Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a modular safety device for vehicles that is capable of assisting a user in easy stepping in and out from a vehicle and further assist the user in parking of the vehicle.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Modular safety systems for vehicles are increasingly crucial for enhancing safety during boarding, parking, and general vehicle use. These systems are designed to address various risks associated with vehicle entry and parking, helping to prevent accidents and improve overall vehicle security. For boarding, modular safety features such as retractable steps, automated doors, and adjustable handrails ensure that passengers can enter and exit the vehicle safely, especially in public transportation or large commercial vehicles. These features are particularly important for accommodating individuals with disabilities or mobility challenges. In parking scenarios, modular safety systems include advanced driver-assistance technologies like parking sensors, rearview cameras, and automated parking aids. These systems help drivers maneuver safely into parking spaces, reducing the risk of collisions with obstacles or other vehicles. Additionally, features such as automatic braking and collision avoidance systems enhance safety by alerting drivers to potential hazards and assisting in avoiding accidents. The modular nature of these systems allows for flexibility and customization, enabling vehicle manufacturers and fleet operators to integrate various safety components according to specific needs and regulatory standards. Overall, modular safety systems play a vital role in improving vehicle safety and accessibility, contributing to a safer and more efficient transportation environment.

[0003] Modular safety equipment for vehicles during boarding and parking includes several advanced technologies designed to enhance safety and convenience. For boarding, equipment such as retractable steps, automated doors, and adjustable handrails facilitate safe and accessible entry and exit, particularly for individuals with mobility challenges. Parking safety is supported by systems like parking sensors, rearview cameras, and automated parking aids. Parking sensors detect obstacles around the vehicle and provide auditory or visual alerts, while rearview cameras offer a clear view of the area behind the vehicle, and automated parking aids assist drivers in maneuvering into tight spaces. Retractable steps and automated doors can experience mechanical failures or require significant maintenance, potentially leading to accessibility issues. Parking sensors and rearview cameras may have limitations in adverse weather conditions, such as heavy rain or fog, reducing their effectiveness. Automated parking systems, while convenient, can be expensive to install and may not always navigate complex parking environments as efficiently as a human driver.

[0004] KR100482435B1 discloses a footrest for a vehicle, and more specifically, the footrest is configured in two steps, and folded in one step while driving, and when the passengers are unloaded and unloaded in a two-step spread structure, the child and the kidney are applied. It is about a footrest for a vehicle that allows small people to easily get on and off a car with a high garage. Although Kr’435 relates to a side stepper for vehicle a vehicle, however, the cited art has limitation in monitoring incoming vehicular traffic to evaluate probability of collision of the incoming vehicular traffic with the vehicle.

[0005] KR101261849B1 discloses a vehicle stepper, and more particularly, to a device for providing a retractable vehicle stepper that is not exposed to the outside when not in use, is guided by a guide rail fixed to the vehicle body, the guide groove ( An upper plate formed with; A disk fixed to both ends of the rotating shaft penetrating the casing and rotated by the motor, and a wheel disposed on the outer circumference of the disk and positioned in the guide groove ( a rotary contact protruding on the inner surface of the disk, and a fixed contact protruding on the outer surface of the casing and connected to the upper and lower surfaces of the rotary contact. Control unit made; Stretching member is stretched in length in accordance with the connection of the fixed contact and the rotary contact; Consists of the upper plate and the lower plate connected through the expansion and contracting member, it is possible to receive and do not protrude to the outside of the vehicle body when not in use, not only excellent appearance, but also increase the radius of rotation of the vehicle without wind It is to prevent the occurrence of the user's convenience and to maximize the merchandise of the vehicle. Though KR’849 relates to a stepper for vehicle, however, the cited art has limitation in mitigating impact forces applied over the vehicle in case of collision.

[0006] Conventionally, many devices have been developed in order to provide vehicle safety, however the devices mentioned in the prior arts have limitations pertaining to safeguarding vehicle in case of collision and incapable of assisting a user in parking of the vehicle.

[0007] In order to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks, there exists a need in the art to develop a device that is capable of proving a stepping support for easy moving in and out from the vehicle. In addition, the device is capable of evaluating probability of collision of the incoming vehicular traffic with the vehicle and accordingly mitigates impact forces applied over the vehicle in case of collision.

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 providing a stepping medium for enabling a user to easily move in and out of a vehicle.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of monitoring distance of an incoming vehicular traffic and accordingly evaluates probability of collision of the incoming vehicular traffic with the vehicle.

[0011] Another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of mitigating impact forces applied over the vehicle in case of collision.

[0012] Yet another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of guiding the user to safely park the vehicle by projecting a holographic image in surroundings.

[0013] 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

[0014] The present invention relates to a modular safety device for vehicles that is capable of providing a stepping medium for enabling a user to easily move in and out of a vehicle and further guides the user to safely park the vehicle by projecting a holographic image in surroundings.

[0015] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a modular safety device for vehicles comprises of a rectangular plate developed to be positioned at rear portion of a vehicle, the plate is integrated with a pair of motorized clamping units that are actuated by an inbuilt microcontroller for acquiring a grip at the rear portion, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit installed on the plate and paired with a processor for capturing and processing multiple images of surroundings, respectively, to detect dimensions of rear portion of the vehicle, based on which the microcontroller regulates extension/ retraction of a hydraulically operated rod installed in between the plate and each of the clamping units for positioning the plate at an optimum position, in view of forming a stepper on the rear portion, making it easier to move in and out of the vehicle, an ultrasonic sensor integrated on the plate and synced with the imaging unit for monitoring distance of an incoming vehicular traffic with respect to the vehicle, and a velocity sensor is integrated on the plate for monitoring velocity of the incoming vehicular traffic, based on combined signals of both sensors the microcontroller evaluates probability of collision of the incoming vehicular traffic with the vehicle.

[0016] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the proposed invention further comprises of an inflatable member arranged all-around the plate and connected with an air compressor installed with the body, in case microcontroller evaluates probability of collision to exceed a threshold limit, the microcontroller actuates the air compressor for inflating the inflating member in view of mitigating impact forces applied over the vehicle, and protect the vehicle’s frame during rear-end collisions, a proximity sensor is embedded on the plate for detecting distance between obstacle and rear portion of the vehicle, while the user is parking the vehicle, and accordingly the microcontroller activates a holographic projection unit mounted on the plate for projecting a holographic image in surroundings, in view of guiding the user to safely park the vehicle, a speaker is mounted on the plate that is activated by the microcontroller to produce audio alerts in view of guiding the user while parking the vehicle without causing any damage to the vehicle, a dust sensor is installed over the plate for detecting presence of dust/ dirt over the plate, and upon successful detection the microcontroller actuates a vibrating unit configured on the plate to produce vibrations of pre-defined intensity in view of removing the dust/ dirt from the plate, and a battery is associated with the device for powering up electrical and electronically operated components associated with the device.

[0017] 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

[0018] 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 modular safety device for vehicles.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0019] 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.

[0020] 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.

[0021] 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.

[0022] The present invention relates to a modular safety device for vehicles that is capable of helping a user in moving in and out of a vehicle by providing a stepping support and further capable of projecting a holographic image in surroundings in order to guide the user while parking the vehicle.

[0023] Referring to Figure 1, an isometric view of a modular safety device for vehicles is illustrated, comprises of a rectangular plate 101 integrated with a pair of motorized clamping units 102, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 103 installed on the plate 101, a hydraulically operated rod 104 installed in between the plate 101 and each of the clamping units 102, an inflatable member 105 arranged all-around the plate 101, a holographic projection unit 106 mounted on the plate 101, and a speaker 107 mounted on the plate 101.

[0024] The proposed device includes a plate 101 preferably in rectangular shape incorporating various components associated with the device, developed to be positioned at rear portion of a vehicle. The plate 101 is made up of any material selected from but not limited to metal or plastic that ensures rigidity of the plate 101 for longevity of the device. The plate 101 is integrated with a pair of motorized clamping units 102 for attaching the rear portion of the vehicle.

[0025] A user is required to access and presses a switch button arranged on the plate 101 to activate the device for associated processes of the device. The switch button when pressed by the user, opens up 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.

[0026] The microcontroller, mentioned herein, is preferably an Arduino microcontroller. The Arduino microcontroller used herein controls the overall functionality of the components linked to it. The Arduino microcontroller is an open-source programming platform.

[0027] After the activation of the device, the user positions the plate 101 in proximity to the rear portion of the vehicle, the microcontroller activates the clamping units 102 to attach the plate 101 with the vehicle. Each of the clamping unit is a fastening equipment used to grip the rear portion of the vehicle. The Clamping unit comprises a curved motorize clamp, which attached with motor to grip the rear portion. A direct current (DC) motor is activated by the microcontroller to open/close the motorized clamp.

[0028] Upon receiving of the user input, the microcontroller generates a command to activate an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 103 integrated on the plate 101 for capturing multiple images in a vicinity of the surroundings to detect dimensions of rear portion of the vehicle. The imaging unit 103 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 103 via the artificial intelligence protocol processes the captured images and sent the signal to the microcontroller.

[0029] Each of the clamping units 102 are connected with the plate 101 via a hydraulically operated rod. The rod 104 is powered by a hydraulic arrangement associated with the plate 101 providing extension/retraction to the rod. In accordance to the dimensions of rear portion, the microcontroller actuates a hydraulic pump and hydraulic valve associated with the hydraulic arrangement. The hydraulic arrangement consists of a hydraulic cylinder, hydraulic valve and piston that work in collaboration for providing the required extension/retraction to the rod 104 to allow passage of hydraulic fluid from the pump within the cylinder, the hydraulic fluid further develops pressure against the piston and results in pushing and extending the piston. The piston is connected with the rod 104 and due to applied pressure the rod 104 extends and similarly, the microcontroller retracts the rod 104 by closing the valve resulting in retraction of the piston. The microcontroller regulates the extension/retraction of the rod 104 thereby positioning plate 101 at an optimum position. This forms a stepper on the rear portion, making it easier to move in and out of the vehicle. All the hydraulically operated components associated with the device comprises of the same type of hydraulic arrangement.

[0030] After installation of the plate 101 with the vehicle, the distance of an incoming vehicular traffic with respect to the vehicle is monitored by an ultrasonic sensor which is integrated on the plate 101. The ultrasonic sensor works in sync with the imaging unit 103. The ultrasonic sensor disclosed herein, consists of an emitter and a receiver that acts as a transducer. The emitter emits ultrasonic sound waves towards incoming vehicular traffic. Then, the radiation strike to the incoming vehicular traffic and reflect back which are captured by the receiver. The signal is sent to the microcontroller. The microcontroller processes the received signal from the ultrasonic sensor and on the basis of time lapse in between the sent and received radiations, the microcontroller determines the distance of the incoming vehicular traffic with respect to the vehicle.

[0031] While the velocity of the incoming vehicular traffic is determined by a velocity sensor which is integrated on the plate 101. The velocity sensor comprises a suspended magnet on a membrane spring, which moves through a coil of wire. Due to the vibration, the coil of wire moves through the magnetic field of the permanent magnet and generates a voltage signal which is proportional to the vibration/velocity which is further sent to the microcontroller.

[0032] In accordance to the combined signals of both ultrasonic and velocity sensors, the microcontroller evaluates probability of collision of the incoming vehicular traffic with the vehicle. The plate 101 is configured with an inflatable member 105 which is arranged all-around the plate 101. The member 105 is integrated with an air compressor which is installed with the body.

[0033] The microcontroller compares the evaluated probability of collision with a threshold limit. In case the evaluated probability exceeds the threshold limit, the microcontroller actuates the air compressor in view of inflating the inflating member 105. The air compressor works by drawing in ambient air and compressing it to a higher pressure using a piston. The compressed air is then stored in a tank or reservoir and release through an air valve to supply compressed air into the member 105, thereby inflates the member 105. The inflated member 105 mitigates impact forces applied over the vehicle, and protect the vehicle’s frame during rear-end collisions.

[0034] While parking of the vehicle, distance between obstacle and rear portion of the vehicle is detected by a proximity sensor is embedded on the plate 101. The proximity sensor emits infrared rays towards the obstacle and receives the bounced back rays from the obstacle and convert the detected data into an electric signal that is sent to the microcontroller. The microcontroller processes the received signal from the proximity sensor in order to monitor distance of the obstacle and rear portion of the vehicle.

[0035] The body is equipped with a holographic projection unit 106 which projects a holographic image in surroundings. The holographic projection unit 106, consists of a lasing medium, a stimulating energy source and an optical resonator. The lasing medium is in crystals form and the stimulating energy source is called as a ‘pump’ that supplies energy to the laser medium for amplification of the light. Furthermore, the optical resonator is a pair of mirrors facing each other and placed on either side of the pump.

[0036] On activation of holographic projection unit 106 by the microcontroller, the stimulating energy source supplies energy that aids in interaction of incoming photons with an excited atomic electron resulting generation of optical amplified light. Further the amplified light travels through the lasing medium and bounces back/forth between the mirrors enhancing simulated emission within the pump, eventually being emitted through the partly reflective mirror to project the laser beam through holograms, thereby guiding the user to safely park the vehicle.

[0037] Synchronously, the user is guided during parking of the vehicle by means of a speaker installed over the plate 101. The speaker 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, and then sends the output signal in form of audio notification through the speaker for alerting the user to park the vehicle safely without causing any damage to the vehicle.

[0038] Additionally, the plate 101 incorporates a dust sensor for detecting presence of dust/ dirt over the plate 101. The dust sensor detects the presence of dust by monitoring the particles. The dust sensor uses an optical sensing method to detect dust. A photo sensor and an infrared light-emitting diode are optically arranged in the dust sensor. The photo-sensor detects the reflected rays which are bounced off the plate 101. The bounced back rays are processed by the microcontroller integrated with the dust sensor for determining the presence of dust/ dirt over the plate 101.

[0039] In case of presence of dust/ dirt over the plate 101, the microcontroller activates a vibrating unit configured on the plate 101 to produce vibrations. The vibrating unit subjects the plate 101 to the action of moving or causing to move back and forth or from side to side very quickly leading to controlled and reproducible mechanical vibration. These vibrations remove the accumulated dust/ dirt from the plate 101.

[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 present invention includes the rectangular plate 101 having the artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 103 to detect dimensions of rear portion of the vehicle, accordingly the microcontroller regulates extension/ retraction of the hydraulically operated rod 104 for positioning the plate 101 at the optimum position, in view of forming the stepper on the rear portion, making it easier to move in and out of the vehicle. The ultrasonic sensor monitors distance of the incoming vehicular traffic with respect to the vehicle, and the velocity sensor monitors velocity of the incoming vehicular traffic. Based on combined signals of both sensors the microcontroller evaluates probability of collision of the incoming vehicular traffic with the vehicle. In case microcontroller evaluates probability of collision to exceed the threshold limit, the microcontroller actuates the air compressor for inflating the inflating member 105 in view of mitigating impact forces applied over the vehicle, and protect the vehicle’s frame during rear-end collisions. The proximity sensor detects distance between obstacle and rear portion of the vehicle, while the user is parking the vehicle, and accordingly the microcontroller activates the holographic projection unit 106 for projecting the holographic image in surroundings, in view of guiding the user to safely park the vehicle.

[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 modular safety device for vehicles, comprising:

i) a rectangular plate 101 developed to be positioned at rear portion of a vehicle, wherein said plate 101 is integrated with a pair of motorized clamping units 102 that are actuated by an inbuilt microcontroller for acquiring a grip at said rear portion;
ii) an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 103 installed on said plate 101 and paired with a processor for capturing and processing multiple images of surroundings, respectively, to detect dimensions of rear portion of said vehicle, wherein based on which said microcontroller regulates extension/ retraction of a hydraulically operated rod 104 installed in between said plate 101 and each of said clamping units 102 for positioning said plate 101 at an optimum position, in view of forming a stepper on said rear portion, making it easier to move in and out of said vehicle;
iii) an ultrasonic sensor integrated on said plate 101 and synced with said imaging unit 103 for monitoring distance of an incoming vehicular traffic with respect to said vehicle, wherein a velocity sensor is integrated on said plate 101 for monitoring velocity of said incoming vehicular traffic, based on combined signals of both sensors said microcontroller evaluates probability of collision of said incoming vehicular traffic with said vehicle;
iv) an inflatable member 105 arranged all-around said plate 101 and connected with an air compressor installed with said body, wherein in case microcontroller evaluates probability of collision to exceed a threshold limit, said microcontroller actuates said air compressor for inflating said inflating member 105 in view of mitigating impact forces applied over said vehicle, and protect said vehicle’s frame during rear-end collisions; and
v) a proximity sensor is embedded on said plate 101 for detecting distance between obstacle and rear portion of said vehicle, while said user is parking said vehicle, and accordingly said microcontroller activates a holographic projection unit 106 mounted on said plate 101 for projecting a holographic image in surroundings, in view of guiding said user to safely park said vehicle.

2) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a dust sensor is installed over said plate 101 for detecting presence of dust/ dirt over said plate 101, and upon successful detection said microcontroller actuates a vibrating unit configured on said plate 101 to produce vibrations of pre-defined intensity in view of removing said dust/ dirt from said plate 101.

3) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a speaker is mounted on said plate 101 that is activated by said microcontroller to produce audio alerts in view of guiding said user while parking said vehicle without causing any damage to said vehicle.

4) 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.