ADJUSTABLE WHEELCHAIR DE-BOARDING ASSISTIVE DEVICE FOR PUBLIC VEHICLES

Abstract

An adjustable wheelchair de-boarding assistive device for public vehicles, comprising a frame 1 installed in proximity to door of a public vehicle, a pair of vertical rods 2 for supporting frame 1 on vehicle, two pair of rungs 3 accessed by multiple users for boarding/de-boarding from vehicle, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 4 detects presence of a wheelchair in proximity to frame 1, an ultrasonic sensor monitoring distance of wheelchair from frame 1 and a user is required to position wheelchair on upper rung, two motorized clamping units 5 to grip on wheels of wheelchair, two motorized hinge joints 6 for establishing a ramp-like structure and motorized sliding units 7 translate rungs 3 in a downward direction for lower structure upto surface, an extendable flap 9 preventing slipping of wheelchair from structure which is retracted for allowing wheelchair to get de-boarded from vehicle.

Specification

Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to an adjustable wheelchair de-boarding assistive device for public vehicles that is capable of providing a ramp like structure on the door of a vehicle for enabling a user occupied over wheel chair to get de-boarded from the vehicle and also capable of removing the obstacles present in the path of the wheelchairs.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The person using wheel chair faces many difficulties in de-boarding or onboarding of the public transport or vehicle. They are dependent on another person in case they want to move in a on-board or de-board a vehicle. The volunteer is needed for them in public places for moving them. Vehicles for the transport of persons in wheelchairs are known. These include the type of vehicle where the wheel base of a passenger vehicle has been extended to provide a larger area behind the front seat sufficient to accommodate a wheel chair.

[0003] Generally, the disable person using wheel chair are deboard or onboard a vehicle with the help of volunteers or another person. However, this method is not reliable because finding volunteer every time is difficult as well as lot of physical strength along with efforts are required in de-boarding or on- boarding of the person along with wheel chair making the whole process time consuming.

[0004] US6071064A discloses about an invention that provides a vehicle for the transport of persons in wheel chairs, the vehicle being of the panel van type with a side loading door. The vehicle is modified by removing the chassis or sub-frame adjacent the door opening, installing a lifting platform within the confines of the vehicle for access through the door opening, and providing a door hinged from the roof, the door having strengthening members such that when in the closed position of the door, the strength and rigidity of the vehicle, as a result of removing the chassis or sub-frame, is restored.

[0005] US4071152A discloses about an invention that provides a lift for use in a public conveyance such as a bus, train, et cetera, such that a wheelchair can be rolled onto the lift platform at ground level and be transported into the vehicle. The lift platform moves vertically in a well in the vehicle to the passenger level and then rotates into the bus as the doors are closed. Exit from the vehicle is accomplished in the reverse manner.

[0006] Conventionally, many devices have been developed that are capable of boarding the wheel chair on the vehicle along with the user. However, these devices are incapable of providing a ramp like structure on the door of a vehicle enabling a user to deboard the vehicle safely. Additionally, these devices fail to remove the obstacles that come in front of the wheel chair during deboarding of vehicle.

[0007] In order to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks, there exists a need in the art to develop a device that is capable of providing a ramp like structure on the door of a vehicle for enabling a user occupied over wheel chair to get de-boarded from the vehicle safely. In addition, the proposed equipment is capable of removing the obstacles present in the path of the wheelchairs.

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 providing a ramp like structure on the door of a vehicle for enabling a user occupied over wheel chair to get de-boarded from the vehicle.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to develop a device that safely de-boards the user along with wheels chair from the vehicle.

[0011] Yet another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of removing the obstacles present in the path of the wheelchairs.

[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 wheelchair de-boarding assistive device for public vehicles that is capable of providing a ramp like structure on the door of a vehicle that enables the user occupied over wheel chair to get de-boarded from the vehicle. The proposed device removes the obstacles present in the path of the wheel chair in order to deboard the user along with wheel chair safely.

[0014] According to an embodiment of the present invention, an adjustable wheelchair de-boarding assistive device for public vehicles comprises of a frame developed to be installed in proximity to door of a public vehicle, a pair of vertical rods are arranged on lateral sides of the frame for supporting the frame on the vehicle, a pair of rungs assembled in the frame in between the rods that are accessed by multiple users for boarding or de-boarding from the vehicle, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit is installed on the frame integrated with a processor for capturing as well as processing multiple images in vicinity of the frame to detect presence of a wheelchair in proximity to the frame, an ultrasonic sensor integrated on the frame in synchronization with the imaging unit for monitoring distance of the wheelchair from the frame, a user is required to position the wheelchair on upper rung, followed by actuation of a pair of motorized clamping units installed on the rungs to acquire a grip on wheels of the wheelchair in view of securing the wheelchair on the frame, a pair of motorized hinge joints integrated in between ends of the rungs or rods in synchronization with the imaging unit for establishing a ramp-like structure in between door of the vehicle or a ground surface, a pair of motorized sliding units are integrated in between the rungs or rods to translate the rungs in a downward direction for lower the structure upto the surface.

[0015] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the proposed device further comprises of a pair of motorized guiding rails integrated in between the clamping units or rungs to translate the clamping units along the guiding rails in view of allowing translation of the wheelchair along the structure, an extendable flap is integrated on end of the lower rung that remains in deployed state for preventing slipping of the wheelchair from the structure that is retracted for allowing the wheelchair to get de-boarded from the vehicle, a proximity sensor is integrated on the frame in synchronization with the imaging unit for monitoring presence of any obstacle on the surface in proximity to the structure a motorized gripper arranged on the frame to move the obstacle from the surface on detecting the obstacle and a battery is configured with the frame for providing a continuous power supply to electronically powered 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 wheelchair de-boarding assistive device for public vehicles.

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 wheelchair de-boarding assistive device for public vehicles that is capable of providing a ramp like structure on the door of a vehicle for enabling a user occupied over wheel chair to get de-boarded from the vehicle and also capable of removing the obstacles present in the path of the wheelchairs.

[0022] Referring to Figure 1, an isometric view of an adjustable wheelchair de-boarding assistive device for public vehicles is illustrated, comprising a frame 1, pair of vertical rods 2 are arranged on lateral sides of the frame 1, pair of rungs 3 assembled in the frame 1, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 4 is installed on the frame 1, a pair of motorized clamping units 5 integrated on the rungs 3, a pair of motorized hinge joints 6 integrated in between ends of the rungs 3 and rods 2, a pair of motorized sliding units 7 are integrated in between the rungs 3 and rods 2, a pair of motorized guiding rails 8 integrated in between the clamping units 5 and rungs 3, and an extendable flap 9 is integrated on end of the lower rung 3.

[0023] The proposed device comprises of a frame 1 which is installed in proximity to door of a public vehicle and a pair of vertical rods 2 are arranged on lateral sides of the frame 1 for supporting the frame 1 on the vehicle. Over the frame 1 and in between the rods 2, a pair of rungs 3 are assembled in the frame 1 that are accessed by multiple users for boarding/de-boarding from the vehicle.

[0024] Initially an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 4 which is installed on the frame 1 detects presence of a wheelchair in proximity to the frame 1. The imaging unit 4 comprises of a processor and a camera which on actuation capture the multiple image of the vicinity of the frame 1. The camera is comprised of a lens and a digital camera sensor, wherein the camera lens takes all the light rays rebounding around the vicinity of the frame 1 and utilizes the lenses to transmit them to a single point for creating a sharp image. When all of those light rays rebound back and meet together on a digital camera sensor, create a digital image of the vicinity of the frame 1 by performing various operations like pre-processing, feature extraction and classification which is transmitted to the processor.

[0025] The processor further extracts all the required information from the digital images and transmit to an inbuilt microcontroller associated with the device, which further processes the information shared by the processor in order to detect presence of wheel-chair and user is required to position the wheelchair on upper rung. Further an ultrasonic sensor is integrated on the frame 1 and works in synchronization with the imaging unit 4 for monitoring distance of the wheelchair from the frame 1 and when the user accommodates the wheelchair on upper rung 3 then the microcontroller directs a pair of motorized clamping units 5 integrated on the rungs 3 to grip wheels of wheelchair for securing the wheelchair on the frame 1.

[0026] The clamping units 5 are made of a jaw integrated with a step motor that enables the jaw to be opened and closed for griping the wheel of the wheel chairs. Post gripping the wheels, the microcontroller actuates a pair of motorized hinge joints 6 integrated in between ends of the rungs 3 and rods 2 for orienting the rungs 3 for establishing a ramp-like structure. The hinges are a piece of metal that interconnects the rungs 3 with rods 2 together and allows rungs 3 to be oriented by revolving along the longitudinal axis whose operation is governed by a bi-directional direct current motor that is linked with the microcontroller.

[0027] The bi-directional direct current motor is capable of converting direct current into mechanical work by following the principle of Lorentz Law which states that, the current carrying conduction when placed in magnetic or electrical field experiences a force known as Lorentz force. Such that the motor converts the electrical current derived from an external source into a mechanical torque for providing the required power to the hinges to orient the plates. When the motor rotates, then provides movement to the hinges followed by which the rungs 3 also rotates for establishing a ramp-like structure in between door of the vehicle and a ground surface.

[0028] Further the microcontroller actuates a pair of motorized sliding units 7 integrated in between the rungs 3 and rods 2 for translating the rungs 3 in a downward direction for lower the structure upto the surface. The motorized sliding unit 7 used herein consists of a sliding-rail and multiple rolling members which are integrated with a step motor. On actuation the step motor rotates the rolling members in order to provide rolling motion to the members which results in sliding of the rungs 3 over the sliding-rail in a downward direction for lower the structure upto the surface.

[0029] Also a pair of motorized guiding rails 8 integrated in between the clamping units 5 and rungs 3 that are actuated by the microcontroller to translate the clamping units 5 along the guiding rails 8 in view of allowing translation of the wheelchair along the structure. during the lowering of the wheels chairs an extendable flap 9 which is integrated on end of the lower rung 3 and remains in deployed state for preventing slipping of the wheelchair from the structure and when the wheels chairs reaches in contact with ground surface then the flap 9s gets retracted for allowing the wheelchair to get de-boarded from the vehicle.

[0030] During the de-boarding the microcontroller directs a proximity sensor integrated on the frame 1 and works in synchronization with the imaging unit 4 for monitoring presence of any obstacle on the surface. The proximity sensor used herein is a capacitance based proximity sensor which comprises of a high-frequency oscillator along with a sensing surface formed by two metal electrodes and when the electricity flow in the electrode, an electrostatic field is generated around the electrodes. When any obstacle is present, it enters the electrostatic field of the electrodes and changes the capacitance of the oscillator and as a result, the oscillator circuit starts oscillating and changes the output state of the sensor when it reaches certain amplitude.

[0031] The deflection in the amplitude of the oscillator is detected by the microcontroller and also based on which the microcontroller and if presence is detected, the microcontroller actuates a motorized gripper arranged on the frame 1 to move the obstacle from the surface. The motorized gripper contains robotic link and an end effector which is installed at free end of the link. The robotic link is made of several segments that are attached together by joints also referred to as axes. Each joint of the segments contains a step motor that rotates and allows the robotic link to complete a specific motion in translating the equipped effector towards the obstacle. Further, the step motor, is a kind of motor which rotates in small, precise steps, unlike other motors which rotates continuously.

[0032] The step motor comprises of a rotor and stator. The rotor is the rotating part of the motor, and the stator is the stationary part. The stator consist of multiple conducting coils of wire which are arranged in a specific manner. When current flows through the coils, the magnetic field is setup around the coil and that cause the rotor to move in precise steps to translate the link towards the bundle for positioning the end effector in contact with obstacle. Further the end effector comprises of a pair of jaws assembled with each other by means of another step motors which enables the opening/closing of the jaws in order to grip obstacle and after gripping the microcontroller directs the gripper again for obstacle away from the structure for enabling the user to de-board.

[0033] 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 electrode named as a cathode and an anode. The battery use 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.

[0034] The present invention works well in the following manner wherea frame 1 which is installed in proximity to door of a public vehicle and a pair of vertical rods 2 are arranged on lateral sides of the frame 1 for supporting the frame 1 on the vehicle. Over the frame 1 and in between the rods 2, a pair of rungs 3 are assembled in the frame 1 that are accessed by multiple users for boarding/de-boarding from the vehicle. Initially an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 4 which is installed on the frame 1 detects presence of a wheelchair in proximity to the frame 1 and user is required to position the wheelchair on upper rung. Further an ultrasonic sensor is integrated on the frame 1 and works in synchronization with the imaging unit 4 for monitoring distance of the wheelchair from the frame 1 and when the user accommodates the wheelchair on upper rung 3 then the microcontroller directs a pair of motorized clamping units 5 integrated on the rungs 3 to grip wheels of wheelchair for securing the wheelchair on the frame 1. Post gripping the wheels, the microcontroller actuates a pair of motorized hinge joints 6 integrated in between ends of the rungs 3 and rods 2 for orienting the rungs 3 for establishing a ramp-like structure. Further the microcontroller actuates a pair of motorized sliding units 7 integrated in between the rungs 3 and rods 2 for translating the rungs 3 in a downward direction for lower the structure upto the surface. Also a pair of motorized guiding rails 8 integrated in between the clamping units 5 and rungs 3 that are actuated by the microcontroller to translate the clamping units 5 along the guiding rails 8 in view of allowing translation of the wheelchair along the structure. during the lowering of the wheels chairs an extendable flap 9 which is integrated on end of the lower rung 3 and remains in deployed state for preventing slipping of the wheelchair from the structure and when the wheels chairs reaches in contact with ground surface then the flap 9 gets retracted for allowing the wheelchair to get de-boarded from the vehicle.

[0035] 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 adjustable wheelchair de-boarding assistive device for public vehicles, comprising:

i) a frame 1 developed to be installed in proximity to door of a public vehicle, wherein a pair of vertical rods 2 are arranged on lateral sides of said frame 1 for supporting said frame 1 on said vehicle;
ii) a pair of rungs 3 assembled in said frame 1, in between said rods 2 that are accessed by multiple users for boarding/de-boarding from said vehicle, wherein an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 4 is installed on said frame 1 and integrated with a processor for capturing and processing multiple images in vicinity of said frame 1, respectively to detect presence of a wheelchair in proximity to said frame 1;
iii) an ultrasonic sensor integrated on said frame 1 and synced with said imaging unit 4 for monitoring distance of said wheelchair from said frame 1, wherein a user is required to position said wheelchair on upper rung, followed by actuation of a pair of motorized clamping units 5 integrated on said rungs 3 by an inbuilt microcontroller to acquire a grip on wheels of said wheelchair in view of securing said wheelchair on said frame 1;
iv) a pair of motorized hinge joints 6 integrated in between ends of said rungs 3 and rods 2 that are actuated by said microcontroller in sync with said imaging unit 4 for establishing a ramp-like structure in between door of said vehicle and a ground surface, wherein a pair of motorized sliding units 7 are integrated in between said rungs 3 and rods 2 that are actuated by said microcontroller to translate said rungs 3 in a downward direction for lower said structure upto said surface; and
v) a pair of motorized guiding rails 8 integrated in between said clamping units 5 and rungs 3 that are actuated by said microcontroller to translate said clamping units 5 along said guiding rails 8 in view of allowing translation of said wheelchair along said structure, wherein an extendable flap 9 is integrated on end of said lower rung 3 that remains in deployed state for preventing slipping of said wheelchair from said structure which is retracted for allowing said wheelchair to get de-boarded from said vehicle.

2) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a proximity sensor is integrated on said frame 1 and synced with said imaging unit 4 for monitoring presence of any obstacle on said surface, in proximity to said structure and in case said presence is detected, said microcontroller actuates a motorized gripper arranged on said frame 1 to move said obstacle from said surface.

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

Documents