AUTOMATED BEDSHEET CHANGING DEVICE FOR DISABLED

Abstract

An automated bedsheet changing device for disabled, comprising a platform 101 is positioned on the ground surface, plurality of legs 102 for supporting platform 101 on surface, a touch interactive display panel 103 for selecting a user-desired bedsheet to be spread on bed, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 104 to determine location of bed from platform 101, a motorized wheel 105 to move platform 101 on surface, an ultrasonic sensor for monitoring presence and body dimensions of disabled, an extendable plate 106 to properly accommodate disabled on plate 106, a motorized hinge joint to tilt plate 106 in a manner to get aligned underneath disabled, a pair of robotic arms 108 to grip user-specified bedsheet, a laser measurement sensor for monitoring alignment of bedsheet on platform 101, plurality of motorized rollers 109 to rotate for properly accommodate disabled on plate 106.

Specification

Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to an automated bedsheet changing device for disabled that is capable of changing the bedsheet laid over a bed and accommodated by a disabled in a comfortable and automated manner.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] People with disabilities often face challenges in performing daily tasks independently, and changing bedsheets is no exception. This seemingly simple chore is physically demanding and sometimes impossible for individuals with limited mobility or strength. Traditionally, individuals with disabilities have often relied on assistance from caregivers or family members for changing bedsheets. Like for individuals with limited mobility or strength, breaking down the task of changing bedsheets into smaller, manageable steps makes more achievable.

[0003] Although, the traditionally disabled people depend on care givers for changing bedsheets has proven effective to some extent, but it comes with inherent limitations. They often rely heavily on the assistance of caregivers or family members which leads to a loss of independence and privacy for individuals with disabilities, as they may need to rely on others to help them with a task as basic as changing bedsheets. Thus, there is a need to develop an innovative tool that provide a consistent way assisting physically disabled people in changing bedsheets where traditional methods may fall short and to meet the evolving demands of modern requirements.

[0004] US9107510B2 discloses an ultimate comfort and care bed, and a bed apparatus capable of seamlessly changing bed sheets while being occupied by a person, a method of relieving ulcers, and a method thereof. The present invention also relates to a medical or a hospital bed, and, more particularly, to a hospital bed capable of seamlessly changing bed-sheets while the hospital bed is occupied by a patient. The present invention also comprises of a medical bed apparatus which allows the seamlessly changing of a used bed sheet with a new bed sheet while the bed is occupied by a person, and a method thereof. US'510 discloses about a method that is used for changing the bed sheets of a hospital bed. However, the above-mentioned invention lacks in monitoring the presence and dimensions of the disabled accommodated on a bed in a pre-defined direction in order to remove the bedsheet.

[0005] WO2008047498A1 discloses a bed sheet on the back of the body of a patient is easily changed. One side of the patient's body is slightly raised, the sheet is held between band-like plates constructed from rotatable rollers, the upper and lower pair of the plates is superposed on each other, and the upper and lower rollers rotate in the directions opposite to each other when the sheet is pulled. This moves the plates and the sheet between the patient and a mattress, enabling the used sheet to be removed. Then, a new sheet is held between the pulled-out plates, and the new sheet is pulled out from the opposite side. Thus, the bed sheet is easily changed. The roller plates are formed in a flexible band shape by connecting columnar pipes and the rotatable rollers together by connection links and connection pins. Each roller is formed of a hub having bearings at both ends. On a mattress on which a sheet where a patient lies on the back or on the front is laid down, and one or more sets of roller plates are used for a pair of upper and lower parts of the sheet. To change the sheet, the plates are inserted between the mattress and the sheet and between the sheet and the patient. WO'498 discloses about a method that is used for accommodating the patient on the bed and capable of changing sheets. However, the above-mentioned invention lacks in determining the location of the bed for selecting a user-desired bedsheet to be spread on the bed.

[0006] Conventionally, many devices have been developed that are capable of changing the bedsheet. However, the devices mentioned in the prior arts are incapable of detecting the presence of disabled positioned on the bed as well as capable of determining the location of the bed.

[0007] In order to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks, there exists a need in the art to develop a device that is capable of detecting the presence and dimensions of the disabled accommodated on a bed in a pre-defined direction in order to remove the bedsheet. Also, the device is capable of selecting a user-desired bedsheet to be spread on the bed.

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 capable of monitoring the presence and dimensions of the disabled accommodated on a bed in order to remove the bedsheet from the bed in a comfortable manner.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of laying the bedsheet over the bed specified by the user in an automated manner, thus eliminating the requirement of the manual effort required for laying the bedsheet.

[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 automated bedsheet changing device for disabled that is capable of detecting the presence and dimensions of the disabled positioned on a bed for removing the bedsheet as well as aids in determining the location of the bed for selecting a user-desired bedsheet to be spread on the bed.

[0014] According to an embodiment of the present invention, an automated bedsheet changing device for disabled, comprises a platform is positioned on a ground surface, wherein plurality of legs are integrated underneath platform for supporting platform on surface, a touch interactive display panel arranged on platform that is accessed by a user for selecting a user-desired bedsheet to be spread on a bed, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit is installed on platform and integrated with a processor for capturing and processing multiple images in vicinity of platform, respectively to determine location of bed from platform, a motorized wheel integrated underneath each of legs that are actuated by an inbuilt microcontroller to move platform on surface towards determined location, wherein an ultrasonic sensor is integrated on platform and synced with imaging unit for monitoring presence and body dimensions of a disabled accommodated on bed, an extendable plate arranged on one edge of platform by means of a motorized hinge joint that is actuated by microcontroller to tilt plate in a manner to get aligned underneath disabled followed by extension of plate to properly accommodate disabled on plate, wherein user is required to aid disabled in positioning disabled on plate, followed by retraction of plate for accommodating disabled on platform in order to remove bedsheet from platform.

[0015] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the proposed device further comprises of a multi-sectioned chamber arranged underneath platform that is accessed by a pair of robotic arms installed on platform to grip user-specified bedsheet stored in chamber, wherein arms spread bedsheet on platform, a laser measurement sensor integrated on platform and synced with imaging unit for monitoring alignment of bedsheet on platform, in accordance to which microcontroller directs arms to properly align spread bedsheet on platform, wherein upon properly spreading bedsheet on platform, microcontroller directs plate to accommodate disabled on bed, plurality of motorized rollers are integrated on plate that are actuated by microcontroller to rotate for properly accommodate disabled on plate in a pre-defined direction, a battery is configured with device for providing a continuous power supply to electronically powered components associated with 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 automated bedsheet changing device for disabled.

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 automated bedsheet changing device for disabled that is capable of detecting the presence and dimensions of the disabled positioned on a bed for removing the bedsheet as well as determining the location of the bed for selecting a user-desired bedsheet to be spread on the bed and accordingly laying the bedsheet over the bed.

[0022] Referring to Figure 1, an isometric view of an automated bedsheet changing device for disabled is illustrated, comprising a platform 101 is positioned on a ground surface, plurality of legs 102 are integrated underneath the platform 101, a touch interactive display panel 103 is arranged on the platform 101, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 104 is installed on the platform 101, a motorized wheel 105 is integrated underneath each of the legs 102, an extendable plate 106 is arranged on one edge of the platform 101, a multi-sectioned chamber 107 is arranged underneath the platform 101, a pair of robotic arms 108 is installed on the platform 101, plurality of motorized rollers 109 are integrated on the plate 106.

[0023] The proposed device includes a platform 101 is developed to be positioned on a ground surface. The platform 101 made up of any durable material that
includes but not limited to metallic material and wooden material that sustains
loads and bear of components associated with the device to operate accordingly
in convenient manner. Plurality of legs 102 (ranging from 4 to 5) are integrated underneath the platform 101 for supporting the platform 101 on the surface.

[0024] A touch interactive display panel 103 is arranged on the platform 101 that is accessed by a user for selecting a user-desired bedsheet to be spread on a bed. The touch interactive display panel 103 mapped herein consists of multiple tiny electrically active wires. When user touch the mapping illustrated over the panel 103, the wires are pressed together and circuit is completed. Which results in flow of voltages across the circuit. That voltage flow is detected by the microcontroller is linked with the panel 103 in form of electric signals. Further the signals are processed by the microcontroller for selecting the user-desired bedsheet to be spread on the bed.

[0025] Then, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 104 is installed on the platform 101 and is integrated with a processor for capturing and processing multiple images in vicinity of the platform 101, respectively to determine location of the bed from the platform 101. The imaging unit 104 refers to a camera that incorporates AI protocols to enhance its functionality and capabilities. AI protocols are used to process and analyses the images or videos captured by the camera, enabling it to perform various tasks beyond traditional image capturing.

[0026] 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. The camera captures images or records videos by the help of specialized lenses designed to capture high-quality visuals. The captured data is pre-processed to enhance its quality and prepare it for AI analysis. This pre-processing involves tasks such as noise reduction, images stabilization, or color correction. The processed data is fed into AI protocols for capturing and processing multiple images in vicinity of the platform 101, respectively actuates the microcontroller to determine location of the bed from the platform 101.

[0027] After determining the location of the bed from the platform 101, a motorized wheel 105 is integrated underneath each of the legs 102 that are actuated by the microcontroller to move the platform 101 on the surface towards the determined location. The wheel 105 is coupled with a DC (Direct Current) motor that is activated by the microcontroller to provide circular motion to the wheel 105.

[0028] 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 105 to move the platform 101 on the surface towards the determined location.

[0029] Then, an ultrasonic sensor is integrated on the platform 101 and is synced with the imaging unit 104 for monitoring presence and body dimensions of a disabled accommodated on the bed. The ultrasonic sensor consists of a transducer that functions as both a transmitter and a receiver that works in collaboration to monitor presence and body dimensions of a disabled accommodated on the bed.

[0030] The transducer typically contains a piezoelectric crystal or a similar material. When an electrical signal is applied to the crystal, it vibrates at a high frequency, typically in the ultrasonic range above 20 kHz. When the transducer is activated, it converts the electrical energy into mechanical vibrations or waves. These vibrations are transmitted as a focused beam of ultrasonic waves into the bed. The ultrasonic waves propagate outward in a cone-shaped pattern from the transducer.

[0031] When the emitted ultrasonic waves encounter the crack and depression in their path, a portion of the waves is reflected back towards the sensor. The amount of reflection depends on factors such as the distance, size, and surface characteristics of the crack and depression. The same transducer that emitted the ultrasonic waves now acts as a receiver. It detects the reflected waves that bounce back from the crack/depression and converts them back into electrical signals. The sensor measures the time it takes for the ultrasonic waves to travel from the sensor to the bed for monitoring the presence and body dimensions of the disabled accommodated on the bed.

[0032] Upon monitoring the presence and body dimensions of the disabled accommodated on the bed, an extendable plate 106 is arranged on one edge of the platform 101 by means of a motorized hinge joint that is actuated by the microcontroller to tilt the plate 106 in a manner to get aligned underneath the disabled. 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.

[0033] The motor is typically controlled by an electronic control unit that regulates its speed and direction. The hinge joint 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 plate 106, while the moving component is connected to the other part that needs to rotate the plate 106 s for deploying the plate 106 s over the distal end in order to tilt the plate 106 in a manner to get aligned underneath the disabled, followed by extension of the plate 106 to properly accommodate the disabled on the plate 106, wherein the user is required to aid the disabled in positioning the disabled on the plate 106, followed by retraction of the plate 106 for accommodating the disabled on the platform 101 in order to remove bedsheet from the platform 101.

[0034] Then, a multi-sectioned chamber 107 is arranged underneath the platform 101 that is accessed by a pair of robotic arms 108 is installed on the platform 101 to grip the user-specified bedsheet stored in the chamber 107, wherein the arms 108 spread the bedsheet on the platform 101. The robotic arm is a type of mechanical arm which is usually available with similar function to a human arm.

[0035] The segments of such a manipulator are connected by joints allowing either rotational motion or translational displacement. The robotic arm contains several segments that are attached together by joints also referred to as axes. The robotic arm contains several segments that are attached together by motorized joints also referred to as axes. Each joint of the segments contains a step motor that rotates and allows the robotic arm to complete a specific motion in gripping the user-specified bedsheet stored in the chamber 107, wherein the arms 108 spread the bedsheet on the platform 101.

[0036] Further, a laser measurement sensor is integrated on the platform 101 and synced with the imaging unit 104 for monitoring alignment of the bedsheet on the platform 101, in accordance to which the microcontroller directs the arms 108 to properly align the spread bedsheet on the platform 101. The laser measurement sensor sends laser beams at two points of the bedsheet to form a triangle between the bedsheet and the point of the acuity sensor from where lasers are emitted. The beams are bounced back towards the sensor and are sensed by the sensor with the angle formed between the emitting point and the surface at which laser beam are impact.

[0037] The laser measurement sensor, after detecting the required data of dimension of the bedsheet sends the data to the microcontroller. After receiving data, the microcontroller analyzes the data to detect the alignment of the bedsheet on the platform 101. Upon properly spreading the bedsheet on the platform 101, the microcontroller directs the plate 106 to accommodate the disabled on the bed.

[0038] Plurality of motorized rollers 109 (ranging 4 to 6) are integrated on the plate 106 that are actuated by the microcontroller to rotate for properly accommodate the disabled on the plate 106 in a pre-defined direction. The roller comprises a disc coupled with a motor via a shaft wherein upon receiving the command from the microcontroller by the motor, the motor starts to rotate in clockwise or anti-clockwise direction in order to provide movement to the disc via the shaft. The disc thus provides a maximum level of assistance to the disabled and also allow the disabled to maintain a steady speed while moving the plate 106. Further this is actuated by the microcontroller to rotate for tightening/loosening a looped strap coiled on the roller for properly accommodate the disabled on the plate 106 in a pre-defined direction.

[0039] 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.

[0040] The present invention works best in the following manner, where the platform 101 is developed to be positioned on the ground surface. The plurality of legs 102 (ranging from 4 to 5) are integrated underneath the platform 101 for supporting the platform 101 on the surface. The touch interactive display panel 103 is arranged on the platform 101 that is accessed by the user for selecting the user-desired bedsheet to be spread on the bed. Then, the artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 104 is installed on the platform 101 and is integrated with the processor for capturing and processing multiple images in vicinity of the platform 101, respectively to determine location of the bed from the platform 101. After determining the location of the bed from the platform 101, the motorized wheel 105 is integrated underneath each of the legs 102 that are actuated by the inbuilt microcontroller to move the platform 101 on the surface towards the determined location. Then, the ultrasonic sensor is integrated on the platform 101 and is synced with the imaging unit 104 for monitoring presence and body dimensions of the disabled accommodated on the bed. Upon monitoring the presence and body dimensions of the disabled accommodated on the bed, the extendable plate 106 is arranged on one edge of the platform 101 by means of the motorized hinge joint that is actuated by the microcontroller to tilt the plate 106 in the manner to get aligned underneath the disabled. Followed by extension of the plate 106 to properly accommodate the disabled on the plate 106, wherein the user is required to aid the disabled in positioning the disabled on the plate 106, followed by retraction of the plate 106 for accommodating the disabled on the platform 101 in order to remove bedsheet from the platform 101. Then, the multi-sectioned chamber 107 is arranged underneath the platform 101 that is accessed by the pair of robotic arms 108 is installed on the platform 101 to grip the user-specified bedsheet stored in the chamber 107, wherein the arms 108 spread the bedsheet on the platform 101. Further, the laser measurement sensor is integrated on the platform 101 and synced with the imaging unit 104 for monitoring alignment of the bedsheet on the platform 101, in accordance to which the microcontroller directs the arms 108 to properly align the spread bedsheet on the platform 101. Upon properly spreading the bedsheet on the platform 101, the microcontroller directs the plate 106 to accommodate the disabled on the bed. Then, the plurality of motorized rollers 109 (ranging 4 to 6) are integrated on the plate 106 that are actuated by the microcontroller to rotate for properly accommodate the disabled on the plate 106 in a pre-defined direction.

[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 persons skilled in the art upon reference to the description of the invention. , Claims:1) An automated bedsheet changing device for disabled, comprising:

i) a platform 101 developed to be positioned on a ground surface, wherein plurality of legs 102 are integrated underneath said platform 101 for supporting said platform 101 on said surface;
ii) a touch interactive display panel 103 arranged on said platform 101 that is accessed by a user for selecting a user-desired bedsheet to be spread on a bed, wherein an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 104 is installed on said platform 101 and integrated with a processor for capturing and processing multiple images in vicinity of said platform 101, respectively to determine location of said bed from said platform 101;
iii) a motorized wheel 105 integrated underneath each of said legs 102 that are actuated by an inbuilt microcontroller to move said platform 101 on said surface, towards said determined location, wherein an ultrasonic sensor is integrated on said platform 101 and synced with said imaging unit 104 for monitoring presence and body dimensions of a disabled accommodated on said bed;
iv) an extendable plate 106 arranged on one edge of said platform 101 by means of a motorized hinge joint that is actuated by said microcontroller to tilt said plate 106 in a manner to get aligned underneath said disabled, followed by extension of said plate 106 to properly accommodate said disabled on said plate 106, wherein said user is required to aid said disabled in positioning said disabled on said plate 106, followed by retraction of said plate 106 for accommodating said disabled on said platform 101 in order to remove bedsheet from said platform 101;
v) a multi-sectioned chamber 107 arranged underneath said platform 101 that is accessed by a pair of robotic arms 108 installed on said platform 101 to grip said user-specified bedsheet stored in said chamber 107, wherein said arms 108 spread said bedsheet on said platform 101; and
vi) a laser measurement sensor integrated on said platform 101 and synced with said imaging unit 104 for monitoring alignment of said bedsheet on said platform 101, in accordance to which said microcontroller directs said arms 108 to properly align said spread bedsheet on said platform 101, wherein upon properly spreading said bedsheet on said platform 101, said microcontroller directs said plate 106 to accommodate said disabled on said bed.

2) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein plurality of motorized rollers 109 are integrated on said plate 106 that are actuated by said microcontroller to rotate for properly accommodate said disabled on said plate 106 in a pre-defined direction.

3) 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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