Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a bulb holder removing assistive device that is designed to help user remove a bulb holder placed at a height on a vertical or ceiling surface by securely gripping the holder, conforming to its curvature to avoid damaging it, and unscrew the holder's screws to detach it from the surface.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Electric bulb is an essential part of our life for daily use. At times the old bulb needs to be replaced by new bulb. The traditional way of replacing the old bulb is to replace it manually using a ladder and requiring a lot of tools such as a screwdriver and wire cutter, etc. This method is tedious as well as has a risk of injury due to falling during the electric bulb holder replacement process. This creates a pressing need for an assistive device that aids in bulb replacement eliminating the possibility of injury to the user, and the need for different types of tools reducing the effort and time of the user.

[0003] The traditional way of replacing a bulb involves manually holding a new bulb, reaching the holder at a certain height on the wall or in the ceiling using a ladder, and then replacing the bulb using screw drivers and wire cutters. This process may often lead to injury due the falling during the electric bulb holder replacement. Additionally, physically screwing and unscrewing bulbs are challenging for elderly or disabled individuals, as well as glass bulbs are fragile and shatter, leading to potential cuts or injuries. These limitations highlight the need for more advanced, user-friendly, and autonomous solutions for bulb replacement from a holder.

[0004] CN112659052 discloses a bulb replacing device, in particular to a length-adjustable bulb replacing device. The length-adjustable bulb replacing device can be used for dismounting and replacing a ceiling lamp and is convenient for people to use. The length-adjustable lamp bulb replacing device comprises a sleeve, a handle, a mounting rod, a fixing assembly, an arc-shaped rod, a power assembly and a lifting assembly; the handle is mounted on the sleeve; the mounting rod is mounted on the sleeve in a sliding manner; the fixing assembly is installed on the sleeve and is fixed in a sliding mode; the arc-shaped rod is mounted on the mounting rod; the power assembly is installed on the sleeve and provides power in a rotating mode; and the lifting assembly is mounted on the mounting rod and ascends and descends in a sliding mode. The fixing assembly can be used for fixing after the length of the equipment is adjusted, the power assembly is used for replacing manpower to replace a bulb, and when the bulb is replaced through the lifting assembly, the situation that the bulb falls off and hurts workers can be prevented.

[0005] CN111716291 discloses an automatic bulb replacing device with a telescopic rod. The automatic bulb replacing device comprises a housing; the housing is internally provided with a housing cavity; the opening of the housing cavity is upward; a bulb clamping device is arranged inside the housing cavity; and the bulb clamping device comprises a fixed bottom plate which is fixedly arranged on the inner wall of the back side of the housing cavity. The automatic bulb replacing device is internally provided with a telescopic rod so as to adapt to the height of most of household ceiling lamps and is convenient to operate; after a lampshade is covered by the equipment housing, the automatic bulb replacing device can be used for extruding an elastic material so that the elastic material can cling to the lampshade after being deformed; the lampshade is fixed by a friction force so as to be prevented from rotating; subsequently the bulb is clamped by an internal clamping mechanism; afterwards the bulb is unscrewed by virtue of rotation; and the bulb can move downwards during unscrewing.

[0006] Conventionally, many devices have been developed in order to unmount holder, however the devices mentioned in the prior arts have limitations pertaining to grip the holder based on its shape to prevent any harm and unscrewing the fasteners to free the holder of unmounting the holder.

[0007] In order to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks, there exists a need in the art to develop a device that is required to be capable of assisting user in removing a bulb holder positioned high on a vertical or ceiling surface to grip the holder based on its shape to prevent any harm and unscrews the fasteners to free the holder from the surface facilitating assistance in removal of holder.

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 user in removing a bulb holder positioned at heighted distance on a vertical or ceiling surface.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of gripping holder in accordance to curvature of the holder for preventing any harm to the holder.

[0011] Yet another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of unscrewing screw of the holder to dislodge the holder from the surface.

[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 bulb holder removing assistive device that aids user in the removal of a bulb holder mounted at an elevated height on a vertical or ceiling surface by facilitating secure grip over the holder via a gripping mechanism, following holder’s curvature to ensure no damage occurs, and loosens holder’s screws to release the holder from holder’s mounting.

[0014] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a bulb holder removing assistive device comprises of an elongated body having a proximal end attached with a handle that is accessed by a user to acquire firm grip for handling the device during use, a touch interactive display panel installed on the proximal end that is accessed by the user to provide input command for removing an old bulb holder from a fixture box installed on a vertical or ceiling surface, an inbuilt microcontroller linked with the panel, processes the command and actuates a speaker installed on the body to generate audible instructions to audible guide the user to position a distal end of the body towards the holder to removed, an artificial intelligence based imaging unit integrated with a processer, installed on the distal end, that is actuated by the microcontroller to capture and process images of surrounding in order to detect distance of the bulb holder to be replaced, with respect to the distal end of the body, a motorized drawer arrangement integrated in the body that is actuated by the microcontroller to extend the body as per the determined distance, in order to position a curved member constructed of plurality of hinged plates and installed on the distal end, in close proximity to the bulb holder, and a laser sensor is installed on the distal end and synced with the imaging unit, to detect dimension and curvature of the holder.

[0015] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the proposed invention further comprises of a motorized wire cutter installed on the member by means of a robotic arm that is actuated by the microcontroller to engage the wire cutter with wires, followed by actuation of the cutter to cut the wires, for completely separating the holder from the fixture box, a motorized ball and socket joint installed between the distal end and member to provide multi-directional movement to the member during removal of the bulb holder, for facilitating effective gripping of the an electromagnet integrated in the screw driver that is activated by the microcontroller to keep the unfastened screws with the driver, a pressure sensor is integrated in the member to detect pressure applied by the member while gripping the holder, 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 bulb holder removing 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 a bulb holder removing assistive device that is designed to assist user in removing a bulb holder located at a height on a vertical or ceiling surface by gripping the holder along with unscrewing of the fasteners to release the holder from the surface.

[0022] Referring to Figure 1, an isometric view of a bulb holder removing assistive device is illustrated, comprises of an elongated body 101 having a proximal end 102 attached with a handle 103, a touch interactive display panel 104 installed on the proximal end 102, a speaker 105 installed on the body, an artificial intelligence based imaging unit 106 installed on a distal end 107, a motorized drawer arrangement 108 integrated in the body, a curved member 109 constructed of plurality of hinged plates 110 and installed on the distal end 107, a motorized hinge 111 installed between two consecutive plates, a motorized screw driver 112 installed on the member 109 by means of a robotic link 113, and a motorized wire cutter 114 installed on the member by means of a robotic arm 115.

[0023] The proposed invention includes a body 101 preferably in elongated shape incorporating various components associated with the device. The body 101 having a proximal end 102 attached with a handle 103 developed to be accessed by a user to acquire firm grip for handling the device during use. The body 101 is made up of any material selected from but not limited to metal, plastic or alloy that ensures rigidity of the body for longevity of the device.

[0024] The user is required to access and presses a push button arranged on the body 101 to activate the device for associated processes of the device. The push button when pressed by the user, closes an electrical circuit and allows currents to flow for powering an associated microcontroller of the device for operating of all the linked components for performing their respective functions upon actuation.

[0025] The microcontroller, mentioned herein, is preferably an Arduino microcontroller. The Arduino microcontroller used herein controls the overall functionality of the components linked to it.

[0026] After the activation of the device, the user accesses a touch interactive display panel 104 installed on the proximal end 102 for providing input regarding removing of an old bulb holder from a fixture box installed on a vertical or ceiling surface. When the user touches the surface of the touch interactive display panel 104 to enter the input details, then an internal circuitry of the touch interactive display panel 104 senses the touches of the displayed option and synchronically, the internal circuitry converts the physical touch into the form of electric signal. The microcontroller processes the received signal from the display panel 104 in order to process the signal and determine the user selection and store the user response to a linked database for further associated functions related to the user input.

[0027] In accordance to the user’s input, the microcontroller instructs the user via a speaker 105 installed over the body 101 to position a distal end 107 of the body towards the holder to removed. The speaker 105 works by taking the input signal from the microcontroller, it then processes and amplifies the received signal through a series of equipment in a specific order within the speaker 105, and then sends the output signal in form of audio notification through the speaker 105 for alerting the user regarding positioning of the distal end 107 of the body towards the holder to removed.

[0028] Upon receiving of the user input, the microcontroller generates a command to activate an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 106 integrated on the distal end 107 for capturing multiple images of the surrounding to detect distance of the bulb holder to be replaced, with respect to the distal end 107 of the body . The imaging unit 106 incorporates a processor that is encrypted with an artificial intelligence protocol. The artificial intelligence protocol operates by following a set of predefined instructions to process data and perform tasks autonomously. Initially, data is collected and input into a database, which then employs protocol to analyze and interpret the captured images. The processor of the imaging unit 106 via the artificial intelligence protocol processes the captured images and sent the signal to the microcontroller to detect distance of the bulb holder to be replaced, with respect to the distal end 107 of the body.

[0029] The distal end 107 incorporates a curved member 109 constructed of plurality of hinged plates 110. Each of the plates is interconnected by means of a motorized hinge 111. Based upon the detected distance, the microcontroller actuates a motorized drawer arrangement 108 integrated in the body 101 to position the member in close proximity to the bulb holder.

[0030] The drawer arrangement 108 consists of a motor, hollow compartment and multiple compartments that are connected with sliders. After actuated by the microcontroller, an electric current pass through the motor of the drawer mechanism and energized the motor. The energized motor further actuates the compartments which are initially at the stowed condition to move in a successive manner within the hollow compartment and extends length of the compartments. Simultaneously, each of the compartments having a fixed groove track, wherein upon actuation of the slider, the motor of the slider gets energized and provides a movement to the compartment to move in a linear direction on the groove track of the successive compartment as directed by the microcontroller and extends length of the body to position member 109 in close proximity to the bulb holder.

[0031] A laser sensor is installed on the distal end 107 and works in sync with the imaging unit 106, to detect dimension and curvature of the holder. The laser sensor, used herein, is a measurement value recorder working with laser technology and turning the physical measured value into an analog electric signal. The laser sensor is conceived for contactless measurement which is based on the triangulation principle. Triangulation used for determining measurement by angle calculation where the sensor projects a laser spot on the holder. The reflected light falls incident onto a receiving unit at a certain angle depending on the distance and these received lights are converted into signals and sent to the microcontroller. The microcontroller then processes the received signals in order to detect dimension and curvature of the holder.

[0032] In accordance to the detected curvature of the holder, the microcontroller actuates a direct current (DC) motor associated with the hinges such that tilts the plates by revolving along the longitudinal axis. The tilting of the plates alters shape of the member such that encircle the holder in the member, in order to secure the holder within the member.

[0033] The member 109 is integrated with a pressure sensor to detect pressure applied by the member while gripping the holder. The pressure sensor comprises of a sensing element known as diaphragm that experiences a force exerted by the member over the holder. This force leads to deflection in the diaphragm that is measured and converted into an electrical signal which is sent to the microcontroller for evaluating optimum pressure to be applied over the member for preventing any damage to the member. In case the microcontroller evaluates the detected pressure to be exceeding a threshold limit, the microcontroller regulates functionality of the hinges, to prevent damage to the holder.

[0034] Post securing of the holder, the microcontroller actuates a robotic link 113 installed on the member to position an integrated motorized screw driver 112 over the screws of the holder. The robotic link 113 comprises, motor controllers, link, end effector and sensors. All these parts are configured with the microcontroller. The elbow is at the middle section of the link that allows the upper part of the link to move the lower section independently. Lastly, the wrist is at the tip of the upper link and attached to the end effector thereby the end effector works as a hand to position the screwdriver over the tightened screws. The robotic link 113 works in sync with the imaging unit.

[0035] Synchronously, the microcontroller actuates the screwdriver to unfasten the screws in order to unmount the holder. The screwdriver works on the conversion of rotary motion (rotation) into linear motion (torque) at the tip of its bit. Upon actuation of the motorized screwdriver by the microcontroller, the motor starts to rotate in a clockwise/anti-clockwise direction for imparting rotational motion to the bit for turning the screwdriver in view of loosening/tightening of the screws.

[0036] An electromagnet is integrated in the screw driver 112 and is simultaneously energized by the microcontroller to keep the unfastened screws with the driver. The electromagnet consists of wire wound into a coil and a current through the wire creates a magnetic field which is concentrated in the hole, denoting the center of the coil. The magnetic field disappears when the current is turned off. The wire turns are wound around a magnetic core made from a ferromagnetic or ferromagnetic material such as iron; the magnetic core concentrates the magnetic flux and makes a more powerful magnet, for keeping the unfastened screws with the driver.

[0037] The member is installed with a motorized wire cutter 114 by means of a robotic arm 115.The microcontroller actuates the arm to engage the wire cutter 114 with wires of the holder. The working of the robotic arm 115 is similar to the working of the robotic link 113 as mentioned above.

[0038] Post engagement of the cutter with the wires, the microcontroller actuates the cutter to cut the wires. The microcontroller transmits electric signal to the motor of the cutter and the electromotive force induced by the currents flow into the inductive coil of the motor of the cutter rotates the output shaft onto which cutter is connected. Thus, rotation of the output shaft of the motor cutter, rotates the connected cutter by which cutter cuts the wires when comes in contact with wires, for completely separating the holder from the fixture box.

[0039] During removal of the bulb holder, the member is provided with multidirectional movement by means of a motorized ball and socket joint installed between the distal end 107 and member. The ball and socket joint provides a 360-degree rotation to the member for aiding the member to turn at a desired angle. The ball and socket joint is a coupling consisting of a ball joint securely locked within a socket joint, where the ball joint is able to move in a 360-dgree rotation within the socket thus, providing the required rotational motion to the member. The ball and socket joint is powered by a DC (direct current) motor that is actuated by the microcontroller thus providing multidirectional movement to the member, for facilitating effective gripping of the holder.

[0040] A battery (not shown in figure) is associated with the device to supply power to electrically powered components which are employed herein. The battery is comprised of a pair of electrodes named as a cathode and an anode. The battery uses a chemical reaction of oxidation/reduction to do work on charge and produce a voltage between their anode and cathode and thus produces electrical energy that is used to do work in the device.

[0041] The present invention works best in the following manner, where the proposed invention includes the elongated body 101 equipped with the handle 103 and the touch interactive display panel 104 at the proximal end 102, which allows the user to input the command to remove the old bulb holder from the fixture box. The microcontroller processes the command and activates the speaker 105 to provide audible instructions, guiding the user to position the distal end 107 of the body toward the bulb holder. The imaging unit 106 integrated with the distal end 107 detects the distance of the bulb holder and sends this information to the microcontroller, which then extends the body using the motorized drawer arrangement 108. The curved member 109 with hinged plates 110 at the distal end 107 moves to encircle the holder, guided by the motorized hinge 111 that adjusts to the holder's dimensions. The motorized screw driver 112 and robotic link 113 engage with the screws to loosen them, followed by the motorized wire cutter 114 that severs the wires connecting the holder to the fixture box, completely detaching the holder. Additionally, the ball and socket joint provides multi-directional movement for effective gripping, and the electromagnet in the screw driver helps keep screws attached while being unscrewed. The pressure sensor prevents damage to the holder by regulating the hinge functionality if excessive pressure is detected during gripping.

[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) A bulb holder removing assistive device, comprising:

i) an elongated body 101 having a proximal end 102 attached with a handle 103 that is accessed by a user to acquire firm grip for handling said device during use, wherein a touch interactive display panel 104 installed on said proximal end 102 that is accessed by said user to provide input command for removing an old bulb holder from a fixture box installed on a vertical or ceiling surface;
ii) an inbuilt microcontroller linked with said panel, processes said command and actuates a speaker 105 installed on said body to generate audible instructions to audible guide said user to position a distal end 107 of said body towards said holder to removed, wherein an artificial intelligence based imaging unit 106 integrated with a processer, installed on said distal end, that is actuated by said microcontroller to capture and process images of surrounding in order to detect distance of said bulb holder to be replaced, with respect to said distal end 107 of said body;
iii) a motorized drawer arrangement 108 integrated in said body that is actuated by said microcontroller to extend said body as per said determined distance, in order to position a curved member 109 constructed of plurality of hinged plates 110 and installed on said distal end, in close proximity to said bulb holder, wherein a laser sensor is installed on said distal end 107 and synced with said imaging unit, to detect dimension and curvature of said holder;
iv) a motorized hinge 111 installed between two consecutive plates, that is actuated by said microcontroller to alter shape of said member in accordance to said detected dimension and curvature, in order to encircle said holder in said member, in order to secure said holder within said member, wherein a motorized screw driver 112 installed on said member by means of a robotic link, that is actuated by said microcontroller in synchronization with said imaging unit, to engage said screw driver with tightened screws of said holder, followed by actuation of said motorized screw driver 112, in order to loosen said screws; and
v) a motorized wire cutter 114 installed on said member by means of a robotic arm 115 that is actuated by said microcontroller to engage said wire cutter with wires, followed by actuation of said cutter to cut said wires, for completely separating said holder from said fixture box.

2) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a motorized ball and socket joint installed between said distal end 107 and member to provide multi-directional movement to said member during removal of said bulb holder, for facilitating effective gripping of said holder.

3) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein an electromagnet integrated in said screw driver that is activated by said microcontroller to keep said unfastened screws with said driver.

4) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a pressure sensor is integrated in said member to detect pressure applied by said member while gripping said holder and in case detected to be exceeding a threshold limit, said microcontroller regulates functionality of said hinges, to prevent damage to said holder.

5) 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.