BICYCLE-TIRE PUNCTURE REPAIRING ASSISTIVE DEVICE

Abstract

A bicycle-tire puncture repairing assistive device, comprising a platform 1 positioned in proximity to a bicycle, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 2 installed on the platform 1 to determine position of a fixed support on the bicycle, a motorized clamp 3 arranged on the platform 1 for uplifting the bicycle, a pair of motorized rollers 4 arranged on the platform 1 for providing a rotational motion to the wheels, a vessel 5 configured with the platform 1 to dispense a pressurized flow of water on the wheel, a robotic arm 6 installed on the platform 1 and configured with a plier for gripping a puncture strip stored in a chamber 7 arranged on the platform 1 inserting the strip in the hole.

Specification

Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a bicycle-tire puncture repairing assistive device that is capable of accurately detecting puncture locations of a tire and securely gripping a bicycle's fixed support and subsequent lifting of the bicycle for tire repair purposes, thereby enhancing the stability and effectiveness of the repair process.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Unlike automobile tires, bicycle tires are not able to use heavy and thick tires because they interfere with driving performance. Bicycles are slower than cars so when driving on a public road that does not have a bike-only road, the bicycle rides on the shoulder of the road edge. Asphalt roads are designed to have the highest center of the road where the center line is located and lower edges at both sides. Therefore, all the foreign objects that fall off the road while traveling on the road naturally converge on the shoulder of the road, and the bicycle which always travels on the shoulder is thin and tends to undergo frequent punctures while traveling.

[0003] In particular, it is a general feeling that the fear of punctuation leads to a pleasant hike rather than a pleasant hike when driving a bicycle over a long distance. If there is a real puncture even if equipped with equipment to prepare for puncture prior to departure, it is necessary to waste a lot of time and effort for repair as well as accident risk. In response to such difficulties, various products that prevent puncture are currently on the market but their use has not been activated due to weight degradation of the wheels and lack of elasticity resulting in poor running performance and uncertainty about safety. So, there is need for such device that is capable of accurately detecting puncture locations of a tire and securely gripping a bicycle's fixed support and subsequent lifting of the bicycle for tire repair purposes, thereby enhancing the stability and effectiveness of the repair process.

[0004] WO2005061210A1 discloses a tire puncture repair method allowing a rider to ride on and run a punctured tire repaired bicycle which received a tentative tire puncture repair from a punctured place to a cycle shop without impairing a riding comfortableness and the punctured tire repaired bicycle, the flat tire repaired bicycle comprising a wheel for the bicycle, characterized in that a shock absorbing material formed of an elastic porous sheet-like object is disposed between a tire body part and a tube part, the punctured portion of the tube part is temporarily sealed and an elastic seal material is fitted to a clearance at least between the temporarily sealed portion of the tube part and the shock absorbing material at the time of the puncture of a tire, and at least air or a high molecular gel-like fluid formed of a high water absorptive resin absorbing moisture or air and a tire puncture repair agent are filled in the tube part.

[0005] JP2021088339A discloses a tire tube repair device for a bicycle. A tire tube repair device for a bicycle includes a base. An inspection device is installed in the base, the inspection device includes an inspection space, a tire tube is arranged in the inspection space, and a tire valve is mounted in the tire tube. When the tire tube is filled with air through the tire valve, a damaged part of the tire can be found out from the inspection space filled with much water. An inspection device for automatically inspecting and finding out a damaged part of a tire tube is installed, an inspection speed is high, after inspection, polishing, cleaning and drying, coating of an adhesive, and crimping are performed in this order, high automation can be achieved, continuous operation is enabled, efficiency of a tire tube repair work is high, bonding and rolling compaction are performed by a machine, the damaged part is tightly bonded, operation is convenient and efficiency is high.

[0006] Conventionally, many devices are exist that are capable of repairing bicycle-tire puncture. However, these devices fail in accurately detect puncture locations of a tire to securely gripping a bicycle's fixed support and subsequent lifting of the bicycle for tire repair purposes by enhancing the stability and effectiveness of the repair process. These devices do not efficiently inserts puncture strips into identified puncture holes by ensuring effective puncture sealing to maintain optimal tire pressure.

[0007] In order to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks, there exists a need in the art to develop a device that is capable of accurately detect puncture locations of a tire to securely gripping a bicycle's fixed support and subsequent lifting of the bicycle for tire repair purposes by enhancing the stability and effectiveness of the repair process. The device also efficiently inserts puncture strips into identified puncture holes by ensuring effective puncture sealing to maintain optimal tire pressure.

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 accurately detect puncture locations of a tire and securely gripping a bicycle's fixed support and subsequent lifting of the bicycle for tire repair purposes, thereby enhancing the stability and effectiveness of the repair process.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to develop a device that efficiently inserts puncture strips into identified puncture holes, thereby ensuring effective puncture sealing to maintain optimal tire pressure.

[0011] Yet another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is cost-efficient, user-friendly and easy-to-operate.

[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 a bicycle-tire puncture repairing assistive device that accurately detect puncture locations of a tire and securely gripping a bicycle's fixed support and subsequent lifting of the bicycle for tire repair purposes, thereby enhancing the stability and effectiveness of the repair process.

[0014] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a bicycle-tire puncture repairing assistive device comprises a platform developed to be positioned on a ground surface in proximity to a bicycle, an ultrasonic sensor embedded on the platform for determining distance of rear wheel of the bicycle, multiple motorized wheels arranged underneath the platform to move the platform over for positioning the frame in proximity to the rear wheel, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit installed on the platform to determine position of a fixed support on the bicycle, a motorized clamp arranged on the rod by means of a hydraulically operated rod to extend/retract for positioning the clamp over the fixed support in view of grabbing the fixed support, the microcontroller directs the rod to further extend for uplifting the bicycle, a pair of motorized rollers arranged on the platform by means of a L-shaped telescopically operated link to extend/retract for positioning the rollers on opposing ends of the wheel, the microcontroller directs the rollers to rotate in a similar direction for providing a rotational motion to the wheels.

[0015] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the proposed device also comprises an electronically controlled nozzles arranged on the platform to dispense a pressurized flow of water stored in a vessel configured with the platform on the wheel, a laser measurement sensor embedded on the platform for detecting formation of any bubbles on surface of the wheel, a robotic arm installed on the platform and configured with a plier to acquire a grip of a suitable sized puncture strip from multiple puncture strips of varying dimensions stored in a chamber arranged on the platform, a LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) sensor embedded on the platform for determining distance of the hole from the arm, upon successfully gripping the strip from the chamber, the microcontroller directs the arm to positon the gripped strip in proximity to the hole for inserting the strip in the hole in view of maintaining pressure of air from the wheel, thereby assisting the user in detection and repairing of the puncture, a depth sensor is embedded on the arm for monitoring depth of the hole in accordance to which the microcontroller evaluates a suitable size of strip for puncture repairing.

[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 a perspective view of a bicycle-tire puncture repairing assistive 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 a bicycle-tire puncture repairing assistive device that is capable of accurately detecting puncture locations of a tire and securely gripping a bicycle's fixed support and subsequent lifting of the bicycle for tire repair purposes, thereby enhancing the stability and effectiveness of the repair process.

[0022] Referring to Figure 1, a perspective view of a bicycle-tire puncture repairing assistive device is illustrated, comprising a platform 1 positioned in proximity to a bicycle, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 2 installed on the platform 1, a motorized clamp 3 arranged on the platform 1, a pair of motorized rollers 4 arranged on the platform 1, a vessel 5 configured with the platform 1, a robotic arm 6 installed on the platform 1 and configured with a plier and a chamber 7 arranged on the platform 1.

[0023] The proposed device herein comprises of a platform 1 developed to be positioned on a ground surface in proximity to a bicycle, wherein the platform 1 is crafted from durable and lightweight materials such as high-grade aluminum or reinforced plastic, ensuring robustness and portability. The surface is designed with anti-slip features to maintain stability during operation.

[0024] An ultrasonic sensor is embedded on the platform 1 for determining distance of rear wheel of the bicycle. The ultrasonic sensor works by generating ultrasonic waves, wherein the waves hit the rear wheel and are diffracted back. The diffracted waves are received by a receiver integrated within the sensor. The pattern of the received waves gets converted into an analog value which is further converted into an electrical signal, wherein the electrical signal is send to an inbuilt microcontroller associated with the device. The microcontroller then processes the received signal from the sensor, thus determining the distance of rear wheel of the bicycle.

[0025] Plurality of motorized wheels are arranged underneath the platform 1 that is actuated by the microcontroller to move the platform 1 over for positioning the frame in proximity to the rear wheel. The wheels are powered by a DC (direct current) motor that is capable of converting the electric current provided from an external force into mechanical force for providing the required power to the wheels for maneuvering and positioning the frame in proximity to the rear wheel.

[0026] An artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 2 is installed on the platform 1 to determine position of a fixed support on the bicycle. The imaging unit 2 comprises of an image capturing arrangement including a set of lenses that captures multiple images of the fixed support, and the captured images are stored within a memory of the imaging unit 2 in form of an optical data. The imaging unit 2 also comprises of a processor that is integrated with artificial intelligence protocols, such that the processor processes the optical data and extracts the required data from the captured images. The extracted data is further converted into digital pulses and bits and are further transmitted to the microcontroller. The microcontroller processes the received data and determines position of a fixed support on the bicycle.

[0027] A motorized clamp 3 arranged on the rod by means of a hydraulically operated rod that is actuated by the microcontroller to extend/retract for positioning the clamp 3 over the fixed support, in view of grabbing the fixed support. The clamp 3 powered by a DC (direct current) motor that is actuated by the microcontroller by providing required electric current to the motor. The motor comprises of a coil that converts the received electric current into mechanical force by generating magnetic field, thus the mechanical force provides the required power to the clamp 3 thus extending/retracting for grabbing the fixed support and then the microcontroller directs the rod to further extend for uplifting the bicycle.

[0028] A pair of motorized rollers 4 are arranged on the platform 1 by means of a L-shaped telescopically operated link that is actuated by the microcontroller to extend/retract for positioning the rollers 4 on opposing ends of the wheel. The microcontroller then directs the rollers 4 to rotate in a similar direction for providing a rotational motion to the wheels. The rollers 4 are linked with a DC (direct current) motor to provide the required power to the roller to rotate in a clockwise or an anticlockwise direction as per requirement. The motor comprises of a coil that converts the received electric current into mechanical force by generating magnetic field, thus providing the required power to the rollers 4 to rotate on its own axis thereby rotate in a similar direction for providing a rotational motion to the wheels and followed by actuation of an electronically controlled nozzles arranged on the platform 1 to dispense a pressurized flow of water stored in a vessel 5 configured with the platform 1, on the wheel.

[0029] A laser measurement sensor is embedded on the platform 1 for detecting formation of any bubbles on surface of the wheel. The laser measurement sensor is a measurement value recorder working with laser technology and turning the physical measured value into an analog electric signal. The laser measurement sensor is conceived for contactless measurement which is based on the triangulation principle. Triangulation stands for distance measurement by angle calculation where the sensor projects a laser spot on the wheel. The reflected light falls incident onto a receiving unit at a certain angle depending on the distance. From the position of the light spot on the receiver unit and the distance from the sender to the receiver unit, the distance is calculated in the sensor which is then converted into an electrical signal and is sent to the microcontroller. The microcontroller processes the electrical signal received from the sensor to detect the formation of any bubbles on surface of the wheel.

[0030] In case the bubbles are detected, then the microcontroller evaluates location of a hole due to which the bubbles are formed, followed by actuation of a robotic arm 6 installed on the platform 1 and configured with a plier to acquire a grip of a suitable sized puncture strip from multiple puncture strips of varying dimensions stored in a chamber 7 arranged on the platform 1.

[0031] A LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) sensor is embedded on the platform 1 for determining distance of the hole from the arm 6. The LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) sensor uses laser light to detect and measure distances of hole such that a laser beam is emitted towards the hole and scattered beam is collected by the sensor. The differences in laser return times and wavelength carry information about the hole and the information is converted into an electrical signal which is sent to the microcontroller for processing. The microcontroller processes the received data from the sensor, thereby determining distance of the hole from the arm 6. Upon successfully gripping the strip from the chamber 7, the microcontroller directs the arm 6 to positon the gripped strip in proximity to the hole for inserting the strip in the hole, in view of maintaining pressure of air from the wheel, thereby assisting the user in detection and repairing of the puncture.

[0032] A depth sensor is embedded on the arm 6 for monitoring depth of the hole. The depth sensor operates on the principle of ultrasonic principle. The sensor emits ultrasonic pulses towards the surface of the hole and measures the time it takes for these pulses to travel to the hole and back. The speed of sound in air is a known constant, and by calculating the time of flight, the sensor determines the distance between itself and the wall. The microcontroller receives continuous depth measurements from the ultrasonic sensor, allowing it to monitor the depth of the hole in accordance to which the microcontroller evaluates a suitable size of strip for puncture repairing.

[0033] The device is associated with a battery for providing the required power to the electronically and electrically operated components including the microcontroller, electrically powered sensors, motorized components and alike of the device. The battery within the device is preferably a lithium-ion-battery which is a rechargeable battery and recharges by deriving the required power from an external power source. The derived power is further stored in form of chemical energy within the battery, which when required by the components of the device derive the required energy in the form of electric current for ensuring smooth and proper functioning of the device.

[0034] The present invention works best in the following manner, where the platform 1 developed to be positioned on a ground surface in proximity to a bicycle, wherein the ultrasonic sensor is embedded on the platform 1 for determining distance of rear wheel of the bicycle. The imaging unit 2 is installed on the platform 1 to determine position of a fixed support on the bicycle and the motorized clamp 3 arranged on the rod by means of a hydraulically operated rod that is actuated by the microcontroller to extend/retract for positioning the clamp 3 over the fixed support, in view of grabbing the fixed support. The microcontroller then directs the rollers 4 to rotate in a similar direction for providing a rotational motion to the wheels. The laser measurement sensor is embedded on the platform 1 for detecting formation of any bubbles on surface of the wheel and in case the bubbles are detected, then the microcontroller evaluates location of a hole due to which the bubbles are formed, followed by actuation of a robotic arm 6 installed on the platform 1 and configured with a plier to acquire a grip of a suitable sized puncture strip from multiple puncture strips of varying dimensions. The depth sensor is embedded on the arm 6 for monitoring depth of the hole in accordance to which the microcontroller evaluates a suitable size of strip for puncture repairing.

[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) A bicycle-tire puncture repairing assistive device, comprising:

i) a platform 1 developed to be positioned on a ground surface in proximity to a bicycle, wherein an ultrasonic sensor embedded on said platform 1 for determining distance of rear wheel of said bicycle;
ii) plurality of motorized wheels arranged underneath said platform 1 that is actuated by an inbuilt microcontroller to move said platform 1 over for positioning said frame in proximity to said rear wheel, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 2 installed on said platform 1 and paired with a processor for capturing and processing multiple images in vicinity of said frame, respectively to determine position of a fixed support on said bicycle;
iii) a motorized clamp 3 arranged on said rod by means of a hydraulically operated rod that is actuated by said microcontroller to extend/retract for positioning said clamp 3 over said fixed support, in view of grabbing said fixed support, wherein said microcontroller directs said rod to further extend for uplifting said bicycle;
iv) a pair of motorized rollers 4 arranged on said platform 1 by means of a L-shaped telescopically operated link that is actuated by said microcontroller to extend/retract for positioning said rollers 4 on opposing ends of said wheel, wherein said microcontroller directs said rollers 4 to rotate in a similar direction for providing a rotational motion to said wheels, followed by actuation of an electronically controlled nozzles arranged on said platform 1 to dispense a pressurized flow of water stored in a vessel 5 configured with said platform 1, on said wheel;
v) a laser measurement sensor embedded on said platform 1 for detecting formation of any bubbles on surface of said wheel, wherein in case said bubbles are detected, said microcontroller evaluates location of a hole due to which said bubbles are formed, followed by actuation of a robotic arm 6 installed on said platform 1 and configured with a plier to acquire a grip of a suitable sized puncture strip from multiple puncture strips of varying dimensions stored in a chamber 7 arranged on said platform 1; and
vi) a LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) sensor embedded on said platform 1 for determining distance of said hole from said arm 6, wherein upon successfully gripping said strip from said chamber 7, said microcontroller directs said arm 6 to positon said gripped strip in proximity to said hole for inserting said strip in said hole, in view of maintaining pressure of air from said wheel, thereby assisting said user in detection and repairing of said puncture.

2) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a depth sensor is embedded on said arm 6 for monitoring depth of said hole, in accordance to which said microcontroller evaluates a suitable size of strip for puncture repairing.

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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