ADJUSTABLE WHEEL RIM HOLDING DEVICE

Abstract

An adjustable wheel rim holding device, comprising a platform 101 associated with device to accommodate a wheel rim, multiple motorized wheels 102 maneuver platform 101 over a ground surface, a laser-based sensor determine level of surface, a telescopically operated rod 103 stabilize platform 101 over surface, an imaging unit 104 detect height of user, a hydraulically operated bar 105 extends/retracts, a cuboidal body 106 facilitates user in performing mechanical works, a pair of rectangular frames 107 accommodates wheel rims, a motorized drawer arrangement 201 extend/ retract for properly accommodating wheel rim in frames 107, multiple L-shaped telescopically operated links 108 secure wheel rim over frames 107, a ball and socket joint 109 provide multi-axis rotational motion to links, a microphone 110 receives voice commands of user and a speaker 111 notify user to access wheel rims from frames 107.

Specification

Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to an adjustable wheel rim holding device that provide a means to accommodate wheel rims of multiple dimensions in a secured manner in order to enable a user to perform various mechanical works efficiently thereby allowing the user to access the wheel rim from various angles.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] People generally use to drive various vehicles in their usual lives for travelling purpose from one point of location to another in a quick manner. However, sometimes the vehicle wheel rim needs maintenance or needs to be replaced after a certain period of time. People work in the workstations usually uses wheel clamps for holding the wheel rims in a secured manner and preventing them from moving while performing mechanical work over the rim. However, some wheel clamps may not be compatible with all wheel sizes and designs, which limits their versatility, also wheel clamps might be bulky and require adequate storage space when not in use. So, people use an equipment that holds the wheel rim of multiple dimensions in a secured manner.

[0003] Conventionally, some ways were used by people for holding wheel rim. People usually uses wheel clamps for holding the wheel rims in a secured manner and preventing them from moving while performing mechanical work over the rim. However, some wheel clamps may not be compatible with all wheel sizes and designs, which limits their versatility, also wheel clamps might be bulky and require adequate storage space when not in use. Therefore, they also use wheel chocks as the equipment used to accommodate the wheel rim in a secured manner. But the equipment fails to accommodate the wheel rim of multiple dimensions.

[0004] US10458875B2 discloses about an invention that includes a holding device for a rim of a vehicle wheel, comprising a base plate, a plurality of retaining elements, a synchronization element, and a locking element for locking a rotational position of at least one of the pluralities of retaining elements or the synchronization element. The plurality of retaining elements and the synchronization element comprise corresponding coupling portions for form-fitting coupling of the rotational movement of the plurality of retaining elements and the synchronization element. Any one of the synchronization elements or at least one of the pluralities of retaining elements comprises an elastic coupling portion, biasing the corresponding coupling portions of the synchronization element and the retaining elements towards each other for ensuring the form-fitting coupling of the synchronization element and the plurality of retaining elements. Although US'875 relates to an equipment that relates to a holding equipment for a rim of a vehicle wheel. But the cited invention fails to accommodate wheel rims of multiple dimensions in a secured manner for enabling a user to perform various mechanical works efficiently.

[0005] DE102006005790B4 discloses about an invention that includes the device has multiple holding units that are supported rotatably on a base plate. A coupling unit is arranged in a coaxial manner in relation to a central recess and is supported rotatably on the plate. One of the holding units and the coupling unit include co-operative coupling component for positive coupling of the rotational movements of the holding unit. The holding unit and the coupling unit have additional coupling component for friction-coupling of the rotational movements of the holding unit, where a locking device is provided for temporary locking of the units. Though DE'790 relates to an equipment that use to accommodate rim of a vehicle wheel in a secured manner. But the cited invention lacks in eliminating chances of misbalancing of the accommodated wheel rims while performing user-desired operation on the wheel rims.

[0006] Conventionally, many devices have been developed that are capable of holding a wheel rim. However, these devices are incapable of carrying out accommodation of wheel rims of multiple dimensions in a secured manner and fails in allowing the user to access the wheel rim from various angles. Additionally, these existing devices also lack in eliminating chances of misbalancing of the accommodated wheel rims while performing user-desired operation on the wheel rims.

[0007] In order to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks, there exists a need in the art to develop a device that is capable of performing accommodation of wheel rims of multiple dimensions in a secured manner in order to enable a user to perform various mechanical works efficiently thereby allowing the user to access the wheel rim from various angles. In addition, the developed device should also eliminate chances of misbalancing of the accommodated wheel rims while performing user-desired operation on the wheel rims.

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 accommodating wheel rims of multiple dimensions in a secured manner in order to enable a user to perform various mechanical works efficiently thereby allowing the user to access the wheel rim from various angles.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of eliminating chances of misbalancing of the accommodated wheel rims while performing user-desired operation on the wheel rims.

[0011] Yet another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of detecting weight of the accommodated wheel rims in accordance to notify the user by means of voice notification for preventing the device from getting damaged due to overweight.

[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 adjustable wheel rim holding device that is capable of accommodating wheel rims of multiple dimensions in a secured manner in order to enable a user to perform various mechanical works efficiently thereby allowing the user to access the wheel rim from various angles. Additionally, the proposed device also eliminates chances of misbalancing of the accommodated wheel rims while performing user-desired operation on the wheel rims.

[0014] According to an embodiment of the present invention, an adjustable wheel rim holding device comprises of a platform associated with the device to accommodate a wheel rim, multiple motorized wheels assembled underneath the platform to maneuver the platform over a ground surface, a laser-based sensor is installed over the platform to determine level of the surface, a telescopically operated rod attached in between each of the wheels and platform to stabilize the platform over the surface, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit mounted on the platform to detect height of the user, a hydraulically operated bar configured on the platform to extend for positioning a cuboidal body attached with the bar at an optimum height from the surface for facilitating the user in performing mechanical works, a pair of rectangular frames, each attached with free-end of the body, to accommodate wheel rims over the frames, and an ultrasonic sensor integrated on the frames to detect dimensions of the wheel rim.

[0015] According to another embodiment of the present invention, a motorized drawer arrangement integrated in each of the frames to extend/ retract for properly accommodating the wheel rim in the frames, multiple L-shaped telescopically operated links configured on peripheral portion of each of the frames to extend/retract, a ball and socket joint is configured in between the frame and each of the links to provide multi-axis rotational motion to the links in view of securing the wheel rim over the frames and eliminating chances of misbalancing of the accommodated wheel rims, a microphone configured on the platform for receiving voice commands of the user regarding accessing the wheel rim from the frames, a speaker installed on the platform to produce voice commands for notifying the user to access the wheel rims from the frames, plurality of motorized clippers are mounted on peripheral portion of each of the frames for gripping the wheel rims, a weight sensor in installed on the platform to detect weight of the accommodated wheel rims, and a battery is associated with the device that is utilized for powering up electrical and electronically operated components associated with the device.

[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 adjustable wheel rim holding device; and
Figure 2 illustrates a perspective view of a drawer arrangement installed on a frame associated with the proposed device in a deployed state.

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 adjustable wheel rim holding device that is capable of securely holding wheel rims of multiple dimensions in order to enable a user to perform various mechanical works efficiently thereby allowing the user to access the wheel rim from various angles. In addition, the proposed device also detects weight of the accommodated wheel rims in accordance to notify the user by means of voice notification for preventing the device from getting damaged due to overweight.

[0022] Referring to Figure 1 and Figure 2, an isometric view of an adjustable wheel rim holding device and a perspective view of a drawer arrangement installed on a frame associated with the proposed device in a deployed state are illustrated respectively, comprising a platform 101 associated with the device, multiple motorized wheels 102 configured underneath the platform 101 , a telescopically operated rod 103 attached in between each of the wheels 102 and platform 101 , an imaging unit 104 installed on the platform 101, a hydraulically operated bar 105 configured on the platform 101, a cuboidal body 106 attached with the bar 105 at an optimum height from the surface, a pair of rectangular frames 107, each attached with free-end of the body 106, and the frames 107, a motorized drawer arrangement 201 integrated within each of the frames 107, multiple L-shaped telescopically operated links 108 configured on peripheral portion of each of the frames 107, a ball and socket joint 109 is configured in between the frame and each of the links, a microphone 110 configured on the platform 101 , a speaker 111 mounted on the platform 101, and plurality of motorized clippers 112 are mounted on peripheral portion of each of the frames 107.

[0023] The device disclosed herein comprises of a platform 101 associated with the device to accommodate a wheel rim. The platform 101 disclosed herein is preferably constructed of materials which includes but not limited to steel, iron and hard plastic, as these materials provides strength or durability and flexibility to the device. Thereafter accommodation of the wheel rim, an inbuilt microcontroller that is installed with the device and pre-fed with instructions required to control the operation of various components associated with the device, activates a weight sensor which is installed on the platform 101 to detect weight of the accommodated wheel rims.

[0024] The weight sensor mentioned above comprises of a convoluted diaphragm and a sensing module. Due to the weight of the accommodated wheel rims in the platform 101, the size of the diaphragm changes which is detected by the sensing module. The sensing module detects the weight of the accommodated wheel rims and on the basis of the changes in sizes of the diaphragm, the acquired data is forwarded to the microcontroller in the form of a signal for further processing. In case the detected weight exceeds a threshold limit the microcontroller activates a speaker 111 which is integrated on the platform 101 to produce voice commands for notifying the user regarding the detected weight.

[0025] The speaker 111 disclosed herein works by receiving signals from the microcontroller, converting them into sound waves through a diaphragm's vibration, and producing audible sounds with the help of amplification and control circuitry in order to produce voice commands for notifying the user regarding the detected weight. Underneath the platform 101 plurality of motorized wheels 102 are assembled to maneuver the platform 101 over a ground surface. The wheels 102 mentioned herein are a circular object that revolves on an axle to enable the platform 101 to maneuver over a ground surface. For maneuvering the platform 101 each of the wheels 102 need to rotate and which is governed by a hub motor fit in the hub of each of the wheels. The hub motor is an electric motor that is integrated into the hub of the wheels.

[0026] The hub motor is comprising a series of permanent magnets and electromagnetic coils. When the motor is activated, a magnetic field is set up in the coil and when the magnetic field of the coil interacts with the magnetic field of the permanent magnets, a magnetic torque is generated causing the stator of the motor to turn and that provides the rotation motion to the wheels 102 in order to maneuver the platform 101 over a ground surface. A laser-based sensor is installed over the platform 101 to determine level of the surface. The laser sensor consists of an emitter and receiver, and works on the principle of measuring the time delay between the laser beam to travel to the surface and back. The laser sensor mentioned herein consists of an emitter, and a receiver. The sensor emits a light towards the surface of ground and when the laser beam hits the surface of the ground, the beam reflects back towards the receiver of the sensor.

[0027] Upon detection of reflected beam by the sensor, the sensor precisely measures the time taken for the laser beam to travel to and back from the surface of the ground. The sensor then calculates the level of the ground surface and the calculated level is then converted into electrical signal, in the form of current, and send to a microcontroller.

[0028] Upon receiving the signals, the microcontroller activates a telescopically operated rod 103 attached in between each of the wheels 102 and platform 101 to stabilize the platform 101 over the surface. The telescopically operated rod 103 herein powered by 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 rod. 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.

[0029] The piston is connected with the rod 103 and due to applied pressure, the rod 103 extends and similarly, the microcontroller retracts the telescopically operated rod 103 by closing the valve resulting in retraction of the piston. Thus, the microcontroller regulates the extension/retraction of the rod 103 in order to stabilize the platform 101 over the surface. Post stabilization of the body 106, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 104 mounted on the platform 101 captures images of surroundings.

[0030] The imaging unit 104 disclosed herein 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 memory of the imaging unit 104 in form of an optical data. The imaging unit 104 also comprises of the processor which processes the captured images. This pre-processing involves tasks such as noise reduction, image stabilization, or color correction. The processed data is fed into AI protocols for analysis which utilizes machine learning techniques, such as deep learning neural networks, to extract meaningful information from the visual data which are processed by the microcontroller to detect height of the user.

[0031] Based on the detected height of the user the microcontroller actuates a hydraulically operated bar 105 configured on the platform 101 to extend. The hydraulically operated bar 105 powered by a hydraulic unit consisting of a hydraulic cylinder, hydraulic compressor, hydraulic valve and piston that work in collaboration for providing the required extension/retraction to the bar 105. The microcontroller actuates the valve to allow passage of hydraulic fluid from the compressor within the cylinder, the hydraulic fluid further develops pressure against the piston and results in pushing and extending the piston. The piston is connected with the bar 105 and due to applied pressure, the bar 105 extends and similarly, the microcontroller retracts the bar 105 by closing the valve resulting in retraction of the piston. The microcontroller regulates the extension/retraction of the bar 105 for positioning a cuboidal body 106 attached with the bar 105 at an optimum height from the surface for facilitating the user in performing mechanical works. The cuboidal body 106 disclosed herein is preferably constructed of materials which includes but not limited to steel, iron and hard plastic.

[0032] Consequently, a pair of rectangular frames 107, each attached with free-end of the body 106, and the frames 107 are accessed by the user to accommodate wheel rims over the frames 107. The frames 107 mentioned herein is preferably constructed of materials which includes but not limited to steel, iron and hard plastic. Upon successful accommodation of the wheel rims the microcontroller activates an ultrasonic sensor which is installed on the frames 107 to detect dimensions of the wheel rim. The ultrasonic sensor disclosed herein works by emitting ultrasonic waves and then measuring the time taken by these waves to bounce back after hitting the surface of the wheel rim. The ultrasonic sensor includes two main parts viz. transmitter, and a receiver. The transmitter sends a short ultrasonic pulse towards the surface of wheel rim which propagates through the air at the speed of sound and reflects back as an echo to the transmitter as the pulse hits the wheel rim. The transmitter then detects the reflected eco from the wheel rim and further calculations is performed by the sensor based on the time interval between the sending signal and receiving echo to detect dimensions of the wheel rim.

[0033] The determined data is sent to the microcontroller in a signal form, based on which the microcontroller actuates a motorized drawer arrangement 201 integrated within each of the frames 107 to extend/ retract. The drawer arrangement 201 mentioned above consists of multiple plates that are overlapped to each other with a sliding unit, wherein upon actuation of the drawer arrangement 8 by the microcontroller, the motor in the sliding unit starts rotating a wheel coupled via a shaft in clockwise/anticlockwise direction providing a movement to the slider in the drawer arrangement 201 to extend/retract for properly accommodating the wheel rim within the frames 107.

[0034] Thereafter the microcontroller further actuates multiple (is preferably 4 to 8 in numbers) motorized clippers 112 that are mounted on peripheral portion of each of the frames 107 for gripping the wheel rims. The clippers 112 that are disclosed herein are operated by a pair of handles which are alternately squeezed together and released for gripping the wheel rims and are driven by a DC motor. Upon actuation of the motorized clippers 112 by the microcontroller, the motor rotates the blade of the clipper 112 to oscillate in order to grip the wheel rims.

[0035] Consequently, multiple (is preferably 4 to 8 in numbers) L-shaped telescopically operated links 108 configured on peripheral portion of each of the frames 107 in view of securing the wheel rim over the frames 107. The links 108 disclosed herein is powered by pneumatic unit that works in the same manner as for the telescopic rod 103 mentioned above. The microcontroller further actuates a ball and socket joint 109 which is configured in between the frame and each of the links 108 to provide multi-axis rotational motion to the links. The ball and socket joint 109 mentioned here consists of a ball-shaped element that fits into a socket, which provides rotational freedom in various directions. The ball is connected to a motor, typically a servo motor which provides the controlled movement.

[0036] The links 108 are attached to the socket of the motorized ball and socket joint 109, the microcontroller sends precise instructions to the motor of the motorized ball and socket joint 109. The motor responds by adjusting the ball and socket joint 109 and rotates the ball in the desired direction, and this motion is transferred to the socket that holds the link. As the ball and socket joint 109 move, it provides the necessary multi-axis rotational motion to the links 108 in view of securing the wheel rim over the frames 107 and eliminating chances of misbalancing of the accommodated wheel rims.

[0037] Afterwards a microphone 110 configured on the platform 101 in order to receive voice commands of the user regarding accessing of the wheel rim from the frames 107. The microphone 110 works as a transducer that converts sound waves into audio signal. The microphone 110 on receiving the input commands from the user converts the input signal into electrical signal and sends it to the microcontroller. The microcontroller processes the received signals in order to analyze the voice commands of the user and upon analyzing the voice commands the microcontroller processes the voice commands and actuates the link to retract back to initial position.

[0038] Thereafter, the microcontroller activates a speaker 111 mounted on the platform 101 to produce voice commands for notifying the user to access the wheel rims from the frames 107. The speaker 111 disclosed herein works by receiving signals from the microcontroller, converting them into sound waves through a diaphragm's vibration, and producing audible sounds with the help of amplification and control circuitry in order to produce voice commands for notifying the user to access the wheel rims from the frames 107.

[0039] Moreover, a battery is associated with the device for powering up electrical and electronically operated components associated with the device and supplying a voltage to the components. The battery used herein is preferably a Lithium-ion battery which is a rechargeable unit that demands power supply after getting drained. The battery stores the electric current derived from an external source in the form of chemical energy, which when required by the electronic component of the device, derives the required power from the battery for proper functioning of the device.

[0040] The present invention works best in the following manner, where the platform 101 associated with the device to accommodate the wheel rim. Thereafter accommodation of the wheel rim the microcontroller activates the weight sensor to detect weight of the accommodated wheel rims. If case the detected weight exceeds the threshold limit the speaker 111 gets activated to produce voice commands for notifying the user regarding the detected weight. Then plurality of motorized wheels 102 maneuvers the platform 101 over the ground surface as per determinized level of the surface by the laser-based sensor. Thereafter the telescopically operated rod 103 stabilizes the platform 101 over the surface. Post stabilization of the body 106, the artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 104 detect height of the user. Based on the detected height of the user the microcontroller actuates the hydraulically operated bar 105 to extend/retract. The microcontroller regulates the extension/retraction of the bar 105 for positioning the cuboidal body 106 at an optimum height from the surface in order to facilitate the user to perform mechanical works. Consequently, the pair of rectangular frames 107, accommodate wheel rims over the frames 107. Upon successful accommodation of the wheel rims the microcontroller activates the ultrasonic sensor to detect dimensions of the wheel rim. Based on the detected dimension of the wheel rim the motorized drawer arrangement 201 gets actuated to extend/ retract for properly accommodating the wheel rim within the frames 107. Thereafter the microcontroller further actuates multiple motorized clippers 112 for gripping the wheel rims. Consequently, multiple L-shaped telescopically operated links 108 secures the wheel rim over the frames 107. The microcontroller further actuates the ball and socket joint 109 to provide multi-axis rotational motion to the links. Afterwards the microphone11 receives voice commands of the user regarding accessing of the wheel rim from the frames 107 and thereafter, the microcontroller activates the speaker 111 to notify the user to access the wheel rims from the frames 107.

[0041] 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 individuals skilled in the art upon reference to the description of the invention. , Claims:1) An adjustable wheel rim holding device, comprising:

i) a platform 101 associated with said device to accommodate a wheel rim, configured with multiple motorized wheels 102 to maneuver said platform 101 over a ground surface, wherein a laser-based sensor is installed over said platform 101 to determine level of said surface and sends acquired data to a microcontroller linked with said laser-based sensor that in turn activates a telescopically operated rod 103 attached in between each of said wheels 102 and platform 101 to stabilize said platform 101 over said surface;
ii) an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 104 installed on said platform 101 and paired with a processor for capturing and processing multiple images of surroundings, respectively to detect height of said user, based on which said microcontroller actuates a hydraulically operated bar 105 configured on said platform 101 to extend for positioning a cuboidal body 106 attached with said bar 105 at an optimum height from said surface for facilitating said user in performing mechanical works;
iii) a pair of rectangular frames 107, each attached with free-end of said body 106, and said frames 107 are accessed by said user to accommodate wheel rims over said frames 107, wherein upon successful accommodation said microcontroller activates an ultrasonic sensor installed on said frames 107 to detect dimensions of said wheel rim, based on which said microcontroller actuates a motorized drawer arrangement 201 integrated within each of said frames 107 to extend/ retract for properly accommodating said wheel rim within said frames 107;
iv) multiple L-shaped telescopically operated links 108 configured on peripheral portion of each of said frames 107, wherein a ball and socket joint 109 is configured in between said frame and each of said links 108 that is actuated by said microcontroller to provide multi-axis rotational motion to said links 108 in view of securing said wheel rim over said frames 107 and eliminating chances of misbalancing of said accommodated wheel rims; and
v) a microphone 110 configured on said platform 101 for receiving voice commands of said user regarding accessing said wheel rim from said frames 107, wherein said microcontroller processes said voice commands and actuates said link to retract back to initial position, followed by activation of a speaker 111 mounted on said platform 101 to produce voice commands for notifying said user to access said wheel rims from said frames 107.

2) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein plurality of motorized clippers 112 are mounted on peripheral portion of each of said frames 107 that are actuated by said microcontroller for gripping said wheel rims.

3) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a weight sensor in installed on said platform 101 to detect weight of said accommodated wheel rims, and in case said detected weight exceeds a threshold limit, said microcontroller activates said speaker 111 to notify said user regarding said detected weight.

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

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