FINGER OPERATED NUT OPENING DEVICE

Abstract

A finger operated nut opening device comprises of, a cylindrical hollow body 1 developed to accommodate a user’s finger and installed with a V-shaped member 2 constructed with a pair of plates, a user-interface installed in a computing unit wirelessly associated with the device for enabling a user to give input commands for securing the body 1 with the user’s finger, a laser acuity sensor arranged with the body 1 for detecting diameter of the user’s finger, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 3 mounted on the body 1 for detecting exact location of the nut, a laser projection unit mounted on the body 1 for projecting a laser beam to guide the user in accommodating the plates around the nut.

Specification

Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a finger operated nut opening device that is capable of accommodate a user's finger along with being accommodate around nut in view of opening the nuts, thereby minimizing the excessive physical effort of the user.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] People generally open nuts at the time of maintenance of any item. People use to open nuts manually via using their hands or fingers, as they hold the nut in their fingers and try to open the nut. But the method is quite inefficient as well as labor-intensive, also sometimes person faces several injuries while opening the nut manually via hands. So, people use an equipment that open the nut efficiently, within minimal manual efforts required.

[0003] Conventionally, some ways were used by people for opining nut. People use to open nuts manually via using their hands or fingers, as they hold the nut in their fingers and try to open the nut. But the method is quite inefficient as well as labor-intensive. Therefore, they also use some handheld tools like pliers for aiding a person in opening a nut. But these tools are limited to precision as well as manual efforts of the person.

[0004] US9155425B2 discloses about an invention that includes a culinary nut opening device can include a mount and a tool. The mount can be sized and shaped to securely and removably receive a finger or a thumb of a human user. The tool can extend from and be coupled to a portion of the mount. In varying examples, the tool can include a pick portion that is sized and shaped to fit at least partially within an opening of a culinary nut and have sufficient stiffness to allow the culinary nut to be pried open. A pick portion can extend ventrally, laterally, or dorsally from a side of the mount, or from a distal end of the mount. A culinary nut opening device can be provided with or packaged in a container of culinary nuts, or with other culinary nut opening devices (e.g., of different sizes), or with instructions for use.

[0005] Conventionally, many devices have been developed that are capable of opening nut. However, these devices are incapable of accommodating around nut in view of opening the nuts and fails in accommodating a user's finger to operate. Additionally, these existing devices also lack in detecting dust on the nut and are insufficient in generating vibrational sensations in view of removing accumulated dust from the nut.

[0006] In order to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks, there exists a need in the art to develop a device that is capable of accommodating around nut in view of opening the nuts by accommodating a user's finger to operate, thereby minimizing the excessive physical effort of the user in opening nuts. In addition, the developed device should also detect dust on the nut and accordingly generating vibrational sensations in view of removing accumulated dust from the nut, thus allowing rotating of the nut.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

[0007] The principal object of the present invention is to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art.

[0008] An object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of providing a means to be accommodate around nut in view of opening the nuts by accommodating a user's finger to operate, thereby minimizing the excessive physical effort of the user in opening nuts.

[0009] Another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of detecting dust on the nut and accordingly generating vibrational sensations in view of removing accumulated dust from the nut, thus allowing rotating of the nut.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is reliable in nature.

[0011] 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

[0012] The present invention relates to a finger operated nut opening device that is capable of providing a means to be accommodate around nut in view of opening the nuts by accommodating a user's finger to operate, thereby minimizing the excessive physical effort of the user in opening nuts. Additionally, the proposed device also provides reliability and works in an efficient manner.

[0013] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a finger operated nut opening device comprises of, a cylindrical hollow body developed to accommodate a user's finger and installed with a V-shaped member constructed with a pair of plates, wherein the plates are accommodated around a nut to be opened, a user-interface installed in a computing unit wirelessly associated with the device for enabling a user to give input commands for securing the body with the user's finger, a laser acuity sensor arranged with the body for detecting diameter of the user's finger, an inflatable unit equipped in the body and paired with an air compressor, for inflating the unit in view of gripping the user's finger in the body, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit mounted on the body for detecting exact location of the nut, and a laser projection unit mounted on the body for projecting a laser beam to guide the user in accommodating the plates around the nut.

[0014] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the proposed device further comprises of, plurality of pneumatic pins installed on each of the plates to extend/retract in view of securely gripping the nut, a motorized hinge configured between the plates for tilting the plates towards/away from each other, a speaker mounted on one of the plates, for notifying the user to rotate finger in view of opening the nut, a dust sensor positioned on one of the plates to detect dust on the nut, a vibrating unit configured with each of the plates for generating vibrational sensations in view of removing accumulated dust from the nut, and a battery is associated with the device for supplying power to electrical and electronically operated components associated with the device.

[0015] 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

[0016] 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 a finger operated nut opening device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0017] 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.

[0018] 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.

[0019] 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.

[0020] The present invention relates to a finger operated nut opening device that is capable of accommodating around nut in view of opening the nuts by accommodating a user's finger to operate, thereby minimizing the excessive physical effort of the user in opening nuts. In addition, the proposed device also detects dust on the nut and accordingly generating vibrational sensations in view of removing accumulated dust from the nut, thus allowing rotating of the nut.

[0021] Referring to Figure 1, an isometric view of a finger operated nut opening device illustrated, comprising a cylindrical hollow body 1, a V-shaped member 2 constructed with a pair of plates and an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 3 mounted on the body 1.

[0022] The device disclosed herein, comprises of a cylindrical hollow body 1 developed to accommodate a user's finger and installed with a V-shaped member 2 constructed with a pair of plates, wherein the plates are accommodated around a nut to be opened.

[0023] Herein, a user-interface installed within a computing unit wirelessly associated with the device that is actuated by an inbuilt microcontroller for enabling a user to give input commands for securing the body 1 with the user's finger.

[0024] The computing unit is linked wirelessly with the microcontroller via a communication module which includes, but not limited to Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity) module, Bluetooth module, GSM (Global System for Mobile Communication) module. The user interface serves as a bridge between the user and the microcontroller, securing the body 1 with the user's finger.

[0025] Further, the microcontroller wirelessly linked with the computing unit processes the input commands and activates a laser acuity sensor arranged with the body 1 for detecting diameter of the user's finger. The laser acuity sensor activates and emits a focused and narrow beam toward the mouth portion of the user's finger. When the laser beam strikes the surface of the mouth portion of the user's finger, it gets reflected back towards the sensor.

[0026] The receiver of the laser acuity sensor captures the reflected laser beam and employs a time-of-flight measurement principle to determine the diameter of the user's finger. The laser acuity sensor incorporates signal processing module to accurately measure the time delay and filter out any noise or interference. The microcontroller builds a detailed 3D (three-dimensional) map or point-of-cloud of the mouth portion of the user's finger.

[0027] The generated point of the cloud map in then sent to a microcontroller which processes the data and determines the diameter of the user's finger. Simultaneously, an inflatable unit equipped within the body 1 and paired with an air compressor, wherein based on the detected diameter of the user's finger, the microcontroller actuates the air compressor for inflating the unit in view of gripping the user's finger in the body 1.

[0028] The air compressor extracts the air from surrounding and increases the pressure of the air by reducing the volume of the air and which is further injected in the unit. Further, the inflatable unit are laminated of multiple thin polymeric films, when air is inserted in the inflatable unit by means of air compressor, the films are puffed and the unit becomes soft and that provides the comfort to the user.

[0029] After gripping the user's finger in the body 1, the microcontroller actuates an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 3 mounted on the body 1 for capturing multiple images surroundings for detecting exact location of the nut. The artificial intelligence based imaging unit 3 is constructed with a camera lens and a processor, wherein the camera lens is adapted to capture a series of images of the surrounding.

[0030] The processor carries out a sequence of image processing operations including pre-processing, feature extraction, and classification. The image captured by the imaging unit 3 is real-time images of the surrounding. The artificial intelligence based imaging unit 3 transmits the captured image signal in the form of digital bits to the microcontroller. The microcontroller upon receiving the image signals compares the received image signal with the pre-fed data stored in a database and constantly determines exact location of the nut.

[0031] After determining exact location of the nut, the microcontroller actuates a laser projection unit mounted on the body 1 for projecting a laser beam to guide the user in accommodating the plates around the nut. The laser projection unit serves as a visual guide for the user, making it simple for the user in accommodating the plates around the nut. The microcontroller sends a signal to the laser projection unit to highlight the desired position.

[0032] The laser projection unit consists of a laser source, typically a diode laser that emits a focused beam of coherent light. Within the laser projection unit, various optical components are used such as lenses, mirrors, and prisms to shape and direct the laser beam onto the suitable position. The laser projection unit is capable of projecting lines, dots, or any other pattern in order to guide the user in accommodating the plates around the nut.

[0033] At the same instant of time, plurality of pneumatic pins installed on each of the plates, wherein the microcontroller via a laser sensor positioned on one of the plates detect diameter of the nut, in accordance to which the microcontroller actuates a motorized hinge configured between the plates for tilting the plates towards/away from each other in synchronization with actuation of the pins to extend/retract in view of securely gripping the nut.

[0034] Further, a speaker mounted on one of the plates, wherein upon actuation of the pins, the microcontroller activates the speaker for notifying the user to rotate finger in view of opening the nut. The speaker is capable of producing clear and natural sound and is capable of adjusting its volume based on ambient noise levels. The speaker consists of audio information, which is in the form of recorded voice, synthesized voice, or other sounds, generated or stored as digital data. This data is often in the form of an audio file. The digital audio data is sent to a digital-to-analog converter (DAC). The DAC converts the digital data into analog electrical signals. The analog signal is often weak and needs to be amplified. An amplifier boosts the strength to a level so that the speaker drives it effectively. The amplified audio signal is then sent to the speaker. The core of the speaker is an electromagnet attached to a flexible cone. These sound waves travel through the air as pressure waves and are picked by the user's ear.

[0035] In case the microcontroller via a dust sensor positioned on one of the plates detect dust on the nut. The dust sensor installed here uses an optical sensing method and is optically equipped with an infrared light-emitting diode (IR LED) and a photo sensor. It works on the principle of Laser Scattering and is effective in detecting fine and small particles. The IR LED illuminates the particles and scattered light is transformed into a signal by a phototransistor.

[0036] The signals are then amplified by an amplifier and then processing is done to get the particle concentration. The intensity of light depends on the scattered light, the more the dust particles more the intensity of scattered light, wherein the microcontroller activates a vibrating unit configured with each of the plates for generating vibrational sensations in view of removing accumulated dust from the nut, thus allowing rotating of the nut.

[0037] A battery is associated with the device to supply power to electrically powered components which are employed herein. The battery is comprised of a pair of electrode named as a cathode and an anode. The battery use a chemical reaction of oxidation/reduction to do work on charge and produce a voltage between their anode and cathode and thus produces electrical energy that is used to do work in the device.

[0038] The present invention works well in following manner, where the proposed device comprises of, the cylindrical hollow body 1 developed to accommodate the user's finger and with the V-shaped member 2, wherein the plates are accommodated around the nut to be opened, the user-interface for enabling the user to give input commands for securing the body 1 with the user's finger, the laser acuity sensor for detecting diameter of the user's finger, the inflatable unit, for inflating the unit in view of gripping the user's finger in the body 1, the artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 3 for detecting exact location of the nut, and the laser projection unit for projecting the laser beam to guide the user in accommodating the plates around the nut. plurality of pneumatic pins to extend/retract in view of securely gripping the nut, the motorized hinge for tilting the plates towards/away from each other, the speaker, for notifying the user to rotate finger in view of opening the nut, the dust sensor to detect dust on the nut, the vibrating unit for generating vibrational sensations in view of removing accumulated dust from the nut, and the battery for supplying power to electrical and electronically operated components associated with the device.

[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 finger operated nut opening device, comprising:

i) a cylindrical hollow body 1 developed to accommodate a user's finger and installed with a V-shaped member 2 constructed with a pair of plates, wherein said plates are accommodated around a nut to be opened;
ii) a user-interface installed within a computing unit wirelessly associated with said device for enabling a user to give input commands for securing said body 1 with said user's finger, wherein a microcontroller wirelessly linked with said computing unit processes said input commands and activates a laser acuity sensor arranged with said body 1 for detecting diameter of said user's finger;
iii) an inflatable unit equipped within said body 1 and paired with an air compressor, wherein based on said detected diameter of said user's finger, said microcontroller actuates said air compressor for inflating said unit in view of gripping said user's finger in said body 1;
iv) an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 3 mounted on said body 1 and paired with a processor for capturing and processing multiple images surroundings, respectively, for detecting exact location of said nut, wherein said microcontroller activates a laser projection unit mounted on said body 1 for projecting a laser beam to guide said user in accommodating said plates around said nut;
v) plurality of pneumatic pins installed on each of said plates, wherein said microcontroller via a laser sensor positioned on one of said plates detect diameter of said nut, in accordance to which said microcontroller actuates a motorized hinge configured between said plates for tilting said plates towards/away from each other in synchronization with actuation of said pins to extend/retract in view of securely gripping said nut; and
vi) a speaker mounted on one of said plates, wherein upon actuation of said pins, said microcontroller activates said speaker for notifying said user to rotate finger in view of opening said nut.

2) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein in case said microcontroller via a dust sensor positioned on one of said plates detect dust on said nut, said microcontroller activates a vibrating unit configured with each of said plates for generating vibrational sensations in view of removing accumulated dust from said nut, thus allowing rotating of said nut.

3) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said microcontroller is wirelessly linked with said computing unit via a communication module which includes, but not limited to Wi-Fi module, Bluetooth module, GSM module.

4) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said pneumatic pins are powered by a pneumatic unit that includes an air compressor, air cylinder, air valves and piston which works in collaboration to aid in extension and retraction of pins.

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

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