DEVICE FOR ASSISTING WITH RIDING OF A BICYCLE

Abstract

A device for assisting with riding of a bicycle, comprising a pedal assembly 1 having a slotted upper plate and a slotted lower plate, having plurality of telescopic rods 2 between the upper plate and the lower plate as per a height of a user, a laser sensor detects a height of the user, an angle sensor detects a tilt of the bicycle, a telescopic arm 3 to prevent a fall of the bicycle, an ultrasonic sensor detects a distance of the user from the bicycle, a pair of telescopic bars 4 for extending to insert into spokes of a rear wheel of the bicycle to lock the bicycle, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 5 person other than the user, and a curved flap 7 by hinge joint to position the flap 7 over the foot of the user for preventing the slippage.

Specification

Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a device for assisting with riding of a bicycle that assist a user in riding of a bicycle in accordance to the height of the user, thereby reducing physical efforts as well as providing comfort to the user.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] User generally in their day-to-day lives rides bicycles for fun or for exercising purpose or for maintain their health, sometimes while riding bicycle users usually doesn't know about their speed and turns the bicycle in a particular direction suddenly or while riding bicycles suddenly a vehicle comes in front of their vehicles especially in turns of the roads. Thereby they does-not provide any alert regarding the turn they are going to take and collision occur, in collision people might get several injuries. For avoiding such collision and informing the people regarding the turn that user is going to take, some equipment's have been used that enhance cyclist safety and efficiency by providing signals feedback to the other vehicles and alerts them to prevent accidents and optimize performance during rides.

[0003] User uses traditional methods for assisting a user while riding a bicycle like a helper might hold the handlebars to assist with steering and balancing, especially during the initial stages of learning. User uses training wheels, these are often used for beginners, training wheels were small additional wheels attached to the back of the bicycle. They provided extra stability while the rider learned to balance. However, these methods or devices requires a lot of manual labor and while riding bicycle with wheels the rider usually feels discomfort while taking a turn and the vehicles behind him as well as faces issues regarding turning their vehicle, thereby the chances of collision between the vehicle and bicycle is quite high.

[0004] US10569698B2 Discloses about an invention that includes a garment for cycling, having indicating lights associated with sleeves of the garment; first and second accelerometers provided on respective sleeves; and a controller configured to receive data from the accelerometers and determine from the date whether a wearer of the garment has raised an arm to indicate a maneuver. The controller is further configured to illuminate the appropriate indicating light depending on which arm has been raised, and to compare the data from the first and second accelerometers to filter out movements common to both the first and second accelerometers and determine when the sleeves are being moved independently of one another in a manner to indicate a turn.

[0005] CN104886796A Discloses about an invention that includes a cycling jacket with turn lamps. A plurality of LED indication lamps is arranged on a rear sheet of a jacket body to form 'left arrow' and 'right arrow' patterns. A switch control circuit and a battery are arranged on a sleeve of a jacket body. The LED indication lamps of the 'left arrow' pattern form a serial connection branch, the LED indication lamps of the 'right arrow' pattern form a serial connection branch, and the two serial connection branches, the switch control circuit and the battery form a circuit. The LED indication lamps are produced on a flexible carrier. The LED indication lamps, the switch control circuit and connection wires among the LED indication lamps and the switch control circuit are all covered with waterproof layers. The cycling jacket has the advantages that LED lamp combination layer direction arrows are arranged at the back, the circuit portion is designed in a waterproof mode, and the jacket cannot fail even the jacket is washed through water; the control switch is arranged on the jacket sleeve, the arrows at the back can be controlled to shine conveniently during cycling, and accordingly, the safety is improved.

[0006] Conventionally, many devices have been developed that are capable of assisting a user while riding a bicycle. However, these devices are incapable of facilitating the user in riding the bicycle in a secured manner and fails in adjusting in accordance with the height of the user. Additionally, these existing devices also lack in detecting tilt of the bicycle and are insufficient in preventing falling of the bicycle, for ensuring safety of the user.

[0007] In order to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks, there exists a need in the art to develop a device that is capable of providing an assistance for the user while riding the bicycle in a secured manner by adjusting in accordance with the height of the user. In addition, the developed device should also detect tilt of the bicycle and accordingly provide means to prevent falling of the bicycle, thereby ensuring safety of the user.

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 assisting a user in riding of a bicycle in accordance to the height of the user, thereby reducing physical efforts as well as providing comfort to the user.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of detecting tilt of the bicycle and accordingly provide means to prevent falling of the bicycle, thereby ensuring safety of the user.

[0011] Another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is portable, compact and 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 a device for assisting with riding of a bicycle that is capable of facilitating the user in riding the bicycle in a secured manner by adjusting in accordance with the height of the user. Additionally, the proposed device also provides reliability and are portable in nature.

[0014] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a device for assisting with riding of a bicycle comprises of, a pedal assembly having a slotted upper plate and a slotted lower plate, plurality of telescopic rods arranged between the upper plate and the lower plate, to extend or retract to adjust the distance the upper plate and the lower plate as per the detected height of the user, a laser sensor, embedded on the upper plate, to detect a height of the user, a telescopic arm provided horizontally between the upper plate and the lower plate to extend outwards from between the upper plate and the lower plate to prevent a fall of the bicycle, an angle sensor assembled on the plate to detect tilt of the bicycle, a pair of telescopic bars provided horizontally between the upper plate and the lower plate, at front and rear edges for extending to insert into spokes of a rear wheel of the bicycle to lock the bicycle, an ultrasonic sensor, installed on the lower plate, to detect a distance of the user from the bicycle and an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit installed on the upper plate to determine a person other than the user approaching to trigger the microcontroller to actuate the telescopic bars to extend and lock the bicycle if the detected person is not found on a list of approved users stored on an electronic storage unit connected with the microcontroller.

[0015] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the proposed device further comprises of, a hinge joint, assembled on the plate by means of a curved flap, that is attached to two sides of the upper plate, to rotate the flap to position the flap over the foot of the user for preventing the slippage, a microphone, linked with the microcontroller, provided on the upper plate for receiving an audio command from the user regarding the locking of the bicycle, a wi-fi module, linked with the microcontroller, is provided on the lower plate for enabling the user to remotely trigger the microcontroller, by connecting with a computing unit, to actuate the telescopic bars to extend and lock the bicycle, and a battery is associated with the device for powering up electrical and electronically operated components associated with the device.

[0016] While the invention has been described and shown with particular reference to the preferred embodiment, it will be apparent that variations might be possible that would fall within the scope of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with regard to the following description, appended claims, and accompanying drawings where:
Figure 1 illustrates a perspective view of a device for assisting with riding of a bicycle.

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 device for assisting with riding of a bicycle that is capable of providing an assistance for the user while riding the bicycle in a secured manner by adjusting in accordance with the height of the user. In addition, the proposed device also detects tilt of the bicycle and accordingly provide means to prevent falling of the bicycle, thereby ensuring safety of the user.

[0022] Referring to Figure 1, a perspective view of a device for assisting with riding of a bicycle is illustrated, comprising a pedal assembly 1 having a slotted upper plate and a slotted lower plate, having plurality of telescopic rods 2 between the upper plate and the lower plate, a telescopic arm 3 provided horizontally between the upper plate and the lower plate, a pair of telescopic bars 4 provided horizontally between the upper plate and the lower plate, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 5 installed on the upper plate, a curved flap 7, attached to two sides of the upper plate by hinge joint, and a microphone 6 provided on the upper plate.

[0023] The device disclosed herein includes a pedal assembly 1 having a slotted upper plate and a slotted lower plate. The assembly 1 is made up of stainless steel that offers corrosion resistance, strength and durability to the device and is easy to maintain. Multiple telescopic rods 2 are arranged in between the upper plate and the lower plate.

[0024] A laser sensor on the upper plate detects a height of the user. The laser sensor consists of an emitter and receiver, and works on the principle of measuring the time delay between the laser beam to travel to the user and back. The sensor emits a light towards the user and when the laser beam hits the user, the beam reflects back towards the receiver of the sensor. Upon detection of reflected beam by the sensor, the sensor precisely measures the time taken for the laser beam to travel to and back from the user. The sensor detects a height of the user and the detected height of the user is then converted into electrical signal, in the form of current, and send to the microcontroller. Upon receiving the signals, the microcontroller processes the signal to determine height of the user.

[0025] Based on the determined height, the microcontroller actuates the telescopic rods 2 to extend or retract to adjust the distance the upper plate and the lower plate as per the detected height of the user. The telescopic rods 2 is linked to a pneumatic unit, including an air compressor, air cylinders, air valves and piston which works in collaboration to aid in extension and retraction of the rods 2 . The pneumatic unit is operated by the microcontroller, such that the microcontroller actuates valve to allow passage of compressed air from the compressor within the cylinder, the compressed air further develops pressure against the piston and results in pushing and extending the piston. The piston is connected with the rods 2 and due to applied pressure, the rods 2 extends and similarly, the microcontroller retracts the rods 2 by closing the valve resulting in retraction of the piston. Thus, the microcontroller regulates the extension/retraction of the rods 2 in order to adjust the distance the upper plate and the lower plate as per the detected height of the user.

[0026] An angle sensor detects a tilt of the bicycle. The angle sensor used herein is preferably an optical angle sensor that use light beams and optical detectors to measure changes in light reflection or transmission caused by the angle of bicycle on the ground surface. As the angle changes, the amount of light reflected or transmitted varies, allowing the sensor to calculate the angle. The angle sensor provides an output signal to the microcontroller that represents the detected angle of the bicycle on the ground surface. Based on the detected angle, the microcontroller detects a tilt of the bicycle.

[0027] Based on the detected tilt of the bicycle, the microcontroller to actuate a telescopic arm 3 provided horizontally between the upper plate and the lower plate to extend outwards from between the upper plate and the lower plate to prevent a fall of the bicycle. The extension/retraction of the telescopic arm 3 is regulated by the microcontroller by in the same manner as the telescopic rods 2 to extend outwards from between the upper plate and the lower plate to prevent a fall of the bicycle.

[0028] Further, a microphone 6 linked with the microcontroller is provided on the upper plate for receiving an audio command from the user regarding the locking of the bicycle. The microphone 6 capsule contains a small diaphragm connected to a moving coil. When sound waves of the user hit the diaphragm, the coil vibrates. This causes the coil to move back and forth in the magnet's field, generating an electrical current. The signal of which are sent to the microcontroller for processing the input voice command of the user regarding the locking of the bicycle.

[0029] Based on the input command from the user, a pair of telescopic bars 4 provided horizontally between the upper plate and the lower plate, at front and rear edges is actuated by the microcontroller for extending to insert into spokes of a rear wheel of the bicycle to lock the bicycle. The extension/retraction of the telescopic bars 4 is regulated by the microcontroller by in the same manner as the telescopic rods 2 for extending to insert into spokes of a rear wheel of the bicycle to lock the bicycle.

[0030] An ultrasonic sensor provided on the lower plate detects a distance of the user from the bicycle. The ultrasonic sensor works by emitting ultrasonic waves and then measuring the time taken by these waves to bounce back after hitting the user. The ultrasonic sensor includes two main parts viz. transmitter, and a receiver for detecting distance of the user from the bicycle. The transmitter sends a short ultrasonic pulse towards the user which propagates through the air at the speed of sound and reflects back as an echo to the transmitter as the pulse hits the user.

[0031] The transmitter then detects the reflected eco from the user and calculations is performed by the sensor based on the time interval between the sending signal and receiving echo to determine the distance of the user from the bicycle. The determined data is sent to the microcontroller in a signal form, based on which the microcontroller process the signal to determine distance of the user from the bicycle. The determined distance is further processes by the microcontroller to compare the determined value to a threshold distance stored within a database linked to the microcontroller. In case the determined distance is detected to be exceeding the threshold distance, the microcontroller to actuate the telescopic bars 4 to extend and lock the bicycle.

[0032] Further, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 5 installed on the upper plate determine a person other than the user approaching towards the bicycle. The imaging unit 5 comprises of an image capturing arrangement including a set of lenses that captures multiple images of the surroundings around the upper plate, and the captured images are stored within memory of the imaging unit 5 in form of an optical data.

[0033] The imaging unit 5 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 a person other than the user approaching towards the bicycle.

[0034] Based on determined person other than the user approaching towards the bicycle, if the determined person is not found on a list of approved users stored on an electronic storage unit connected with the microcontroller, the microcontroller actuate the telescopic bars 4 to extend and lock the bicycle in view of securing the bicycle.

[0035] Furthermore, the microcontroller detects a slipping of a foot of the user from the upper plate via the ultrasonic sensor. Based on the detected slipping of a foot of the user from the upper plate, a curved flap 7 , attached to two sides of the upper plate by hinge joint are actuated by the microcontroller to rotate the flap 7 to position the flap 7 over the foot of the user for preventing the slippage. The hinge joint comprises of a pair of leaf that is screwed with the surfaces of the flap 7 s. The leaf are connected with each other by means of a cylindrical member integrated with a shaft coupled with a DC (Direct Current) motor to provide required movement to the hinge. The rotation of the shaft in clockwise and anti-clockwise aids in opening and closing of the hinge respectively. Hence the microcontroller actuates the hinge that in turn provides movement to the flap 7 s for to position the flap 7 over the foot of the user for preventing the slippage.

[0036] Additionally, a wi-fi module, linked with the microcontroller, is provided on the lower plate enables the user to remotely trigger the microcontroller, by connecting with a computing unit, to actuate the telescopic bars 4 to extend and lock the bicycle.

[0037] Lastly, a battery is installed within the device which is connected to the microcontroller that supplies current to all the electrically powered components that needs an amount of electric power to perform their functions and operation in an efficient manner. The battery utilized here, is generally a dry battery which is made up of Lithium-ion material that gives the device a long-lasting as well as an efficient DC (Direct Current) current which helps every component to function properly in an efficient manner. As the device is battery operated and do not need any electrical voltage for functioning. Hence the presence of battery leads to the portability of the device i.e., user is able to place as well as moves the device from one place to another as per the requirements.

[0038] The present invention work best in the following manner, where the pedal assembly 1 having slotted upper plate and slotted lower plate. Multiple telescopic rods 2 are arranged in between the upper plate and the lower plate. The laser sensor on the upper plate detects height of the user. Based on the determined height, the microcontroller actuates the telescopic rods 2 to extend or retract to adjust the distance the upper plate and the lower plate as per the detected height of the user. An angle sensor detects tilt of the bicycle. Based on the detected tilt of the bicycle, the microcontroller to actuate telescopic arm 3 to extend outwards from between the upper plate and the lower plate to prevent fall of the bicycle. Further, the microphone 6 receives audio command from the user regarding the locking of the bicycle. Based on the input command from the user, the pair of telescopic bars 4 is actuated by the microcontroller for extending to insert into spokes of the rear wheel of the bicycle to lock the bicycle. The ultrasonic sensor detects the distance of the user from the bicycle. In case the determined distance is detected to be exceeding the threshold distance, the microcontroller actuates the telescopic bars 4 to extend and lock the bicycle. Furthermore, the microcontroller detects slipping of foot of the user from the upper plate via the ultrasonic sensor. Based on the detected slipping of foot of the user from the upper plate, the curved flap 7 by hinge joint are actuated by the microcontroller to rotate the flap 7 to position the flap 7 over the foot of the user for preventing the slippage.

[0039] 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 device for assisting with riding of a bicycle, comprising:

i) a pedal assembly 1 having a slotted upper plate and a slotted lower plate, having plurality of telescopic rods 2 between said upper plate and said lower plate as per a height of a user;
ii) a laser sensor, on said upper plate, detects a height of said user to trigger a microcontroller to actuate said telescopic rods 2 to extend or retract to adjust said distance said upper plate and said lower plate as per said detected height of said user;
iii) a telescopic arm 3 provided horizontally between said upper plate and said lower plate, wherein an angle sensor detects a tilt of said bicycle to trigger said microcontroller to actuate said telescopic arm 3 to extend outwards from between said upper plate and said lower plate to prevent a fall of said bicycle;
iv) a pair of telescopic bars 4 provided horizontally between said upper plate and said lower plate, at front and rear edges for extending to insert into spokes of a rear wheel of said bicycle to lock said bicycle;
v) an ultrasonic sensor, on said lower plate, detects a distance of said user from said bicycle to trigger said microcontroller to actuate said telescopic bars 4 to extend and lock said bicycle, if said detected distance exceeds a threshold distance;
vi) an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 5 installed on said upper plate and integrated with a processor for recording and processing images in a vicinity of said upper plate, to determine a person other than said user approaching to trigger said microcontroller to actuate said telescopic bars 4 to extend and lock said bicycle if said detected person is not found on a list of approved users stored on an electronic storage unit connected with said microcontroller; and
vii) a curved flap 7, attached to two sides of said upper plate by hinge joint, wherein said ultrasonic sensor provided on said upper plate, detects a slipping of a foot of said user from said upper plate to trigger said microcontroller to actuate said hinge joint to rotate said flap 7 to position said flap 7 over said foot of said user for preventing said slippage.

2) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a microphone 6, linked with said microcontroller, provided on said upper plate for receiving an audio command from said user regarding said locking of said bicycle to trigger said microcontroller to actuate said telescopic bars 4 to extend and lock said bicycle.

3) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a wi-fi module, linked with said microcontroller, is provided on said lower plate for enabling said user to remotely trigger said microcontroller, by connecting with a computing unit, to actuate said telescopic bars 4 to extend and lock said bicycle.

4) 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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