LUGGAGE STORAGE DEVICE FOR A PASSENGER VEHICLE

Abstract

A luggage storage device for a passenger vehicle, comprising a rectangular base 101 adapted to be attached in a luggage compartment, plurality vertical plates 102 by sliding units 103 for dividing an area into separate compartments, an ultrasonic sensor detects dimensions of a luggage placed on base 101, an L-shaped telescopic arm 104 with a pneumatic pusher 105 for pushing door of luggage compartment of vehicle, a proximity sensor detects a presence of people prior to opening door of compartment, a speaker 106 to alert for people to maintain a distance to avoid a collision with door, plurality of vertical flaps 107 attached with hinges 109 on motorized sliders 110 for accommodating irregular surfaces of luggage to prevent slipping of luggage and an imaging unit 111 with a display unit 112 for recording images of luggage to enable user to select luggage on display unit 112.

Specification

Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a luggage storage device for a passenger vehicle that is capable of facilitating a user in storing luggage in luggage compartment of a vehicle in an organized manner, thereby allowing a concerned person to store large amount of luggage easily. In addition, the proposed device is capable of preventing damage to the fragile luggage and storing them in a secured manner.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Luggage storage in a vehicle's compartment offers a convenient and secure solution for transporting belongings during travel. Typically located in the rear of the vehicle the compartment is designed to accommodate suitcases, bags, and other items that provide ample space to store luggage while maximizing passenger comfort within the vehicle cabin. The compartment is often accessed through a rear hatch or trunk that is opened easily to load and unload the luggage. Interior features such as cargo nets, tie-down hooks, and dividers are incorporated in order to help organize and secure items during transit, preventing shifting or damage while the vehicle is in continuous motion. Luggage storage compartments come in various sizes and configurations to accommodate different vehicle types and passenger needs. Larger vehicles such as SUVs, vans, and station wagons typically offer more generous storage capacity which make them ideal for transporting larger or bulkier items such as sports equipment or camping gear.
For more convenience, some vehicles feature power-operated or hands-free liftgate systems, allowing for easy access to the luggage compartment with the push of a button or just a simple gesture.

[0003] Conventionally luggage is stored in a vehicle's compartment involves manually loading suitcases, bags, and other items into the trunk or cargo area of the vehicle. The finite space available in the vehicle's compartment not always accommodate larger or bulkier items, such as sports equipment or oversized luggage. This result in the need to make multiple trips or leave behind essential items, limiting the overall storage capacity and convenience of the vehicle.
Additionally, manually loading and unloading luggage is quite physically demanding especially for individuals with mobility issues or limited strength.
Furthermore, the placement of luggage in the vehicle's compartment impact visibility and obstruct rearview mirrors that compromise with the driver's ability to see surrounding traffic and hazards. Improperly secured items also shift during transit that potentially cause damage to both the luggage and the vehicle's interior.

[0004] US11267404B2 discloses about a method for storage device for a vehicle cab, said storage device comprising: a vertically moveable storage unit onto or into which items are intended to be stored, a support structure configured to support the storage unit and to allow vertical movement of the storage unit between a first/upper position and a second/lower position when the storage device is mounted to a wall or similar, wherein the support structure comprises a first spring member arranged to dampen downwards movement and assist upwards movement of the storage unit. Although, US'404 discloses about a method for storing luggage in the vehicle. However, the cited invention lacks in alerting passengers to get away from the door when the door tends to be opened of the luggage compartment, thereby preventing the chance of collision with door and thereby preventing injury.

[0005] Conventionally, many devices are available in the market that aid the user in storing luggage. However, the cited inventions lack in facilitating the user in storing fragile luggage in an isolated manner to prevent damage to the fragile luggage. Also, the mentioned devices fall incapable in alerting passengers to get away from the door when the door tends to be opened, thereby preventing the chance of collision with door and thereby preventing injury.

[0006] In order to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks, there exists a need in the art to develop a device that is capable of enabling the user in storing luggage in an organized manner for accommodating large amount of luggage in the luggage compartment. Also, the proposed device is capable of sensing the catching of fire with the luggage, and accordingly notifies the concerned person to douse the fire.

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 mean to store luggage in luggage compartment of a vehicle, in an organized way in order to allow a concerned person to store large amount of luggage easily.

[0009] An object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of providing mean to store fragile luggage in an isolated manner to prevent damage to the fragile luggage.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of alerting passengers to get away from the door when the door tends to be opened, thereby preventing the chance of collision with door and thereby preventing injury.

[0011] Another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of being operated remotely as well as manually.

[0012] Yet another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of sensing the catching of fire with the luggage, and accordingly notifies the concerned person to douse the fire.

[0013] 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

[0014] The present invention relates to a luggage storage device for a passenger vehicle that is capable of enabling a user in storing luggage in luggage compartment of the vehicle in such a manner that the large amount of luggage is stored in the compartment. Additionally, the proposed device is capable of sensing the catching of fire with the luggage, and accordingly notifies the concerned person to douse the fire.

[0015] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a luggage storage device for a passenger vehicle, comprising a rectangular base adapted to be attached in a luggage compartment of a passenger vehicle, a plurality vertical plates attached on the base by sliding units for dividing an area on the rectangular base into separate compartments, an ultrasonic sensor provided on the base detects dimensions of a luggage placed on the base, an L-shaped telescopic arm with a pneumatic pusher, attached on a front edge of the base for pushing open a door of the luggage compartment of the vehicle, a proximity sensor provided on the base detects a presence of people in vicinity of the base prior to opening the door of the compartment, a speaker to generate an audio alert for the people to maintain a distance with respect to the compartment to avoid a collision with the door being opened.

[0016] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the proposed device further comprises of plurality of vertical flaps with drawer mechanisms provided on motorized sliders for accommodating irregular surfaces of the luggage to prevent a slipping of the luggage, a weight sensor embedded on the base for determining a fragile luggage by detecting a weight of the luggage to trigger the microcontroller to actuate the sliding units with the vertical plates for positioning the fragile luggage in an isolated manner to prevent as damage to the fragile luggage, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit with a touch-interactive display unit integrated on the base for recording images in a vicinity of the base that enable the user to select the luggage on the display unit and the telescopic link with a clamp installed on the base by a ball and socket joint to retrieve the selected luggage for the user, a smoke sensor installed on the base for detecting smoke, a microphone for receiving an audio command from the user regarding storing of a luggage and a battery is associated with the device for powering up electrical and electronically operated components associated with the device.

[0017] 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

[0018] 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 luggage storage device for a passenger vehicle.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0019] 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.

[0020] 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.

[0021] 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.

[0022] The present invention relates to a luggage storage device for a passenger vehicle that has the ability to store large amount of luggage in the luggage compartment of the vehicle alongside storing the fragile luggage in secured manner, thereby eliminating chances of damage to the fragile luggage. In addition, the proposed device is capable of alerting passengers to get away from the door when the door tends to be opened in view of preventing the chance of collision with door for reducing chances of injury.

[0023] Referring to Figure 1, an isomeric view of a luggage storage device for a passenger vehicle is illustrated, a rectangular base 101 adapted to be attached in a luggage compartment of a passenger vehicle, a plurality vertical plates 102 attached on the base 101 by sliding units 103, an L-shaped telescopic arm 104 with a pneumatic pusher 105 attached on a front edge of the base 101, a speaker 106 installed on the base 101, plurality of vertical flaps 107 with drawer mechanisms 108 attached with hinges 109 provided on motorized sliders 110, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 111 with a touch-interactive display unit 112 installed on the base 101 a telescopic link 113 with a clamp 114 attached on the base 101 by a ball and socket joint 115 and a microphone 116 provided on the base 101.

[0024] The device disclosed herein includes a rectangular base 101 adapted to be attached in a luggage compartment of a passenger vehicle. The base 101 is cast with highly durable materials and is rigid in nature with a flat cuboidal shape, offering a large space to accommodate multiple mechanical and electrical units. Also, the base 101 is light in weight allowing the user to place the base 101 from one site to another, as per the requirement of the user. The outer surface of the base 101 is layered with thin paint sheets protecting the base 101 from accumulating dust and any water buildup as well as preventing the base 101 from rusting if exposed to the outer atmosphere. The base 101 is equipped with a plurality vertical plate attached on the base 101 by sliding units 103 for dividing an area on the rectangular base 101 into separate compartments.

[0025] The sliding units 103 mentioned herein consists of a pair of sliding rails fabricated with grooves in which the wheel of a slider is positioned that is further connected with a bi-directional motor via a shaft. The microcontroller actuates the bi-directional motor to rotate in a clockwise and anti-clockwise direction that aids in the rotation of the shaft, wherein the shaft converts the electrical energy into rotational energy for allowing movement of the wheel to translate over the sliding rail by a firm grip on the grooves. The movement of the sliding units 103 results in positioning the luggage in a region on the base 101 to make the remaining area of the base 101 available for other luggage.

[0026] Herein, an ultrasonic sensor embedded on the base 101 in view of detecting the dimensions of a luggage placed on the base 101. The ultrasonic sensor comprises of an ultrasonic emitter and a receiver. On actuation the ultrasonic emitter emits the ultrasonic waves towards the surface and the ultrasonic waves got reflected back after striking with the surface of the luggage which are received by the receiver. Now the receiver detects the reflected waves that bounce back from the surface 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 surface and back. It starts a timer when the waves are emitted and stops it when the reflected waves are detected. The elapsed time is known as the "time of flight" (TOF). Using the known speed of sound in the medium through which the waves are travelling, the dimensions of the luggage is determined.

[0027] Based on the detected dimension, an inbuilt microcontroller gets triggered in view of directing the sliding units 103 for positioning the luggage in a region on the base 101 to make the remaining area of the base 101 available for other luggage. The inbuilt microcontroller is pre-fed with the instructions required to control the operation of various components associated with the proposed device. Further, an L-shaped telescopic arm 104 attached with a pneumatic pusher 105 is integrated on a front edge of the base 101 for pushing open a door of the luggage compartment of the vehicle.

[0028] The telescopic arm 104 employed herein is powered by a pneumatic arrangement including a pneumatic cylinder, air compressor, electronic valve, cylinder and piston. The valve is an electronic valve that allows entry/exit of compressed air from the compressor. Furthermore, the valve opens and the compressed air enters inside the cylinder thereby increasing the air pressure of the cylinder. The piston is connected to the cylinder and due to the increase in the air pressure, the piston extends. For the retraction of the piston, air is released from the cylinder to the air compressor via the valve. Thus, providing the required extension/retraction of the arm 104, for pushing the door of the luggage compartment via pneumatic pusher 105. The pneumatic pusher 105 works in the similar manner as mentioned above.

[0029] Moreover, a proximity sensor installed on the base 101 detects a presence of people in proximity of the base 101 prior to opening the door of the compartment. The proximity sensor comprises of a transducer, wherein the proximity sensor works by sending out a sound wave at a frequency above the range of human hearing. The transducer of the sensor acts both as a sound receiver and a sound emitter to receive and send the ultrasonic sound wave respectively. As the transducer sends the sound wave, the wave hits the people that is in proximity to the luggage and reflects back to the transducer. Then the proximity sensor analyses the distance of the people from the luggage by measuring time lapses between the sending and receiving of the sound wave. As the proximity sensor analyses the distance, it converts the measured distance into an electrical signal and transmits that signal to the microcontroller.

[0030] Based on the determined distance, the microcontroller directs a speaker 106 in view of generating an audio alert for the people to maintain a distance with respect to the compartment to avoid a collision with the door being opened. The speaker 106 consists of a set of magnets. One of the magnets is permanent magnate and another one is an electromagnet which made of a conducting coil which is fixed with the diaphragm of the speaker 106. Whenever, the electric current is passed across the coil, the electromagnet either attracted towards the permanent magnets or repelled away from the electromagnet. This back-and-forth movement causes the diaphragm to vibrate and that results in generation of the sound wave which is heard by the user.

[0031] After securely opening the door of the compartment, multiple vertical flaps 107 integrated with drawer mechanisms 108 are configured by means of hinges 109 on motorized sliders 110 that are installed along the lateral edges of the base 101 in view of accommodating the irregular surface of the luggage for preventing slippage of the luggage. The drawer mechanisms 108 includes sliding racks and rails, such that the plate is mounted over the racks that are electronically operated by the microcontroller for moving over the rails. Such that the microcontroller actuates the drawer mechanisms 108. The drawer mechanisms 108 is 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 racks to provide sliding movement to the plate for extending/retracting as required for accommodating the irregular surface of the luggage.

[0032] Further, a weight sensor is embedded on the base 101 in view of determining a fragile luggage by determining the weight of the luggage. The weight sensor consists of a piezoelectric measuring coil which converts the pressure applied on the coil due to weight of the luggage into electric pulse by using the principle of piezoelectricity. Further the microcontroller processes the electric pulse in order to detect the amplitude of the pulse and base 101d on the amplitude the weight of the luggage is detected.

[0033] Based on the detected weight of the luggage, the microcontroller gets triggered and commands the sliding units 103 with vertical plates 102 in view of positioning the fragile luggage in an isolated manner for preventing damage to the fragile luggage.

[0034] Post detecting the fragile luggage, the microcontroller activates an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 111 configured on the base 101 in order to record images in proximity of the base 101. The artificial intelligence (AI)-based imaging unit 111 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. 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.

[0035] The captured data is pre-processed to enhance its quality and prepare it for artificial intelligence (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 analysis which utilizes machine learning techniques, such as deep learning neural networks, to extract meaningful information from the visual data that is further transmitted to the microcontroller.

[0036] Based on the received data, a touch-interactive display unit 112 synced with the artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 111 enable the user to relay an image of the luggage for allowing the user to select the luggage that is to be retrieved. The touch-interactive display unit 112 mapped herein consists of multiple tiny electrically active wires. When user touch the mapping illustrated over the panel, 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 linked with the panel in form of electric signals. Further the signals are processed by the microcontroller to determine the user's input regarding the retrieval of the luggage.

[0037] Upon selecting the luggage by means of the touch-interactive display unit 112, the microcontroller directs a telescopic link 113 integrated with a clamp 114 configured on the base 101 via a ball and socket joint 115 in view of retrieving the selected luggage for the user. The telescopic link 113 works in the similar manner as mentioned above by means of the pneumatic unit attached with the clamp 114. Also, a smoke sensor provided on the base 101 detects a smoke in the luggage to trigger the speaker 106 to generate an audio notification for a dousing of a fire.

[0038] The base 101 is provided with a microphone 116 that enables the user to operate the device by feeding voice command from the user regarding the storing of the luggage. The microphone 116 works by converting sound waves into electrical signals. The microphone 116 is designed to detect variations in air pressure caused by user's voice in the surrounding and transform those pressure fluctuations into electrical signals that is further processed, stored, or transmitted to the microcontroller. Whenever, the user speaks, it creates a series of compressions and rarefactions in the surrounding medium, which constitute sound waves. The microphone 116 typically consists of a diaphragm, a magnet, and a coil.

[0039] The diaphragm is a thin, flexible membrane that vibrates in response to the changes in air pressure caused by sound waves in the housing. When the diaphragm vibrates, it moves the coil relative to the magnet, inducing an electric
current in the coil due to electromagnetic induction. As the coil moves within
the magnetic field of the sensor, it generates a varying electrical voltage
proportional to the diaphragm's motion. This voltage represents the electrical
analog of the sound waves and is often referred to as the audio signal. The
electrical signal is amplified and converted into an analog electrical signal
which is processed by the microcontroller. After processing the microcontroller
fetches the user's voice input.

[0040] Also, a computing unit of the user is linked with the
microcontroller for enabling the user to operate the device remotely. The
computing unit linked wirelessly via a communication module which includes but
not limited to Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity) module. The communication module
employed herein acts as an intermediate between various electronic components,
wherein it is used to establish the communication between the users computing
unit and the microcontroller for enabling the user control the device remotely
and base 101d on which the microcontroller actuates the telescopic arm 104 with the pneumatic pusher 105 to open the door and after placing of the luggage on the base 101, actuate the sliding units 103 to position the luggage in a region on the base 101 to make the remaining area of the base 101 available for other luggage.

[0041] Lastly, a battery (not shown in fig.) integrated with the device for supplying a continuous DC (direct current) voltage to the components such as motors, microcontrollers and various other components that are associated with device. The battery used in the invention is preferably Lithium-ion battery that is rechargeable once again after getting drained out for proper functioning of the components.

[0042] The present invention works best in the following manner, where the rectangular base 101 attached with the luggage compartment of a passenger vehicle as disclosed in the proposed invention is fabricated with multiple vertical plates 102 by sliding units 103 in view of dividing the area in the base 101 into different compartments. Now, the ultrasonic sensor determines the dimension of the luggage placed on the base 101 and the sliding unit further translates for making the remain area available for other luggage. Then, the L-shaped telescopic arm 104 with pneumatic pusher 105 configured on the front edge for pushing the door in order to open the luggage compartment of the vehicle. Prior opening of the compartment, the proximity sensor detects the presence of people in proximity of the base 101 and accordingly notify the people via speaker 106 to maintain a certain distance with respect to the compartment. Ater, the opening of the compartment, multiple flaps 107 integrated with drawer mechanisms 108 via hinges 109 on the base 101 accommodate the irregular surface of the luggage in view of preventing slippage of the luggage. Now, the weigh sensor determines the fragile luggage by detecting the weight of the luggage and upon detecting positions the fragile luggage in an isolated manner for preventing any damage to the fragile luggage. Then, the artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 111 records the images in proximity of the base 101 and further displays them on the touch-interactive display unit 112 for allowing the user to select the luggage that is to be retrieved from the compartment with the help of the telescopic link 113 attached with the clamp 114.

[0043] 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 luggage storage device for a passenger vehicle, comprising:

i) a rectangular base 101 adapted to be attached in a luggage compartment of a passenger vehicle;
ii) a plurality vertical plates 102 attached on said base 101 by sliding units 103 for dividing an area on said rectangular base 101 into separate compartments, wherein an ultrasonic sensor provided on said base 101 detects dimensions of a luggage placed on said base 101 to trigger said microcontroller to actuate said sliding units 103 to position said luggage in a region on said base 101 to make the remaining area of said base 101 available for other luggage;
iii) an L-shaped telescopic arm 104 with a pneumatic pusher 105, attached on a front edge of said base 101 for pushing open a door of said luggage compartment of said vehicle;
iv) a proximity sensor provided on said base 101 detects a presence of people in vicinity of said base 101 prior to opening said door of said compartment, to trigger said microcontroller to actuate a speaker 106 linked with said microcontroller, to generate an audio alert for said people to maintain a distance with respect to said compartment to avoid a collision with said door being opened;
v) plurality of vertical flaps 107, with drawer mechanisms 108, attached with hinges 109 provided on motorized sliders 110, said motorized sliders 110 positioned along lateral edges of said base 101 for accommodating irregular surfaces of said luggage to prevent a slipping of said luggage;
vi) a weight sensor provided on said base 101 for determining a fragile luggage by detecting a weight of said luggage to trigger said microcontroller to actuate said sliding units 103 with said vertical plates 102 for positioning said fragile luggage in an isolated manner to prevent as damage to said fragile luggage; and
vii) an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 111, linked with a touch-interactive display unit 112 linked with said microcontroller, installed on said base 101 and integrated with a processor for recording and processing images in a vicinity of said base 101, relay an image of said luggage to a user to enable said user to select said luggage on said display unit 112 to trigger said microcontroller to actuate a telescopic link 113 with a clamp 114, attached on said base 101 by a ball and socket joint 115 to retrieve said selected luggage for said user.

2) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a smoke sensor provided on said base 101 detects a smoke in said luggage to trigger said speaker 106 to generate an audio notification for a dousing of a fire.

3) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a microphone 116, linked with said microcontroller, provided on said base 101 for receiving an audio command from said user regarding storing of a luggage to trigger said microcontroller to actuate said telescopic arm 104 with said pneumatic pusher 105 to open said door and after placing of said luggage on said base 101, actuate said sliding units 103 to position said luggage in a region on said base 101 to make the remaining area of said base 101 available for other luggage.

4) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a wireless communication module, linked with said microcontroller, is provided on said base 101 for enabling said user to remotely trigger said microcontroller, by connecting with a computing unit, to actuate said telescopic arm 104 with said pneumatic pusher 105 to open said door and after placing of said luggage on said base 101, actuate said sliding units 103 to position said luggage in a region on said base 101 to make the remaining area of said base 101 available for other luggage.

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

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