TECHNICAL FIELD
Present disclosure, in general, relates to automotive engineering. Further, embodiments of the present disclosure discloses a device for assisting positioning and coupling of a component to a vehicle.
BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE
Generally, manufacturing and construction industries employ vehicles which are utilized to move, demolish, convey materials, clean, excavate and the like. Examples of the vehicles may be an excavators, cranes, trucks and the like. Typically, the vehicles which are employed in the manufacturing and construction industries includes a boom and an arm to carry out the required operations. The boom is connected to the body of the vehicle and the arm is connected to the boom away from the body of the vehicle. The arm may be adapted to receive a tool which is employed to carryout the required operations. Further, the vehicle may include a component which is connected between the boom and the arm. The component is configured to operate the arm as per the operator’s requirement. The component may be including buy not limited to a hydraulic or a pneumatic cylinder.
In general, upon prolonged use of the vehicle, the component connected between the boom and the arm may be subjected to wear and tear which may require servicing or replacement. However, removal and re-connection of the component with the vehicle requires the tool to be handled by a forklift. The operator operates the forklift to support the component upon which the technicians remove the component from the vehicle. Upon removal of the component from the vehicle, the component is unstable and is movably supported on the forklift which causes a safety concern as the component may drop and injure the operator or the technicians. Moreover, the component may get damaged if the component is mishandled.
Furthermore, during re-attachment of the component to the vehicle, the forklift is adapted to lift the component proximal to the connection portions in the vehicle. However, the connection portions in the boom and in the arm of the vehicle may not be aligned along a same plane and results in manual intervention of the technicians to align the component to the connection portions. For example, the connection portion on the boom of the vehicle may be at a height less than or greater than the height of the connection portion of the arm. Therefore, as the forks of the forklift

cannot be altered to meet the requirement of connecting the component to the vehicle, the connection process becomes very tedious and complex with various safety concerns, which is undesired.
Present disclosure is directed to overcome one or more limitations stated above or any other limitations associated with the known arts.
SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE
One or more shortcomings of the prior art are overcome by a device as claimed and additional advantages are provided through the device as claimed in the present disclosure. Additional features and advantages are realized through the techniques of the present disclosure. Other embodiments and aspects of the disclosure are described in detail herein and are considered a part of the claimed disclosure.
In one non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure a device for assisting positioning and coupling a component to a vehicle is disclosed. The device includes a body defined with a first hub. Further, the device includes at least one first bearing pivotally coupled to the first hub. Additionally, the device includes a shaft which is rotatably coupled to the at least one first bearing at one end. Furthermore, the device includes an end effector which is coupled to the shaft and adapted to accommodate the component, where the end effector is configured to angularly displace about an axis A-A for assisting positioning and coupling of the component to the vehicle.
In an embodiment, the body includes a plurality of brackets, where each of the plurality of brackets are connectable to a lifting apparatus. The lifting apparatus is at least one of a forklift, a crane, and a winch.
In an embodiment, the device includes a second hub defined in the end effector. The second hub is configured to accommodate at least one second bearing and is adapted to receive another end of the shaft, opposite to the one of the shaft.
In an embodiment, the end effector includes a plurality of clamping members which are configured to secure the component during positioning and coupling.

In an embodiment, the component is at least one of a hydraulic cylinder and a pneumatic cylinder of an excavator.
In an embodiment, the angular displacement of the end effector corresponds to rotary and oscillatory displacement for assisting positioning and coupling of the component to the vehicle.
In an embodiment, the device includes a guide mechanism for guiding angular displacement of the end effector. The guide mechanism includes a cover which is movably disposed around a circumference of the shaft. The cover in the guide mechanism is configured to displace along a length of the shaft. Further, the guide mechanism includes a pair of links which are connected at each side of the cover and at least one guide member which is fixed to the body. The at least one guide member is configured to movably support the at least one link of the pair of links and guide angular displacement of the pair of links corresponding to displacement of the cover, relative to the angular displacement of the end effector. Furthermore, the pair of links of the guide mechanism are defined with a slot for receiving the at least one guide member such that, that the pair of links are guided by the at least one guide member during angular displacement of the end effector.
In an embodiment, the device includes a plurality of support members retractably coupled to the body. The plurality of support members are configured to support the component accommodated in the end effector.
The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. In addition to the illustrative aspects, embodiments, and features described above, further aspects, embodiments, and features will become apparent by reference to the drawings and the following detailed description.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS
The novel features and characteristics of the disclosure are set forth in the appended claims. The disclosure itself, however, as well as a preferred mode of use, further objectives, and advantages thereof, will best be understood by reference to the following detailed description of an illustrative embodiments when read in conjunction with the accompanying figures. One or more embodiments

are now described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying figures wherein like reference numerals represent like elements and in which:
Fig. 1a illustrates a top view of a device for assisting positioning and coupling a component to a vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
Fig. 1b illustrates a top view of the device with the component accommodated in an end effector of the device, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
Fig. 2 illustrates a side view of the device of Fig. 1b.
The figures depict embodiments of the disclosure for purposes of illustration only. One skilled in the art will readily recognize from the following description that alternative embodiments of the device illustrated herein may be employed without departing from the principles of the disclosure described herein.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
The foregoing has broadly outlined the features and technical advantages of the present disclosure in order that the detailed description of the disclosure that follows may be better understood. Additional features and advantages of the disclosure will be described hereinafter which forms the subject of the claims of the disclosure. It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that, the conception and specific embodiments disclosed may be readily utilized as a basis for modifying other devices, systems, assemblies, and mechanisms for carrying out the same purposes of the present disclosure. It should also be realized by those skilled in the art that, such equivalent constructions do not depart from the scope of the disclosure as set forth in the appended claims. The novel features which are believed to be characteristics of the disclosure, to its device, together with further objects and advantages will be better understood from the following description when considered in connection with the accompanying figures. It is to be expressly understood, however, that each of the figures is provided for the purpose of illustration and description only and is not intended as a definition of the limits of the present disclosure.
The terms “comprises”, “comprising”, or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a non¬exclusive inclusions, such that a system or a device that comprises a list of components or steps

does not include only those components or steps but may include other components or steps not expressly listed or inherent to such setup or device. In other words, one or more elements in a system or apparatus proceeded by “comprises… a” does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other elements or additional elements in the system or apparatus.
Reference will now be made to the exemplary embodiments of the disclosure, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, same numerals have been used to refer to the same or like parts. The following paragraphs describe the present disclosure with reference to Figs. 1a-2. It is to be noted that the device may be employed for assisting positioning and coupling a component to any vehicle including but not limited to a passenger vehicle, a utility vehicle, commercial vehicles, and any other vehicle.
Figs. 1a and 1b illustrates a top view of a device (100) for assisting positioning and coupling a component (12) to be fixed to a vehicle. For simplicity, the figures does not include the vehicle. In an embodiment, the component (12) may be a hydraulic cylinder, a pneumatic cylinder, a mechanical arm, and any other support and connection part. As seen in Figs. 1a and 1b, the device (100) may include a body (1). The body (1) may be defined with a plurality of brackets (13), such that each of the plurality of brackets (13) may be removably connectable to a lifting apparatus. In an embodiment, the lifting apparatus may be at least one of a forklift, a crane, a winch and the like. In an exemplary embodiment, of the present disclosure, the plurality of brackets (13) defined in the body (1) may be configured to receive a portion of the lifting apparatus such as a fork of a forklift. Further, the body (1) of the device (100) may be defined with a first hub (3) that may be adapted to accommodate at least one first bearing (11). The at least one first bearing (11) may be pivotally coupled to the first hub (3) and may be capable of pivotally displacing within the hub.
Furthermore, the device (100) may include a shaft (4) and one end of the shaft (4) may be rotatably coupled to the at least one first bearing (11) and another end of the shaft (4) may be connected to an end effector (2). The end effector (2) may be adapted to couple to the shaft (4) and may be configured to accommodate the component (12). Additionally, the end effector (2) may include a plurality of clamping members (6) which may be configured to secure the component (12) during positioning and coupling with the vehicle. In an embodiment, the clamping members (6) may be including but not limited to fastening means, such as clamps, belts, chains, fasteners, and the like.

The end effector (2) may be configured to angularly displace about an axis A-A due to the pivotal connection of the at least one first bearing (11) within the hub and the rotatable connection of the shaft (4) with the at least one bearing. In an embodiment, the angular displacement of the end effector (2) corresponds to rotary and oscillatory displacement for assisting in positioning and coupling of the component (12) to the vehicle. The rotary and oscillatory displacement of the end effector (2) about the axis A-A assists in positioning and coupling of the component (12) to the vehicle. Since the component (12) may be supported at any height, at any angle, and at any angular position as per the requirement to remove or connect the component (12) with the vehicle.
In an embodiment, the end effector (2) may be a tool which may be configured to grip and support the component (12).
In an embodiment, referring further to Figs. 1a and 1b, the device (100) may include a second hub (5). The second hub (5) may be defined in the end effector (2) and may be configured to accommodate at least one second bearing [not shown in Figs.]. The at least one second bearing may be adapted to receive another end of the shaft (4) which may be opposite to the one end of the shaft (4). The connection of the end effector (2) to the body (1) through the at least one second bearing also aids in rotatably connecting the end effector (2) with the body (1).
Further as seen in Figs. 1a and 1b, The device (100) may include a guide mechanism which may be employed for guiding angular displacement of the end effector (2). In an embodiment, the guide mechanism is configured to guide the end effector (2) during oscillatory displacement of the end effector (2). The guide mechanism may include a cover (7) which may be movably disposed around a circumference of the shaft (4) and the cover (7) may be configured to displace along the length of the shaft (4). Furthermore, the guide mechanism in the device (100) may include a pair of links (8) which may be connected at each side of the cover (7). In an embodiment, the pair of links (8) may be defined with a slot which may aid in sliding of the pair of links (8). Additionally, the guide mechanism may include at least one guide member (9), that may be fixed to the body (1). The at least one guide member (9) may be configured to movably support the at least one link (8) of the pair of links (8) and may be configured to guide angular displacement of the pair of links (8) corresponding to displacement of the cover (7), relative to the angular displacement of the end effector (2). For example, the at least one guide member (9) may be configured to movably support

the at least one link (8) of the pair of links (8) and guide the end effector (2) during oscillatory displacement. In an embodiment, the slot defined within the pair of links (8) may be adapted to receive the at least one guide member (9) such that the pair of links (8) may be guided by the at least one guide member (9) during angular displacement of the end effector (2).
In an embodiment, as seen in Figs. 1a, 1b and 2, the device (100) may include a plurality of support members (10) which may be retractably coupled to the body (1). The plurality of support members (10) may be configured to extend from the body (1) and may be configured to support the component (12). In an embodiment, the plurality of support members (10) may be elongated members such as rods, pipes and the like which are capable of telescopically retracting within the body (1) or extend out of the body (1). The plurality of support members (10) may be positioned such that each of the plurality of support members (10) are located at either sides of the end effector (2).
In an embodiment, the shaft (4) may be capable of extending linearly such that the end effector (2) may be adapted to linearly displace towards and away from the vehicle.
In an embodiment, the vehicle may be an excavator, a crane, a truck, a bus, a car and the like.
In an embodiment, at least one actuator may be connected to the device (100) at various locations, such as the first hub (3), the second hub (5), the shaft (4), the guide mechanism and may be controlled by a control unit to automatically or semi-automatically operate the device (100).
In an embodiment, the device (100) is simple in construction which results in low-cost manufacturing and easy maintenance.
In an embodiment, the device (100) is portable and may be employed in work sites for assisting positioning and coupling the component (12) to the vehicle.
In an embodiment, the device (100) enables stable movement of the component (12) and eliminates risk of component (12) damage and injuries to the operator or the technicians.

In an embodiment, during attachment of the component (12) to the vehicle, the component (12) may be easily connected to vehicle even when the connection portion are not aligned with each other.
It should be imperative that the construction and configuration of the device and any other elements or components described in the above detailed description should not be considered as a limitation with respect to the figures. Rather, variation to such structural configuration of the elements or components should be considered within the scope of the detailed description.
Equivalents:
With respect to the use of substantially any plural and/or singular terms herein, those having skill in the art can translate from the plural to the singular and/or from the singular to the plural as is appropriate to the context and/or application. The various singular/plural permutations may be expressly set forth herein for sake of clarity.
It will be understood by those within the art that, in general, terms used herein, and especially in the appended claims (e.g., bodies of the appended claims) are generally intended as “open” terms (e.g., the term “including” should be interpreted as “including but not limited to,” the term “having” should be interpreted as “having at least,” the term “includes” should be interpreted as “includes but is not limited to,” etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is intended, such an intent will be explicitly recited in the claim, and in the absence of such recitation no such intent is present. For example, as an aid to understanding, the following appended claims may contain usage of the introductory phrases “at least one” and “one or more” to introduce claim recitations. However, the use of such phrases should not be construed to imply that the introduction of a claim recitation by the indefinite articles “a” or “an” limits any particular claim containing such introduced claim recitation to inventions containing only one such recitation, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases “one or more” or “at least one” and indefinite articles such as “a” or “an” (e.g., “a” and/or “an” should typically be interpreted to mean “at least one” or “one or more”); the same holds true for the use of definite articles used to introduce claim recitations. In addition, even if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is explicitly recited, those skilled in the art will recognize that such recitation should typically be interpreted to mean at least the recited number (e.g., the

bare recitation of “two recitations,” without other modifiers, typically means at least two recitations, or two or more recitations). Furthermore, in those instances where a convention analogous to “at least one of A, B, and C, etc.” is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., “a system having at least one of A, B, and C” would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). In those instances where a convention analogous to “at least one of A, B, or C, etc.” is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., “a system having at least one of A, B, or C” would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that virtually any disjunctive word and/or phrase presenting two or more alternative terms, whether in the description, claims, or drawings, should be understood to contemplate the possibilities of including one of the terms, either of the terms, or both terms. For example, the phrase “A or B” will be understood to include the possibilities of “A” or “B” or “A and B.”
In addition, where features or aspects of the disclosure are described in terms of Markush groups, those skilled in the art will recognize that the disclosure is also thereby described in terms of any individual member or subgroup of members of the Markush group.
While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, other aspects and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The various aspects and embodiments disclosed herein are for purposes of illustration and are not intended to be limiting, with the true scope being indicated by the following claims.

Referral Numerals:
Reference Number Description
100 Device
1 Body
2 End effector
3 First hub
4 Shaft
5 Second hub
6 Clamping members
7 Cover
8 Link
9 Guide member
10 Support member
11 First bearing
12 Component
13 Bracket

We Claim:
1. A device (100) for assisting positioning and coupling a component (12) to a vehicle, the
device (100) comprising:
a body (1) defined with a first hub (3);
at least one first bearing (11) pivotally coupled to the first hub (3);
a shaft (4), wherein one end of the shaft (4) is rotatably coupled to the at least one first bearing (11); and
an end effector (2) coupled to the shaft (4) and adapted to accommodate the component (12), wherein the end effector (2) is configured to angularly displace about an axis A-A for assisting positioning and coupling of the component (12) to the vehicle.
2. The device (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the body (1) comprises a plurality of brackets (13), wherein each of the plurality of brackets (13) are connectable to a lifting apparatus.
3. The device (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the lifting apparatus is at least one of a forklift, a crane, and a winch.
4. The device (100) as claimed in claim 1, comprises a second hub (5) defined in the end effector (2), wherein the second hub (5) is configured to accommodate at least one second bearing and adapted to receive another end of the shaft (4), opposite to the one of the shaft (4).
5. The device (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the end effector (2) comprises a plurality of clamping members (6) configured to secure the component (12) during positioning and coupling.
6. The device (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the component (12) is at least one of a hydraulic cylinder and a pneumatic cylinder of an excavator.

7. The device (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the angular displacement of the end effector (2) corresponds to rotary and oscillatory displacement for assisting positioning and coupling of the component (12) to the vehicle.
8. The device (100) as claimed in claim 1, comprises a guide mechanism for guiding angular displacement of the end effector (2), the guide mechanism comprising:
a cover (7) movably disposed around a circumference of the shaft (4), the cover (7)
configured to displace along a length of the shaft (4);
a pair of links (8) connected at each side of the cover (7); and
at least one guide member (9) fixed to the body (1), the at least one guide member
(9) is configured to movably support the at least one link of the pair of links (8) and guide
angular displacement of the pair of links (8) corresponding to displacement of the cover
(7), relative to the angular displacement of the end effector (2).
9. The device (100) as claimed in claim 8, wherein the pair of links (8) are defined with a slot for receiving the at least one guide member (9) such that, that the pair of links (8) are guided by the at least one guide member (9) during angular displacement of the end effector (2).
10. The device (100) as claimed in claim 1, comprises a plurality of support members (10) retractably coupled to the body (1), wherein the plurality of support members (10) are configured to support the component (12) accommodated in the end effector (2).