MODULAR RESTING ASSISTIVE DEVICE FOR VEHICLES

Abstract

A modular resting assistive device for vehicles, comprising of a rectangular body 101 configured with multiple plates 102 positioned on inner cabin of a vehicle, a pair of straps 103 secure the body 101 on backseat of vehicle, multiple pressure sensors for detecting pressure applied by the body 101 and straps 103 on the headrest of the front seats of the vehicle, a pair of motorized rollers 104 or rotating on its axis to properly fit the body 101 and straps 103, a cuboidal-shaped cushioned pad 105 accommodates head portion of a user, an imaging unit 106 detects dimensions of the head portion, an air compressor 201 inflate an inflatable member for providing comfort to the user’s head portion, a thermal camera 107 monitor presence of strain over the body, plurality of vibration unit produce vibration of a pre-defined intensity, and a microphone 108 receives voice inputs of the user.

Specification

Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a modular resting assistive device for vehicles that is capable of providing a means to aid a user in taking rest over the backseat of the vehicle by accommodating the user in a secured manner, thereby enhancing overall comfort of the user's while taking rest.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] People use to drive vehicle for travelling from a certain point of location to another in a quick manner. However, sometimes during longer journeys or camping trips people get tired and needs proper rest and incase of that they generally take rest in their vehicles. People usually uses portable inflatable mattresses as these are placed over the backseat of the vehicle to create a makeshift bed that aid the user in taking rest especially during longer journeys or camping trips. However, inflating and deflating the mattress might be time-consuming, especially if done frequently during short stops. So, an equipment needs to be used that assist the user in taking rest over the backseat of the vehicle by accommodating the user in a secured manner.

[0003] Conventionally, some ways were used for assisting a user in taking rest over the backseat of the vehicle. People usually uses portable inflatable mattresses as these are placed over the backseat of the vehicle to create a makeshift bed that aid the user in taking rest especially during longer journeys or camping trips. However, inflating and deflating the mattress might be time-consuming, especially if done frequently during short stops. People also use backseat organizers with built in pillows, as these serve dual purpose by providing storage for travel essentials while also offering a comfortable place to rest the head. But limited padding in built-pillows fails to provide sufficient comfort to the user for extended period of rest.

[0004] WO2017116371A1 discloses about an invention that includes an extendable resting unit, which is used for resting purposes in vehicles, and by means of its extending member, is extended to provide a more comfortable resting space in case of resting, and whose usable area is changed without requiring movable mechanisms. Although WO'371 discloses about an invention that relates to an equipment that is used for resting purposes in vehicles and which is extended to provide a more comfortable resting space in case of resting. However, the cited invention lack in accommodating the user in a secured manner, and fails in enhancing overall comfort of the user's while taking rest.

[0005] WO9415810A1 discloses about an invention that includes a mattress for vehicles includes a main mattress having a flat upper resting surface and a lower surface which is shaped so as to rest on the cushions and backs of the front seats of a vehicle when the backs are leant back onto the cushions of the rear seats. The main mattress is adapted to be arranged inside the passenger compartment of the vehicle in the space between the dashboard and the rear seat backs. Though WO'810 discloses about an invention that relates to a mattress for cars which is suitable to be installed in the passenger compartment of a vehicle in order to assist the user in taking rest. But the cited invention is incapable of determining presence of strain over the user's body and are insufficient in providing massaging sensation over the body, for imparting relief to the user's body.

[0006] Conventionally, many devices have been developed that are capable of aiding a user in taking rest over the backseat of the vehicle. However, these devices are incapable of aiding a user in taking rest over the backseat of the vehicle by accommodating the user in a secured manner, and are insufficient in enhancing overall comfort of the user's while taking rest. Additionally, these existing devices also lack in determining presence of strain over the user's body and fails to provide massaging sensation over the body, in view of imparting relief to the user's body.

[0007] In order to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks, there exists a need in the art to develop a device that provide a means to assist the user in taking rest over the backseat of the vehicle by accommodating the user in a secured manner, thus overall comfort of the user's is enhanced while taking rest. In addition, the developed device should also detect presence of strain over the user's body and in accordance with that provides a massaging sensation over the body, thereby imparting relief to the user's body efficiently.

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 providing a means to aid a user in taking rest over the backseat of the vehicle by accommodating the user in a secured manner, thereby enhancing overall comfort of the user's while taking rest.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of accommodating head portion of a user while taking rest over the backseat of the vehicle by detecting dimensions of the head portion, thereby providing comfort to the user's head portion while taking rest.

[0011] Another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of determining presence of strain over the user's body and accordingly provides a massaging sensation over the body, thereby imparting relief to the user's body.

[0012] Yet another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is able to detect temperature of inner cabin of the vehicle and accordingly maintain an optimum temperature level within inner cabin of the vehicle, thus enhancing overall experience of the user.

[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 modular resting assistive device for vehicles that is capable of providing an assistance for the user while taking rest over the backseat of the vehicle by accommodating the user in a secured manner, thereby enhancing overall comfort of the user's while taking rest. Additionally, the proposed device also detects temperature of inner cabin of the vehicle and accordingly maintain an optimum temperature level within inner cabin of the vehicle, thus enhancing overall experience of the user.

[0015] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a modular resting assistive device for vehicles comprises of, a rectangular body configured with multiple plates developed to positioned on inner cabin of a vehicle over backseats of the body for accommodating a user, a pair of straps are attached with the body for securing the body around headrest of seats of the vehicle in order to secure the body on the backseat of vehicle, multiple pressure sensors configured on the body and straps for detecting pressure applied by the body and straps on the headrest of the front seats of the vehicle, respectively, a pair of motorized rollers integrated in the body and straps for rotating on its axis to properly fit the body and straps, a cuboidal-shaped cushioned pad configured on one end of the body for accommodating head portion of a user laying over the body, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit is configured on the body to detect dimensions of the head portion, and an air compressor assembled with the body to inflate an inflatable member configured in the cushioned pad to inflate for providing comfort to the user's head portion.

[0016] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the proposed device further comprises of, a thermal camera mounted over the body to monitor presence of strain over the body, plurality of vibration unit installed over the body, to produce vibration of a pre-defined intensity in view of providing relief to the user's body by providing a massaging sensation over the user's body, a microphone installed in the body for receiving voice inputs of the user while the user is laying over the body, wherein the microcontroller processes the voice inputs and in case the voice corresponds to snoring sound, the microcontroller regulation operation of the air compressor to decrease inflation of the cushioned pad for modulating shape of the pad in view of elevating head portion of the user for minimizing snoring of the user, a pair of suction cups are arranged on bottom portion of the body for gripping surface of the backseats firmly, thereby securely accommodating the body over the backseats, a temperature sensor is installed within the body to detect temperature of inner cabin of the vehicle, plurality of Peltier units configured on the body to maintain an optimum temperature level in inner cabin of the vehicle, multiple hinges are configured in between two adjacent plates for allowing the user to fold/ unfold the body easily and facilitate in easy installment of the body within inner cabin of the vehicle, 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 modular resting assistive device for vehicles; and
Figure 2 illustrate an inner view of the proposed device.

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 modular resting assistive device for vehicles that is capable of providing a means to assist the user in taking rest over the backseat of the vehicle by accommodating the user in a secured manner, thereby enhancing overall comfort of the user's while taking rest. In addition, the proposed device also determines presence of strain over the user's body and accordingly provides a massaging sensation over the body, thereby imparting relief to the user's body.

[0023] Referring to Figure 1 and figure 2, an isometric view of a modular resting assistive device for vehicles and an inner view of a cuboidal body associated with the proposed device are illustrated, respectively comprising a rectangular body 101 configured with multiple plates 102 developed to positioned on inner cabin of a vehicle over backseats of the body 101, a pair of straps 103 are attached with the body 101, a pair of motorized rollers 104 integrated within the body 101 and straps 103, a cuboidal-shaped cushioned pad 105 configured on one end of the body 101, an imaging unit 106 is configured on the body 101, an air compressor 201 configured with the body 101, a thermal camera 107 installed over the body 101, a microphone 108 configured within the body 101, a pair of suction cups 109 are installed on bottom portion of the body 101, and multiple hinges 110 are configured in between two adjacent plates.

[0024] The device disclosed herein comprises of a rectangular body 101 assembled with multiple (preferably 4 in numbers) plates 102 developed to be positioned on inner cabin of a vehicle over backseats of the body 101 for accommodating a user. The body 101 disclosed herein is preferably constructed of materials which includes but not limited to steel, iron and hard plastic, as these materials provides strength or durability and flexibility to the device. The plates 102 are arranged by means of plurality (preferably 4 to 8 in numbers) of hinges 110 in order to fold/ unfold the body 101 with ease and aid the user in installment of the body 101 within inner cabin of the vehicle.

[0025] The hinges 110 mentioned above are preferably motorized hinge joints that involves the use of an electric motor to control the movement of the hinge and the connected component. The hinge joint provides the pivot point around which the movement occurs. The motor is the core component responsible for generating the rotational motion. It converts the electrical energy into mechanical energy, producing the necessary torque that drives the hinge joint. As the motor rotates, the motorized hinge joint tilts and fold/ unfold the body 101 easily and facilitate in easy installment of the body 101 within inner cabin of the vehicle. Further the body 101 is configured with plurality (preferably 4 in numbers) of suction cups 109 that are attached on bottom portion of the body 101 in view of gripping surface of the backseats firmly for accommodating the body 101 over the backseats in a secured manner

[0026] The suction cups 109 are used herein are consist of a circular disc which are made of a flexible material mostly rubber with a rounded edge. When the center of the suction cup 109 is pressed against the surface of the backseats. The volume of the space between the suction cup 109 and the surface is reduced, that creates a negative pressure to accommodate the body 101 over the backseats by creating a partial vacuum inside the cup. The pressure difference between the atmosphere on the outside of the cup and the low-pressure cavity on the inside of the cup keeps the cup adhered to the surface of the backseats firmly for affixing the body 101 over the backseats in a secured manner.

[0027] Upon affixing the body 101 over the backseats, the body 101 is equipped with a pair of straps 103 that are attached with the body 101 in view of securing the body 101 around headrest of seats of the vehicle in order to secure the body 101 on the backseat of vehicle. The pair of straps 103 disclosed herein are usually of material which includes but not limited to rubber and nylon fabric, that aid the user to secure the body 101 on the backseat of vehicle.

[0028] Afterwards, plurality (preferably 4 to 8 in numbers) of pressure sensors is installed on the body 101 and straps 103 in order to determine the pressure applied by the body 101 and straps 103 on the headrest of the front seats of the vehicle. The pressure sensor disclosed herein includes a sensing element that is the core component that directly interacts with the pressure being measured. It typically consists of a diaphragm or a membrane that deforms under the applied pressure. When pressure is applied to the sensing element, it causes a diaphragm or membrane present within the sensor to flex or deform. The amount of deformation is proportional to the applied pressure. The deformation of the sensing element is converted into a measurable electrical signal which is processed by the microcontroller to determine the pressure applied by the body 101 and straps 103 on the headrest of the front seats of the vehicle.

[0029] Based on the detected pressure, the microcontroller that is installed with the device and pre-fed with instructions required to control the operation of various components associated with the device, actuates a pair of motorized rollers 104 integrated within the body 101 and straps 103 for rotating on its axis to properly fit the body 101 and straps 103. The pair of motorized rollers 104 mentioned above is a mechanical unit designed to rotate on its axis with the help of an integrated electric motor. The cylindrical roller tube serves as a surface for supporting, and unwinding the straps 103. The motorized roller is equipped with an electric motor that provides the rotational power necessary to turn the roller. The motor is connected to the roller tube through a drive mechanism, which involves gears, belts to transfer the motor's rotational force to the roller, causing it to spin and properly fit the body 101 and straps 103.

[0030] The body 101 is configured with a cuboidal-shaped cushioned pad 105 that accommodate head portion of a user which is laid over the body 101. The cushioned pad 105 disclosed herein is preferably made up of materials which includes but not limited to foam, polyester fiberfill or non-woven materials, as these materials provide different levels of support and comfort depending on personal preference and intended use.

[0031] Consequently, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 106 is installed on the body 101 for capturing and processing multiple images of surroundings. The imaging unit 106 comprises of an image capturing arrangement including a set of lenses that captures multiple images of the surroundings and the captured images are stored within memory of the imaging unit 106 in form of an optical data. The imaging unit 106 also comprises of a processor for processing the captured images. This pre-processing involves tasks such as noise reduction, image 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 which are processed by the microcontroller to detect dimensions of the head portion of the user.

[0032] Based on the detected dimension of the head portion of the user, the microcontroller actuates an air compressor 201 which is configured with the body 101 to inflate an inflatable member. The air compressor 201 used herein used herein consists of an impeller that is configured with a motor and linked with the microcontroller. The mechanical energy from the motor is used to transfer air from surrounding to the inflatable member. The inflatable members are laminated of multiple thin polymeric films, when air is inserted in the inflatable member by means of air compressor 201, the films are puffed and the member becomes soft and that provides the comfort to the user head portion. On actuation of the motor, the impeller rotates to suck the surrounding air and directs high speed compressed air within the inflatable member to inflate the member for providing comfort to the user's head portion.

[0033] Upon inflation of the inflatable member, the microcontroller further activates a thermal camera 107 that is installed over the body 101 in order to monitor presence of strain over the body. The thermal camera 107 disclosed herein an infrared emitter and a receiver. The emitter integrated within the thermal camera 107 emits infrared- beam towards the user body. The reflected infrared from the user body portion is received by receiver and sent to the microcontroller in the form of electrical output. The electrical output is analyzed by the microcontroller in order to monitor presence of strain over the body. In case the strain is detected over a certain portion of the body the microcontroller actuates plurality of vibration unit installed over the body 101, to produce vibration of a pre-defined intensity in view of providing relief to the user's body by providing a massaging sensation over the user's body.

[0034] The vibration units mentioned above works by converting electrical energy into mechanical energy which causes the unit to produce vibration of a pre-defined intensity in view of providing relief to the user's body by providing a massaging sensation over the user's body. A microphone 108 configured within the body 101 for receiving voice inputs of the user while the user is laying over the body 101. The microphone 108 disclosed herein works as a transducer that converts sound waves into audio signal. The microphone 108 on receiving the input commands from the user converts the input signal into electrical signal and sends it to the microcontroller.

[0035] The microcontroller processes the received signals in order to analyze the voice inputs of the user, and in case the voice corresponds to snoring sound, the microcontroller regulates operation of the air compressor 201 to decrease inflation of the cushioned pad 105 for modulating shape of the pad in view of elevating head portion of the user for minimizing snoring of the user.

[0036] Further a temperature sensor is installed within the body 101 to detect temperature of inner cabin of the vehicle. The temperature sensor disclosed herein is equipped with two electrodes utilized to detect the rise in voltage across the electrodes due to heating in inner cabin of the vehicle. The detecting voltage is equivalent to the temperature that is sensed by the sensor. After then the sensor converts that detected temperature into electric signals and transmits that signal into the microcontroller. After that the microcontroller processes and analyze the signal to detect temperature of inner cabin of the vehicle.

[0037] Based on the detected temperature the microcontroller actuates plurality (preferably 4 to 8 in range) of Peltier units that are configured on the body 101 in order to maintain an appropriate temperature level within inner cabin of the vehicle. The Peltier unit employed herein is based on the Peltier effect that stated that the cooling of one junction and the heating of the other when electric current is maintained in a circuit of material consisting of two dissimilar conductors. The Peltier effect related to production or absorption of heat at the junction of two metals on the passage of a current. Based on the user-specified temperature, the Peltier unit generates the heating/cooling effect in order to maintain an optimum temperature level within inner cabin of the vehicle for enhancing comfort of the user while the user is resting over the backseats of the vehicle.

[0038] Moreover, a battery is associated with the device for powering up electrical and electronically operated components associated with the device and supplying a voltage to the components. The battery used herein is preferably a Lithium-ion battery which is a rechargeable unit that demands power supply after getting drained. The battery stores the electric current derived from an external source in the form of chemical energy, which when required by the electronic component of the device, derives the required power from the battery for proper functioning of the device.

[0039] The present invention works best in the following manner, where the rectangular body 101 configured with multiple plates 102 that are developed to positioned on inner cabin of a vehicle over backseats of the body 101 for accommodating a user. Thereafter multiple plates 102 are arranged by means of plurality of hinges 110 in order to fold/ unfold the body 101. The pair of straps 103 secure the body 101 around headrest of seats of the vehicle in order to secure the body on the backseat of vehicle by means of suction cup 109. Upon affixing the body 101 over the backseats, the user is required to access both straps 103 in view of securing the body 101 around headrest of seats of the vehicle in order to secure the body 101 on the backseat of vehicle. Afterwards plurality of pressure sensors determines the pressure applied by the body 101 and straps 103 on the headrest of the front seats of the vehicle, accordingly microcontroller actuates both of motorized rollers 104 for rotating on its axis to properly tighten the straps 103 with body 101. The user is further required to accommodate his/her head portion in cuboidal-shaped cushioned pad. Consequently, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 106 detects dimensions of the head portion of the user, accordingly microcontroller actuates the air compressor 20101 to inflate the inflatable member for providing comfort to the user's head portion. Upon inflation of the inflatable member, the microcontroller further activates the thermal camera 107 in order to monitor presence of strain over the body. In case the strain is detected over a certain portion of the body the microcontroller actuates each vibration unit to produce vibration of a pre-defined intensity in view of providing relief to the user's body by providing a massaging sensation over the user's body. When user is resting then the microcontroller via the microphone 108 detects snoring and if snoring is detected then the microcontroller regulates operation of the air compressor 201 to decrease inflation of the cushioned pad 105 for modulating shape of the pad in view of elevating head portion of the user for minimizing snoring of the user. Further a temperature sensor detects temperature of inner cabin of the vehicle and based on the detected temperature the microcontroller actuates each Peltier units in order to maintain an appropriate temperature level within inner cabin of the vehicle.

[0040] 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 individuals skilled in the art upon reference to the description of the invention. , Claims:1) A modular resting assistive device for vehicles, comprising:

i) a rectangular body 101 configured with multiple plates 102 developed to be positioned on inner cabin of a vehicle over backseats of said vehicle for accommodating a user, wherein a pair of straps 103 are attached with said body 101 for securing said body 101 around headrest of seats of said vehicle in order to secure said body 101 on said backseat of vehicle;
ii) multiple pressure sensors installed on said body 101 and straps 103 for detecting pressure applied by said body 101 and straps 103 on said headrest of said front seats of said vehicle, respectively, wherein based on said detected pressure, an inbuilt microcontroller actuates a pair of motorized rollers 104 integrated within said body 101 and straps 103 for rotating on its axis to properly fit said body 101 and straps 103;
iii) a cuboidal-shaped cushioned pad 105 configured on one end of said body 101 for accommodating head portion of a user laying over said body 101, wherein an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 106 is configured on said body 101 and paired with a processor for capturing and processing multiple images of surroundings, respectively to detect dimensions of said head portion, based on which said microcontroller actuates an air compressor 201 configured with said body 101 to inflate an inflatable member configured within said cushioned pad 105 to inflate for providing comfort to said user's head portion;
iv) a thermal camera 107 installed over said body 101 to monitor presence of strain over said user's body, wherein in case presence of strain is detected, said microcontroller actuates plurality of vibration unit installed over said body 101, to produce vibration of a pre-defined intensity in view of providing relief to said user's body by providing a massaging sensation over said user's body; and
v) a microphone 108 configured within said body 101 for receiving voice inputs of said user while said user is laying over said body 101, wherein said microcontroller processes said voice inputs and in case said voice corresponds to snoring sound, said microcontroller regulation operation of said air compressor 201 to decrease inflation of said cushioned pad 105 for modulating shape of said pad in view of elevating head portion of said user for minimizing snoring of said user.

2) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a pair of suction cups 109 are installed on bottom portion of said body 101 for gripping surface of said backseats firmly, thereby affixing said body 101 over said backseats.

3) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a temperature sensor is installed within said body 101 to detect temperature of inner cabin of said vehicle, and based on which said microcontroller actuates plurality of Peltier units configured on said body 101 to maintain an optimum temperature level within inner cabin of said vehicle.

4) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein multiple hinges 110 are configured in between two adjacent plates 102 for allowing said user to fold/ unfold said body 101 easily and facilitate in easy installment of said body 101 within inner cabin of said vehicle.

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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