Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a secured gas filling device that is capable of providing a means to fill and store pressurized gas in a proper manner and equipped with a means in releasing leaked gas only when no inflammable/flammable object is present nearby, to avoid any chances of fire hazards.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Storing of pressurized gas plays an important role in providing a reliable and efficient means of energy storage and delivery across a wide range of applications. The storing enables the safe and controlled storage of gases such as oxygen, nitrogen, natural gas, and industrial gases under high pressure, ensuring that these gases are being transported, accessed, and utilized when needed. Pressurized gas storage is crucial in industries like healthcare, where oxygen is stored for medical use, and in energy sectors, where compressed natural gas (CNG) is stored for use in vehicles or power generation. Further, the pressurized gas systems are used in manufacturing, research, and even household appliances, providing an essential resource for a variety of processes that requires a consistent and high-pressure gas supply.

[0003] Traditionally, the user uses tools for storing pressurized gas includes high-pressure cylinders, tanks, and containers specified to safely hold gases at elevated pressures. These tools typically include safety features such as pressure regulators, valves, and gauges to monitor and control the flow and pressure of the stored gas. Additionally, some systems incorporate reinforced materials or composite structures to withstand the stress of high-pressure storage, while ensuring safe handling and transportation. However, such tools often require manual monitoring and maintenance, and may lack advanced safety or automation features, which highlight the need for innovative improvements in gas storage facility.

[0004] US20170097121A1 discloses a pressurized gas storage system is disclosed for maintaining a minimum pressure of a primary fluid. The system includes a pressurized gas tank inside which is mounted a flexible bladder which contains the primary fluid. The space between the gas tank and the bladder is considered a compression chamber which contains a secondary fluid that exerts pressure on the bladder to maintain a minimum pressure upon the primary fluid. The secondary fluid is supplied to and exits tank pressure chamber through a port. The flexible bladder is couple to inlet outlet port extending to a pickup tube. The system also includes a pump, fluid reservoir, pressure relief valve and controller which functions to maintain the pressure of the secondary fluid. In a second embodiment, pressure is maintained through a second fluid absorbing and releasing material.

[0005] US20210080060A1 discloses a method and apparatus to hold pressurized gas is disclosed. Shell halves having opposing apertures with inserted tubes are combined to create an enclosed pressure vessel. Strands of Kevlar fibre and strands of carbon fibre cover the shell by wrapping the shell through the tubes. Resin coats the wrapped strands and fills the tubes. Pressurized gas is injected and retrieved from the pressure vessel.

[0006] Conventionally, many devices are disclosed in prior arts that provides a way to store pressurized gas by utilizing robust containers such as metal cylinders, tanks, or composite pressure vessels specified to safely contain gases at high pressure by operating safety mechanisms. However, such devices lack in slowly releasing the leaked gas in absence of flammable/inflammable objects present in proximity, to reduce the chances of any fire hazards.

[0007] In order to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks, there exists a need in the art to develop a device that needs to be designed to safely fill and store pressurized gas, along with a providing a means dedicated towards releasing of any leaked gas only when no flammable or combustible objects are in the vicinity, minimizing the risk of fire hazards.

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 storing pressurized gas by proper indication to a user regarding required amount to be filled.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of sealing the device after completion of the filling of the pressurized gas in order to store the gas for various purposes.

[0011] Another object of the present invention is to develop a device that releases leaked gas only when no inflammable/flammable object is present nearby, to avoid any chances of fire hazards.

[0012] Yet another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of providing a means to cover the device for protecting the device from deposition of dust/debris.

[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 secured gas filling device that is designed to safely fill and store pressurized gas, equipped with a mechanism that releases any leaked gas only when no flammable or combustible objects are in the vicinity, minimizing the risk of fire hazards.

[0015] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a secured gas filling device, comprises of a cylindrical body developed to be positioned on a fixed surface, multiple motorized wheels are arranged underneath the body for moving the body on the surface, an electromagnetic spring is integrated in between the body and wheels for absorbing any jerk experienced on the body, a nozzle arranged on top portion of the body that is accessed by a user for filling pressurized gas inside the body, a pressure sensor integrated inside the body for detecting pressure of air maintained inside the body, an inbuilt microcontroller actuates a buzzer mounted on the body to produce beeping sound for alerting the user to stop filling gas in the body, a regulator knob configured with the body that is accessed by the user for positioning the knob over the nozzle, a pair of motorized grippers arranged on lateral sides of the body to acquire a grip on the knob and rotate the knob over the nozzle, a gas leakage detection sensor integrated on the body for detecting any leakage of gas in vicinity of the body, motorized hinge joint arranged on side of the body to deploy a cylindrical cap configured with the body by means of the hinge joint for positioning the cap over the body for covering regulator knob portion of the body.

[0016] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the proposed device further comprises of an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit installed on the body to detect presence of any flammable object in vicinity of the body, multiple electronically controlled valves integrated on the cap to slowly release the leaked gas from inside of the cap, a computing unit over which a wireless notification is generated in case of the detected leakage of gas, a motorized roller arranged on the body to rotate along with translating over a circular sliding unit mounted on the body for covering outer portion of the body a wrapping sheet coiled with the roller in order to prevent deposition of dust/debris on the body, and a battery associated with the device to supply power to all components associated with the device to power all the components.

[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 secured gas filling device.

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 secured gas filling device that is capable of storing pressurized gas by proper indication to a user regarding required amount to be filled. Additionally, the proposed device is also capable of sealing the device after completion of the filling of the pressurized gas in order to store the gas for various purposes.

[0023] Referring to Figure 1, an isometric view of a secured gas filling device is illustrated, comprising a cylindrical body 101 integrated with multiple motorized wheels 102, a nozzle 103 arranged on top portion of the body 101, a buzzer 104 mounted on the body 101, a regulator knob 105 configured with the body 101, a pair of motorized grippers 106 arranged on lateral sides of the body 101, a motorized hinge joint 107 arranged on side of the body 101, a cylindrical cap 108 configured with the body 101 by means of the hinge joint 107, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 109 installed on the body 101, multiple electronically controlled valves 110 integrated on the cap 108, an electromagnetic spring 111 integrated in between the body 101 and wheels 102, a motorized roller 112 arranged on the body 101 via a circular sliding unit 113, and a wrapping sheet 114 coiled with the roller 112.

[0024] The proposed device comprises of a cylindrical body 101 encased with various components associated with the device arrange in sequential manner that aids in storing pressurized gas. Herein, the body 101 is utilized to position on a fixed surface and then a user fills the body 101 with pressurized gas via a nozzle 103 arranged on top portion of the body 101. After that the user activates the device by pressing a switch button integrated with the body 101. The button mentioned herein is a type of a switch that is internally connected with the device via multiple circuits that upon pressing by the user, the circuits get closed and starts conducting electricity that tends to activate the device and vice versa. After activation of the device by the user, a microcontroller associated with the device generates a commands to operate the device accordingly.

[0025] After activating of the device, a pressure sensor integrated inside the body 101 detects pressure of air maintained inside the body 101. The pressure sensor includes a sensing element that is the core component that directly interacts with the pressure being measured. The sensor typically consists of a diaphragm or a membrane that deforms under the applied pressure inside the body 101. When the pressure is applied to the sensing element, the sensor causes a diaphragm or membrane present within the sensor to flex or deform. The amount of deformation is proportional to the applied pressure. The deformation of the sensing element is converted into a measurable electrical signal that is transmitted to the microcontroller where it analyzes to detect the pressure of air maintained inside the body 101.

[0026] Based on detecting the pressure maintained inside the body 101, if the pressure level gets filled in the body 101, then the microcontroller actuates a buzzer 104 assembled on the body 101 to produce beeping sound for notifying the user to stop filling gas in the body 101. The buzzer 104 operates by receiving an electrical signal from the microcontroller when the pressure sensor detects that the pressure inside the body 101 has reached a predetermined level. Upon receiving the signal, the microcontroller activates the buzzer 104, causing the buzzer 104 to emit a beeping sound. This sound serves as an audible alert to notify the user that the body 101 is full to prevent overfilling. The buzzer 104 typically works by using an oscillating circuit to generate sound waves, which are then amplified and emitted for producing the beeping noise for notifying the user to stop filling gas in the body 101.

[0027] After the prevention of filling of the gas, the user now accesses a regulator knob 105 configured with the body 101 for positioning the knob 105 over the nozzle 103. Based on that the microcontroller actuates a pair of motorized grippers 106 assembled on lateral sides of the body 101 to acquire a grip on the knob 105 and rotate the knob 105 over the nozzle 103 for plugging the knob 105 on the nozzle 103. The grippers 106 mentioned herein operates in similar way that the robotic arm works that comprises of a shoulder, elbow and wrist. All these parts are configured with the microcontroller. The elbow is at the middle section of the arm that allows the upper part of the arm to move the lower section independently. Lastly, the wrist is at the tip of the upper arm and attached to the end effector works as hand for gripping the knob 105 and rotate the knob 105 over the nozzle 103 for plugging the knob 105 on the nozzle 103 and seal the body 101.

[0028] A gas leakage detection sensor inbuilt on the body 101 for detecting any leakage of gas in surrounding of the body 101. The leakage detection sensor operates by sensing the presence of gas molecules in the surrounding using a sensitive chemical or semiconductor sensor. When the gas leaks from the body 101, the concentration of gas in the surrounding air increases, and the sensor detects this change. The sensor typically works by employing a chemical reaction or a change in electrical resistance when gas molecules come into contact with the sensor's surface. This change is then converted into an electrical signal, which is processed by the microcontroller to detect the leakage of gas in surrounding of the body 101.

[0029] Based on detecting the leakage of the gas, the microcontroller actuates a motorized hinge joint 107 assembled on side of the body 101 to converge a cylindrical cap 108 configured with the hinge joint 107 for positioning the cap 108 over the body 101 for covering regulator knob 105 portion of the body 101. The hinge joint 107 typically refers to a mechanical joint that allows rotational movement around a fixed axis using a motor or actuator which provides the rotational force required to move the joint 107. The motor is typically controlled by an electronic control unit that regulates its speed and direction to deploy the cylindrical cap 108 for positioning the cap 108 over the body 101 for covering regulator knob 105 portion of the body 101 that aids in preventing spread of the leaked gas.

[0030] Additionally, based on detecting leakage of the gas, the microcontroller sends an alert to a computing unit associated with the device to notify the user regarding the leakage of the gas. The computing unit herein includes but not limited to a mobile and laptop that comprises a processor where the input received is stored to process and retrieve the output data in order to display in the computing unit. The microcontroller is wirelessly linked with the computing unit via a communication module which includes but not limited to Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity) module, Bluetooth module. GSM (Global System for Mobile communication). The communication module acts as a medium between various electronic unit for establishing communication between the computing unit and device to display the notification regarding the leakage of the gas.

[0031] The user, herein control the motion of the body 101 over the fixed surface via multiple motorized wheels 102 are arranged underneath the body 101 by means of giving input in the computing unit as per requirement. Based on giving input for moving the body 101, the microcontroller actuates the wheels 102 for moving the body 101 over the surface. Each of the wheels 102 are coupled with a motor that is activated by the microcontroller to rotate the wheels 102 with specified speed to move the body 101 over the surface. Herein, an electromagnetic spring 111 is assembled in between the body 101 and wheels 102 for absorbing any jerk experienced on the body 101 during movement. The spring 111 comprises of a conducting coil, when the electric current is passed across the coil that result in generation of the magnetic field around the coil and that results in the generation of the magnetic force due to which the spring 111 gets energized. When the current release, the spring 111 gets de-energized. The energization and de-energization of the spring 111 for absorbing any jerk experienced on the body 101.

[0032] An intelligence-based imaging unit 109 integrated on the body 101 to detect presence of any flammable object in surrounding the body 101. The imaging unit 109 mentioned herein comprises of comprises of a camera and processor that works in collaboration to capture and process the images of surrounding of the body 101. The camera firstly captures multiple images of the surrounding, wherein the camera comprises of a body, electronic shutter, lens, lens aperture, image sensor, and imaging processor that works in sequential manner to capture images of the surrounding.

[0033] After 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 that the reflected light beam passes through the image sensor. The image sensor now analyzes the beam to retrieve signal from the beams which is further calibrate by the sensor to capture images of the surrounding in electronic signal. Upon capturing images, the imaging processor processes the electronic signal into digital image. When the image capturing is done, the processor associated with the imaging unit 109 processes the captured images by using a protocol of artificial intelligence to retrieve data from the captured image in the form of digital signal. The detected data in the form of digital signal is now transmitted to the linked microcontroller based on which the microcontroller acquires the data to detect any flammable object in vicinity of the body 101.

[0034] Additionally, based on detecting absence of any flammable object in surrounding of the body 101, the microcontroller actuates multiple electronically controlled valves 110 integrated on the cap 108 to slowly release the leaked gas from inside of the cap 108. The valve 110 comprises of a diaphragm that is activated by the microcontroller to open orifices of the valve 110 to dispense out the leaked gas from inside of the cap 108. Moreover, for protecting the body 101 from dust and dirt, the microcontroller actuates a motorized roller 112 assembled on the body 101 to rotate along with translating over a circular sliding unit 113 mounted on the body 101 for covering outer portion of the body 101 via a wrapping sheet 114 coiled with the roller 112 in order to prevent deposition of dust/debris on the body 101. The roller 112 is coupled with a motor that is activated by the microcontroller to rotate the roller 112 with specified speed along with translating the roller 112, wherein the sliding unit 113 comprises of a rail unit that provides a guided path for linear movement. The rail unit usually includes a pair of parallel rails or tracks, along which the sliding unit 113 moves. The slider carriage, also called a stage or platform equipped with a mechanism to minimize friction and ensure smooth motion.

[0035] The sliding unit 113 mentioned herein incorporates a motor and a drive mechanism to generate linear motion. The motor is connected to a drive mechanism, such as a belt, lead screw, or ball screw. The drive mechanism converts the rotational motion of the motor into linear motion, propelling the slider carriage along the rail unit to translate the roller 112 for covering the body 101 to prevent deposition of the dirt/dust on the body 101.

[0036] A battery (not shown in figure) is associated with the system 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 they effectively carry out their appropriate functions.

[0037] The present invention works best in the following manner, where the cylindrical body 101 as disclosed in the invention is developed to be positioned on a fixed surface disclosed herein includes the nozzle 103 accessed by the user for filling pressurized gas inside the body 101. Herein, the pressure sensor detects pressure of air maintained inside the body 101, in accordance to which the inbuilt microcontroller actuates the buzzer 104 to produce beeping sound for alerting the user to stop filling gas in the body 101. After that the regulator knob 105 is accessed by the user for positioning the knob 105 over the nozzle 103, followed by actuation of the pair of motorized grippers 106 to acquire a grip on the knob 105 and rotate the knob 105 over the nozzle 103 in view of plugging the knob 105 on the nozzle 103 in order to seal the body 101. Herein, the gas leakage detection sensor detects any leakage of gas in vicinity of the body 101, in accordance to which the microcontroller actuates the motorized hinge joint 107 to deploy the cylindrical cap 108 for positioning the cap 108 over the body 101 for covering regulator knob 105 portion of the body 101 in view of preventing spread of the leaked gas, in case the leakage of gas is detected. Also, the artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 109 detects presence of any flammable object in vicinity of the body 101, in accordance to which the microcontroller actuates the electronically controlled valves 110 to slowly release the leaked gas from inside of the cap 108, in case of absence of the flammable object in vicinity of the body 101.

[0038] 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.
, C , Claims:1) A secured gas filling device, comprising:

i) a cylindrical body 101 developed to be positioned on a fixed surface, wherein plurality of motorized wheels 102 are arranged underneath said body 101 for moving said body 101 on said surface;
ii) a nozzle 103 arranged on top portion of said body 101 that is accessed by a user for filling pressurized gas inside said body 101, wherein a pressure sensor is integrated inside said body 101 for monitoring pressure of air maintained inside said body 101, in accordance to which an inbuilt microcontroller actuates a buzzer 104 mounted on said body 101 to produce beeping sound for alerting said user to stop filling gas in said body 101;
iii) a regulator knob 105 configured with said body 101 that is accessed by said user for positioning said knob 105 over said nozzle 103, followed by actuation of a pair of motorized grippers 106 arranged on lateral sides of said body 101 to acquire a grip on said knob 105 and rotate said knob 105 over said nozzle 103 in view of plugging said knob 105 on said nozzle 103 in order to seal said body 101;
iv) a gas leakage detection sensor integrated on said body 101 for detecting any leakage of gas in vicinity of said body 101, in accordance to which said microcontroller actuates a motorized hinge joint 107 arranged on side of said body 101 to deploy a cylindrical cap 108 configured with said body 101 by means of said hinge joint 107 for positioning said cap 108 over said body 101 for covering regulator knob 105 portion of said body 101 in view of preventing spread of said leaked gas, in case said leakage of gas is detected; and
v) an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 109 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 any flammable object in vicinity of said body 101, in accordance to which said microcontroller actuates multiple electronically controlled valves 110 integrated on said cap 108 to slowly release said leaked gas from inside of said cap 108, in case of absence of said flammable object in vicinity of said body 101.

2) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein an electromagnetic spring 111 is integrated in between said body 101 and wheels 102 for absorbing any jerk experienced on said body 101.

3) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a motorized roller 112 is arranged on said body 101 that is actuated by said microcontroller to rotate along with translating over a circular sliding unit 113 mounted on said body 101 for covering outer portion of said body 101 via a wrapping sheet 114 coiled with said roller 112 in order to prevent deposition of dust/debris on said body 101.

4) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a communication module is integrated with said microcontroller for establishing a wireless connection between said microcontroller and a computing unit over which a wireless notification is generated in case of said detected leakage of gas.