WRIST-OPERATED DOOR LOCKING AND UNLOCKING DEVICE FOR HANDICAPPED

Abstract

A wrist-operated door locking and unlocking device for handicapped, comprising a cylindrical hollow body 1 accommodated over handle of a door, an iris lid 2 embedded within the body 1 to close for gripping the handle, a C-shaped member 3 installed with the body 1 via an L-shaped rod 4 for accommodating a user’s wrist to open/close the door, a microphone 9 positioned on the body 1 to receive user’s voice commands, a motorized ball and socket joint 5 configured between the rod and member 3 for rotating the member 3 with respect to the rod for allowing the user to place wrist on the member 3 for rotating the handle, an imaging unit 6 mounted on the body 1 to detect dimensions of the user’s wrist, a speaker 8 mounted on the body 1 for notifying the user to apply force of rotating the handle in view of opening/closing the door.

Specification

Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a wrist-operated door locking and unlocking device for handicapped which is capable of assisting a handicapped person in locking and unlocking a door through the wrist of the handicapped and also helps in reducing the pressure required to open or close the door, thereby preventing any chances of discomfort to the user.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The ease and convenience in performing routine activities in daily living by a physically impaired or handicapped person is continually evolving and improving. Even the smallest of activities that the able-bodied take for granted extremely difficult for someone who is handicapped and either wheelchair bound or requiring walking aids such as crutches or a walker. A routine task of simply opening or closing a door is readily taken for granted by the able bodied but represent a significant challenge to a handicapped person required, for example, to use a wheelchair for mobility.

[0003] Traditional wrist operated door locking and unlocking mechanisms for handicapped individuals typically involves mechanical systems activated by wrist movements. However, these methods often present drawbacks. They require significant physical effort which challenging for those with limited strength or mobility. Additionally, the mechanism lacks in precision making it difficult for individuals with fine motor control issues to operate them accurately. So, there is need for such device that is capable of assisting a handicapped person in locking and unlocking a door through the wrist of the handicapped and also helps in reducing the pressure required to open or close the door, thereby preventing any chances of discomfort to the user.

[0004] US7938464B1 discloses a manually manipulated assistive device for facilitating opening and closing a door by a handicapped person, especially one in a wheelchair. An elongated slender body preferably formed of a single transparent rigid plastic rod has a straight central portion, a hook formed at one end like a shepherd's hook and a hand or finger grasping handle at another end of the rod. The hook is adapted for snug snapping engagement over a neck area of a doorknob and, thereafter, for loose swinging supported movement relative to the doorknob. The rod has a length sufficient for the device to be held and pivoted on the hook about the neck area into a generally horizontal position by user grasping the handle to open or close the door. A retaining clip attached to the door at a height above the floor similar to that of the doorknob holds the device in a generally horizontal orientation stored ready for use.

[0005] JPH07303672A discloses an operation switch to operate opening/closing of a rear door of vehicle for a physically handicapped person is installed on an inside panel etc., near the driving seat, and is connected to a control circuit in the control box set in a suitable place in the vehicle. The switch is connected to a door slide motor of a door slide mechanism part, a driving engine of a door opening/closing mechanism part and a driving device of a door lock mechanism part via the control circuit to interlock those mechanism parts. When the operation switch is operated to the opening side, the door is unlocked by the door lock mechanism and activates the driving engine of the door opening/closing mechanism part to open the rear door and the door slide motor of the door slide mechanism part to move the rear door rearward.

[0006] Conventionally, many devices are exist that are capable of locking and unlocking door for handicapped. However, these devices fail in assisting a handicapped person in locking and unlocking a door through the wrist of the handicapped. These devices do not detect the dimension of the user's wrist to properly accommodate the user's wrist for opening or closing the door.

[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 handicapped person in locking and unlocking a door through the wrist of the handicapped. The device also detect the dimension of the user's wrist to properly accommodate the user's wrist for opening or closing the door.

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 which is capable of assisting a handicapped person in locking and unlocking a door through the wrist of the handicapped.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to develop a device which is capable of notifying and guiding the user to apply force to rotate the handle in view of opening/closing the door.

[0011] Another object of the present invention is to develop a device which is capable of detecting the dimension of the user's wrist to properly accommodate the user's wrist for opening or closing the door.

[0012] Yet another object of the present invention is to develop a device which is capable of reducing the pressure required to open or close the door, thereby preventing any chances of discomfort to 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 wrist-operated door locking and unlocking device for handicapped that is capable of assisting a handicapped person in locking and unlocking a door through the wrist of the handicapped. Additionally, the proposed device also capable of reducing the pressure required to open or close the door, thereby preventing any chances of discomfort to the user.

[0015] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a wrist-operated door locking and unlocking device for handicapped comprises a cylindrical hollow body developed to be accommodated over handle of a door, a computing unit installed with a user-interface is wirelessly associated with the device for enabling a handicapped user to give input commands for securing the body with the door handle, a microcontroller wirelessly linked with the computing unit that processes the input commands and activates a laser sensor positioned on the body for detecting dimensions of the handle, a motorized iris lid embedded within the body to close for gripping the handle, thus securing the body with the handle, a C-shaped expandable member installed with the body via an L-shaped rod for accommodating a user's wrist for rotating the handle to open/close the door, a microphone is positioned on the body for enabling the user to give voice commands regarding direction in which the handle is to be rotated, a motorized ball and socket joint configured between the rod and member for rotating the member with respect to the rod as per the user-defined direction in view of allowing the user to place wrist on the member for rotating the handle.

[0016] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the proposed device also comprises a touch sensor is positioned on the member for detecting presence of the user's wrist on the member, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit paired with a processor, mounted on the body to detect dimensions of the user's wrist, based on the dimensions, the microcontroller actuates the member to expand via a drawer arrangement to securely grip the user's wrist, a speaker mounted on the body for notifying the user to apply force of rotating the handle in view of opening/closing the door, a pressure sensor is configured with the member for detecting pressure applied by the member on the user's wrist, and in case the detected pressure recedes a threshold value, the microcontroller regulates working of the member to reduce the pressure, thus preventing any chances of discomfort to the user, the microcontroller is wirelessly linked with the computing unit via a communication module which includes, but not limited to Wi-Fi module, Bluetooth module, GSM module.

[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 wrist-operated door locking and unlocking device for handicapped.

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 wrist-operated door locking and unlocking device for handicapped that assists a handicapped person in locking and unlocking a door through the wrist of the handicapped. In addition, the device also detects the dimension of the user's wrist to properly accommodate the user's wrist for opening or closing the door.

[0023] Referring to Figure 1, an isometric view of a wrist-operated door locking and unlocking device for handicapped is illustrated, comprising a cylindrical hollow body 1 accommodated over handle of a door, an iris lid 2 embedded within the body 1, a C-shaped member 3 installed with the body 1 via an L-shaped rod 4, a motorized ball and socket joint 5 configured between the rod 4 and member 3, an imaging unit 6 mounted on the body 1, a drawer arrangement 7 integrated in the member 3, a speaker 8 mounted on the body 1 and a microphone 9 installed on the body 1 .

[0024] The proposed device comprises of a cylindrical hollow body 1 developed to be accommodated over handle of a door. The body 1 is constructed from sturdy and robust materials that may include but not limited to stainless steel, aluminum. These materials offer rigidness and robustness to the body 1 making the body 1 resistant to mechanical stress and pressure.

[0025] Herein, a computing unit installed with a user-interface is wirelessly associated with the device for enabling a handicapped user to give input commands for securing the body 1 with the door handle. The computing unit includes the user interface for enabling the user to input commands for securing the body 1 with the door handle. The user-interactive provides a series of questions regarding securing the body 1 with the door handle. The user either selects from a list of options provided on the computing unit or manually enters the details, wherein the user is required to enter details such as securing the body 1 with the door handle.

[0026] Additionally, a microcontroller is wirelessly linked with the computing unit that processes the input commands. The microcontroller is wirelessly linked with the computing unit via a communication module which includes, but not limited to Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity) module, Bluetooth module, GSM (Global System for Mobile Communication) module. The communication module employed herein acts as an intermediate between the computing unit and the microcontroller. The customized Global System for Mobile communication (GSM) module is designed for establishing a wireless connection between computing unit and the microcontroller. This module is able to receive serial data from radiation monitoring devices such as computing unit and transmit the data to the microcontroller for further processing.

[0027] Upon processing the input commands, the microcontroller activates a laser sensor positioned on the body 1 for detecting dimensions of the handle. The laser sensor emits a light towards the handle and when the laser beam hits the surface of the handle, the beam reflects back towards the receiver of the sensor. Upon detection of reflected beam by the sensor, the sensor precisely measures the time taken for the laser beam to travel to and back from the surface of the handle. The sensor then converts this data into electrical signal and sends to the microcontroller. The microcontroller processes the electrical signal detects the dimensions of the handle.

[0028] Based on the detected dimensions, the microcontroller actuates a motorized iris lid 2 embedded within the body 1 to close for gripping the handle, thus securing the body 1 with the handle. The iris lid 2 is the covering utilized for gripping and freeing the handle. The iris lid 2 includes an inner flat ring, an outer flat ring, and an even number of iris blades (upper and lower) which are powered by a DC motor that rotates in clockwise and anticlockwise direction. Each iris blade is attached to the inner ring by a pivot assembly and to the outer ring by a roller/slider assembly. The upper and lower rings are co-centered and are kept in sliding contact. The iris is closed by turning the inner ring around the center while holding the outer ring stationary to close for gripping the handle.

[0029] Further, a C-shaped expandable member 3 is installed with the body 1 via an L-shaped rod 4 for accommodating a user's wrist for rotating the handle to open/close the door. Also, a microphone 9 is positioned on the body 1 for enabling the user to give voice commands regarding direction in which the handle is to be rotated.

[0030] The microphone 9 converts sound of given voice command into electronic signal for further processing. The microphone 9 is constructed with a small magnet that oscillates inside a coil attached to the diaphragm. When user gives a voice command regarding direction in which the handle is to be rotated, a sound wave produces and the waves causes the diaphragm of the microphone 9 to vibrate. The relative motion of the magnet and coil changes the given handle rotating voice command in an electrical signal by magnetic induction which is further sent to the microcontroller. The microcontroller processes the acquired signal and interprets the user's input.

[0031] Upon processing the voice command, the microcontroller actuates a motorized ball and socket joint 5 configured between the rod and member 3 for rotating the member 3 with respect to the rod as per the user-defined direction in view of allowing the user to place wrist on the member 3 for rotating the handle. The ball and socket joint 5 provides a rotation to the member 3 with respect to the rod to turn at a desired angle. The ball and socket joint 5 is a coupling consisting of a ball joint securely locked within a socket joint 5, where the ball joint is able to move in a 360-dgree rotation within the socket thus, providing the required rotational motion to the member 3. The ball and socket joint 5 is powered by a DC (direct current) motor that is actuated by the microcontroller thus providing multidirectional movement to the member 3 with respect to the rod as per the user-defined direction for allowing the user to place wrist on the member 3 for rotating the handle.

[0032] Furthermore, a touch sensor is positioned on the member 3 for detecting presence of the user's wrist on the member 3. The touch sensor works as a switch, such that when the sensor is subjected to the contact of the user's wrist, the sensor gets activated and work as a closed switch that allows the flow of current through the circuit. The current is sent to the microcontroller linked with the sensor in the form of data. The microcontroller then processes the detected data and determines the presence of the user's wrist on the member 3.

[0033] Upon detecting presence of the user's wrist on the member 3, the microcontroller activates an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 6 paired with a processor and mounted on the body 1 for capturing and processing multiple images of the user's wrist to detect dimensions of the user's wrist. The artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 6 used herein incorporates AI protocols to enhance its functionality and capabilities to enables immediate responses and faster decision-making. The imaging unit 6 captures images or records videos of the user's wrist by the help of specialized lenses. The captured data is pre-processed and 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. This acquired data is processed by the processor and then the microcontroller analysed the processed data to detect dimensions of the user's wrist.

[0034] Based on the dimensions, the microcontroller actuates the member 3 to expand via a drawer arrangement 7 to securely grip the user's wrist. The drawer arrangement 7 consists of multiple plates that are overlapped to each other with a sliding unit, wherein upon actuation of the drawer arrangement 7 by the microcontroller, the motor in the sliding unit starts rotating a wheel coupled via a shaft in clockwise/anticlockwise direction providing a movement to the slider in the drawer arrangement 7 to extend the member 3 to securely grip the user's wrist.

[0035] Upon gripping the user's wrist, a speaker 8 is mounted on the body 1 that is activated by the microcontroller for notifying the user to apply force of rotating on the handle in view of opening/closing the door. The speaker 8 converts the electrical signal into sound wave for producing sound. The part of the speaker 8 that converts electrical signal into mechanical energy is called a voice coil and also consists of a diaphragm. The motor upon getting actuation command from the microcontroller, vibrates the diaphragm that in turn vibrates the air in immediate contact with it according to specific pattern. This specific pattern's vibration produces the pre-fed audio signals notifying the user to apply force of rotating on the handle in view of opening/closing the door.

[0036] Moreover, a pressure sensor is configured with the member 3 for detecting pressure applied by the member 3 on the user's wrist. The pressure sensor consists a sensing element of constant area called as a diaphragm and respond to force applied to this area by the member 3. The force applied deflects the diaphragm inside the pressure sensor. The deflection of the internal diaphragm is measured and converted into an electrical output which is sent to the microcontroller. Upon processing the acquired electrical signal, the microcontroller determines pressure applied by the member 3 on the user's wrist. In case the detected pressure recedes a threshold value, the microcontroller regulates working of the member 3 to reduce the pressure, thus preventing any chances of discomfort to the user.

[0037] In last, a battery 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.

[0038] The present invention works best in the following manner, where the cylindrical hollow body 1 as disclosed in the invention is developed to be accommodated over handle of the door. Herein, the computing unit is installed with the user-interface that is wirelessly associated with the device for enabling the handicapped user to give input commands for securing the body 1 with the door handle. Upon processing the input commands, the microcontroller activates the laser sensor for detecting dimensions of the handle. Based on the detected dimensions, the microcontroller actuates the motorized iris lid 2 to close for gripping the handle, thus securing the body 1 with the handle. Further, the C-shaped expandable member 3 is installed with the body 1 via the L-shaped rod 4 for accommodating the user's wrist for rotating the handle to open/close the door. Then, the user accesses the microphone 9 to give voice commands regarding direction in which the handle is to be rotated. Upon processing the voice command, the microcontroller actuates the motorized ball and socket joint 5 for rotating the member 3 with respect to the rod as per the user-defined direction in view of allowing the user to place wrist on the member 3 for rotating the handle. Furthermore, the touch sensor detects the presence of the user's wrist on the member 3. Upon detecting presence of the user's wrist on the member 3, the microcontroller activates the imaging unit 6 paired for capturing and processing multiple images of the user's wrist to detect dimensions of the user's wrist. Based on the dimensions, the microcontroller actuates the member 3 to expand via the drawer arrangement 7 to securely grip the user's wrist. Upon gripping the user's wrist, the speaker 8 is activated by the microcontroller for notifying the user to apply force of rotation on the handle in view of opening/closing the door. Then, the pressure sensor detects the pressure applied by the member 3 on the user's wrist and in case the detected pressure recedes a threshold value, the microcontroller regulates working of the member 3 to reduce the pressure, thus preventing any chances of discomfort to the user.

[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 wrist-operated door locking and unlocking device for handicapped, comprising:

i) a cylindrical hollow body 1 developed to be accommodated over handle of a door, wherein a computing unit installed with a user-interface is wirelessly associated with said device for enabling a handicapped user to give input commands for securing said body 1 with said door handle;
ii) a microcontroller wirelessly linked with said computing unit that processes said input commands and activates a laser sensor positioned on said body 1 for detecting dimensions of said handle, wherein based on said detected dimensions, said microcontroller actuates a motorized iris lid 2 embedded within said body 1 to close for gripping said handle, thus securing said body 1 with said handle;
iii) a C-shaped expandable member 3 installed with said body 1 via an L-shaped rod 4 for accommodating a user's wrist for rotating said handle to open/close said door, wherein a microphone 9 is positioned on said body 1 for enabling said user to give voice commands regarding direction in which said handle is to be rotated;
iv) a motorized ball and socket joint 5 configured between said rod and member 3 that is actuated by said microcontroller for rotating said member 3 with respect to said rod as per said user-defined direction in view of allowing said user to place wrist on said member 3 for rotating said handle, wherein a touch sensor is positioned on said member 3 for detecting presence of said user's wrist on said member 3;
v) an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 6 paired with a processor, mounted on said body 1 that is activated by said microcontroller upon detecting presence of said user's wrist on said member 3, for capturing and processing multiple images of said user's wrist to detect dimensions of said user's wrist, wherein based on said dimensions, said microcontroller actuates said member 3 to expand via a drawer arrangement 7 to securely grip said user's wrist; and
vi) a speaker 8 mounted on said body 1 that is activated by said microcontroller for notifying said user to apply force of rotating said handle in view of opening/closing said door.

2) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a pressure sensor is configured with said member 3 for detecting pressure applied by said member 3 on said user's wrist, and in case said detected pressure recedes a threshold value, said microcontroller regulates working of said member 3 to reduce said pressure, thus preventing any chances of discomfort to said user.

3) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said microcontroller is wirelessly linked with said computing unit via a communication module which includes, but not limited to Wi-Fi module, Bluetooth module, GSM module.

4) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a battery is associated with said device for supplying power to electrical and electronically operated components associated with said device.

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