ASSISTIVE WHEELCHAIR AUTOMATION DEVICE

Abstract

An assistive wheelchair automation device, comprises a rectangular base 101 having four swivel caster wheels 102 for providing locomotion to the base 101, a pair of L-shaped telescopic arms 103 with clamps 104 for gripping of wheelchair, four pneumatic pusher 105 with suction cups 106 for gripping a surface below base 101, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 107 to determine a position of wheelchair, a speaker 108 to generate an audio notification for user to mount the wheelchair on base 101, a pair of U-shaped members 109 for preventing slipping of wheelchair off the base 101, a gyroscopic sensor for detecting an angle of base 101 during locomotion, an L-shaped telescopic link 110 having a C-shaped flap 111 for preventing user from falling from wheelchair during a braking of the base 101, a microphone 113 for receiving an audio command from user regarding mounting of wheelchair.

Specification

Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to an assistive wheelchair automation device that is capable of assisting the wheelchair to get positioned on the surface as well as preventing the slipping off the wheelchair during locomotion, thus protecting the user from falling from the wheelchair.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Individuals with mobility impairments face various challenges in navigating their environment, such as difficulty propelling a manual wheelchair, negotiating obstacles, and accessing inaccessible spaces. Traditional supporting apparatus for wheelchairs often consisted of simple attachments or modifications to standard manual wheelchairs to provide additional stability, comfort, and functionality. Like push rims are a simple form of assistive technology that attaches to the wheels of manual wheelchairs. They feature lever-like extensions along the wheel rims that allow users to propel themselves forward using their upper body strength. Push rims provide additional leverage and make easier for users to push their wheelchair over various surfaces.

[0003] Although the traditional method of providing support to wheelchair using push rims that has proven effective to some extent, but it comes with inherent
limitations. Like hand rims are attached to the outer edges of wheelchair wheels and provide a gripping surface for users to propel themselves. They offer increased leverage, making it easier for individuals with limited upper body strength to self-propel. Thus, there is a need to develop an innovative tool that provide a consistent way of providing support to the wheelchairs where traditional methods may fall short and to meet the evolving demands of modern requirements.

[0004] US11376174B2 discloses a wheelchair accessory apparatus includes an ambulatory assistive device retaining member removably attachable to the frame of a wheelchair and an ambulatory assistive device support member removably attachable to the footrest of a wheelchair. The ambulatory assistive device retaining member includes a first leg, a second leg, and an elongated stem. The first leg and the second leg join and define a portal therebetween to receive an ambulatory assistive device therethrough. The ambulatory assistive device support member includes a body comprising a cup sized to removably receive a crutch tip. When the ambulatory assistive retaining member and the ambulatory assistive device support member are both attached to the wheelchair, the portal and the cup align to receive and sustain an ambulatory assistive device therein for hands-free transportation of the ambulatory assistive device while utilizing a wheelchair. US'174 discloses about a method about a wheelchair accessory apparatus for attachment to a wheelchair. However, the above-mentioned invention does not focus on determining the position of the wheelchair for assisting the wheelchair in an automated manner.

[0005] US20170231856A1 discloses a mobility assistance apparatus includes first and second frames positioned on left and right sides of a user; a hinge arm mechanism coupled to the first and second frames; and a securing unit or a walking seat coupled to the frames to transfer at least a portion of the user's body weight from the legs and to transfer weight through the user's hip or pelvis to the first and second frame enabling the user to stand or work for an extended period without requiring the user's arms to hold the frame. Though in US'856 discloses about the field of mobility assistance devices that allow individuals to move from place to place in a standing or partially standing posture. However, the above-mentioned invention does not focus on preventing the wheelchair from slipping off during the locomotion in order to protect the user from falling from the wheelchair.

[0006] Conventionally, many devices have been developed that are capable of providing support to the wheelchair however these devices lack in detecting the position of the wheelchair for assisting the wheelchair to get placed on the surface automatically as well as fails in protecting the wheelchair from slipping off during the maneuver in order to protect the user from falling from the wheelchair.

[0007] In order to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks, there exists a need in the art to develop a device that is capable of assisting the wheelchair to get positioned on the surface as well as capable of preventing the slipping off the wheelchair during locomotion for preventing the user from falling from the wheelchair.

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 determining the position of the wheelchair for assisting the wheelchair to get mounted on the surface in an automated manner.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of preventing the wheelchair from slipping off during the maneuver in order to protect the user from falling from the wheelchair.

[0011] Yet another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is reliable in nature.

[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 assistive wheelchair automation device that is capable of assisting the wheelchair to get positioned on the surface as well as capable of preventing the slipping off the wheelchair during locomotion for protecting the user from falling from the wheelchair.

[0014] According to an embodiment of the present invention, an assistive wheelchair automation device, comprises of a rectangular base is having four swivel caster wheels underneath the base for a locomotion of the base, a pair of telescopic rods assembled with wheels below two lateral edges of the base, a pair of L-shaped telescopic arms is provided on front edge of the base for mounting the wheelchair onto the base, a four pneumatic pusher with suction cups are provided below the base for gripping the surface below the base during a mounting of the wheelchair on the base, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit is installed on the base to determine a position of the wheelchair, a speaker is provided on the base to generate an audio notification for a user regarding bringing the wheelchair in vicinity of the front edge of the base.

[0015] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the proposed device further comprises of a pair of U-shaped members is attached on a front and a rear edge of the base for preventing a slipping of the wheelchair off the base during the locomotion, a gyroscopic sensor is provided on the base for detecting an angle of the base during the locomotion, a L-shaped telescopic link having a C-shaped flap is attached on the base for preventing the user from falling from the wheelchair during a braking of the base, a microphone is configured on the base for receiving an audio command from the user regarding mounting the wheelchair.

[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 assistive wheelchair automation 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 assistive wheelchair automation device that is capable of assisting the wheelchair to get positioned on the surface as well as capable of preventing the slipping off the wheelchair during locomotion for protecting the user from falling from the wheelchair.

[0022] Referring to Figure 1, an isometric view of an assistive wheelchair automation device is illustrated, comprising a rectangular base 101 is having four swivel caster wheels 102 are arranged underneath the base 101, a pair of L-shaped telescopic arms 103 with clamps 104 is provided on a front edge of the base 101, a four pneumatic pusher 105 with suction cups 106 are provided below the base 101, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 107 is integrated on the base 101, a speaker 108 is provided on the base 101, a pair of U-shaped members 109 is attached on a front and a rear edge of the base 101, an L-shaped telescopic link 110 is having a C-shaped flap 111, the link 110 is attached on the base 101 by a ball and socket joint 112, a microphone 113 is provided on the base 101.

[0023] The proposed device includes a rectangular base 101 is having four swivel caster wheels 102 are arranged underneath the base 101 for a locomotion of the base 101. Each of the wheels 102 are coupled with a DC (Direct Current) motor that is activated by the microcontroller to provide circular motion to the wheel. The working principle of a DC motor is based on the interaction between a magnetic field and an electric current. When an electric current flows through the coil of wire, also known as the armature, it creates a magnetic field. This magnetic field interacts with the fixed magnets, known as the stator, causing the armature to rotate. The rotation is achieved by reversing the direction of the current flow in the armature coil using a commutator and brushes that provide continuous movement of the motor results in providing circular motion to the wheel for providing locomotion to the base 101.

[0024] A pair of L-shaped telescopic arms 103 with clamps 104 is provided on a front edge of the base 101 for gripping of a wheelchair to bring the wheelchair in alignment with the base 101 and for mounting the wheelchair onto the base 101. The L-shaped telescopic arms 103 is powered by a pneumatic unit. The pneumatic unit comprises of an air compressor, air cylinder, air valves and piston. The air valve that allows entry or exit of the compressed air from the compressor. Furthermore, the valve opens and the compressed air enters inside the cylinder thereby increasing the air pressure of the cylinder. The piston is connected to the cylinder and due to the increase in the air pressure, the piston extends due to which the rod extends for gripping of the wheelchair to bring the wheelchair in alignment with the base 101 and for mounting the wheelchair onto the base 101.

[0025] Then, a four pneumatic pusher 105 with suction cups 106 are provided below the base 101 for gripping a surface below the base 101 during a mounting of the wheelchair on the base 101. The pneumatic pusher 105 is also powered by pneumatic unit. While, the cups 106 create partial vacuum within the cups 106 upon pressing over the surface by squeezing out air from the cups 106 due to a negative pressure is generated inside suction area. Herein, atmospheric pressure outside the cups 106 presses down low-pressure area inside the cups 106 to generate suction for gripping a surface below the base 101 during a mounting of the wheelchair on the base 101.

[0026] An artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 107 is integrated on the base 101 and is linked with a processor for recording and processing images in a vicinity of the housing to determine a position of the wheelchair. The imaging unit 107 comprises of a camera and processor that works in collaboration to determine the position of the wheelchair. The AI (artificial intelligence) protocols encrypted with the processor linked with the imagining module to enhance its functionality and capabilities. The AI protocols are used to process and analyses the images captured by the camera enabling it to perform various tasks beyond traditional image capturing. The AI analysis is performed locally on the camera itself and the real-time processing on the camera enables immediate responses and faster decision-making.

[0027] The camera, herein captures images of the wheelchair with the help of specialized lenses designed to capture high-quality visuals. The captured data is now pre-processed via the processor to enhance its quality and prepare it for AI analysis. 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 present in the images. The camera is capable of analysing the wheelchair and providing real-time updates or alerts about the wheelchair based on predefined rules or criteria. Herein, based on extraction of the data from the captured images, the microcontroller determines the position of the wheelchair.

[0028] Then, the microcontroller actuates a speaker 108 provided on the base 101 to generate an audio notification for a user regarding bringing the wheelchair in vicinity of the front edge of the base 101 for enabling a mounting of the wheelchair on the base 101. The speaker 108, herein includes a diaphragm, which is typically made of a lightweight and rigid material like paper, plastic, or metal. It is designed to vibrate and produce sound waves when electrical signals are fed to it. A voice coil (a tightly wound coil of wire) attached with the diaphragm of the speaker 108.

[0029] The voice coil is suspended within a magnetic gap. When an electrical current flows through the coil, it interacts with the magnetic field produced by the magnet assembly, resulting in a force that moves the coil. The magnet assembly creates a magnetic field within the speaker 108. It consists of a permanent magnet and a metal structure, such as a pole piece or a magnet plate. The magnet assembly provides a fixed magnetic field through which the voice coil moves. The strength and configuration of the magnet assembly influence the performance and efficiency of the speaker 108.

[0030] The cone/diaphragm is connected to the speaker's 108 frame via a suspension unit. When the electrical signal passes through the voice coil, it generates a magnetic field that interacts with the fixed magnetic field produced by the magnet assembly. As the electrical current varies, the magnetic field produced by the voice coil changes, resulting in the voice coil and attached cone/diaphragm moving back and forth. This movement creates pressure variations in the surrounding air, generating sound waves to generate an audio notification for a user regarding bringing the wheelchair in vicinity of the front edge of the base 101 for enabling the mounting of the wheelchair on the base 101.

[0031] Thereafter, a pair of U-shaped members 109 is attached on a front and a rear edge of the base 101 by hinges for preventing a slipping of the wheelchair off the base 101 during the locomotion. The hinge typically refers to a mechanical joint that allows rotational movement around a fixed axis using a motor or actuator which provides the rotational force required to move the joint. The motor is typically controlled by an electronic control unit that regulates its speed and direction. The hinge consists of a hinge mechanism that enables rotation around a fixed axis. It usually consists of two parts: a stationary component and a moving component. The stationary component is securely attached to one part of the unit, while the moving component is connected to the other part that needs to rotate that enables in rotating the members 109 in view of preventing a slipping of the wheelchair off the base 101 during the locomotion.

[0032] A gyroscopic sensor is provided on the base 101 for detecting an angle of the base 101 during the locomotion. The working principle of a gyroscope is based on gravity, as the product of angular momentum that is experienced by the torque on a disc to produce a gyroscopic precession in the spinning wheel. The gyroscopic sensor utilize the principle of angular momentum, where a spinning mass resists changes in its orientation, then the microcontroller processes the changes in order to detect the angle of the base 101 during the locomotion. If the detected angle is above a threshold angle, then the microcontroller actuates a pair of telescopic rods with wheels 102 below two lateral edges of the base 101. The telescopic rods are also powered by the pneumatic unit.

[0033] Then, an L-shaped telescopic link 110 is having a C-shaped flap 111, the link 110 is attached on the base 101 by a ball and socket joint 112 for preventing the user from falling from the wheelchair during a braking of the base 101. The telescopic link 110 is also linked with the pneumatic unit. After that, the imaging unit 107 determines the falling of the user to trigger the microcontroller to actuate the ball and socket joint 112 and the telescopic link 110 to position the flap 111 in front of the user. The ball and socket joint 112 is a mechanical arrangement consists of a ball-shaped component that fits into a socket, with a motor providing the necessary power to drive the rotation to provide angular movement to the flap 111 thereby preventing the user from falling from the wheelchair during a braking of the base 101.

[0034] Further, a microphone 113 is linked with the microcontroller is provided on the base 101 for receiving an audio command from the user regarding mounting the wheelchair. The microphone 113 receives sound waves generated by energy emitted from the voice command in the form of vibrations. After then, the sound waves are transmitted towards a diaphragm configured with a coil.

[0035] Upon transmitting the waves within the diaphragm, the diaphragm strikes with the waves due to which the coil starts moving the diaphragm with a back-and-forth movement in presence of magnetic field generated from the coil. After that the electric signal is emitted from the coil due to back-and-forth movement of the diaphragm which is further transmitted to the microcontroller is linked with the microphone 113 to process the signal to analyze the signal for receiving an audio command from the user regarding mounting the wheelchair.

[0036] Then, a wireless communication module is linked with the microcontroller, is provided on the housing for enabling the user to remotely trigger the microcontroller, by connecting with a computing unit, to actuate pneumatic pushers 105 with the suction cups 106 to stabilize the base 101 and actuate the telescopic arms 103 with clamps 104 to mount the wheelchair onto the base 101.

[0037] The computing unit herein includes but not limited to a mobile and laptop that comprises a processor where the alert received from the microcontroller is stored to process and retrieve the output data in order to display in the computing unit. The microcontroller is wirelessly linked with the computing unit via a communication module which includes but not limited to Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity) module, Bluetooth module. GSM (Global System for Mobile communication). The communication module acts as a medium between various electronic unit for establishing communication between the computing unit and device to display the alert in the computing unit for notifying the user to mount the wheelchair onto the base 101.

[0038] Lastly, a battery is associated with the device to offer power to all electrical and electronic components necessary for their correct operation. The battery is linked to the microcontroller and provides (DC) Direct Current to the microcontroller. And then, based on the order of operations, the microcontroller sends that current to those specific electrical or electronic components so they effectively carry out their appropriate functions.

[0039] The present invention works best in the following manner, where the rectangular base 101 is having four swivel caster wheels 102 (ranging from 4 to 6 in numbers) are arranged underneath the base 101 for the locomotion of the base 101. The pair of L-shaped telescopic arms 103 with clamps 104 is provided on the front edge of the base 101 for gripping of the wheelchair to bring the wheelchair in alignment with the base 101 and for mounting the wheelchair onto the base 101. Then, the four pneumatic pushers 105 with suction cups 106 are provided below the base 101 for gripping the surface below the base 101 during the mounting of the wheelchair on the base 101. After mounting the wheelchair on the base 101, the artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 107 is integrated on the base 101 and is linked with the processor for recording and processing images in the vicinity of the housing to determine the position of the wheelchair. Then, the microcontroller actuates the speaker 108 provided on the base 101 to generate the audio notification for the user regarding bringing the wheelchair in vicinity of the front edge of the base 101 for enabling a mounting of the wheelchair on the base 101. Thereafter, the pair of U-shaped members 109 is attached on the front and the rear edge of the base 101 by hinges for preventing the slipping of the wheelchair off the base 101 during the locomotion. The gyroscopic sensor is provided on the base 101 for detecting the angle of the base 101 during the locomotion. If the detected angle is above the threshold angle, then the microcontroller actuates the pair of telescopic rods with wheels 102 below two lateral edges of the base 101. Then, the L-shaped telescopic link 110 is having the C-shaped flap 111, the link 110 is attached on the base 101 by the ball and socket joint 112 for preventing the user from falling from the wheelchair during the braking of the base 101. After that, the imaging unit 107 determines the falling of the user to trigger the microcontroller to actuate the ball and socket joint 112 and the telescopic link 110 to position the flap 111 in front of the user. Further, the microphone 113 is linked with the microcontroller is provided on the base 101 for receiving the audio command from the user regarding mounting the wheelchair. Then, the wireless communication module is linked with the microcontroller, is provided on the housing for enabling the user to remotely trigger the microcontroller, by connecting with the computing unit to actuate pneumatic pushers 105 with the suction cups 106 to stabilize the base 101 and actuate the telescopic arms 103 with clamps 104 to mount the wheelchair onto the base 101.

[0040] 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 assistive wheelchair automation device, comprising:

i) a rectangular base 101 having four swivel caster wheels 102 underneath said base 101 for a locomotion of said base 101;
ii) a pair of L-shaped telescopic arms 103 with clamps 104, provided on a front edge of said base 101, for gripping of a wheelchair to bring said wheelchair in alignment with said base 101 and for mounting said wheelchair onto said base 101, wherein a four pneumatic pusher 105 with suction cups 106 are provided below said base 101 for gripping a surface below said base 101 during a mounting of said wheelchair on said base 101;
iii) an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 107, installed on said base 101 and integrated with a processor for recording and processing images in a vicinity of said housing, to determine a position of said wheelchair to trigger a microcontroller to actuate a speaker 108 provided on said base 101, to generate an audio notification for a user regarding bringing said wheelchair in vicinity of said front edge of said base 101 for enabling a mounting of said wheelchair on said base 101;
iv) a pair of U-shaped members 109 attached on a front and a rear edge of said base 101 by hinges for preventing a slipping of said wheelchair off said base 101 during said locomotion; and
v) a gyroscopic sensor provided on said base 101 for detecting an angle of said base 101 during said locomotion to trigger a microcontroller to actuate a pair of telescopic rods with wheels 102 below two lateral edges of said base 101, if said detected angle is above a threshold angle.

2) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein an L-shaped telescopic link 110 having a C-shaped flap 111, said link 110 attached on said base 101 by a ball and socket joint 112 for preventing said user from falling from said wheelchair during a braking of said base 101, wherein said imaging unit 107 determines said falling of said user to trigger said microcontroller to actuate said ball and socket joint 112 and said telescopic link 110 to position said flap 111 in front of said user.

3) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a microphone 113, linked with said microcontroller, provided on said base 101 for receiving an audio command from said user regarding mounting said wheelchair to trigger said microcontroller to actuate pneumatic pushers 105 with said suction cups 106 to stabilize said base 101 and actuate said telescopic arms 103 with clamps 104 to mount said wheelchair onto said base 101.

4) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a wireless communication module, linked with said microcontroller, is provided on said housing for enabling said user to remotely trigger said microcontroller, by connecting with a computing unit, to actuate pneumatic pushers 105 with said suction cups 106 to stabilize said base 101 and actuate said telescopic arms 103 with clamps 104 to mount said wheelchair onto said base 101.

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

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