clamp valve. With both valves open, gas may flow to the inflation nozzle to fill the balloon. Though in US'016 discloses about balloon inflating device that is capable of inflating balloon by filling gas inside balloon. However the above mentioned invention does not focus on inflating different types of colour balloon as per the requirement of user without requiring any manual efforts from user.

[0005] US11357957B2 discloses a method for forming a balloon provides a preform that encloses an internal space. The preform is pre-heated to a shaping temperature by passing a heated gas or fluid via an inlet of the preform into the internal space. The preform is then shaped the preform into a balloon. A device is configured to heat a preform using heated gas or fluid to decouple heating from the temperature of a shaping tool. Though in US'957 discloses about a balloon forming device in which the balloon inflating process is done by passing through a heated gas in a secure manners. However the above mentioned invention does not focus on inflating balloon and tying knots of the balloon after inflating in effective an automatic manner.

[0006] Conventionally, many devices exist that are capable of inflating balloons securely without requiring any manual intervention from user. However these devices are not capable of tying the knot of the balloon after inflating the balloon thus, requires manual efforts from the user. Thus, not able to save time consumption and labor cost.

[0007] In order to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks, there exists a need in the art to develop a device that is capable of inflating balloon automatically without requiring any physical efforts from user. Additionally the device is also capable of tying the knot of the balloon after inflating automatically without requiring any manual efforts from user in a secured manner.

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 is capable of inflating balloons in an automatic manner without requiring any manual intervention from the user in a secure manner.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of tying the knot of the balloon after inflating in an effective manner in order to save time consumption.

[0011] Yet another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of inflating different color balloon as per the requirement of user self-sufficient manner without any physical efforts from user

[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 adaptable balloon inflating assistive device that is capable of inflating the balloons in an automated manner without requiring any physical efforts of the user. In addition, the proposed device also capable of inflating different types of color balloon as per the requirement of user.

[0014] According to an embodiment of the present invention, an adaptable balloon inflating assistive device comprises a platform developed to be positioned on a fixed surface, plurality of suction cups arranged underneath the platform to adhere to the surface for securing the platform on the surface, a touch interactive display panel installed on the platform to enabling a user to provide input specifications regarding user-desired balloons such as color and number of balloons that is required, a chamber is arranged on the platform to store multiple balloons of varying colors, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit integrated on the platform to capture multiple images of the platform to determine color of the balloons.

[0015] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the proposed device further comprises of a robotic arm installed on the platform to acquire a grip of the user-specified color of balloon from the chamber, an inflating unit configured with the platform to inflate an optimum amount of air in the accommodated balloon through the opening, a robotic gripper arranged on the platform to grab the opened end of the inflated balloon for providing required movement to the end for tying a knot at the end, a motorized sliding gate is integrated in the chamber to open/close the chamber for enabling the arm to access the stored balloons.

[0016] 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

[0017] 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 adaptable balloon inflating assistive device; and
Figure 2 illustrates an isometric view of an inflating unit
associated with the proposed device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0018] 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.

[0019] 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.

[0020] 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.

[0021] The present invention relates to an adaptable balloon inflating assistive device that is capable of inflating balloons in a self-sufficient manner without requiring any manual intervention from the user. In addition, the proposed device is capable of tying the knot of the balloon after inflating in an efficient manner.

[0022] Referring to Figure 1 and Figure 2, an isometric view of an adaptable balloon inflating assistive device and an isometric view of air inflating unit associated with proposed device are illustrated respectively, comprising a platform 101 positioned on a fixed surface, plurality of suction cups 102 arranged underneath the platform 101, a touch interactive display panel 103 installed on the platform 101, a chamber 104 arranged on the platform 101, a motorized sliding gate 105 integrated in the chamber 104, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 106 integrated on the platform 101, a robotic arm 107 installed on the platform 101, an inflating unit 201 configured with the platform 101, an air valve 202 integrated with inflating unit 201, a robotic gripper 108 arranged on the platform 101.

[0023] The proposed device includes a platform 101 developed to be positioned on a fixed surface. The platform 101 is made up of material not restricted to wood, metal etc. that provides durability to the components and comfortably accommodate all the components required to perform the specified operation. Plurality of suction cups 102 are arranged underneath the platform 101 to adhere to the surface for securing the platform 101 on the fixed surface. The suction cups 102 are up made of elastic, flexible material and has a curved surface. The suction cups 102 are arranged underneath the platform 101, which helps in creating the partial vacuum within the cups upon pressing over the ceiling portion by squeezing out air from the cups due to a negative pressure is generated inside the suction area. Herein, atmospheric pressure outside the cup presses down low-pressure area inside the cups to generate ambient pressure which facilitates the ability to hold and provides stability to the platform 101 attached on the fixed surface.

[0024] Further, a touch interactive display panel 103 installed on the platform 101 for enabling a user to provide input specifications regarding user-desired balloons such as color and number of balloons required by the user. The touch interactive display panel 103 functions by detecting and responding to the touch of a user's finger or stylus on its surface which incorporates sensors, typically capacitive or resistive, which detect changes in electrical conductivity when touched. When a user interacts with the panel, the sensors relay the touch input to the display's controller, which interprets the touch gestures and triggers corresponding actions on the screen. The microcontroller processes the input and updates the display accordingly, enabling users to select as per user-desired balloons such as color and number of balloons required by the user that is processed by a linked microcontroller. After processing the input commands regarding user-desired balloons the microcontroller processes the input.

[0025] After processing the input given by the user, the microcontroller actuates a motorized sliding gate 105 integrated in a chamber 104 arranged on the platform 101 for storing multiple balloons of various colors to open/close the chamber 104 for enabling the arm to access the stored balloons. The motorized sliding gate 105 moves horizontally along a chamber 104 in order to open or close the chamber 104. The sliding gate typically consist of a motorized carriage attached to a rail for enabling the controlled linear movement of the gate along platform 101. Upon actuation of the sliding gate by the microcontroller, the motor drives the carriage along the rail, facilitating a smooth and precise sliding motion of the gate for opening or closing the chamber 104 for enabling the arm to access the stored balloons.

[0026] After that, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 106 is integrated on the platform 101 and paired with a processor for capturing and processing multiple images of the chamber 104 to determine color of the balloons. The imaging unit 106 comprises of an image capturing arrangement including a set of lenses that captures multiple images of the surroundings of the platform 101 and the captured images are stored within the imaging unit 106 in form of an optical data. The imaging unit 106 also comprises of a processor 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 data and is further transmitted to the microcontroller associated with the device. Then, the microcontroller processes the received data via an artificial intelligence protocol encrypted within the microcontroller for processing multiple images of the chamber 104 to determine color of the balloons.

[0027] Post determination of the color of the balloon, the microcontroller actuates a robotic arm 107 configured on the platform 101 to acquire a grip of the user-specified color of balloon from the chamber 104. The robotic arm 107 works similar to a human arm which comprises of motor controller, arm, and end effector. The robotic arm 107 is generally consisting of a shoulder, elbow and wrist. All these parts are linked with microcontroller. The shoulder is the upper part of the robotic arm 107 that helps in rotating the middle and lower section of the arm independently. The wrist is lower part of the robotic arm 107 that helps in gripping the balloon in order to acquire a grip on the user desired color of balloon from the chamber 104.

[0028] After acquiring the grip on the user desired color of balloon from the chamber 104, an inflating unit 201 is configured with the platform 101 and is integrated with an air valve 202 that is accessed by the arm to accommodate the gripped balloon's opening on the valve. Then the microcontroller activates the air compressor to inflate the inflating unit 201 that is actuated by microcontroller to inflate an appropriate amount of air in the accommodated balloon through the valve. Further inflating unit 201 is equipped with an air compressor for providing air to the balloon to get inflated. The air compressor works by compressing atmospheric air and storing air in the inflatable unit, which is then inflated. The air compressor works by converting the potential energy of the air into kinetic energy. This is done by compressing the air, which increases the air pressure and temperature. The air is then released through a nozzle and directed into the inflatable unit thus aiding in inflating of the inflatable unit aiding the user for accommodating and resting over the inflating unit 201.

[0029] Then, a robotic gripper 108 arranged on the platform 101 is actuated by the microcontroller to grab the opened end of the inflated balloon for providing required movement to the end for tying a knot at the end in view of securing the end of the inflated balloon so that the user is able to collect the required balloons. The robotic gripper 108 consists of two opposing arms or fingers that mimic a human hand-gripping motion. These arms are usually made of durable materials like metal or plastic to provide strength and flexibility. The robotic gripper 108 design incorporates springs to securely hold the balloon and position the tied balloon over the platform 101. A DC motor connected to the gripper 108 arms through an arrangement of gears and linkages, allows the movement of the gripper 108 s in an effective manner.

[0030] Upon tying of the balloons, a count proximity sensor installed on the platform 101 monitors the number of inflated balloons as per the user's specifications, and accordingly the microcontroller regulates actuation of the arm. The count proximity sensor operates by emitting electromagnetic fields or beams and detecting changes in those fields or beams caused by the presence or absence of balloons within its sensing range. When the balloon enters the sensor's detection zone, it triggers a response, such as sending a signal to a controller or activating a relay. The sensor counts the number of balloons passing through its detection range, providing valuable data for monitoring the number of inflated balloons as per the user's specifications that is processed by the microcontroller that accordingly actuates the arms to grip the balloons.

[0031] Lastly, a battery is associated with the device to supply power to electrically powered components which are employed herein. The battery is comprised of a pair of electrodes named as a cathode and an anode. The battery uses a chemical reaction of oxidation/reduction to do work on charge and produce a voltage between their anode and cathode and thus produces electrical energy that is used to do work in the device.

[0032] The proposed device works the best in the following manner, where the platform 101 is positioned on the fixed surface having plurality of suction cups 102 arranged underneath the platform 101 that adheres the platform 101 to the surface for securing the platform 101 on the surface. Now the user accesses the touch interactive display panel 103 installed on the platform 101 to provide input specifications regarding user-desired balloons such as color and number of balloons required by the user. After the user gives the input commands, the artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 106 integrated on the platform 101 captures multiple images of the platform 101 and based on the captured images the microcontroller determines the color of the balloons and accordingly actuates the robotic arm 107 installed on the platform 101 to acquire the grip of the user-specified color of balloon from the chamber 104. Thereafter the arm accommodates the gripped balloon's opening on the valve of the inflating unit 201 configured with the platform 101 and, wherein the inflating unit 201 inflates the optimum amount of air in the accommodated balloon through the opening. Further, the robotic gripper 108 arranged on the platform 101 grabs the opened end of the inflated balloon for providing required movement to the end for tying the knot at the end, in view of securing the end, thereby allowing the user to collect the user-specified balloons.

[0033] 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 adaptable balloon inflating assistive device, comprising:

i) a platform 101 developed to be positioned on a fixed surface, wherein plurality of suction cups 102 are arranged underneath said platform 101 to adhere to said surface for securing said platform 101 on said surface;
ii) a touch interactive display panel 103 installed on said platform 101 for enabling a user to provide input specifications regarding user-desired balloons such as color and number of balloons required by said user, wherein a chamber 104 is arranged on said platform 101 stored with multiple balloons of varying colors;
iii) an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 106 integrated on said platform 101 and paired with a processor for capturing and processing multiple images of said platform 101, respectively to determine color of said balloons, in accordance to which an inbuilt microcontroller actuates a robotic arm 107 installed on said platform 101 to acquire a grip of said user-specified color of balloon from said chamber 104;
iv) an inflating unit 201 configured with said platform 101 and integrated with an air valve 202 that is accessed by said arm to accommodate said gripped balloon's opening on said valve, wherein said inflating unit 201 is actuated by said microcontroller to inflate an optimum amount of air in said accommodated balloon through said opening; and
v) a robotic gripper 108 arranged on said platform 101 that is actuated by said microcontroller to grab said opened end of said inflated balloon for providing required movement to said end for tying a knot at said end, in view of securing said end, thereby allowing said user to collect said user-specified balloons.

2) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said inflating unit 201 is equipped with an air compressor for providing air to said balloon to get inflated.

3) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a motorized sliding gate 105 is integrated in said chamber 104 that is actuated by said microcontroller to open/close said chamber 104 for enabling said arm to access said stored balloons.

4) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a count proximity sensor is embedded on said platform 101 for monitoring number of inflated balloons as per said user's specifications, based on which said microcontroller regulates actuation of said arm.

5) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a battery is configured with said device for providing a continuous power supply to electronically powered components associated with said device.

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