Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a convertible mobility assistive device for ramp that is capable of providing a means to assist a user in moving on a ramp with different levels along with object as per requirement by automatically forming a stepped or continuous ramp as per user preference without any chances of sudden jerks or misalignment.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Individuals such as pedestrians, wheelchair users, and those with baby carriages face numerous challenges on ramps. Uneven or steep ramp inclines can make navigation difficult, requiring significant physical effort and posing a safety risk, especially for wheelchair users or individuals with limited strength. Slippery surfaces or poor traction increase the likelihood of accidents, while inadequate railings or support structures provide little stability during transitions. For baby carriages, sudden jerks or misaligned ramps can disturb or endanger the child. Pedestrians, especially elderly or physically impaired individuals, struggle with inconsistent ramp designs that lack proper grading or alignment. Additionally, the absence of modular or adjustable ramps restricts usability in diverse situations, failing to accommodate varying needs. Limited accessibility due to improper ramp construction or poor maintenance adds further inconvenience. Collectively, these issues compromise safety, comfort, and independence, underscoring the need for adaptive, user-friendly ramp solutions.

[0003] Traditional methods for using ramps involve individuals, such as pedestrians, wheelchair users, and those with baby carriages, relying on standard fixed ramps constructed at specific inclinations. Pedestrians generally navigate ramps without additional support, relying on railings if available. Wheelchair users often face challenges due to steep inclines, inconsistent ramp surfaces, or lack of adequate support, requiring significant physical effort or assistance from others to ascend or descend. Baby carriages are pushed manually, with users often struggling to maintain control, especially on steeper ramps. These methods depend heavily on the physical strength and balance of the user or their caregiver, leading to potential safety concerns such as slipping, tipping, or losing grip. Moreover, fixed ramps do not adapt to individual needs, making them less inclusive for diverse users. Overall, traditional ramp usage lacks flexibility, ergonomic support, and safety features, posing difficulties for individuals with mobility challenges or those managing wheeled devices.

[0004] US7225899B2 discloses a stair lift for lifting and lowering at least one person on a rail on a stairway. There is a carriage mountable to the rail, the carriage having a track engaging drive, and a motor to power the drive, the powered drive causing the carriage to move along the rail. There is a central support post mounted on the carriage and an offset arm connected to the seat support post. The offset arm is mounted to the carriage in one of a left side or a right side position. A seat is mounted on the offset arm, and a notched plate secures the seat in position on the offset arm in either the left side or right side position and permits the seat to swivel between a sideways facing position and an upward facing position to facilitate the person getting into and out of the seat.

[0005] US4043427A discloses a stair elevator including a chair and associated track adapted for support on a stairway, and further including special limit and emergency switches for controlling movement of the chair along the track. An improved braking device is also provided, as well as a unique low voltage control arrangement, an electrical interlock feature, and a re-set feature.

[0006] Conventionally, many devices have been developed to facilitate the mobility for ramp but they lack adaptability and safety features, making them challenging for users with mobility issues. Fixed ramps may not suit varying height levels, while uneven surfaces can cause instability. Additionally, manual efforts to stabilize or adjust ramps are labor-intensive and error-prone, increasing risks of accidents or user discomfort.

[0007] In order to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks, there exists a need in the art to develop a device which offers enhanced versatility, safety, and ease compared to conventional ramps and provides customizable configurations, switching between continuous and stepped ramp structures via voice commands. Additionally, ensure smooth transitions, reduce physical effort, and accommodate diverse user needs, improving accessibility significantly.

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 moving on a ramp with different levels along with object as per requirement by automatically forming a stepped or continuous ramp as per user preference without any chances of sudden jerks or misalignment during use.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of detecting weight distribution of the user/object in order to control movement and stabilize the device for ensuring smooth transitions of the user to different levels.

[0011] Yet another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of providing support during the user's transition across the ramp.

[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 convertible mobility assistive device for ramp that is capable of assisting a user in moving over a ramp with object that is convertible into stepped or continuous ramp structure as per the user’s requirements in order to relocate self and object to different location without any chances of misalignment.

[0014] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a convertible mobility assistive device for ramp comprises of a pair of vertical plates arranged in parallel, each plates attached with telescopic rods configured with Omni-directional wheels, developed to be maneuvered over a ground surface, the plates are designated to be positioned over a ramp to assist a user in transitioning smoothly between different height levels, a plurality of flaps connected to the plates by means of motorized hinges, the motorized hinges are configured to rotate the flaps between a flat position and an inclined position to form a stepped or continuous ramp structure as per the user’s requirements, a microphone installed on the vertical plates, accessible by the user, to receive input voice commands from the user regarding desired configuration of the ramp structure, in case the user requires a continuous ramp structure, then an inbuilt microcontroller processes the received voice commands and activates the motorized hinges to adjust the plurality of flaps in a flat to form a continuous ramp structure.

[0015] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the proposed device further includes a plurality of hydraulic actuators are arranged on lateral sides of each of the flaps, in case the user requires a stepped ramp structure, the microcontroller activates the plurality of the hydraulic actuators to lift or lower each flap to a predefined inclined position, ensuring stability and alignment between adjacent flaps to form the stepped ramp structure, a weight sensor integrated on the flaps that works in synchronization with an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit installed on the plates to detect the presence and load of the user or an object on the flaps, based on which the microcontroller actuates a damping mechanism attached between each of the flaps and plates to control movement and stabilize the flaps, ensuring smooth transitions and preventing sudden jerks or misalignment during use, an inverted U–shape member is installed on top portion of the plates that is accessed by the user to provide support during the user's transition across the ramp, and a battery is associated with the device for supplying power to electrical and electronically operated 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 convertible mobility assistive device for ramp.

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 convertible mobility assistive device for ramp that is capable of assisting a user in moving over a ramp with object by forming different structure as per the user’s requirements in order to relocate self and object to different location without any chances of misalignment or sudden jerks.

[0022] Referring to Figure 1, an isometric view of a convertible mobility assistive device for ramp is illustrated, comprising a pair of vertical plates 101 arranged in parallel, each plates 101 attached with telescopic rods 102 configured with Omni-directional wheels 103, multiple flaps 104 connected to the plates 101 by means of motorized hinges 105, a microphone 106 installed on the vertical plates 101, multiple hydraulic actuators 107 arranged on lateral sides of each of the flaps 104, a damping mechanism 108 attached between each of the flaps 104 and plates 101, and an inverted U–shape member 109 installed on top portion of the plates 101.

[0023] The proposed device comprises of a pair of vertical plates 101 arranged in parallel that are encased with various components associated with the device arranged in sequential manner that aids in assisting a user in mobility over a ramp by transitioning smoothly between different height levels. Herein, after placing the plates 101 over a ramp by the user, the user accesses a push button integrated with one of the plates 101 for activating the device, wherein the button is internally connected with the device via multiple circuits that upon pressing by the user, the circuits get closed and starts conducting electricity through a microcontroller associated with the device that tends to activate the device and vice versa.

[0024] The device once gets activated, the microcontroller activates a microphone 106 installed on the vertical plates 101 to give voice commands regarding desired configuration of the ramp structure to translate over the ramp. The microphone 106 receives sound waves generated by energy emitted from the voice command in the form of vibrations. After that, the sound waves are transmitted towards a diaphragm configured with a coil. Upon transmitting the waves within the diaphragm, the diaphragm strikes with the waves due to which the coil starts moving the diaphragm with a back-and-forth movement in presence of magnetic field generated from the coil.

[0025] Once, the electric signal is emitted from the coil due to back-and-forth movement of the diaphragm, the signal is transmitted to the microcontroller linked with the microphone 106 to process the signal to analyze the signal for detecting voice command given by the user. In case the user requires a continuous ramp structure, then the microcontroller activates motorized hinges 105 configured with multiple flaps 104 connected to the plates 101 to rotate the flaps 104 between a flat position and an inclined position to form the continuous ramp structure.

[0026] The hinge mentioned herein typically refers to a mechanical joint that allows rotational movement around a fixed axis using a motor or actuator which provides the rotational force required to move the joint. The motor is typically controlled by an electronic control unit that regulates its speed and direction to adjust the flaps 104 in a flat to form a continuous ramp structure. Additionally, in case the user requires a stepped ramp structure, the microcontroller actuates a hydraulic unit integrated with each of multiple hydraulic actuators 107 assembled on lateral sides of each of the flaps 104 to lift or lower each flap to a predefined inclined position, ensuring stability and alignment between adjacent flaps 104 to form the stepped ramp structure.

[0027] The hydraulic unit comprises of an oil reservoir, pump, cylinders, valves and piston that works in collaboration to aid in extension and retraction of the actuators 107. The valve opens and the compressed fluid enters inside the cylinder thereby increasing the air pressure of the cylinder. The piston is connected to the cylinder and due to the increase in the fluid pressure, the piston extends. For the retraction of the piston, air is released from the cylinder to the pump. Thereby provide extension and retraction of the actuators 107 to lift or lower each flap to a predefined inclined position providing stability and alignment between adjacent flaps 104 to form the stepped ramp structure for mobility.

[0028] During mobility, a weight sensor integrated on the flaps 104 and synced with an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit installed on the plates 101 detects the presence and load of the user or an object on the flaps 104. The imaging unit mentioned herein comprises of a camera and processor that works in collaboration to detect the presence of the user or an object on the flaps 104. The camera firstly captures multiple images of the surrounding of the flaps 104, wherein the camera comprises of a frame, electronic shutter, lens, lens aperture, image sensor, and imaging processor that works in sequential manner to capture images of the surrounding.

[0029] While capturing of the images by the camera, the shutter is automatically open due to which the reflected beam of light coming from the surrounding is directed towards the lens aperture. After that the reflected light beam passes through the image sensor. The image sensor now analyzes the beam to retrieve signal from the beams which is further calibrate by the sensor to capture images of the surrounding in electronic signal.

[0030] Upon capturing images, the imaging processor processes the electronic signal into digital image. When the capturing is done, the processor associated with the imaging unit processes the captured images by using artificial intelligence protocol to retrieve data from the captured image in the form of digital signal. The detected data in the form of digital signal is now transmitted to the microcontroller based on which the microcontroller acquires the data to detect the presence of the user or an object on the flaps 104.

[0031] Based on detected presence of the user or an object on the flaps 104, the weight sensor detects the weight of the user/object. The weight sensor operates by measuring the load or pressure exerted by the user/object on the flaps 104. This is achieved through the use of strain gauges or load cells that convert the deformation caused by the weight into an electrical signal. The electrical signal is then processed by the microcontroller to calculate the precise weight distribution of the user/object. Based on the weight distribution, the microcontroller actuates a damping mechanism 108 attached between each of the flaps 104 and plates 101 to control movement and stabilize the flaps 104.

[0032] The damping mechanism 108 mentioned herein operates by providing resistance to the movement of the flaps 104, which helps in controlling their speed and preventing sudden or erratic motion. The resistance is achieved through preferably hydraulic dampers that ensures smooth and controlled movement, minimizing the risk of abrupt shifts or jerks that could cause discomfort or instability. The microcontroller adjusts the damping force in real-time based on the detected weight distribution, ensuring that the flaps 104 remain stable and properly aligned with the user or object. This adaptive damper enhances the overall safety and functionality of the device, particularly when the weight distribution changes dynamically, such as when the user shifts position or an object is placed on the flaps 104.

[0033] For different height, the microcontroller actuates a pneumatic unit integrated with each of telescopic rods 102 configured with omnidirectional wheel 103 and attached with the plates 101 for extending and retracting to adjust height for assisting the user in transitioning smoothly between different height levels via moving the plates 101. Pneumatic unit comprises of an air compressor, air cylinder, air valves and piston. The air valve that allows entry or exit of the 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.

[0034] The piston is connected to the cylinder and due to the increase in the air pressure, the piston extends due to which the rods 102 extend to position the plates 101 over the ramp to assist the user in transitioning smoothly between different height levels. Herein, inverted U–shape member 109 is installed on top portion of the plates 101 that is accessed by the user to provide support during the user's transition across the ramp. The member 109 provides additional stability and assistance to the user by offering a secure grip while transition across the ramp. The member 109 is preferably constructed from a sturdy, non-slip material to enhance grip and safety, and adjustable to accommodate the user of different heights. As the piston extends, the rods 102 ensure that the plates 101 are properly aligned, and the U-shaped member 109 remains in a fixed position to assist the user effectively throughout the transition.

[0035] A battery (not shown in figure) is associated with the device to offer power to all electrical and electronic components necessary for their correct 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 the user effectively carry out their appropriate functions.

[0036] The present invention works best in following manner that includes the pair of vertical plates 101 attached with telescopic rods 102 configured with the Omni-directional wheels 103, developed to be maneuvered over the ground surface. Herein, the plates 101 are designated to be positioned over a ramp to assist a user in transitioning smoothly between different height levels. The user then accesses the microphone 106 to receive input voice commands from the user regarding desired configuration of the ramp structure, and in case the user requires a continuous ramp structure, then the microcontroller processes the received voice commands and activates the motorized hinges 105 to adjust the plurality of flaps 104 in a flat to form a continuous ramp structure. Also, in case the user requires a stepped ramp structure, the microcontroller activates the hydraulic actuators 107 to lift or lower each flap to a predefined inclined position, ensuring stability and alignment between adjacent flaps 104 to form the stepped ramp structure. Further, the weight sensor in synchronization with the artificial intelligence-based imaging unit detect the presence and load of the user or an object on the flaps 104, based on which the microcontroller actuates the damping mechanism 108 to control movement and stabilize the flaps 104, ensuring smooth transitions and preventing sudden jerks or misalignment during use.

[0037] 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 convertible mobility assistive device for ramp, comprising:

i) a pair of vertical plates 101 arranged in parallel, each plates 101 attached with telescopic rods 102 configured with omnidirectional wheels 103, developed to be maneuvered over a ground surface, wherein said plates 101 are designated to be positioned over a ramp to assist a user in transitioning smoothly between different height levels;
ii) a plurality of flaps 104 connected to said plates 101 by means of motorized hinges 105, wherein said motorized hinges 105 are configured to rotate said flaps 104 between a flat position and an inclined position to form a stepped or continuous ramp structure as per said user’s requirements;
iii) a microphone 106 installed on said vertical plates 101, accessible by said user, to give input voice commands regarding desired configuration of said ramp structure, wherein in case said user requires a continuous ramp structure, then an inbuilt microcontroller processes said received voice commands and activates said motorized hinges 105 to adjust said plurality of flaps 104 in a flat to form a continuous ramp structure;
iv) a plurality of hydraulic actuators 107 is arranged on lateral sides of each of said flaps 104, wherein in case said user requires a stepped ramp structure, said microcontroller activates said plurality of said hydraulic actuators 107 to lift or lower each flap to a predefined inclined position, ensuring stability and alignment between adjacent flaps 104 to form said stepped ramp structure; and
v) a weight sensor integrated on said flaps 104 that works in synchronization with an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit installed on said plates 101 to detect the presence and load of said user or an object on said flaps 104, based on which said microcontroller actuates a damping mechanism 108 attached between each of said flaps 104 and plates 101 to control movement and stabilize said flaps 104, ensuring smooth transitions and preventing sudden jerks or misalignment during use.

2) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein an inverted U–shape member 109 is installed on top portion of said plates 101 that is accessed by said user to provide support during said user's transition across said ramp.

3) 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.