Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to an adaptable bicycle parking assistive device that is capable of detecting dimensions of a bicycle and accordingly provide a means to grab the wheel of the bicycle to align the bicycle in an upright position, thereby facilitating in parking the bicycle in a secured manner.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Vehicle parking device is a technical solution designed to optimize parking spaces and improve the efficiency of the parking solutions especially beneficial for populated urban areas where available parking space is very limited they provide an efficient solution for both operators and vehicle owners. Traditional vehicle parking tools is manual method of parking in various types of parking facilities such as garage and open street parking which relies on human control and coordination through which the user has assess the availability of parking spots based on their judgements. Motorcycle stand is a tool designed to lift and support motorcycles, providing mechanics and enthusiasts with a stable platform for performing maintenance, repairs, or customization. Traditionally motorcycle parking or servicing a bike often involved improvising with rudimentary tools and methods. Mechanics would use makeshift solutions to lift motorcycles, such as wooden blocks or ramp. And manual lifts and ramps were among the early solutions. These were often operated by hand or foot and required physical effort to elevate the motorcycle.

[0003] Although the traditional method of motorcycle maintenance using stand using manual ramps has proven effective to some extent, but it comes with inherent limitations. They often require manual effort for lifting the bike. This is physically demanding, especially for larger or heavier motorcycles, and may pose a challenge for individuals with physical limitations. And some traditional stands may have limited compatibility with various motorcycle models and configurations. Thus, there is a need to develop an innovative tool that provide a more time-efficient and consistent way of grabbing the wheel of the bicycle to align the bicycle in an upright position, thereby facilitating in parking the bicycle stand where traditional methods may fall short and to meet the evolving demands of modern requirements.

[0004] US10611421B2 discloses a bicycle parking device includes a stand and a trolley mounted in the stand and connected to a lifting unit, which has an elastic element connected with the stand and the trolley, where the elastic element is tight when the trolley is in a lower position. When a bicycle is positioned in an initial parking position, elasticity of the elastic element ensures the lift of the trolley to an upper position. When the bicycle is in the initial parking position with the wheel placed into a wheel fixing mechanism, it fixes the wheel and affects the trolley fixing unit to release and allow the elastic element to transfer the bicycle from the initial parking position to a rear parking position, and when the bicycle is transferred from the rear parking position to the initial position, the wheel fixing mechanism releases the wheel, transferring the trolley to a fixed position.

[0005] WO2010091275A3 discloses a device and method for providing public, high-density bicycle storage and protection from elements and theft. System includes overhead conveyors from which bicycles are hung in a near side/far side arrangement where handlebars of only every other bicycle are aligned. Bicycles are rolled into a loading station on their back wheels by user and secured, from the front wheel, to a hook that is removably coupled to a load hoist. Access to loading station is controlled by an access control panel. Load hoist lifts the hook to place the bicycle in a hanging position. Robotic arm of a robotic elevator grasps, retracts and lowers (or raises) the bicycle into a multilevel storage area and onto overhead conveyors. Users may be bike-share users or storage users who store the particular bicycle they own.

[0006] Conventionally, many devices exist that are capable of monitoring weather conditions in immediate vicinity of a bicycle and accordingly adjust to provide a shade over the bicycle, thereby protecting the bicycle from rust and color fading in a secured manner.

[0007] In order to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks, there exists a need in the art to develop a device that is capable of detecting dimensions of a bicycle and accordingly provide a means to grab the wheel of the bicycle to align the bicycle in an upright position for parking bicycle. Additionally the device is to be potent enough of monitoring weather conditions in immediate vicinity of a bicycle and accordingly adjust to provide a shade over the bicycle, for protecting the bicycle from rust and color fading.

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 detecting dimensions of a bicycle and accordingly provide a means to grab the wheel of the bicycle to align the bicycle in an upright position, thereby facilitating in parking the bicycle in a secured manner.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of monitoring weather conditions in immediate vicinity of a bicycle and accordingly adjust to provide a shade over the bicycle, thereby protecting the bicycle from rust and color fading.

[0011] Yet another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of monitoring facial features of a user for providing access to the authorized user to access the bicycle and notifies nearby individuals and the user regarding an authorized attempt to access the user’s bicycle.

[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 an adaptable bicycle parking assistive device that is capable of detecting dimensions of a bicycle’s wheel and accordingly adjust to securely garb the wheel for facilitating in parking the bicycle in a secured manner.

[0014] According to an embodiment of the present invention, an adaptable bicycle parking assistive device, comprises of a platform developed to be installed on a vertical support, wherein plurality of suction cups are arranged on the platform for adhering to the support, in view of securing the platform on the support, a slot arranged at mid length longitudinally of the platform and configured with a U-shaped member, for enabling a user to engage front wheel of a bicycle in the member, wherein a laser sensor is embedded in the body for determining dimensions of the wheel, a pair of motorized hinge joints integrated within the member for contracting the member to grab the wheel, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit integrated in the platform and paired with a processor to determine dimensions of the bicycle, a motorized slider integrated in between the slot and member for translating the member along with the grabbed wheel, upwards, in view of aligning the bicycle in an upright position.

[0015] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the proposed device further comprises of, a pair of motorized clamps arranged on lateral sides of the slot’s bottom portion for clamping the bicycle’s rear wheel, thereby locking the bicycle while optimizing space usage, wherein a sensing module is integrated on the platform for prevailing weather conditions in the immediate vicinity platform, in accordance to which the microcontroller actuates plurality of expandable curved rods attached with a canopy, integrated on top portion of the platform for extending to deploy the canopy over the bicycle, in view of providing a shade to the bicycle, thus safeguarding the bicycle from rust and fading, the sensing module consist of a rain sensor and sun sensor for determining rainy and sunny weather conditions, in accordance to which the microcontroller regulates actuation of the rods, the imaging unit monitors facial features of the user while parking the bicycle, for storing in a database linked to the microcontroller, as an authorized individual, based on which the microcontroller unlocks the bicycle, wherein in case the bicycle is accessed by an unauthorized user, the microcontroller actuates a speaker installed on the platform to produce audio signals for notifying nearby individuals regarding the unauthorized access, followed by generating a notification on a computing unit wirelessly linked with the microcontroller to notify the user regarding the unauthorized access, a solar panel is integrated in the canopy for harnessing sunlight to convert into electrical energy that is stored in 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 an adaptable bicycle parking 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 bicycle parking assistive device that is capable of tracking facial characteristics of a user to grant authorized access to their bicycle, while also alerting nearby individuals and the user about any authorized attempts to access the bicycle.

[0022] Referring to Figure 1, an isometric view of an adaptable bicycle parking assistive device is illustrated, comprising a platform 101 developed to be installed on a vertical support, plurality of suction cups 102 arranged on the platform 101, a slot 103 arranged at mid length longitudinally of the platform 101 and configured with a U-shaped member 104, a pair of motorized hinge joints 105 integrated within the member 104, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 106 integrated in the platform 101, a motorized slider 107 integrated in between the slot 103 and member 104, a pair of motorized clamps 108 arranged on lateral sides of the slot 103 bottom portion, plurality of expandable curved rods 109 attached with a canopy 110, a speaker 111 installed on the platform 101 and a solar panel 112 integrated in the canopy 110.

[0023] The proposed device includes a platform 101 developed to be installed on a vertical support, wherein the platform 101 is made up of any material but not limited to plastic or metallic material alike. The platform 101 is arranged with plurality of suction cups 102 positioned underneath the platform 101 for adhering the platform 101 to the support, thereby securing the platform 101 on the support. The multiple suction cups 102 used herein ranges from (2 to 4). The suction cups 102, mentioned herein, create a negative air pressure against the support for creating a vacuum inside the cups 102. The cups 102 further stick over the support, thus, helping the platform 101 to affix on the support in a secured manner.

[0024] The platform 101 is configured with a slot 103 at mid-length in a longitudinal orientation, wherein the slot 103 is configured with a U-shaped member 104 for enabling a user for engaging front wheel of a bicycle in the member 104. The platform 101 is integrated with a laser sensor for determining the wheel’s dimensions. The laser sensor emits an array of focused and narrow beams toward the wheel. When the laser beam strikes the wheel, it gets reflected back towards the sensor. The receiver of the laser sensor captures the reflected light and employs a time-of-flight measurement principle for determining the wheel’s dimensions. Based on the detected size, an inbuilt microcontroller commands a set of motorized hinge joints 105 integrated within the member 104 to contract the member 104 for securely gripping the wheel. The microcontroller, mentioned herein, is preferably an Arduino microcontroller. The Arduino microcontroller used herein controls the overall functionality of the components linked to it.

[0025] The motorized hinge joint 105 used herein, are piece of metal that joins two sides or items together and allows it to be opened or closed by revolving along the longitudinal axis whose operation is governed by a DC motor to contract the member 104 for securely gripping the wheel. The platform 101 is mounted with an artificial intelligence based imaging unit 106 integrated with a processor, wherein the microcontroller commands the imaging unit 106 to capture and process images in proximity of the platform 101 for determining dimensions of bicycle.

[0026] The imaging unit 106 comprises of an image capturing arrangement including a set of lenses that captures multiple images in vicinity of the platform 101 and the captured images are stored within memory of the imaging unit 106 in form of an optical data. The imaging unit 106 also comprises of a processor that is integrated with artificial intelligence protocols, such that the processor processes the optical data and extracts the required data from the captured images. The extracted data is further converted into digital pulses and bits and are further transmitted to the microcontroller. The microcontroller processes the received data and based on the captured images, the microcontroller determines the dimensions of the bicycle. Based on the detected dimensions, the microcontroller commands a motorized slider 107 arranged in between the slot 103 and the member 104 for translating the member 104 along the gripped wheel in an upward direction for aligning the bicycle in an upright position.

[0027] The motorized slider 107 is associated with of a pair of sliding rails fabricated with grooves in which the wheel of the slider 107 is positioned that is further connected with a bi-directional motor via a shaft. The microcontroller actuates the bi-directional motor to rotate in a clockwise and anti-clockwise direction that aids in the rotation of the shaft, wherein the shaft converts the electrical energy into rotational energy for translating the member 104 along the gripped wheel in the upward direction for aligning the bicycle in the upright position.

[0028] The slot 103 bottom portion in connected with a set of motorized clamps 108 positioned on lateral sides of the slot 103, wherein the microcontroller commands the clamps 108 to securely grip rear wheel of the bicycle. The motorized clamp 108 comprises a pair of motorized claws, attached with motor to securely grip rear wheel of the bicycle. Motor is actuated by the microcontroller to open/close motorized clamp 108 for securely grip rear wheel of the bicycle.

[0029] The platform 101 is embedded with a sensing module for detecting weather conditions in proximity of the platform 101. The sensing module includes a rain sensor and a sun sensor for determining rain and sunny weather conditions in immediate proximity of the platform 101. The rain sensor consists of an electrically active surface and a circuit linked with the microcontroller. Whenever raindrops fall over the platform 101, there exists in the fluctuation in the voltage across the circuit due to decreasing in the resistance of the surface. The voltage fluctuation is detected by the microcontroller to detect the presence of rain.

[0030] Synchronously, the sun sensor comprises of a small window like
structure which embedded with multiple photosensitive units. When the light
coming from a direction falls on the body, the photosensitive units that works
on the principle of photoelectric effect convert the photons from sunlight into
electric currents. Further, the sensor converts the current into digital
signals. After that the signals are transmitted to the microcontroller which is
further analyses the signal to detect sunny weather conditions in surroundings of the platform 101. Based on sunny and rainy weather conditions, the microcontroller commands multiple extendable curved rods 109 connected with a canopy 110 on the bicycle, thereby facilitating in providing a shade to the bicycle and safeguarding the bicycle from rust and colour fading. The multiple extendable rods 109 used herein ranges from (2 to 4).

[0031] The extendable rods 109 are powered by a pneumatic unit. The pneumatic unit includes air valves and piston attached with the rods 109. The piston is coupled to the rods 109 penetrating the compressed air released from the compressor over the rods 109. The valves used herein, are air valves installed between the compressor and piston that upon actuation enables release of the compressed air through the piston to extend/retract for deploying the canopy 110 on the bicycle, thereby facilitating in providing a shade to the bicycle and safeguarding the bicycle from rust and colour fading.

[0032] During parking of the user’s bicycle, the imaging unit 106 monitors facial features of the user and the microcontroller based on facial features stores the data of the user as an authorized individual and the data is stored in a database linked with the microcontroller. Based on the stored data, the microcontroller unlocks the bicycle for the user. In case, the bicycle is accessed by an unauthorized user, the microcontroller commands a speaker 111 mounted on the platform 101 to produce audio alerts for notifying nearby individuals related to unauthorized access.

[0033] The speaker 111 comprises of a voice coil and a permanent magnet. The microcontroller actuates the speaker 111 thereby generating electrical current via the voice coil which further produces an electric field that interacts with the magnetic field of the permanent magnet attached to the speaker 111. Due to attraction and repelling of like charges with each other, an audio signal is sent via the voice coil due to which, a musical waveform is produced that moves up and down, the voice coil gets attracted and repelled by the permanent magnet. Due to attraction and repelling of the voice coil by the permanent magnet, a cone attached with the voice coil moves back and forth creating pressure waves in the air perceiving as voice commands from the speaker 111 to produce audio signals for notifying the nearby individuals related to unauthorized access. In addition the microcontroller commands to generate a notification on a computing unit wirelessly linked with the microcontroller for notifying the user regarding unauthorized access of the user’s bicycle.

[0034] The computing unit is linked wirelessly with the microcontroller via the communication module for notifying the user regarding unauthorized access of the user’s bicycle. The communication module which includes, but not limited to Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity) module, Bluetooth module, GSM (Global System for Mobile Communication).

[0035] The canopy 110 is incorporated with a solar panel 112 commanded by the microcontroller for harnessing sunlight and convert the sunlight into electrical energy, wherein the converted electrical energy is stored in a battery configured with the device for providing a continuous power supply to electronically powered components associated with the device.

[0036] The solar panel 112 operates by harnessing the energy from sunlight and converting it into electrical energy through the photovoltaic effect. This effect occurs within the solar cells that make up the panel, which are typically made from layers of silicon crystals. When sunlight strikes these cells, photons (light particles) are absorbed by the semiconductor material. This absorption generates an electric current as electrons are knocked loose from their atoms, creating a flow of electricity. This direct current (DC) is then channelled through external circuitry, such as wires and an inverter, where it is converted into alternating current (AC)/ electrical energy, wherein the converted electrical energy is stored in a battery configured with the device for providing a continuous power supply to electronically powered components associated with the device.

[0037] Furthermore, the battery (not shown in fig.) is installed with the device to power all electrical and electronic component necessary for their operation. The battery is linked to the microcontroller and provides (DC) Direct Current to the microcontroller. And then, based on the order of operations, the microcontroller sends that current to those specific electrical or electronic components so they effectively carry out their appropriate function.

[0038] The proposed device works best in the following manner, the proposed device includes the platform 101 developed to be installed on the vertical support, wherein plurality of suction cups 102 are arranged on the platform 101 for adhering to the support, in view of securing the platform 101 on the support and the slot 103 arranged at mid length longitudinally of the platform 101 and configured with the U-shaped member 104, for enabling the user to engage front wheel of the bicycle in the member 104, wherein the laser sensor is embedded in the body for determining dimensions of the wheel, based on which the inbuilt microcontroller actuates the pair of motorized hinge joints 105 integrated within the member 104 for contracting the member 104 to grab the wheel. The artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 106 integrated in the platform 101 and paired with the processor for capturing and processing multiple images in vicinity of the platform 101, respectively to determine dimensions of the bicycle, based on which the microcontroller actuates the motorized slider 107 integrated in between the slot 103 and member 104 for translating the member 104 along with the grabbed wheel, upwards, in view of aligning the bicycle in the upright position. The pair of motorized clamps 108 arranged on lateral sides of the slot 103 bottom portion for clamping the bicycle’s rear wheel, thereby locking the bicycle while optimizing space usage, wherein the sensing module is integrated on the platform 101 for prevailing weather conditions in the immediate vicinity platform 101, in accordance to which the microcontroller actuates plurality of expandable curved rods 109 attached with the canopy 110, integrated on top portion of the platform 101 for extending to deploy the canopy 110 over the bicycle, in view of providing the shade to the bicycle, thus safeguarding the bicycle from rust and fading, wherein the sensing module consist of the rain sensor and sun sensor for determining rainy and sunny weather conditions, in accordance to which the microcontroller regulates actuation of the rods 109. The imaging unit 106 monitors facial features of the user while parking the bicycle, for storing in the database linked to the microcontroller, as the authorized individual, based on which the microcontroller unlocks the bicycle. In case the bicycle is accessed by the unauthorized user, the microcontroller actuates the speaker 111 installed on the platform 101 to produce audio signals for notifying nearby individuals regarding the unauthorized access, followed by generating the notification on the computing unit wirelessly linked with the microcontroller to notify the user regarding the unauthorized access. The solar panel 112 is integrated in the canopy 110 for harnessing sunlight to convert into electrical energy that is stored in the battery configured with the device for providing the continuous power supply to electronically powered components associated with the device.

[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) An adaptable bicycle parking assistive device, comprising:

i) a platform 101 developed to be installed on a vertical support, wherein plurality of suction cups 102 are arranged on said platform 101 for adhering to said support, in view of securing said platform 101 on said support;
ii) a slot 103 arranged at mid length longitudinally of said platform 101 and configured with a U-shaped member 104, for enabling a user to engage front wheel of a bicycle in said member 104, wherein a laser sensor is embedded in said body for determining dimensions of said wheel, based on which an inbuilt microcontroller actuates a pair of motorized hinge joints 105 integrated within said member 104 for contracting said member 104 to grab said wheel;
iii) an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 106 integrated in said platform 101 and paired with a processor for capturing and processing multiple images in vicinity of said platform 101, respectively to determine dimensions of said bicycle, based on which said microcontroller actuates a motorized slider 107 integrated in between said slot 103 and member 104 for translating said member 104 along with said grabbed wheel, upwards, in view of aligning said bicycle in an upright position; and
iv) a pair of motorized clamps 108 arranged on lateral sides of said slot 103 bottom portion for clamping said bicycle’s rear wheel, thereby locking said bicycle while optimizing space usage, wherein a sensing module is integrated on said platform 101 for prevailing weather conditions in the immediate vicinity platform 101, in accordance to which said microcontroller actuates plurality of expandable curved rods 109 attached with a canopy 110, integrated on top portion of said platform 101 for extending to deploy said canopy 110 over said bicycle, in view of providing a shade to said bicycle, thus safeguarding said bicycle from rust and fading.

2) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said sensing module consist of a rain sensor and sun sensor for determining rainy and sunny weather conditions, in accordance to which said microcontroller regulates actuation of said rods 109.

3) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said imaging unit 106 monitors facial features of said user while parking said bicycle, for storing in a database linked to said microcontroller, as an authorized individual, based on which said microcontroller unlocks said bicycle.

4) The device as claimed in claim 1 and 3, wherein in case said bicycle is accessed by an unauthorized user, said microcontroller actuates a speaker 111 installed on said platform 101 to produce audio signals for notifying nearby individuals regarding said unauthorized access, followed by generating a notification on a computing unit wirelessly linked with said microcontroller to notify said user regarding said unauthorized access.

5) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a solar panel 112 is integrated in said canopy 110 for harnessing sunlight to convert into electrical energy that is stored in a battery configured with said device for providing a continuous power supply to electronically powered components associated with said device.