Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a tire tread cleaning assistive device that is capable of providing a means to efficiently and effectively detect, remove, and clean debris, such as stones, pebbles, and metallic objects, from the tread of vehicle tires, providing a comprehensive solution for tire care and maintenance.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Tires are a critical part of vehicles, directly impacting safety, performance, and efficiency. Maintaining tire health is essential to prevent premature wear, damage, or failures that can lead to accidents or costly repairs. One common issue is the accumulation of debris, such as stones, within the tire treads, which can cause uneven wear, reduce traction, and potentially damage the tire structure over time. Addressing these challenges requires an effective and automated solution to enhance tire maintenance while improving safety and extending tire lifespan.

[0003] Traditional methods for maintaining tire health often involve manual inspection and cleaning of tire treads. Tools such as screwdrivers or brushes are used to remove stones and debris from treads, but this process is time-consuming, labor-intensive, and often overlooked by vehicle owners. Moreover, manual inspections may fail to detect minor damage, such as small cuts or punctures, which can escalate into larger issues if left untreated.

[0004] WO2009145509A3 discloses a cleaning equipment for automobile tires that is attached to a side of the tire wheelhouse and removes the dirt from the tire using the friction between the side of the tire and the rubber. This device is invented in order to solve the preexisting problems and is composed of three parts: fixation device, which includes fitting compartment that is attachable and detachable from the side of the automobile, rotating compartment that enables the cleaning device to rotate and is installed so that it is attachable and detachable from the upper fixation device, cleaning device that includes the rubber part and is connected to the rotating compartment by connecting loop. Thus overall, the device is designed to enable the angle of the cleaning device in order to keep the tire and the cleaning device close together. This invention has several advantages including the fact that the driver of the automobiles does not have to clean its tires every time the tires have dirt or contaminants, the fact that no tire washing devices are needed, the fact that the drivers do not have to go through trouble cleaning the tire themselves nor have to spend time whilst at it, and the fact that the cleaning process can take place while the automobile is in motion without damaging the automobile. In addition, this invention always maintain clean tires due to its efficient method of removing contaminants by controlling the angle of the cleaning device by enabling the rotation of the cleaning device to accommodate the shapes and sizes of different kinds of tires so that the tire and the cleaning device are kept close together.

[0005] US6633150B1 discloses an apparatus and method for improving traction for mobile robots where traction is a concern. The mobile robot of the invention includes wheels and brushes. The wheels are mounted to the body of the robot. The brush is mounted to the body close to the wheels. When the wheels are rotating, the brush rubs against the wheel to get rid of debris on the tread of the wheel and cleans the wheel so that traction for the robot can be improved. An alternative way to improve traction by reducing slippage utilizes suction cups or wiper elements mounted on the wheel.

[0006] Conventionally, many devices have been developed for cleaning and maintaining tyre tread, however the devices mentioned in the prior arts have limitations pertaining to automated cleaning, damage detection, ability to clean and monitor tire treads in real-time.

[0007] In order to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks, there exists a need in the art to develop a device that is capable of automated cleaning, detection of issues, preventing damage and reducing manual maintenance efforts.

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 cleaning tire treads by detecting and removing various types of debris, such as stones, pebbles, and metallic objects, thus enhancing the safety and longevity of the vehicle’s tires while reducing manual effort and improving overall vehicle maintenance.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of providing real-time alerts to the user regarding tire issues, including potential punctures or damage, thereby improving overall tire maintenance and extending the lifespan of the vehicle's tires.

[0011] Yet another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is reliable in nature.

[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 tire tread cleaning assistive device that is capable of automating the process of detecting and removing debris, such as stones, pebbles, and metallic objects, from vehicle tire treads to eliminate debris without causing damage to the tire or rim thereby improving the maintenance, safety, and longevity of vehicle tires.

[0014] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a tire tread cleaning assistive device comprises of an elongated body having a handle that is accessed by a user for acquiring a grip over the body, a free end of the body is arranged with a hollow curved-shaped platform with an open top that is positioned by the user in proximity to tire of a vehicle, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit installed on the body and integrated with a processor for capturing and processing multiple images in vicinity of the body to detect presence of stone/ pebble stuck in tread of the tire, a motorized roller attached with the platform via an articulated arm that is activated by the microcontroller to extend as means of positioning the roller in contact with the wheel, a L-shaped telescopic rod attached with the platform and integrated with a curved shaped member to position the member in proximity to the wheel, curved-shaped pneumatic pins spatially arranged over the member to extend and retract in a repetitive manner to push/pull the stone/ pebble from the tread and direct the removed pebble/ stone over the platform, an electronic nozzle attached with a water chamber and configured at the platform for continuously dispensing said water on the wheel, a speaker provided on the handle to produce voice alerts to notify the user to repair the wheel, an inductive proximity sensor integrated with the platform to detect presence of nails or metallic objects in the tire, a telescopically operated gripper provided with the platform to remove the stuck metallic object from the tire and transfer over the platform.

[0015] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the proposed device further comprises of a motorized ball-and-socket joint is integrated between sod rod and member to provide multi-axis rotational movement to the member, an L-shaped hydraulic pusher is installed on the platform to extend for pushing the stone/pebbles and metallic object towards a container provided with the platform, a weight sensor is integrated with container to detect weight of the stored stone/pebbles and metallic object and a battery is associated with the device for powering up 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 tire tread cleaning 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 tire tread cleaning assistive device that is capable of detecting and removing debris, such as stones, pebbles, and metal objects, from vehicle tire treads to maintain tires in optimal condition, thereby enhancing tires lifespan, improving vehicle safety.

[0022] Referring to Figure 1, an isometric view of a tire tread cleaning assistive device is illustrated, comprising an elongated body 101 having a handle 102, the body 101 is arranged with a hollow curved-shaped platform 103, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 104 installed on the body 101, a motorized roller 105 attached with the platform 103 via an articulated arm 106, a L-shaped telescopic rod 107 attached with the platform 103 and integrated with a curved shaped member 108, multiple curved-shaped pneumatic pins 109 spatially arranged over the member 108, an electronic nozzle 110 attached with a water chamber 111 and configured at the platform 103, a telescopically operated gripper 112 provided with the platform 103, a motorized ball-and-socket joint 113 integrated between sod rod 107 and member 108, an L-shaped hydraulic pusher 114 installed on the platform 103, and a container 115 provided with the platform 103.

[0023] The proposed device comprises of an elongated body 101 preferably made up of lightweight, durable material such as high-strength plastic or metal alloys, designed to provide ease of handling and sufficient durability for regular use. The body 101 consist of a handle 102 that is accessed by a user for acquiring a grip over the body 101 to position free end of the body 101 arranged with a hollow curved-shaped platform 103 with an open top in proximity to tire of a vehicle. Herein, the user accesses a switch button integrated with handle 102 to activate the device manually. The switch 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.

[0024] After activation of the device, the microcontroller actuates a microphone installed on the body 101 to allow the user to provide voice command for cutting and scooping the food items.

[0025] The microphone mentioned herein receives sound waves generated by energy emitted from the voice command in the form of vibrations. After then, 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. After that the electric signal is emitted from the coil due to back-and-forth movement of the diaphragm which is further transmitted to the microcontroller linked with the microphone to process the signal to analyze the signal for detecting voice command given by the user.

[0026] Upon processing the voice commands, the microcontroller actuates an artificial intelligence based imaging installed on the body 101 detects accurate presence of stone/ pebble stuck in tread of the tire. The imaging unit 104 mentioned herein comprise of a camera and processor that works in collaboration to detect the presence of stone/ pebble stuck in tread of the tire. The camera firstly captures multiple images of surrounding of the body 101, wherein the camera comprises of a structure, electronic shutter, lens, lens aperture, image sensor, and imaging processor that works in sequential manner to capture images of the surrounding. 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 due to light is directed towards the lens aperture. After then the reflected light beam passes through the image sensor.

[0027] The 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. 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 104 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 is now transmitted to the microcontroller based on which the microcontroller acquires the data to detect the presence of stone/ pebble stuck in tread of the tire.

[0028] Based on detected presence of stone/ pebble stuck in tread of the tire, the microcontroller actuates an articulated arm 106 installed with the body 101 to extend and position a motorized roller 105 attached with the articulated arm 106 in contact with the wheel. The articulated arm 106 consists of a set of linked, rigid segments, each of which is capable of pivoting around its connection point that is controlled by a motor for allowing for precise positioning of the motorized roller 105 in proximity of the wheel. Simultaneously, the microcontroller actuates the roller to rotate on axis as means of rotating the rim. The roller is coupled with a motor that is activated by the microcontroller to rotate the roller with specified speed to rotate on axis as means of rotating the rim.

[0029] Simultaneously, the microcontroller actuates a pneumatic unit integrated with an L-shaped telescopic rod 107 attached with the platform 103 to extend/retract multiple curved shaped member 108 pneumatic pins 109 spatially arranged over the member 108 in a repetitive manner to push/pull the stone/ pebble from the tread having different size and direct the removed pebble/ stone over the platform 103. The 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.

[0030] The piston is connected to the cylinder and due to the increase in the air pressure, the piston extends due to which the pneumatic pins 109 push/pull the stone/ pebble from the tread and direct the removed pebble/ stone over the platform 103. For example, when the microcontroller sends a signal to activate the pneumatic unit, the air compressor generates compressed air that flows into the air cylinder through the valve. As the air enters the cylinder, the internal pressure increases, causing the piston to move. The piston, which is mechanically linked to the L-shaped telescopic rod 107, triggers the extension and retraction of the pneumatic pins 109. These curved pneumatic pins 109 are arranged in a specific spatial pattern on the L-shaped rod 107, allowing for the efficient manipulation of stones or pebbles of varying sizes.

[0031] A motorized ball-and- socket joint 113 is integrated between the rod 107 and member 108 to provide multi-axis rotational movement to the member 108. The ball and socket joint 113 is a mechanical joint that is actuated by the microcontroller to provide multi directional movement to the member 108. The mechanical arrangement consists of a ball-shaped component that fits into a socket, with a motor providing the necessary power to drive the rotation to provide angular movement to the member 108 for facilitating proper removal of pebble/ stones from the treads.

[0032] An electronic nozzle 110 configured at the platform 103 attached with a water chamber 111 for continuously dispensing the water on the wheel. The nozzle 110 includes a solenoid, piezoelectric actuators, or motor-driven mechanisms that converts electrical signals into mechanical motion. The nozzle 110 is controlled by a control unit that sends electrical signals to the actuation mechanism. The control unit includes a pulse width modulation (PWM) or analog voltage control. The primary function of the nozzle 110 is to control the opening and closing of the nozzle’s orifice or aperture. Upon receiving the appropriate electrical signal by the actuation mechanism, it initiates the motion that opens or closes the nozzle 110. This action controls the flow of the water through the nozzle 110. The nozzle 110 allows precise control over the flow rate and direction of the water.

[0033] By modulating the actuation mechanism according to the desired parameters, the nozzle 110 is capable to regulate the flow and provide accurate dispensing of the water on the wheel. Also, upon detection of bubbles radiating from the tire, the microcontroller activates a speaker provided on the handle 102 to produce voice alerts to notify the user to repair the wheel. The speaker includes a diaphragm, which is typically made of a lightweight and rigid material like paper, plastic, or metal. It is designed to vibrate and produce sound waves when electrical signals are fed to it. A voice coil (a tightly wound coil of wire) attached with the diaphragm of the speaker. The voice coil is suspended within a magnetic gap. When an electrical current flows through the coil, it interacts with the magnetic field produced by the magnet assembly, resulting in a force that moves the coil.

[0034] When the electrical signal passes through the voice coil, it generates a magnetic field that interacts with the fixed magnetic field produced by the magnet assembly. As the electrical current varies, the magnetic field produced by the voice coil changes, resulting in the voice coil and attached cone/diaphragm moving back and forth. This movement creates pressure variations in the surrounding air, generating sound waves to generate the audible sound to notify the user to repair the wheel.

[0035] An inductive proximity sensor integrated with the platform 103 to detect presence of nails or metallic objects in the tire. The inductive proximity sensor works by generating an electromagnetic field around its sensing area. When the nails or metallic objects, enters this field, it causes a disruption in the electromagnetic field. This disruption is detected by the sensor, which then sends a signal to the microcontroller. The microcontroller processes the signal and detect the presence of nails or metallic objects in the tire. Upon detection the microcontroller actuates another pneumatic unit integrated with a telescopically operated gripper 112 provided with the platform 103 to remove the stuck metallic object from the tire and transfer over the platform 103.

[0036] An L-shaped hydraulic pusher 114 is installed on the platform 103 to extend for pushing the stone/pebbles and metallic object towards a container 115 provided with the platform 103. The pusher 114 is equipped with a hydraulic unit that is activated by the microcontroller to extend for pushing the stone/pebbles and metallic object towards the container 115. 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 pusher 114. 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 pusher 114 extends for pushing the stone/pebbles and metallic object towards the container 115.

[0037] A weight sensor is integrated with container 115 configured to detect weight of the stored stone/pebbles and metallic object. The weight sensor works by measuring the force exerted on the sensor when objects, such as stones, pebbles, or metallic debris, are placed in the container 115. The weight sensor typically operates using a strain gauge or load cell, which deforms slightly under the pressure of the weight. This deformation causes a change in electrical resistance, which is then converted into a digital signal that is interpreted by the microcontroller. The microcontroller uses this data to determine the weight of the stored objects and if the detected weight exceeds a threshold value, then the microcontroller produces audio alerts via the speaker to notify the user to dispose the stone/pebbles and metallic object.

[0038] 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.

[0039] The present invention works best in following manner that includes the elongated body 101 having a handle 102 that is accessed by a user for acquiring a grip over the body 101. The free end of the body 101 is arranged with the hollow curved-shaped platform 103 with an open top that is positioned by the user in proximity to tire of a vehicle. Herein, the artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 104 detect presence of stone/ pebble stuck in tread of the tire. Based on detecting the detect presence of stone/ pebble stuck in tread of the tire, the microcontroller actuates the motorized roller 105 via an articulated arm 106 to extend as means of positioning the roller 105 in contact with the wheel, followed by activation of the roller to rotate on axis as means of rotating the rim. Post detection of pebble/ stone in tread, the microcontroller regulates actuation of the rod 107 to position the member 108 in proximity to the wheel, followed by actuation of the curved-shaped pneumatic pins 109 to extend and retract in a repetitive manner, to push/pull the stone/ pebble from the tread and direct the removed pebble/ stone over the platform 103. Also, the electronic nozzle 110 configured at the platform 103, that is activated by the microcontroller for continuously dispensing the water on the wheel, wherein the imaging unit 104 upon detection of bubbles radiating from the tire, the microcontroller activates the speaker to produce voice alerts to notify the user to repair the wheel. Also, the inductive proximity sensor detects presence of nails or metallic objects in the tire, and upon successful detection the microcontroller regulates actuation of the telescopically operated gripper 112 to remove the stuck metallic object from the tire and transfer over the platform 103.

[0040] 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 tire maintenance assistive device, comprising:

i) an elongated body 101 having a handle 102, wherein a free end of said body 101 is arranged with a hollow curved-shaped platform 103 with an open top that is positioned by said user in proximity to tire of a vehicle;
ii) an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 104 installed on said body 101 and integrated with a processor for capturing and processing multiple images in vicinity of said body 101, respectively, to detect presence of stone/ pebble stuck in tread of said tire;
iii) a motorized roller 105 attached with said platform 103 via an articulated arm 106, wherein said arm 106 is activated by said microcontroller to extend and position said roller 105 in contact with rim of said wheel, followed by activation of said roller to rotate on axis as means of rotating said rim;
iv) a L-shaped telescopic rod 107 attached with said platform 103 and integrated with a curved shaped member 108, wherein post detection of pebble/ stone in tread, said microcontroller regulates actuation of said rod 107 to position said member 108 in proximity to said wheel, followed by actuation of a set of curved-shaped pneumatic pins 109 spatially arranged over said member 108 to extend and retract in a repetitive manner, to push/pull said stone/ pebble from said tread over said platform 103;
v) an electronic nozzle 110 attached with a water chamber 111 and configured at said platform 103, that is activated by said microcontroller for continuously dispensing said water on said wheel, wherein upon detection of bubbles radiating from said tire via said imaging unit, said microcontroller activates a speaker provided on said handle 102 to produce voice alerts to notify said user to repair said wheel; and
vi) an inductive proximity sensor integrated with said platform 103 to detect presence of nails or metallic objects in said tire, wherein upon successful detection said microcontroller regulates actuation of a telescopically operated gripper 112 provided with said platform 103 to remove said stuck metallic object from said tire and transfer over said platform 103.

2) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a motorized ball-and- socket joint 113 is integrated between said rod 107 and member 108, actuated by said microcontroller to provide multi-axis rotational movement to said member 108, facilitating proper removal of pebble/ stones from said treads.

3) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein an L-shaped hydraulic pusher 114 is installed on said platform 103 that is actuated by said microcontroller to extend for pushing said stone/pebbles and metallic object towards a container 115 provided with said platform 103.

4) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a weight sensor is integrated with container 115, configured to detect weight of said stored stone/pebbles and metallic object, and in case said detected weight exceeds a threshold value, said microcontroller produces audio alerts to notify said user to dispose said stone/pebbles and metallic objects.

5) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a battery is associated with said device for powering up electrical and electronically operated components associated with said device.