RESCUE DEVICE FOR INJURED INDIVIDUALS

Abstract

A rescue device for injured individuals comprises of a cuboidal body 101 developed to be installed on rear portion of a vehicle, plurality of suction cups 102 arranged on back portion of body 101 for securing body 101 on vehicle, a pair of hydraulically operated rods 103 arranged on lateral ends of body 101 for positioning motorized C-shaped clipper 104, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 105 installed on body 101 for capturing and processing multiple images, a motorized slider plate 106 integrated in body 101 to get translated outwards via an opening, U-shaped frame 201 installed across plate 106 provide forward translation to frame, a pair of C-shaped clamps 202 suspended from ceiling portion of frame via hydraulically operated L-shaped link 203 for positioning clamps 202 over waist portion of user, a conveyer belt 107 arranged on plate 106 for providing movement to user’s body 101.

Specification

Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a rescue device for injured individuals that safely accommodates the individual in order to provide comfortable experience while taking towards nearest medical care center as well as prevent the individual from falling by detecting falling condition to prevent other injuries.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] People often gets injured in many ways, depending on the circumstances and activities in which they are involved. Accidents are one of the major cause of injuries these days. Also events like earthquakes, hurricanes, floods, and wildfires cause injuries on a large scale due to falling debris, structural collapses, exposure to extreme weather conditions, or other hazardous situations. Injured individuals may be in situations where they are at risk of further harm or injury. Immediate rescue helps remove them from danger and prevents exacerbation of their injuries.

[0003] Traditionally, the injured individual are rescued manually by medical personal or any concerned people present at the location. In many cases a stretcher is used to accommodate and carry the injured individual manually to a hospital or clinic for their treatment. Also in some rural areas, the injured individuals are carried manually over hand carts for medical procedure. While these traditional methods offers many benefits, but they also pose several challenges and drawbacks. Even for rescuing a single inured individual more than one person is required at the moment which is not always possible to gather this much amount of people in least time. Also carrying an injured individual manually over a stretcher is time consuming which may deteriorate the health of the injured individual and leads to death.

[0004] EP1305084A1 discloses about a method and device provided in the form of a carrying device for transporting an injured person in a horizontal reclined position. Said device is comprised of two belts whose ends are joined to one another. One of the belts is placed around the upper body and the other belt is placed around the thighs of the injured person. The ends of the belts are provided with a shared coupling element, by means of which they can be coupled to a lowered end of a rescue line. The aim of the invention is to use simple means to provide the ability to fasten both belts at once to the injured person by using a handle, to then separate both belts from one another using a second handle, and to slide the second belt under the buttocks of the injured person. The invention is based on the above-mentioned rescue device developed by Professor Schwandt and is characterized in that both belts, when in a standby position, are closely positioned next to one another in a parallel manner and are detachably joined to one another while forming a strand. In addition, means are provided with which the joining between both belts can be released, and one end of both belts is coupled or to be coupled to the coupling element whereas the other belt end can be coupled to the first-mentioned end or to the coupling element. Although, US'789 is able to drag the individual and vertically lifted in order to accommodate but lacks in providing comfortable experience while taking towards nearest medical care center.

[0005] US7395562B2 discloses about detachable head covering unit for use with a generally rectangular patient rescue bag with an open head end and one part of a two-part quick connect/disconnect fastener device that extends proximally to and along transverse edges defining the open head end. The hood includes lower and upper substantially planar portions having inner surfaces, outer surfaces, perimeters each with an attachment portion, the attachment portions including a mating part of a two-part quick connect/disconnect fastener device that extends proximally to and along an edge thereof. The upper and lower portions are secured to one another along substantially their entire perimeters except at the attachment portion of the perimeter. A face opening is provided in the upper portion and the opening extends to and intersects the edge of the attachment portion such that separate parts of the edge are releasable secured together to form a substantially continuous attachment edge. The hood may include insulating and/or outer water-resistant layers. Although, US'562 provides the people to manually move the individual in order to rescue, but lacks in safely accommodating the individual in a secure manner in order to prevent from falling.

[0006] Conventionally, many devices have been developed to rescue an injured individual from the location of accident, but they lack in accommodating the individual in order to provide comfortable experience while taking towards nearest medical care center.

[0007] In order to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks, there exists a need in the art to develop a device that is capable of accommodating the individual and providing comfortable experience while taking towards nearest medical care center as well as capable of detecting falling condition of the accommodated individual and accordingly adjust to prevent the user from falling.

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 accommodating the individual in order to provide comfortable experience while taking towards nearest medical care center.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of detecting falling condition of the accommodated individual and accordingly adjust to prevent the user from falling.

[0011] Yet another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is that is reliable in nature.

[0012] The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become readily apparent upon further review of the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0013] The present invention relates to a rescue device for injured individuals that safely accommodates the individual in order to provide comfortable experience while taking towards nearest medical care center as well as prevent the individual from falling by detecting falling condition to prevent other injuries.

[0014] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a rescue device for injured individuals, a cuboidal body developed to be installed on rear portion of a vehicle, comprising plurality of suction cups are arranged on back portion of the body for securing the body on the vehicle, an ultrasonic sensor embedded on that body for determining distance of a fixed support from the body, a pair of hydraulically operated rods arranged on lateral ends of the body to extend/retract for positioning a motorized C-shaped clipper in proximity to the fixed support, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit installed on the body and paired with a processor for capturing and processing multiple images in vicinity of the body, a motorized slider plate integrated in the body to get translated outwards via an opening carved on the body, a motorized hinge joint is integrated in between the body and the plate for tilting the plate in proximity to the detected position of the individual, an inverted U-shaped frame installed across the plate by means of a pair of motorized sliding unit microcontroller to provide forward translation to the frame for positioning the frame on end portion of the plate, a pair of C-shaped clamps are suspended from ceiling portion of the frame via a hydraulically operated L-shaped link for positioning the clamps over waist portion of the user.

[0015] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the proposed device further comprises of a conveyer belt arranged on the plate for providing movement to the user's body, a cushioned member is integrated on the belt for providing a comfortable experience to the accommodated individual, an inflated layer is arranged on inner periphery of the clamps for preventing any injuries to the user while holding the user's waist, a motion sensor is embedded on the plate for detecting falling condition of the accommodated individual, a pair of motorized flaps arranged on lateral ends of the plate for getting deployed on sides of the individual, a motorized ball and socket joint integrated in between each of the link and the clamp for providing omnidirectional movement to the clamp for aligning the clamps along the individual's waist.

[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 rescue device for injured individuals; and
Figure 2 illustrates an isometric view of an inverted U-shaped frame associate with the proposed 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 rescue device for injured individuals that is capable of safely accommodating the individual in order to provide comfortable experience while taking towards nearest medical care center as well as prevent the individual from falling by detecting falling condition to prevent other injuries.

[0022] Referring to Figure 1 and 2, an isometric view of a rescue device for injured individuals and an isometric view of an inverted U-shaped frame associated with proposed device are illustrated, respectively, comprising of a cuboidal body 101 developed to be installed on rear portion of a vehicle, plurality of suction cups 102 are arranged on back portion of the body 101, a pair of hydraulically operated rods 103 arranged on lateral ends of the body 101 for positioning a motorized C-shaped clipper 104, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 105 installed on the body 101, a motorized slider plate 106 integrated in the body 101, a conveyer belt 107 arranged on the plate 106, a cushioned member 108 is integrated on the belt, an inverted U-shaped frame 201 installed across the plate 106, a pair of C-shaped clamps 202 are suspended from ceiling portion of the frame via a hydraulically operated L-shaped link 203, a motorized ball and socket joint 204 integrated in between each of the link 203 and the clamp.

[0023] The disclosed device comprises of a cuboidal body 101 developed to be installed on rear portion of a vehicle. Further, multiple suction cups 102 are arranged on back portion of the body 101 to adhere to surface of the vehicle's rear portion for securing the body 101 on the vehicle. Multiple suction cups 102 disclosed here are two to four in numbers. The suction cup provides an additional grip to the body 101. The multiple suction cups 102 used herein are made up of silicone rubber that easily eliminates pressure inside the suction cup and creating a vacuum between the cup surface of the vehicle's which seals the pipe tightly to the suction cup, resisting any slipping of the pipe in order to secure the body 101 on the vehicle.

[0024] Upon securing the body 101 on the vehicle, an ultrasonic sensor integrated on the body 101 for determining distance of a fixed support from the body 101. The ultrasonic sensor works by emitting ultrasonic waves and then measuring the time taken by these waves to bounce back after hitting the surface of the fixed support. The ultrasonic sensor includes two main parts viz. transmitter, and a receiver. The transmitter sends a short ultrasonic pulse towards the surface of support which propagates through the air at the speed of sound and reflects back as an echo to the transmitter as the pulse hits the support. The transmitter then detects the reflected eco from the surface of the support and calculations is performed by the sensor based on the time interval between the sending signal and receiving echo to determine the distance of the fixed support from the body 101. The determined data is sent to the microcontroller in form of electrical signal.

[0025] Upon receiving the electrical signal, the microcontroller actuates a pair of hydraulically operated rods 103 arranged on lateral ends of the body 101 to extend/retract for positioning a motorized C-shaped clipper 104 installed on the hydraulically operated rods 103 in proximity to the fixed support. The hydraulically operated rods 103 is powered by a hydraulic unit consisting of a hydraulic cylinder, hydraulic compressor, hydraulic valve and piston that work in collaboration for providing the required extension/retraction to the rod.

[0026] The microcontroller actuates the valve to allow passage of hydraulic fluid from the compressor within the cylinder, the hydraulic fluid further develops pressure against the piston and results in pushing and extending the piston. The piston is connected with the motorized C-shaped clipper 104 and due to applied pressure the motorized C-shaped clipper 104 extends and similarly, the microcontroller retracts the motorized C-shaped clipper 104 by closing the valve resulting in retraction of the piston. The microcontroller regulates the extension/retraction of the motorized C-shaped clipper 104 for positioning the motorized C-shaped clipper 104 in proximity to the fixed support.

[0027] Upon positioning the motorized C-shaped clipper 104 in proximity to the fixed support, the microcontroller actuates the clipper 104 to acquire a grip of the fixed support for providing additional support to the body 101 on the vehicle. The motorized clipper 104 are operated by a pair of handles which are alternately squeezed together and released for griping or releasing the fixed support and are driven by the motor which makes the blades of clip to oscillate from side to side. Upon actuation of the motorized clipper 104 by the microcontroller the motor rotates the blade to acquire the grip of the fixed support for providing additional support to the body 101 on the vehicle.

[0028] Upon providing additional support to the body 101 on the vehicle, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 105 installed on the body 101 and paired with a processor, captures and processes multiple images in vicinity of the body 101 to detect position of an injured individual in proximity to the vehicle. The artificial intelligence based imaging unit 105 comprises of a camera lens and a processor, wherein the 360 degree rotatable camera captures multiple images of the body 101 and then the processor carries out a sequence of steps including pre-processing, feature extraction and segmentation. In pre-processing, the unwanted data like noise, background is removed out and the image is converted into a format recommended for feature extraction. The features like pixel intensities of the foreground image are extracted and are sent for classification to detect position of an injured individual in proximity to the vehicle.

[0029] Upon detecting the position of an injured individual in proximity to the vehicle, the microcontroller actuates a motorized slider plate 106 integrated in the body 101 to get translated outwards via an opening carved on the body 101. The motorized sliders typically consist of a motorized carriage attached to a rail for enabling the controlled linear movement of the link along with bar towards the sides of the frame. Upon actuation of the motorized slider by the microcontroller, the motor drives the carriage along the rail, facilitating a smooth and precise sliding motion of the body 101 to get translated outwards via an opening carved on the body 101.

[0030] Upon translating the body 101 outwards, a motorized hinge joint integrated in between the body 101 and the plate 106 for tilting the plate 106 in proximity to the detected position of the individual. The motorized hinge joint comprises of a pair of leaf that is screwed with the surfaces of the body 101 and the plate 106. The leaf are connected with each other by means of a cylindrical member integrated with a shaft coupled with a DC (Direct Current) motor to provide required movement to the hinge. The rotation of the shaft in clockwise and anti-clockwise aids in opening and closing of the hinge respectively. Hence the microcontroller actuates the hinge that in turn provides movement to the body 101 and the plate 106 for tilting the plate 106 in proximity to the detected position of the individual.

[0031] Upon tilting the plate 106 in proximity to the detected position of the individual, an inverted U-shaped frame 201 installed across the plate 106 by means of a pair of motorized sliding unit is actuated by the microcontroller to provide forward translation to the frame for positioning the frame on end portion of the plate 106. The motorized sliding unit incorporates an electric motor to drive a linear movement to the frame. Upon actuation of the sliding unit by the microcontroller, the motor's power is harnessed to move the slider in an automated and precise way for a smooth and controlled transitional motion of the frame for positioning the frame on end portion of the plate 106.

[0032] Upon positioning the frame on end portion of the plate 106, a pair of C-shaped clamps 202 suspended from ceiling portion of the frame via a hydraulically operated L-shaped link 203 positions the clamps 202 over waist portion of the user, followed by actuation of the clamps 202 to hold the user's waist, in view of positioning the user's neck on the plate 106. The hydraulically operated L-shaped link 203 is powered by a hydraulic unit consisting of a hydraulic cylinder, hydraulic compressor, hydraulic valve and piston that work in collaboration for providing the required extension/retraction to the link 203. The microcontroller actuates the valve to allow passage of hydraulic fluid from the compressor within the cylinder, the hydraulic fluid further develops pressure against the piston and results in pushing and extending the piston. The piston is connected with the clamps 202 and due to applied pressure the clamps 202 extends and similarly, the microcontroller retracts the clamps 202 by closing the valve resulting in retraction of the piston. The microcontroller regulates the extension/retraction of the clamps 202 holding the user's waist, in view of positioning the user's neck on the plate 106. Further, an inflated layer arranged on inner periphery of the clamps 202 prevents any injuries to the user while holding the user's waist. The inflated layer is basically the material that has been physically expanded or modified through a controlled process in order to prevent any injuries to the user while holding the user's waist.

[0033] A motorized ball and socket joint 204 integrated between each of the link 203 and the clamp providing omnidirectional movement to the clamp for aligning the clamps 202 along the individual's waist. The motorized ball and socket joint 204 includes a motor powered by the microcontroller generating electrical current, a ball shaped element and a socket. The ball move freely within the socket. The motor rotates the ball in various directions that is controlled by the microcontroller that further commands the motor to position the ball precisely. The microcontroller further actuates the motor to generate electrical current to rotate in the joint for providing movement to the clamp for aligning the clamps 202 along the individual's waist.

[0034] Upon positioning the user's neck on the plate 106, a conveyer belt 107 arranged on the plate 106 provides the movement to the user's body 101, in view of accommodating the individual's body 101 over the belt. The conveyer belt 107 consists of a belt stretched across two or more pulley in close loop and one of the pulley is attached with a driven motor that is interlinked with the microcontroller. On actuation, the driven motor rotates the pulley which in turn results that the primary conveyer belt 107 also rotates that provides the movement to the user's body 101, in view of accommodating the individual's body 101 over the belt. Upon successfully accommodating the individual on the belt, the microcontroller directs the hinge joint to lift the plate 106 to translate the individual in the body 101. Further, a cushioned member 108 integrated on the belt provides a comfortable experience to the accommodated individual while carrying the accommodated individual towards nearest medical care center.

[0035] Upon carrying the accommodated individual towards nearest medical care center, a motion sensor is embedded on the plate 106 detects the falling condition of the accommodated individual. The motion sensor typically consists of infrared emitter and a receiver for detecting falling condition of the accommodated individual. The infrared emitter emits infrared radiation within the sensor's coverage area. The emitted infrared beams upon hitting the individual are either reflected back to the sensor or absorbed, depending on the motion of the accommodated individual. The sensor detects changes in the reflected or absorbed infrared radiation, signaling the microcontroller that motion has occurred. This information is then processed by the microcontroller for detecting falling condition of the accommodated individual.

[0036] Upon detecting the falling condition of the accommodated individual, the microcontroller actuates a pair of motorized flaps arranged on lateral ends of the plate 106 for getting deployed on sides of the individual, in view of preventing the user to fall from the plate 106. The motorized flap is used to hold or secure the individual tightly together to prevent movement or separation of individual and the plate 106. The motorized flaps typically operates using an electric motor or actuator to control the movement of the flap, to open or close automatically using the motor in view of preventing the user to fall from the plate 106. The device may also be used for lifting an injured animal and object.

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

[0038] The following invention works best in the following manner. The plurality of suction cups 102 secures the body 101 on the vehicle. Upon securing the body 101 on the vehicle, the ultrasonic sensor embedded determines the distance of a fixed support from the body 101, in accordance to which an inbuilt microcontroller actuates a pair of hydraulically operated rods 103 to extend/retract for positioning the motorized C-shaped clipper 104 in proximity to the fixed support. Which is followed by actuation of the clipper 104 to acquire a grip of the fixed support for providing additional support to the body 101 on the vehicle. Further, the artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 105 captures and processes multiple images of the body 101, to detect position of an injured individual in proximity to the vehicle, in accordance to which the microcontroller actuates the motorized slider plate 106 to get translated outwards via an opening carved on the body 101. Further the motorized hinge joint tilts the plate 106 in proximity to the detected position of the individual. Upon tilting the plate 106, the inverted U-shaped is actuated by the microcontroller to provide forward translation to the frame for positioning the frame on end portion of the plate 106. Further the pair of C-shaped clamps 202 are suspended to hold the user's waist, in view of positioning the user's neck on the plate 106. Upon positioning the user's neck on the plate 106 the conveyer belt 107 provides movement to the user's body 101, in view of accommodating the individual's body 101 over the belt and the inflated layer prevents any injuries to the user while holding the user's waist upon. Further upon successfully accommodating the individual on the belt, the microcontroller directs the hinge joint to lift the plate 106, followed by actuation of the plate 106 to translate the individual in the body 101, in view of allowing the vehicle to carry the accommodated individual towards nearest medical care center. Further the cushioned member 108 provides the comfortable experience to the accommodated individual. The motion detects the falling condition of the accommodated individual, based on which the microcontroller actuates a pair of motorized flaps for getting deployed on sides of the individual, in view of preventing the user to fall from the plate 106.

[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 rescue device for injured individuals, comprising:

i) a cuboidal body 101 developed to be installed on rear portion of a vehicle, wherein plurality of suction cups 102 are arranged on back portion of said body 101 to adhere surface of said vehicle's rear portion for securing said body 101 on said vehicle;
ii) an ultrasonic sensor installed on said body 101 for determining distance of a fixed support from said body 101, in accordance to which an inbuilt microcontroller actuates a pair of hydraulically operated rods 103 arranged on lateral ends of said body 101 to extend/retract for positioning a motorized C-shaped clipper 104 installed on said hydraulically operated rods 103 in proximity to said fixed support, followed by actuation of said clipper 104 to acquire a grip of said fixed support for providing additional support to said body 101 on said vehicle;
iii) an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 105 installed on said body 101 and paired with a processor for capturing and processing multiple images in vicinity of said body 101, respectively to detect position of an injured individual in proximity to said vehicle, in accordance to which said microcontroller actuates a motorized slider plate 106 integrated in said body 101 to get translated outwards via an opening carved on said body 101, wherein a motorized hinge joint is integrated in between said body 101 and said plate 106 for tilting said plate 106 in proximity to said detected position of said individual;
iv) an inverted U-shaped frame 201 installed across said plate 106 by means of a pair of motorized sliding unit that is actuated by said microcontroller to provide forward translation to said frame for positioning said frame on end portion of said plate 106, wherein a pair of C-shaped clamps 202 are suspended from ceiling portion of said frame, each via a hydraulically operated L-shaped link 203 for positioning said clamps 202 over waist portion of said user, followed by actuation of said clamps 202 to hold said user's waist, in view of positioning said user's neck on said plate 106; and
v) a conveyer belt 107 arranged on said plate 106 for providing movement to said user's body 101, in view of accommodating said individual's body 101 over said belt, wherein upon successfully accommodating said individual on said belt, said microcontroller directs said hinge joint to lift said plate 106, followed by actuation of said plate 106 to translate said individual in said body 101, in view of allowing said vehicle to carry said accommodated individual towards nearest medical care center.

2) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a cushioned member 108 is integrated on said belt for providing a comfortable experience to said accommodated individual.

3) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein an inflated layer is arranged on inner periphery of said clamps 202 for preventing any injuries to said user while holding said user's waist.

4) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said imaging unit 105 detecting falling condition of said accommodated individual, based on which said microcontroller actuates a pair of motorized flaps arranged on lateral ends of said plate 106 for getting deployed on sides of said individual, in view of preventing said user to fall from said plate 106.

5) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a motorized ball and socket joint 204 integrated in between each of said link 203 and said clamp for providing omnidirectional movement to said clamp for aligning said clamps 202 along said individual's waist.

6) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said device may also be used for lifting an injured animal and object.

7) 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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