Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a handheld adaptable heavy object lifting assistive device that is capable of performing efficient and secure lifting and moving of heavy industrial materials in an automated manner, thereby eliminating the need of manual labors.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Generally, a heavy object lifter plays a crucial role in industrial and commercial operations by providing effective solutions for managing heavy objects, thereby enhancing productivity and safety. Commonly it includes manual operations, where the transport of the object is done by hands and bodily forces which includes lifting, putting down, pushing, pulling, carrying or moving the object. Some common tools incudes hoists, forklift and lifting tackles. These are specialized device designed to handle, lift and move substantial load that are beyond the capacity of manual handling. These lifters are essentially used in construction and manufacturing industries. However, these methods lack in providing safety to the user while lifting the objects, also these methods needs skilled persons to operate the tools. Hence, an equipment needs to be developed that provides an efficient and secure means of handling lifting and moving of heavy objects.

[0003] Conventionally, there are various methods to lift and move the heavy industrial object that includes manual operations, where the object is lifted manually to move it to a preferable location, a hoist which are typically mounted on a fixed surface to lift object vertically and forklifts which are versatile mobile machines to lift and transport objects over horizontal distance. However, these methods lack in providing safety to the user while lifting operations. Additionally, these methods often lead to damage to the material due to improper handling of the techniques and insufficient support mechanisms.

[0004] US20070181860A1 discloses about an invention that includes a lifter with an adjustable wheel base comprising a lever assembly, an adjustable axle assembly and a lifting assembly. The lifting assembly may be magnetic and may additionally comprise safety cables having other attachment mechanisms. US’860 discloses about an invention that includes a lifter with an adjustable wheel base comprising a lever assemble, that may be magnetic and may additionally comprise safety cables having other attachments. However, the device herein lacks in providing a secure means to lift and move heavy objects thus increasing the risk of injury to the user, the device also lacks in providing sufficient support mechanism, thereby enhancing the chance of damage to material.

[0005] US20070057520A1 discloses about an invention which includes a lifting device and method of use permit objects having a flat bottom supported on particulate material to be readily lifted. The device includes an elongate shaft member extending in a longitudinal direction between respective first and second ends. A hook member is supported on the first end of the shaft member to extend substantially straight along a hook axis lying substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the shaft member. A gripping member supported on the shaft member adjacent the second end permits gripping in a hand of a person. The substantially perpendicular configuration of the hook member readily permits rectangular objects to be well supported on the hook member for lifting heavy objects including pre-cast concrete sidewalk slabs and the like. US’520 discloses about an invention that includes a load lifting device to assist for handling and relocation of rectangular and flat bottom objects. The device features a lifting mechanism that utilizes hydraulic power to evaluate loads. It incorporates a gripping member that permits gripping in hand, a control system to enable adjustments and operations. A perpendicularly configured hook member for lifting rectangular objects properly. However, the device is only supported for the flat bottom objects and rectangular objects which limits its use, moreover the device is also not portable which makes it difficult for using in a confined workspace.

[0006] Conventionally, many devices have been developed for lifting and moving heavy objects in different industries such as construction, manufacturing and logistics. However, these devices are incapable of handling and lifting heavy objects efficiently which results in damage to the materials and increase risk of injuries to the user due to improper handling techniques, the device is also incapable of providing an automated assistance to the user for performing lifting operations.

[0007] In order to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks, there exists a need in the art to develop a device that is capable of efficient and secure handling of the heavy objects, thereby ensuring the safety of the user, also the device provides an assistance to the user during lifting and translocating the object. Additionally, the device provides an even load distribution to handle the object without damaging the material.

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 handheld device that is capable of efficient handling, lifting of heavy objects for relocation purpose, thus reducing labor costs and eliminating manual operations.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of providing an even distribution of load, ensuring no damage to the material while reducing the risk of injury to the user.

[0011] Yet another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of detecting both the dimensions and weight of the object, and also capable of notifying the concerned person, if the weight and dimension of object exceeds the threshold, preventing damage to the device.

[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 handheld adaptable heavy object lifting assistive device that provides an efficient and secure way of handling of heavy objects ensuring user’s safety and inhibiting any chances of damage to the material.

[0014] According to an embodiment of the present invention, an adaptable heavy object lifting assistive device comprises of an I-shaped curved body having proximal and distal end attached with handle on lateral sides of the proximal end developed to be gripped by the user to handle the device on time of requirement, a pair of motorized wheel arranged on the lateral ends of distal ends of the body to provide movement to the body in proximity of the object to be lifted, a microphone mounted on the body to enable user provide voice command for lifting the object, an artificial based imaging unit installed on the body and paired with a processor for capturing and processing multiple images of object in order to determine the dimensions of the object, a curved member having plurality of plates interconnected by the means of a scissor arrangement that increases or decreases dimensions of the member for easy handling, a plurality of motorized hinges integrated within the plates for allowing adjustment in orientation of the plates in accordance to dimensions of object thus changing orientation of member for easy handling of the object, a laser projection unit installed over the body for projecting laser beams onto mid length of object, a speaker mounted on the body to produce audio signals to guide user for positioning the body on mid length of the object.

[0015] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the proposed device further comprises of a laser sensor embedded on the body for detecting gaps between the object and the surface over which the object is placed, a motorized ball and socket joint integrated between distal end and member to provide required movement for positioning the member’s edges beneath bottom portion of the object, a weight sensor embedded on the member to determine weight of the object and accordingly the speaker gets actuated for notifying the user regarding inability to carry the object, a L-shaped hydraulic pusher arranged on the distal end that extends and provides required movement to the member in order to position the member’s edge beneath the bottom of object, a gyroscope integrated on the body for monitoring imbalance of the object on the member for maintaining a proper alignment of the member with respect to the ground surface and a battery configured with the device for providing 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 an adaptable heavy object lifting 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 an adaptable heavy object lifting assistive device that facilitates a user with an easy and efficient way of handling relocating the object from one place to another without needing much human effort, thereby ensuring a balanced and efficient handling of heavy materials.

[0022] Referring to Figure 1, an isometric view of an adaptable heavy object lifting assistive device, comprising a curved I-shaped body 101 having proximal and distal end, a handle 102 having plurality of rubberized grooves 103 is attached on the lateral sides of the proximal end of the body 101, a microphone 104 is mounted on the body 101, a pair of motorized wheels 105 is arranged on the distal end of the body 101, an artificial intelligence based imaging unit 106 is installed on the body 101, a laser projection unit107 is installed on the body 101, a speaker108 is mounted on the body 101, a curved member109 having plurality of plates110 is arranged by the means of a scissor arrangement111 on the distal end of the body 101, a motorized ball and socket joint112 is integrated in between the distal end and the member109 and a pair of L-shaped hydraulic pushers113 is arranged on the distal end of the body 101.

[0023] The device herein includes an I-shaped curved body 101 having two end each refereed as a proximal and distal end. The I-shaped curved body 101 serves as a structural support of the device and the components associated with the device, are mounted over the body 101. The design also allows for more compact incorporation of internal components, optimizing space usage and provides an appealing appearance to the device. A handle102 attached on lateral sides of the proximal end of the body 101 and that is gripped by the user of the device for handling the device on the required place on time of requirement. The handle102 is fabricated with plurality of rubber grooves to provide secure grip to the user enabling efficient handling of the body 101 during lifting and relocating operations and also providing comfort to the user.

[0024] A push button is integrated into the device that allows for the control of electrical circuit in which the operator manually presses the button to actuate an internal switching mechanism. The material of a switch button includes metal or thermoplastic, the components of the push button are a button, a spring, two contacts, a connecting rod, two terminals and a battery. The push button is of two types which includes, a momentary contact switch and a latching contact switch. The device mainly uses the latching contact switch that maintains contact until the push button is manually reset. When the button is pressed the spring compresses allowing the connecting rod to press downwards, thus contacts come into contact with two normally open terminals and complete the circuit, thereby sending a signal to the battery to supply power which in turn switches on the device.

[0025] While the user grips and position the body 101 in proximity to the object that is to be lifted, the user provides a voice command regarding lifting of the object via a microphone104 mounted on the body 101. The microphone104 receives sound waves created by the user’s voice that hits the diaphragm causing the diaphragm to vibrate. The diaphragm is connected with a moving coil which also moves back and forth with the vibrations of the diaphragm, a permanent magnet producing a magnetic field actuates the movement of the coil to produce an electric signal. The electric signal is then detected by the microcontroller. The microcontroller process the data received from the microphone104 and activates an artificial intelligence based imaging unit106 installed on the body 101 101 for capturing and processing images of the object to determine the dimensions of the object.

[0026] A pair of motorized wheel arranged on the lateral side of the distal end body 101 to provide movement to the body 101 , in order to position the body 101 in vicinity to the object to be lifted. The motorized wheel are connected to each other via an axle that is further coupled with a motor. The motor is an electrical machine that converts an electrical signal into mechanical energy. The motor is actuated for rotating the wheels. The motor includes a stator, a rotor, a motor shaft, bearings and an enclosure. The power is supplied to the motor via the battery, the coil of wire in stator carry an electric current, generating magnetic field. The rotor, a rotating component made of conductive material, interacts with the stator’s magnetic field. The interaction induces a turning force on the rotor, allowing the rotor to rotate around the motor shaft. The shaft, connected to the rotor, transfers the rotational motion generated by the rotor, the bearings support and facilitate smooth rotation, enhancing the motor’s efficiency. An enclosure surrounds the motor, providing protection against the external elements and ensuring safety. The energy created is used to actuate the motorized wheels105 to provide movement to the body 101 towards the object to be lifted.

[0027] An artificial intelligence based imaging unit106 comprises of a lens, an image sensor and a processor. Light from the surrounding strikes on the lens which is detected by the image sensor. The image sensor converts the photons of the light into an electrical signal. The image sensor is connected to the processor which further transmits the signal to the processor for processing. The processor performs various type of image processing operation including pre-processing, feature extraction and classification. The processor further transmits the processed image to the microcontroller. Once the microcontroller receives and process the image signal and determines the dimensions of the object.

[0028] Upon determining the dimensions of the object, a curved member109 having plurality of plates110 arranged on the distal end of the body 101 is actuated by the microcontroller to increase or decrease dimensions of the member109 in accordance to the object. The curved member109 comprises of a series of plates110 attached to the member109, wherein each plate is connected through a scissor arrangement111. The plates110 are integrated with plurality of motorized hinges for tilting the plates110 in accordance to the dimensions of the object. The motorized hinge is a pair of leaf connected to each other via a cylindrical shaft that is further coupled with a motor. The motor converts an electrical energy into mechanical energy. When the power is supplied by the battery to the motor it actuates the rotation of the cylindrical shaft. This rotation allows the movement of the hinges to orient the plates110 for tilting in accordance to the object, thus changing the orientation of the member109 for easy handling of the object.

[0029] The plates110 are interconnected by the means of the scissor arrangement111. The scissor arrangement111 is a pair of linkage connected between the plates110 in a way that the plates110 can rotate relative to each other. The arrangement involves alternating pairs of linkage that move in a scissor like motion. The scissor arrangement111 allows the plates110 to move in a coordinate manner. As one plate moves, the scissor arrangement111 causes the adjacent plates110 to adjust the position relative to the object.

[0030] The microcontroller connected with the member109 upon detecting the orientation of the plates110 allows the curved member109 to increase or decrease the dimension of the member109. The change in the dimension of the member109 adjusted in accordance to the dimension of the object until an appropriate length is achieved necessary for easy handling of the object.

[0031] Upon adjusting the dimension of the member109 the microcontroller via the artificial intelligence based imaging unit106 into determine the mid length of the object and accordingly the microcontroller directs a laser projection unit107 installed on the body 101 to project laser beams onto the mid length of the object, depicting the point where the user is required to position the member109 by self. The laser projection unit107 comprises of a laser diode and a beam collimator. The laser diode emits a coherent laser beam that is directed towards the object, the projected laser beams passes through a beam collimator, connected with the laser diode. The laser beams are focused into a precise laser beam that is projected onto mid length of the object.

[0032] Following the projection of laser beams onto the mid length of the object. The microcontroller directs a speaker108 mounted on the body 101 to produce audio signals providing guidance to the user to position the body 101 in proximity to the projected beams. The speaker108 is an electroacoustic transducer that converts the electrical audio signals into corresponding a sound. The speaker108 comprises of two magnets, a voice coil and the diaphragm the voice coil is a cylindrical coil of wire suspended between the poles of the speaker108’s magnet. When the electric current is applied on the voice coil, it generates a magnetic field causing the back and forth movement of the voice coil, upon which the diaphragm moves. The diaphragm converts the electrical signals into the mechanical energy, thereby producing sound waves to guide instructions to the user regarding positioning the body 101 in proximity to the projected beams.

[0033] A laser sensor embedded on the body 101 to detect gaps between the surface and the object in order to position the member’s edges beneath bottom position of the object through the gaps. A laser sensor is an electric device that uses a focused light beam to detect the gap between the object and the ground surface. The laser sensor emits a laser beam using a laser diode, a lens and a photodetector. The diode in the sensor emits laser pulses that are reflected by the object onto the photodetector. The time interval from the emission of the light pulse to the object and back again is measured. The time and the light speed provides the corresponding distance between the surface and the object.

[0034] Upon detecting the gap between the surface and the object a motorized ball and socket joint112 integrated between the member109 and the distal end is actuated by the microcontroller to allow movement of the member109 between the gaps of the object from the surface. The ball and socket joint112 is an attachment of ball and a socket, further coupled with a motor to allow movements to the member109. The motor is connected with the ball part of the joint through gears to convert the electrical energy into mechanical energy. The power supplied activates a rotational motion of the ball arranged in the socket. This rotational motion allows the movement of the member109 to position the member’s edges beneath bottom portion of the object through the gaps.

[0035] Following the movement of the member109 the microcontroller directs a pair of L-shaped hydraulic pushers113 arranged on the distal end to apply a pushing force onto the members109 which in turns lifts the object. The hydraulic pushers113 are used in lifting and transporting the object. The hydraulic pushers113 comprise of a hydraulic cylinder, a piston and a pusher arm. When power is supplied to the motor of the hydraulic pusher, it allows the hydraulic cylinder to pump out oil to the hydraulic pusher through an outlet. The pumped oil allows the piston to move, pushing the L-arm in a controlled manner. The L-arm extends to get positioned on lateral portions of the member109 in view of applying a pushing force onto the member109 which in turns lift the object, thus facilitating the user in lifting and relocating the object to a user-desired location.

[0036] Upon lifting the object, the weight of the object is determined by a weight sensor embedded in the member109. The weight sensor is a type of weight transducer. It converts an input mechanical force such as load, weight, or pressure into an electrical output signal that can be measured, converted and standardized. The weight sensor comprises of a diaphragm, a strain gauge and an electrical circuit. Upon applying weight integrated diaphragm deforms that is detected by a strain gauge. This deformation changes the applied force into an electrical charge that is transferred to the electrical circuit to generate an electrical signal. These signals are transmitted to the microcontroller. In case the determined weight of the object exceeds threshold value, the microcontroller actuates the speaker108 to notify the user regarding the load of the object.

[0037] While lifting the object a gyroscope integrated in the body 101 monitors imbalance of the object on the member109 to maintain a proper alignment of the member109 with respect to the ground surface. The gyroscope measures and maintain the orientation and angular velocity of the object. The gyroscope comprises of an internal vibrating element made up of crystal material in the shape of a T-structure, a sensing arm and a drive arm. When an electrical field is applied to the drive arms, it produces vibration in the drive arm in upward and downward directions. These vibrations lead to the movement in sensing arms that senses the change in vibrations. These changes in vibration detects the changes in the orientation of the object and converts into electrical signals. These electrical signals are received by the microcontroller that allows the pushers113 and ball and socket joint112 to maintain a proper alignment of the member109 with respect to the ground.

[0038] The device is controlled with the power supplied through a battery that provides electricity to all the electrical and electronic components configured with the device. The battery includes of an anode (negative charge) and a cathode (positive charge), the electrolyte which is Potassium hydroxide and Lithium hexafluorophosphate, the separator and the current collectors. To accept and transmit energy the battery is connected to an external circuit. Electrons move through the circuit, while ions move through the electrolyte synchronously thus generating providing energy to the device.

[0039] The present invention works best in the following manner, where the proposed device a curved I-shaped body 101 having proximal and distal end, wherein the body 101 is attached with a handle102 on the lateral sides of the body fabricated with plurality of rubber grooves to be gripped by the user, a pair of motorized wheels105 on the distal end of the body 101 to provide movement to the body 101 in proximity to the object to be lifted, a microphone104 mounted on the body 101 for enabling user to provide voice command for lifting the object, an artificial intelligence based imaging unit 106 installed on the body 101 paired with a processor to capture and process the images in vicinity of the body 101 to determine the dimensions of the object, a curved member109 with plurality plates 110 arranged on the distal end of the body 101 wherein the adjacent plates110 are arranged by a scissor arrangement 111 that is actuated by a microcontroller or increasing or decreasing the member 109 till an appropriate length necessary for easy handling is obtained, adjacent plates 110 with plurality of hinges integrated within the plates110 for tilting the plates 110 in accordance to the dimensions of the object, thus changing the orientation of the member109 for easy handing of the object.

[0040] A laser projection unit 107 installed on the body 101 to project laser beams onto the mid length of the object, thus notifying the user via a speaker108 to provide instructions to position the body 101 in proximity to projected beams, a laser sensor embedded in the body 101 to detect gaps in between the surface and the object in accordance to which the microcontroller actuates a motorized ball and socket joint112 integrated in between the distal end and member109 to provide required movement tot re ember in order to position the member’s edges beneath bottom position of object through the gaps, a weight sensor embedded on the member109 to determine weight of the object, in case the determined weight exceeds the threshold value, microcontroller actuates the speaker108 to notify the user regarding inability to carry the object, a pair of L-shaped hydraulic pushers113 arranged on the distal end of the body 101 to apply a pushing force onto the member109, thereby lifting the object and facilitating the user in lifting and relocating the object to a user desired locations and lastly, a battery to supply power to all electrical components of the device.

[0041] The present invention works best in following manner, where an I-shaped curved body 101 gripped by the user to handle 102 the device on time of requirement, a pair of motorized wheel to provide movement to the body 101 in proximity of the object to be lifted, a microphone to enable user provide voice command for lifting the object, an artificial based imaging unit to determine the dimensions of the object, a curved member having plurality of plates via a scissor arrangement that increases or decreases dimensions of the member for easy handling, a plurality of motorized hinges for allowing adjustment in orientation of the plates in accordance to dimensions of object thus changing orientation of member for easy handling of the object, a laser projection unit for projecting laser beams onto mid length of object, a speaker to produce audio signals to guide user for positioning the body 101 on mid length of the object. Further, a laser sensor for detecting gaps between the object and the surface over which the object is placed, a motorized ball and socket joint to provide required movement for positioning the member’s edges beneath bottom portion of the object, a weight sensor to determine weight of the object and accordingly the speaker gets actuated for notifying the user regarding inability to carry the object, a L-shaped hydraulic pusher that extends and provides required movement to the member in order to position the member’s edge beneath the bottom of object, a gyroscope for monitoring imbalance of the object on the member for maintaining a proper alignment of the member with respect to the ground surface and a battery for providing power supply to electronically powered components associated with the device.

[0042] 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) An adaptable heavy object lifting assistive device, comprising:

i) a curved I-shaped body 101 having proximal and distal end, wherein said body 101 is attached with a handle 102 on lateral sides of said proximal end that are gripped by a user;

ii) a pair of motorized wheels105 arranged on lateral ends of said distal end for providing movement to said body 101 in proximity to an object to be lifted, wherein a microphone104 is mounted on said body 101 for enabling said user to provide input voice commands for lifting said object;

iii) an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit106 installed on said body 101 and paired with a processor for capturing and processing multiple images in vicinity of said body 101 , respectively to determine dimensions of said object, wherein a curved member109 having plurality of plates arranged on said distal end, each adjacent plates110 arranged by means of a scissor arrangement111 that is actuated by an inbuilt microcontroller to get deployed for increasing/decreasing dimensions of said member109, till an appropriate length necessary for easy handling;

iv) a laser projection unit107 installed on said body 101 for projecting laser beams onto mid-length of said object, wherein a speaker108 is mounted on said body 101 for producing audio signals to provide guiding instructions to said user to position said body 101 in proximity to said projected beams;

v) a laser sensor embedded in said body for detecting gaps in between said surface and object, in accordance to which said microcontroller actuates a motorized ball and socket joint112 integrated in between said distal end and member109 for providing required movement to said member109, in order to position said member’s edges beneath bottom portion of said object through said gaps; and

vi) a pair of L-shaped hydraulic pushers113 arranged on said distal end that are actuated by said microcontroller to extend for getting positioned on lateral portions of member109, in view of applying a pushing force onto said member109, which in turn lifts said object, thus facilitating said user in lifting and relocating said object to a user-desired location.

2) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein plurality of motorized hinges are integrated within said plates110, for tilting said plates110, in accordance to dimensions of said object, thus changing orientation of said member109 for easy handling of said object.

3) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a weight sensor is embedded in said member109 for determined weight of said object, in case said determined weight of said object exceeds a threshold value, said microcontroller actuates said speaker108 installed on said body 101 to produce audio signals for notifying said user regarding inability to carry said object.

4) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a gyroscope integrated in said body 101 for monitoring imbalance of said object on said member109, in accordance to which said microcontroller regulates actuation of said pushers113 and, ball and socket joint112 for maintaining a proper alignment of said member109 with respect to said ground surface.

5) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said handle102 is fabricated with plurality of rubberized grooves103 for providing secure grip to said user, in view of enabling efficient handling of said body during said lifting and relocating operation.

6) 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.