RELIABLE POURING ASSISTIVE DEVICE

Abstract

A reliable pouring assistive device, comprises of a circular platform 1 developed to be positioned in proximity to a container having a circular mouth portion, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 2 for capturing and processing multiple images in vicinity of the platform 1, a motorized expandable pulley arrangement 3 to expand/retract as per the determined dimensions of the container, plurality of suction cups 4 for securing the container on the platform 1, a conical member 5 having plurality of plates 6 for increasing/decreasing length of the member 5, multiple motorized hinges 7 to provide converging/diverging movement to the plates 6, an iris lid 9 to get opened/closed for allowing liquid stored in the container to get poured in the tray 8, plurality of Peltier units 10 to provide an optimum heating effect to the container.

Specification

Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a reliable pouring assistive device that is capable of providing assistance in pouring liquid from containers in an automated manner, thereby eliminate chances of liquid spillage and minimizing wastage of liquid.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Generally, different kinds of fluids or liquids were used by the people in their day-to- day lives for various purposes. These fluids or liquids are usually stored in a container in a secured manner for further use in future. Thereby, for any use user usually pour the liquid from the container to other container or a vessel. Correspondingly, user pour the liquid from a container manually as they tilt the container and pour the fluid into another vessel. However, fluid might spill out of the container into the ground surface because of human-error as well as manually pouring of liquid consumes a lot of time. So, the user uses some equipment like liquid pour funnel for the assistance while carrying out the pouring of liquid efficiently and within less time as well as in a more efficient manner. But there is a requirement of a skilled worker that properly pour the liquid with such equipment. Thus, an equipment is used by the user that pour the liquid in an efficient manner, and diminishes the consumption of time as well as manual labor in the overall process.

[0003] User uses some conventional ways for pouring the liquid from a container like they used to tilt the container and pour the fluid into another vessel, this method is widely used by the users. However, the fluid might spill out of the container into the ground surface while pouring the fluid from the container into the vessel. They also try to pour the liquid from the container via using a liquid pour funnel, as the tool assist the user while pouring the liquid in an efficient manner also eliminates the chances of spilling of liquid on the ground while pouring manually. But a skilled person is required for operating such tool in an efficient manner for carrying out the pouring of liquid effectively.

[0004] US6216923B1 discloses about an invention that includes a liquid pouring device that allows oil to be poured into an engine without the spillage and waste commonly accompanying liquid pouring from conventional plastic oil bottles. By use of the liquid pouring device, the user places the device up against the outlet of the oil bottle thereby preventing the flow of oil from the bottle. The oil bottle is then turned upside down and in close proximity to the engine oil port. Once the oil bottle is positioned properly, the liquid pouring device is removed and oil is allowed to flow into the engine oil port with no spillage.

[0005] US4243157A discloses about an invention that includes an adjustable pouring dispenser to be placed in the neck of a bottle for dispensing a controlled amount of liquid therefrom is disclosed as including a cylindrical chamber having a closed lower end with an aperture therein to control the rate of descent of a ball in the chamber when the bottle is inverted. Ports in the wall of the chamber allow liquid to flow out of the bottle through a rotatable spout until the ball cuts off flow by coming to rest on a conical seat. The ports are adjustably obstructed thereby controlling the amount of liquid dispensed, by aligning a vane on the spout with one of several indices provided on the body.

[0006] Conventionally, many devices have been developed that are capable of pouring liquid. However, these devices are incapable of providing assistance in pouring liquid from containers in an efficient manner, and fails in eliminating chances of liquid spillage. Additionally, these existing devices also lack in determining deposition of any debris on the proposed device and are insufficient in removing deposited debris.

[0007] In order to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks, there exists a need in the art to develop a device that aids the user while pouring liquid from containers in an efficient manner, thereby eliminate chances of liquid spillage and minimizing wastage of liquid. In addition, the developed device should also determine deposition of any debris on the proposed device and accordingly remove deposited debris.

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 assistance in pouring liquid from containers in an automated manner, thereby eliminate chances of liquid spillage and minimizing wastage of liquid.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of determining viscosity of the pouring liquid and in case the determined viscosity exceeds a threshold value, the provide an optimum heating for melting the liquid to attain the threshold viscosity, in view of allowing the melted liquid to get smoothly poured.

[0011] Yet another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of determining deposition of any debris on the proposed device and accordingly remove deposited debris.

[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 reliable pouring assistive device that is capable of providing an assistance for the user while pouring liquid from containers in an efficient manner, thereby eliminate chances of liquid spillage and minimizing wastage of liquid. Additionally, the proposed device also determine viscosity of the pouring liquid and in case the determined viscosity exceeds a threshold value, an optimum heating id provided for melting the liquid to attain the threshold viscosity, in view of allowing the melted liquid to get smoothly poured.

[0014] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a reliable pouring assistive device comprises of, a circular platform developed to be positioned in proximity to a container having a circular mouth portion, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit integrated in the platform to determine dimensions of the container, a motorized expandable pulley arrangement integrated in the platform to expand/retract as per the determined dimensions of the container, plurality of suction cups are arranged on periphery of the platform to adhere to edges of the container for securing the container on the platform, a conical member having and plurality of plates integrated with multiple motorized hinges, arranged on the platform, wherein the user is required to position the container over a tray associated with the device, to provide converging/diverging movement to the plates for increasing/decreasing length of the member, in a manner that tip of the member is positioned in the tray.

[0015] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the proposed device further comprises of, an iris lid integrated on the tip of the member to get opened/closed for allowing liquid stored in the container to get poured in the tray, while preventing spattering of the liquid on the user, a viscosity sensor embedded on the platform for determining viscosity of the pouring liquid, plurality of Peltier units integrated on the platform to provide an optimum heating effect to the container, a dust sensor embedded on the platform for determining deposition of any debris on the platform, a robotic link integrated on the platform and configured with multiple brushes to provide required movement to the brushes for removing the deposited debris, a temperature sensor is embedded in the platform for monitoring temperature of the liquid, and a battery is configured with the device for providing a continuous power supply to electronically powered 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 an isometric view of a reliable pouring assistive device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0018] The following description includes the preferred best mode of one embodiment of the present invention. It will be clear from this description of the invention that the invention is not limited to these illustrated embodiments but that the invention also includes a variety of modifications and embodiments thereto. Therefore, the present description should be seen as illustrative and not limiting. While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative constructions, it should be understood, that there is no intention to limit the invention to the specific form disclosed, but, on the contrary, the invention is to cover all modifications, alternative constructions, and equivalents falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the claims.

[0019] In any embodiment described herein, the open-ended terms "comprising," "comprises," and the like (which are synonymous with "including," "having" and "characterized by") may be replaced by the respective partially closed phrases "consisting essentially of," consists essentially of," and the like or the respective closed phrases "consisting of," "consists of, the like.

[0020] As used herein, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" designate both the singular and the plural, unless expressly stated to designate the singular only.

[0021] The present invention relates to a reliable pouring assistive device that aids the user while pouring liquid from containers in an efficient manner, thereby eliminate chances of liquid spillage and minimizing wastage of liquid. In addition, the proposed device also determines deposition of any debris on the proposed device and accordingly remove deposited debris.

[0022] Referring to Figure 1, an isometric view of a reliable pouring assistive device is illustrated, a circular platform 1 developed to be positioned in proximity to a container having a circular mouth portion, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 2 integrated in the platform 1, a motorized expandable pulley arrangement 3 integrated in the platform 1, plurality of suction cups 4 are arranged on periphery of the platform 1, a conical member 5 having plurality of plates 6 integrated with multiple motorized hinges 7 arranged on the platform 1, a tray 8 associated with the device, an iris lid 9 integrated on the tip of the member 5, plurality of Peltier units 10 integrated on the platform 1, and a robotic link 11 integrated on the platform 1 and configured with multiple brushes 12.

[0023] The proposed device includes a circular platform 1 developed to be positioned in proximity to a container having a circular mouth portion. The circular platform 1 herein disclosed is made up of any material selected from but not limited to metallic material alike utilize to position over a fixed surface. Further, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 2 integrated in the platform 1 and paired with a processor for capturing and processing multiple images in vicinity of the platform 1. The artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 2 is equipped with AI (Artificial Intelligent) protocols encrypted in the microcontroller are used to process and analyses the images 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.

[0024] The camera, herein captures images of the in vicinity of the platform 1 with the help of specialized lenses designed to capture high-quality visuals. The captured data is now pre-processed via the processor to enhance its quality and prepare it for AI analysis. 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 present in the images. Based on extraction of the data from the captured images, the microcontroller determine dimensions of the container. Based on determined dimensions of the container the microcontroller actuates a motorized expandable pulley arrangement 3 integrated in the platform 1 to expand/retract as per the determined dimensions of the container.

[0025] The motorized expandable pulley arrangement 3 integrated in the platform 1 to expand/retract as per the determined dimensions of the container. The motorized expandable pulley arrangement 3, herein discloses comprise of multiple links attached to a central rotating disc that gets rotated at a uniform speed via a motorized pinion gear conjoined with a central disc. A motor is paired with the gear that is activated by the microcontroller for providing a rotational motion to the gear. Upon rotating of the pinion gears in anti-clockwise, then the central disc starts rotating in a clockwise direction that helps in thrusting studs fastened with links in outward orientation results in expansion of the pulley. Similarly, the pinion gear starts rotating clockwise, then the central disc starts rotating in an anti-clockwise direction that helps in thrusting studs fastened with links in inward orientation that in turn expand/retract the pulley as per determined dimensions of the container.

[0026] Simultaneously, plurality of suction cups 4 are arranged on periphery of the platform 1 to adhere to edges of the container for securing the platform 1 on the container. The suction cups 4 create partial vacuum within the cups 4 upon pressing over the surface by squeezing out air from the cups 4 due to a negative pressure is generated inside suction area. Herein, atmospheric pressure outside the cups 4 presses down low-pressure area inside the cups 4 to generate suction to adhere the surface and affix the edges of the container with the platform 1 thereby accommodating the container over the platform 1 in an appropriate manner.

[0027] Further, a conical member 5 having plurality of plates 6 integrated with multiple motorized hinges 7 that is arranged on the platform 1, herein user is required to position the container over a tray 8 associated with the device, in view of enabling the imaging unit 2 to determine depth of the tray 8. Followed by actuation of hinges 7 to provide converging/diverging movement to the plates 6 for increasing/decreasing length of the member 5.

[0028] The hinges 7 herein discloses comprise typically refers to a mechanical joint that allows rotational movement around a fixed axis using a motor or actuator which provides the rotational force required to move the hinges 7. The motor is typically controlled by an electronic control unit that regulates its speed and direction. The hinge consists of a hinge mechanism that enables converging/diverging movement to the plates 6 for increasing/decreasing length of the member 5, in a manner that tip of the member 5 is positioned in the tray 8.

[0029] Consequently, an iris lid 9 integrated on the tip of the member 5 that is actuated by the microcontroller to get opened/closed for allowing liquid stored in the container to get poured in the tray 8. The iris lid 9, herein discloses comprises of a ring and blades having multiple protrusion. The ring is constructed with multiple grooves that are linked with the protrusion of the blade. The ring is attached with groove to pull the protrusion within the grooves by the rotation of the ring. The pulling of the protrusions provide movement to the blades for opening and closing of the lid 9. The ring is installed with the motor that is actuated by the microcontroller for rotating the ring with a specified speed. Based on the actuation, the ring regulates the opening and closing the lid 9 allowing liquid may correspond to but is not limited to soy-wax and paint stored in the container to get poured in the tray 8, while preventing spattering of the liquid on the user. Thereafter, a viscosity sensor embedded on the platform 1 for determining viscosity of the pouring liquid.

[0030] The viscosity sensor herein disclosed is consists of a piston and two coils, the piston driven electromagnetically through the fluid. While coils aid in moving the piston in back and forth at a constant force, an internal circuitry of the sensor analyses the movement of the piston within the pouring liquid. Based on the movement of the piston, the internal circuitry of the sensor transmits the acquired data to the microcontroller in the form of an electrical signal. The microcontroller upon receiving and processing the signal detects the viscosity of the pouring liquid.

[0031] In case the determined viscosity exceeds a threshold value, the microcontroller actuates plurality of Peltier units 10 integrated on the platform 1 for melting the liquid to attain the threshold viscosity, in view of allowing the melted liquid to get smoothly poured in the tray 8. The Peltier unit consists of two semiconductor plates 6, known as Peltier plates 6, connected in series and sandwiched between two ceramic plates 6. When an electric current is applied to the Peltier unit, one side of the unit absorbs heat from its surroundings, while the other side releases heat, thereby melting the liquid to attain the threshold viscosity, in view of allowing the melted liquid to get smoothly poured in the tray 8, herein a temperature sensor is embedded in the platform 1 for monitoring temperature of the liquid.

[0032] The temperature sensor is composed of metal that generate an electrical voltage or resistance when experienced to temperature changes. The senor works by measuring the voltage across the diode terminals. The resistance of the diode is detected and transformed into readable values in order to measure the temperature of the laptop body. The measured temperature is then converted into electrical signal which is received by the microcontroller. The microcontroller further processes the measured temperature and in case detected temperature matches a pre-fed temperature as detected via the microcontroller then the microcontroller monitoring temperature of the liquid. Based on which the microcontroller regulates actuation of the Peltier units 10.

[0033] Moreover, a dust sensor embedded on the platform 1 for determining deposition of any debris on the platform 1. The dust sensor used herein is based on an optical sensing method to detect dust. The dust sensor consists of a photo sensor and an infrared light-emitting diode (IR LED). The IR- LED emits the IR rays on the debris and the photo-sensor receive the reflected IR LED rays from the debris surface. The reflected rays are processed by the microcontroller to determining deposition of any debris on the platform 1. Based on which the microcontroller actuates a robotic link 11 integrated on the platform 1 and configured with multiple brushes 12 to provide required movement to the brushes 12 for removing the deposited debris.

[0034] The robotic link 11 integrated on the platform 1 and configured with multiple brushes 12 to provide required movement to the brushes 12 for removing the deposited debris. The robotic link 11 is made of several segments that are attached together by joints also referred to as axes. Each joint of the segments contains a step motor that rotates and allows the robotic link 11 to complete a specific motion of the link. Upon actuation of the robotic link 11 by the microcontroller, the motor drives the movement of the link for removing the deposited debris.

[0035] Lastly, a battery (not shown in figure) is associated with the device to offer power to all electrical and electronic components necessary for their correct operation. The battery is linked to the microcontroller and provides (DC) Direct Current to the microcontroller. And then, based on the order of operations, the microcontroller sends that current to those specific electrical or electronic components so they effectively carry out their appropriate functions.

[0036] The proposed device works best in the following manner, where the circular platform 1 as disclosed in the present invention is developed to be positioned in proximity to the container having a circular mouth portion, herein the artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 2 captures and processes multiple images in vicinity of the platform 1, respectively to determine dimensions of the container. Further, the motorized expandable pulley arrangement 3 expands/retracts as per the determined dimensions of the container. Afterwards, the plurality of suction cups 4 that adhere to edges of the container for securing the container on the platform 1. Thereafter, the conical member 5 having plurality of plates 6 integrated with multiple motorized hinges 7, arranged on the platform 1, herein the user is required to position the container over the tray 8 associated with the device, in view of enabling the imaging unit 2 to determine depth of the tray 8, followed by actuation of the hinges 7 that provides converging/diverging movement to the plates 6 for increasing/decreasing length of the member 5, in a manner that tip of the member 5 is positioned in the tray 8. Furthermore, the iris lid 9 opened/closed for allowing liquid stored in the container to get poured in the tray 8, while preventing spattering of the liquid on the user, herein the viscosity sensor determining viscosity of the pouring liquid. Further, the temperature sensor monitors temperature of the liquid, based on which the microcontroller regulates actuation of the Peltier units 10. The plurality of Peltier units 10 that provide an optimum heating effect to the container, in case the determined viscosity exceeds a threshold value, for melting the liquid to attain the threshold viscosity, in view of allowing the melted liquid to get smoothly poured in the tray 8. Moreover, the dust sensor determines deposition of any debris on the platform 1, based on which the microcontroller actuates a robotic link 11 that provides required movement to the brushes 12 for removing the deposited debris.

[0037] 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. , C , Claims:1) A reliable pouring assistive device, comprising:

i) a circular platform 1 developed to be positioned in proximity to a container having a circular mouth portion, wherein an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 2 integrated in said platform 1 and paired with a processor for capturing and processing multiple images in vicinity of said platform 1, respectively to determine dimensions of said container;
ii) a motorized expandable pulley arrangement 3 integrated in said platform 1 that is actuated by an inbuilt microcontroller to expand/retract as per said determined dimensions of said container, wherein plurality of suction cups 4 are arranged on periphery of said platform 1 to adhere to edges of said container for securing said container on said platform 1;
iii) a conical member 5 having plurality of plates 6 integrated with multiple motorized hinges 7, arranged on said platform 1, wherein said user is required to position said container over a tray 8 associated with said device, in view of enabling said imaging unit 2 to determine depth of said tray 8, followed by actuation of said hinges 7 to provide converging/diverging movement to said plates 6 for increasing/decreasing length of said member 5, in a manner that tip of said member 5 is positioned in said tray 8;
iv) an iris lid 9 integrated on said tip of said member 5 that is actuated by said microcontroller to get opened/closed for allowing liquid stored in said container to get poured in said tray 8, while preventing spattering of said liquid on said user, wherein a viscosity sensor embedded on said platform 1 for determining viscosity of said pouring liquid; and
v) plurality of Peltier units 10 integrated on said platform 1 that are actuated by said microcontroller to provide an optimum heating effect to said container, in case said determined viscosity exceeds a threshold value, for melting said liquid to attain said threshold viscosity, in view of allowing said melted liquid to get smoothly poured in said tray 8.

2) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a dust sensor embedded on said platform 1 for determining deposition of any debris on said platform 1, based on which said microcontroller actuates a robotic link 11 integrated on said platform 1 and configured with multiple brushes 12 to provide required movement to said brushes 12 for removing said deposited debris.

3) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a temperature sensor is embedded in said platform 1 for monitoring temperature of said liquid, based on which said microcontroller regulates actuation of said Peltier units 10.

4) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said liquid may correspond to but is not limited to soy-wax and paint.

5) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a battery is configured with said device for providing a continuous power supply to electronically powered components associated with said device.

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