RIM GUARD APPLICATION ASSISTIVE DEVICE

Abstract

A rim guard application assistive device comprises of a body 101 having plurality of wheels 102 to move the body 101 over a ground surface, a microphone 103 integrated in the body 101 accessed by a user for input voice commands, an ultrasonic sensor embedded on the body 101 determining distance of an uplifted tire of a four-wheeler, a telescopically operated rod integrated in between the wheels 102 and the body 101 for adjusting height of the body, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 104 determine dimensions of rim of the four-wheeler’s tire, a robotic link 106 to position a U-shaped clamp 105 underneath the tire, a chamber 107 arranged on the body 101 storing a rim protector roll, a robotic arm 108 installed on the body 101 for gripping ends of the rim protector, and a telescopically operated L-shaped bar 110 positioning a motorized cutter 109 on the trimmed ends.

Specification

Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a rim guard application assistive device that is capable of assisting a user in installation of a rim protector on a rim of the four-wheeler's tire efficiently by evaluating length of the rim protector required to cover entire rim for optimal protection of the tire.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Nowadays, automobiles come with alloy wheels, which are an excellent complement for the aesthetics of the vehicle. However, many contemporary alloy wheels have a wide diameter, making the rims susceptible to damage. They can get dings and scrapes from curbs, detracting from their beauty. In order to counter the susceptible damage to the rim, usage of wheel protectors keep wheels' rims from becoming damaged. Rim protection is nothing else but an additional layer of reinforced rubber, located in the contact area of the tyre and the wheel. Further, wheel protectors make it possible for the rim to sustain scratches, dents, or even cracks when you strike a curb or drive over a pothole.

[0003] Conventionally, installing wheel protectors is a manual task and requires a skilled person to secure the protectors on the rim. However, there's a potent challenge to install the protectors on the rim in an efficient way, thereby there stands significant risk of manual error. Consequently, the alloy wheels still prone to risk of wheel damage under inefficient installation of the wheel protectors.

[0004] CA3110595A1 relates generally to protective wheel accessories, and specifically to an improved apparatus for protecting a rim of a wheel of a vehicle. The rim protector includes a flexible strip with a rim protector portion, which is disposed along a length of the flexible strip and is configured to be seatable on and abut an outer surface of a circumference of a rim of a wheel. Opposite the rim protector portion, the flexible strip has an insertion edge, which is insertable between the rim of the wheel and a tire. The rim protector also includes a fastening mechanism, which allows the flexible strip to be securable in a substantially circular configuration, and at least one set of teeth disposed along a longitudinal axis of the flexible strip. A related method of installing a rim protector for a rim of a wheel of a vehicle is also described. Though CA'595 relates to protective wheel accessories, however, the invention lacks in assisting a user to install the protector on a rim efficiently via applying appropriate pressure by a mean to insert the protector around the rim's edges, thereby affixing the protector on the rim securely.

[0005] US2023219365A1 discloses a device for protecting a wheel rim of a motor vehicle, wherein: an outer side of a rim flange is covered by the device; the device consists of a ring, the diameter of which is matched to that of the rim flange; and the ring has a circumferential tongue for fastening the device to the rim flange, which tongue can be clamped between an inner side of the rim flange and a side wall of a tyre. The device is intended to be held securely on the wheel rim even at very high speeds and correspondingly large forces acting on the device. No changes to the wheel rim are necessary, and installation is simple. This is achieved in that the single ring is produced from a hard material and has a continuous radial gap and in that end faces of the ring formed by the gap can be connected by means of a clamping screw. Though US'365 relates for protecting a wheel rim of a motor vehicle, however, the invention limits in assisting a user to install the protector efficiently via applying appropriate pressure by a mean to insert the protector around the rim's edges, thereby affixing the protector on the rim securely.

[0006] Conventionally, many devices have been developed to cater the rim protection of a wheel, however the devices mentioned in the prior arts have limitations pertaining to install the rim protectors in an efficient way in view of assisting a user.

[0007] In order to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks, there exists a need in the art to develop a device that is capable of assisting a user in installation of a rim protector on a rim of the four-wheeler's tire efficiently, accordingly apply an appropriate pressure by a mean to insert the protector around the rim's edges, thereby affixing the protector on the rim securely.

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 assisting a user in installation of a rim protector on a rim of the four-wheeler's tire efficiently.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of evaluating length of the rim protector required to cover entire rim for optimal protection of the tire.

[0011] Yet another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of applying an appropriate pressure by a mean to insert the protector around the rim's edges, thereby affixing the protector on the rim securely.

[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 rim guard application assistive device that provides assistance to a user in installation of a rim protector on a rim of the four-wheeler's tire efficiently, further evaluates length of the rim protector required to cover entire rim in view of optimally applying rim protector on the tire.

[0014] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a rim guard application assistive device comprises of a body developed to be positioned on a ground surface in proximity to a four-wheeler, plurality of wheels arranged underneath the body to move the body over the surface, a microphone integrated in the body accessed by a user to provide input voice commands for activating/deactivating the device, an ultrasonic sensor embedded on the body for determining distance of an uplifted tire of the four-wheeler, a telescopically operated rod is integrated in between the wheels and the body for adjusting height of the body, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit installed on the body determine dimensions of rim of the four-wheeler's tire, accordingly a linked microcontroller evaluates length of a rim protector to be applied, a robotic link position a U-shaped clamp underneath the tire to hold the tire for restricting any movement of the tire, plurality of suction cups arranged on inner periphery of the clamp to adhere to the tire for securing the tire on the clamp, and a chamber arranged on the body for storing a rim protector roll.

[0015] According to another embodiment of the present invention, further comprises of a robotic arm installed on the body for gripping of ends of the rim protector to position the gripped end on edges of the tire's rim while applying an appropriate pressure on the protector to insert the protector around the rim's edges thereby affixing the protector on the rim, a motorized cutter integrated on the body by means of a telescopically operated L-shaped bar for positioning the cutter in proximity to overlapping ends of the protector, a motorized ball and socket joint is integrated in between the bar and the cutter to provide omnidirectional movement to the cutter to trim the ends, an electronically controlled nozzle arranged on the body for dispensing an adhesive solution stored in a vessel configured with the nozzle on the trimmed ends for enabling the arm to join the ends, and a battery 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 rim guard application assistive device; and
Figure 2 illustrates an magnified view of the U-shaped clamp associated 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 rim guard application assistive device that aids a user in installation of a rim protector on a rim of a four-wheeler's tire efficiently, accordingly evaluating length of the rim protector required to cover entire rim for optimal protection of the tire.

[0022] Referring to Figure 1, an isometric view of a rim guard application assistive device is illustrated comprises of a body 101 having plurality of wheels 102 are arranged underneath the body, a microphone 103 integrated in the body, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 104 installed on the body, a U-shaped clamp 105 arranged on the body 101 by means of a robotic link 106, a chamber 107 arranged on the body, a robotic arm 108 installed on the body, a motorized cutter 109 is integrated on the body 101 by means of a telescopically operated L-shaped bar 110, an electronically controlled nozzle 111 arranged on the body, a vessel 112 configured with the nozzle, and a motorized ball and socket joint 113 integrated in between the bar 110 and the cutter.

[0023] Referring to Figure 2, a magnified view of the U-shaped clamp 105 associated with the proposed device is illustrated comprises of plurality of suction cups 201 arranged on inner periphery of the clamp.

[0024] The proposed invention includes a body 101 that is developed to be positioned on a ground surface in proximity to a four-wheeler. The body 101 is configured with plurality of wheels 102 (ranging in between from 4 to 6 in numbers) arranged underneath the body 101 and that are activated by a linked microcontroller (not shown in figure) to move the body 101 over the surface.

[0025] The wheels 102 have small discs or rollers around the circumference of the wheel that are powered by a direct current (DC) motor, enabling the wheels 102 to move in required direction, which provide the body 101 with the required movement. The microcontroller, mentioned herein, is preferably an Arduino microcontroller. The Arduino microcontroller used herein controls the overall functionality of the components linked to it. The Arduino microcontroller is an open-source programming platform.

[0026] Now, a user accesses a microphone 103 integrated in the body 101 in order to provide input voice commands for activating/deactivating the device and then, the user is required to lift the four-wheeler using an auxiliary jack. The microphone 103 turns the sound energy emitted by the user into electrical energy. The sound waves created by the user carry energy towards the microphone 103. Inside the microphone 103, a diaphragm, made of plastic, is present and moves back and forth when the sound wave hits the diaphragm.

[0027] The coil attached to the diaphragm also moves in same way. The magnetic field produced by the permanent magnet cuts through the coil. As the coil moves, the electric current flows. The electric current from coil flows to an amplifier which convert the sound into electrical signal. The microcontroller linked to the microphone 103 recognize the voice and perform the operations according to the command given by the user regarding activating/deactivating the device.

[0028] Thereafter, activating/deactivating the device, a linked microcontroller (not shown in figure) activates an ultrasonic sensor (not shown in figure) that is embedded on the body 101 for determining distance of an uplifted tire of the four-wheeler. The ultrasonic sensor disclosed herein, consists of an emitter and a receiver that acts as a transducer. On activation of ultrasonic sensor by the microcontroller, the emitter emits ultrasonic sound waves towards the four-wheeler. Further, the radiation strike to the four-wheeler and reflect back which are captured by the receiver.

[0029] The signal from the ultrasonic sensor is sent to the microcontroller. The microcontroller processes the received signal and on the basis of time lapse in between the sent and received radiations, the microcontroller determines the distance of the uplifted tire of the four-wheeler.

[0030] Further each wheel is incorporated with a telescopically operated rod between the wheels 102 and the body. Now, in accordance to the determined distance of the tire from the body, the microcontroller actuates the rod in order to extend/retract in view of adjusting height of the body. The rod is powered by a pneumatic unit (not shown in figure).

[0031] The pneumatic unit includes an air compressor, air cylinders, air valves and piston which works in collaboration to aid in extension and retraction of the rods. The air valve 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 rods 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 rods for adjusting height of the body.

[0032] Thereafter, the adjustment of the height of the body, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 104 that is installed on the body 101 and paired with a processor for capturing and processing multiple images in vicinity of the body, respectively. The artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 104 comprises of a processor that is encrypted with an artificial intelligence protocol and a camera which upon actuation captures multiple images in vicinity of the body 101 for determining dimensions of rim of the four-wheeler's tire.

[0033] The camera of the imaging unit 104 comprised of a lens and a digital camera sensor of the imaging unit, wherein the camera lens takes all the light rays rebounding around and utilizes the lenses to transmit them to a single point for creating a sharp image. When all of those light rays rebound back and meet together on the digital camera sensor, creates a digital image and the processor performs various operations like pre-processing, feature extraction and classification which are then transmitted to the microcontroller for further processing.

[0034] The microcontroller processes the received signal from the imaging unit 104 in order to determine dimensions of rim of the four-wheeler's tire. Then, based upon the determined dimensions of the rim, the microcontroller evaluates length of a rim protector required to be applied to cover entire rim in an efficient manner. Then, the microcontroller activates a robotic link 106 arranged on the body 101 and that is further configured with a U-shaped clamp 105. The link 106 position the clamp 105 underneath the tire.

[0035] The robotic link 106 comprises, motor controllers, arm, end effector and sensors. All these parts are configured with the microcontroller. The elbow is at the middle section of the arm 108 that allows the upper part of the arm 108 to move the lower section independently. Lastly, the wrist is at the tip of the upper arm 108 and attached to the end effector thereby the end effector works as a hand to position the clamp 105 underneath the tire.

[0036] After, successfully positioning of the clamp 105 underneath the tire, the microcontroller activates the clamp 105 in order to hold the tire for restricting any movement of the tire. The clamp 105 comprises a motor attached with a clamping unit. The clamping unit is a fastening equipment used to grip the tire. Clamping unit is attached with motor to grip the tire. A direct current (DC) motor is activated by the microcontroller to open/close the clamping unit, resulting in restricting any movement of the tire.

[0037] Further, plurality of suction cups 201 (ranging in between from 4 to 6 in numbers) are arranged on inner periphery of the clamp 105 to adhere to the tire for securing the tire on the clamp 105, in view of preventing any unwanted movement. The suction cups, mentioned herein, create a negative air pressure against the surface of the tire for creating a vacuum inside the cups. The cups further stick over the surface, thus, helping the clamp 105 to adhere, thereby securing the tire on the clamp 105.

[0038] Furthermore, a chamber 107 is arranged on the body 101 for storing a rim protector roll. Then, the microcontroller actuates a robotic arm 108 that is installed on the body 101 in view of gripping ends of the rim protector to position the gripped end on edges of the tire's rim. The robotic arm 108 works similar to the working of the robotic link 106 as mentioned above to position the gripped end on edges of the tire's rim while applying an appropriate pressure on the protector to insert the protector around the rim's edges, thereby affixing the protector on the rim.

[0039] Further, a motorized cutter 109 integrated on the body 101 via a telescopically operated L-shaped bar. Then, the microcontroller actuates the bar 110 in order to extend/retract for positioning the cutter 109 in proximity to overlapping ends of the protector. The bar 110 is powered by the pneumatic unit and works similar to the working of the rod as mentioned above, for positioning the cutter 109 in proximity to overlapping ends of the protector.

[0040] Thereafter, the microcontroller activates the cutter 109 to trim the ends. The microcontroller transmits electric signal to a direct current (DC) motor of the cutter 109 and the electromotive force induced by the currents flow into the inductive coil of the motor of the cutter 109 rotates the output shaft onto which cutter 109 is connected. Thus, rotation of the output shaft of the motor cutter, rotates the connected cutter 109 by which cutter 109 trim the ends of the protector when comes in contact with the overlapping ends of the protector.

[0041] Further, the microcontroller activates a motorized ball and socket joint 113 integrated in between the bar 110 and the cutter 109 for providing omnidirectional movement to the cutter. The ball and socket joint 113 provide a 360-degree rotation to the cutter 109 for aiding the cutter 109 to turn at a desired angle. The ball and socket joint 113 are a coupling consisting of a ball joint securely locked within a socket joint, where the ball joint is able to move in a 360-dgree rotation within the socket thus, providing the required rotational motion to the cutter. The ball and socket joint 113 are powered by a DC (direct current) motor that is activated by the microcontroller thus providing multidirectional movement to the cutter 109 for efficiently cutting the overlapping ends of the protector.

[0042] Post trimming of the ends of the protector, the microcontroller activates an electronically controlled nozzle 111 that is arranged on the body 101 for dispensing an adhesive solution stored in a vessel 112 configured with the nozzle 111 on the trimmed ends for enabling the arm 108 to join the ends. The electronically controlled nozzle, used herein, controls flow of adhesive solution by varying the size of the flow passage as directed by a signal from a controller. This enables the direct control of flow rate and the consequential control of process quantities such as pressure, and adhesive solution level in view of dispensing the adhesive solution as per the determined requirement on the trimmed ends for enabling the arm 108 to join the ends. Thereafter, the arm 108 secures the joined ends around the rim, thereby assisting the user in applying the rim protector on the rim of the four-wheeler's tire.

[0043] A battery (not shown in figure) is associated with the device to supply power to electrically powered components which are employed herein. The battery is comprised of a pair of electrodes named as a cathode and an anode. The battery uses a chemical reaction of oxidation/reduction to do work on charge and produce a voltage between their anode and cathode and thus produces electrical energy that is used to do work in the device.

[0044] The present invention works best in the following manner, the body 101 developed to be positioned on the ground surface in proximity to the four-wheeler, followed by plurality of wheels 102 move the body 101 over the surface. Now, the microphone 103 accessed by the user to provide input voice commands for activating/deactivating the device, followed by the user lift the four-wheeler using the auxiliary jack. Then, the ultrasonic sensor determines distance of the uplifted tire of the four-wheeler, followed by the telescopically operated rod extend/retract for adjusting height of the body, in accordance to the determined distance of the tire from the body. Thereafter, the artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 104 determine dimensions of rim of the four-wheeler's tire, accordingly the microcontroller evaluates length of the rim protector to be applied. Then, the robotic link 106 position the clamp 105 underneath the tire, followed by the clamp 105 hold the tire for restricting any movement of the tire, then plurality of suction cups 201 adheres to the tire for securing the tire on the clamp 105, in view of preventing any unwanted movement. Further, the robotic arm 108 acquires the grip of ends of the rim protector to position the gripped end on edges of the tire's rim, while applying the appropriate pressure on the protector to insert the protector around the rim's edges, thereby affixing the protector on the rim. Then, the telescopically operated L-shaped bar 110 extend/retract for positioning the cutter 109 in proximity to overlapping ends of the protector, followed by the cutter 109 to trim the ends, Then, the electronically controlled nozzle 111 dispenses the adhesive solution on the trimmed ends for enabling the arm 108 to join the ends, followed by securing the joined ends around the rim, thereby assisting the user in applying the rim protector on the rim of the four-wheeler's tire.

[0045] 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 rim guard application assistive device, comprising:

i) a body 101 developed to be positioned on a ground surface in proximity to a four-wheeler, wherein plurality of wheels 102 are arranged underneath said body 101 to move said body 101 over said surface;
ii) a microphone 103 integrated in said body 101 that is accessed by a user to provide input voice commands for activating/deactivating said device, wherein said user is required to lift said four-wheeler using an auxiliary jack;
iii) an ultrasonic sensor embedded on said body 101 for determining distance of an uplifted tire of said four-wheeler, wherein a telescopically operated rod is integrated in between said wheels 102 and said body 101 that is actuated by an inbuilt microcontroller to extend/retract for adjusting height of said body, in accordance to said determined distance of said tire from said body;
iv) an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 104 installed on said body 101 and paired with a processor for capturing and processing multiple images in vicinity of said body, respectively to determine dimensions of rim of said four-wheeler's tire, based on which said microcontroller evaluates length of a rim protector to be applied;
v) a U-shaped clamp 105 arranged on said body 101 by means of a robotic link 106 that is actuated by said microcontroller to position said clamp 105 underneath said tire, wherein said microcontroller actuates said clamp 105 to hold said tire for restricting any movement of said tire;
vi) a chamber 107 arranged on said body 101 for storing a rim protector roll, wherein said microcontroller actuates a robotic arm 108 installed on said body 101 for acquiring a grip of ends of said rim protector to position said gripped end on edges of said tire's rim, while applying an appropriate pressure on said protector to insert said protector around said rim's edges, thereby affixing said protector on said rim;
vii) a motorized cutter 109 integrated on said body 101 by means of a telescopically operated L-shaped bar 110 that is actuated by said microcontroller to extend/retract for positioning said cutter 109 in proximity to overlapping ends of said protector, wherein said microcontroller actuates said cutter 109 to trim said ends; and
viii) an electronically controlled nozzle 111 arranged on said body 101 for dispensing an adhesive solution stored in a vessel 112 configured with said nozzle, on said trimmed ends for enabling said arm 108 to join said ends, followed by securing said joined ends around said rim, thereby assisting said user in applying said rim protector on said rim of said four-wheeler's tire.

2) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein plurality of suction cups 201 are arranged on inner periphery of said clamp 105 to adhere to said tire for securing said tire on said clamp 105, in view of preventing any unwanted movement.

3) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a motorized ball and socket joint 113 is integrated in between said bar 110 and said cutter 109 to provide omnidirectional movement to said cutter.

4) 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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