Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a supporting device for travelling in public transportation vehicle that is capable of providing a means to support a user with a handrail of a public transportation vehicle in standing travelling without any chances of falling of the user due to sudden movement of the vehicle thereby easy in travelling within the vehicle.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Most of the time, it is observed that the user faces problems in getting support while standing travel in a public transportation vehicle due to congestion in the vehicle with the space for standing in the vehicle. Supporting tools plays an important role in ensuring safety and comfort for passengers. These tools may include seat belts, headrests, and adjustable footrests to prevent fatigue during long journeys. Additionally, armrests and cup holders can enhance the overall experience for passengers by providing added convenience and support. It is essential for vehicles to be equipped with these tools to promote a safe and enjoyable travel experience for all individuals on board. Without these supporting tools, passengers may be at risk of injury or discomfort during the journey.

[0003] Traditionally, the user uses tools that includes grab bars or handles strategically placed throughout the vehicle, as well as specialized seats with extra support and padding to ensure stability and comfort during the journey. These tools help individuals with mobility issues maintain their balance and reduce the risk of falls while on the move. Additionally, non-slip flooring also be installed to provide extra traction for those standing in the vehicle. It is important to consider the specific needs of each individual when selecting the appropriate tools for support during standing traveling but requires proper attention on sudden movement of the vehicle to keep safe from falling in the vehicle.

[0004] GB2510682A discloses an invention relates to a grab handle device for a vehicle, the grab handle device comprising a housing, and a grab handle being translationally movable in relation to the housing between a stowage position (figure 2) in which at least a portion of the grab handle is arranged within the housing and at least one use position in which the portion of the grab handle is arranged outside the housing so that a person can grab the grab handle, wherein the grab handle device comprises: a locking device for locking the grab handle in at least one of the positions; and at least one push button for unlocking the locking device by actuating the push button which is movably arranged on the grab handle. The grab handle may comprise at least one spring for moving the grab handle from the stowed to the use position. The locking device may comprise at least one locking element which can be moved from a locking to release position under the action of a spring, where the locking element may engage with receptacles and when in the stowed and use positions respectively. Although, GB’682 provides way to grab by the user for travelling in the vehicle, however lacks in adjusting in accordance with the user’s weight along with any proper attention on sudden movement of the vehicle.

[0005] RU2666478C2 discloses a device that contains FIELD: transportation. SUBSTANCE: group of inventions relates to vehicle handles. Deployable handle for a vehicle comprises a movable handle, first and second extension members positioned within the movable handle and a drive mechanism. Drive mechanism selectively deploys the first and second extension members to an extended position when the handle is in a deploying position. First and second extension members cannot be deployed when the movable handle is distal from the deploying position. Although, RU’478 provides way to allow the user to grip for support but lacks in deploying when the movable handle is distal from the deploying position for proper support.

[0006] Conventionally, many devices are disclosed in prior art that provides way to provide support to the user during standing traveling for traveling properly in the vehicle but lacks in preventing the user from giving proper attention on sudden movement of the vehicle to keep safe from falling in the vehicle. Moreover, such devices are lacks in giving proper grip of the user’s hands with the device in accordance with the user’s weight.

[0007] In order to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks, there exists a need in the art to develop a device that is capable of providing a support to the user in standing travel in the public transportation vehicle with proper grip of the user’s hands with the device in accordance with the user’s weight without any proper attention on sudden movement of the vehicle.

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 support to a user with a handrail of a public transportation vehicle in standing travelling without any chances of falling of the user due to sudden movement of the vehicle.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of detecting dimensions and curvature of the handrail in order to provide a means to cover the handrail to close the members securely around the handrail to allow the user to acquire grip for standing traveling.

[0011] Yet another object of the present invention is to develop 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 supporting device for travelling in public transportation vehicle that is capable of supporting a user in standing travelling within a public transportation vehicle by securing the device with a handrail of the vehicle without any chances of falling of the user due to sudden movement of the vehicle.

[0014] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a supporting device for travelling in public transportation vehicle, comprises of a rectangular plate having multiple U-shaped members configured with multiple hinges attached on a rear surface of the plate by means of telescopic bars mounted on ball and socket joints for clamping onto a handrail of the vehicle for affixing the plate, an angle sensor provided in the plate detects angle of the plate with respect to the handrail, multiple suction units installed on upper surface of the plate for enabling affixing of the plate onto a flat surface, a microphone, linked with a microcontroller, provided on the plate for receiving an audio command from the user regarding affixing the plate, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit, in synchronization with a laser sensor embedded in the plate to determine dimensions and curvature of the handrail, multiple electromagnets provided at ends of the members for a secured closing around the handrail.

[0015] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the proposed device further comprises of multiple motorized pop-out balls installed on inner peripheries of the members for a translation of the members along the handrail, a hall effect sensor provided with the electromagnets detects electromagnetic force applied by the electromagnets, a weight sensor installed in the frame to detect the weight of the user, an ultrasonic sensor installed on the plate detects dimensions of hand of the user, a telescopic rectangular frame attached at a bottom surface of the plate by means of a chain for enabling a user to acquire a grip onto the plate, and a battery 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 supporting device for travelling in public transportation vehicle.

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 supporting device for travelling in public transportation vehicle that is capable of allowing a user to stand in a public transportation vehicle for travelling by providing a support to the user with a handrail of the in order to keep the user free from falling in the vehicle due to sudden movement of the vehicle.

[0022] Referring to Figure 1, an isometric view of a supporting device for travelling in public transportation vehicle is illustrated, comprising a rectangular plate 101 having multiple U-shaped members 102 configured with multiple hinges 103, multiple telescopic bars 104 mounted on ball and socket joints 105 installed with the plate 101, multiple suction units 106 installed on upper surface of the plate 101, multiple electromagnets 107 provided at ends of the members 102, multiple motorized pop-out balls 108 installed on inner peripheries of the members 102, a telescopic rectangular frame 109 attached at a bottom surface of the plate 101 by means of a chain 110, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 111 installed on the plate 101, and a microphone 112 provided on the plate 101.

[0023] The proposed device comprises of a rectangular plate 101 made up of any material that includes but not limited wooden material and metallic material alike utilize to position on a handrail of a public transportation vehicle, wherein the plate 101 encased with various components associated with the device arranged in sequential manner that aids in supporting a standing travel in the public transportation vehicle. The user requires to activate the device manually by pressing a button associated with the device and assembled with the plate 101. The button is 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 conduction of electricity that tends to activate the device and vice versa. After activating of the device by the user, a microcontroller associated with the device generates a commands to operate the device accordingly.

[0024] Upon activating the device, the microcontroller actuates a microphone 112 integrated with the plate 101 to give access to the user for giving voice commands regarding affixing the plate 101 over the handrail of the vehicle. The microphone 112 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.

[0025] After that the electric signal is generated from the coil due to back-and-forth movement of the diaphragm which is further transmitted to a microcontroller linked with the microphone 112 to process the signal to analyze the signal for detecting voice command given by the user. Upon processing the voice commands, the microcontroller actuates an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 111 synced with a laser sensor integrated with the plate 101 for detecting dimensions and curvature of the handrail. The imaging unit 111 comprises of a camera and processor that works in collaboration to capture and process the images in vicinity of the plate 101.

[0026] The camera firstly captures multiple images of the vicinity of the plate 101, 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 vicinity of the plate 101. 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 then the reflected light beam passes through the image sensor. The sensor now analyzes the beam to retrieve signal from the beams which is further calibrate by the sensor to capture images of the vicinity of the plate 101 in electronic signal.

[0027] 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 111 processes the captured images by using an artificial intelligence protocols to retrieve data from the captured image in the form of digital signal. The data is now transmitted to the microcontroller based on which the microcontroller acquires the data and analyze to detect the presence of the handrail. After the laser sensor detects the dimensions and curvature of the handrail. The laser senor sends laser beams at two points of the handrail to form a triangle between the handrail and the point of the laser sensor from where lasers are emitted. The beams are bounced back towards the sensor and are sensed by the sensor with the angle formed between the emitting point and the surface at which laser beam are impact. The laser sensor, after detecting the required data of area of the handrail sends that data to the microcontroller. After receiving data, the microcontroller analyzes the data to detect the dimensions and curvature of the handrail.

[0028] Upon detecting dimension and curvature of the handrail, the microcontroller actuates multiple hinges 103 integrated in multiple U-shaped members 102 associated with the plate 101 to deploy the members 102 around the handrail. The hinge 103 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 hinge 103. The motor is typically controlled by an electronic control unit that regulates its speed and direction. The hinge 103 consists of a hinge mechanism that enables rotation around a fixed axis to deploy the members 102 around the handrail. Simultaneously, the microcontroller actuates multiple electromagnets 107 integrated at ends of the members 102 for closing around the handrail in secured manner.

[0029] The electromagnet 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 electromagnet gets energized. When the current release, the electromagnet gets de-energized. The energization and de-energization of the electromagnet aids the member to close around the handrail in secured manner. During closing of the handrail, a Hall Effect sensor integrated with the electromagnets 107, detects electromagnetic force applied by the electromagnets 107. The Hall Effect sensor works based on the principle of a voltage difference that is created across the electromagnets 107 when a magnetic field is applied perpendicular to the current flow. This voltage difference, known as the Hall voltage, is proportional to the strength of the magnetic field produce by the electromagnets 107.

[0030] Simultaneously, a weight sensor integrated with the frame 109 detects weight of the user while gripping the plate 101. The weight sensor comprises a weight transducer that convert weight of the user into an electrical signal that exert a downward force on the weight sensor. Within load cell of the sensor, there are strain gauges that deform slightly due to weight. The deformation causes changes in electrical resistance within the strain gauges. The sensor then calibrates the resistance to detect weight of the user gripped the plate 101. Upon detecting weight of the user and electromagnetic force applied by the electromagnets 107, the microcontroller regulates the actuation of the electromagnets 107 to secure around the handrail in appropriate manner. Herein, multiple motorized pop-out balls 108 integrated with on inner peripheries of the members 102 to move the members 102 along the handrail to aid proper supporting to the user in the vehicle.

[0031] Upon securing the members 102 with the handrail, an ultrasonic sensor integrated with the plate 101 detects dimensions of the user’s hands. The ultrasonic sensor consists of a piezoelectric transducer that typically contains a piezoelectric crystal or a similar material. When an electrical signal is applied to the crystal, it vibrates at a high frequency, typically in the ultrasonic range above 20 kHz. When the transducer is activated, it converts the electrical energy into mechanical vibrations or waves. These vibrations are transmitted as a focused beam of ultrasonic waves into the object. The ultrasonic waves propagate outward in a cone-shaped pattern from the transducer.

[0032] When the emitted ultrasonic waves encounter the user’s hands in their path, a portion of the waves is reflected back towards the sensor. The sensor measures the time it takes for the ultrasonic waves to travel from the sensor to the user’s hands. The ultrasonic sensor now starts a timer when the waves are emitted and stops it when the reflected waves are detected. The elapsed time is known as the "time of flight" (TOF). Using the known speed of sound in the medium through which the waves are travelling, the dimension of the user’s hand is calculated. Based on calculation, the senor transmitted the calculated data to the microcontroller where it analyzes to detect the dimensions of the user’s hands. After that the microcontroller actuates a pneumatic unit associated with a telescopic rectangular frame 109 assembled at a bottom surface of the plate 101 by means of a chain 110, to extend as per detected dimension of the user’s hands to acquire a grip onto the plate 101.

[0033] The pneumatic unit comprises of an air compressor, air cylinder, air valves i.e. Inlet and outlet valve and piston that works in collaboration to aid extension and retraction of the frame 109. The air compressor is coupled with a motor that gets activated by the microcontroller to compress the air from surroundings upon entering from the inlet valve to compressed and pumped out via the outlet valve. The air valve 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. The piston is connected to the cylinder and due to the increase in the air pressure, the piston extends. And upon closing of the valve, the compressed air exit out from the cylinder thereby decreasing the air pressure of the cylinder.

[0034] The increasing and decreasing of the air pressure from the cylinder aids in extension and retraction of the piston that turns in aiding extension and retraction of the frame 109 to allow the user to grip the plate 101 in the public transportation vehicle for proper support during travelling. Additionally, the microcontroller via the imaging unit 111 detects a position of the user with respect to the plate 101 based on that the microcontroller actuates a pneumatic unit associated with multiple telescopic bars 104 installed on rear surface of the plate 101 for extending to clamp the handrail of the vehicle by the user. During extension of the bars 104, an angle sensor integrated with the plate 101 detects angle of the plate 101 with respect to the handrail. The angle sensor works based on the principle of detecting changes in magnetic fields or optical signals.

[0035] By analyzing these changes, the angle sensor accurately determines the angle or position of the plate 101 with respect to the user is measured. This information is then further transmitted to the microcontroller in the form of digital signal to analyze and detect angle of the plate 101 with respect to the user. After the detection of angle of the plate 101 with respect to the user, the microcontroller actuates multiple ball and socket joints 105 integrated between the telescopic bars 104 and the plate 101 to change an angular position of the plate 101 for proper grip for the user. The ball and socket joint 105 is a 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 plate 101 for allowing the user to grip during travelling in the vehicle.

[0036] Additionally, if the user desires to install the plate 101 with a flat surface of the vehicle, then the user requires to affix the plate 101 via multiple suction units 106 integrated with the plate 101 for affixing of the plate 101 on the flat surface. The suction units 106 create partial vacuum within the unit upon pressing over the flat surface by squeezing out air from the units 106 due to a negative pressure is generated inside suction area. Herein, atmospheric pressure outside the suction units 106 press down low-pressure area inside the units 106 to generate suction to adhere the flat surface to affix the plate 101 with the flat surface for gripping the members 102 to use as support in the vehicle during travelling.

[0037] 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 they effectively carry out their appropriate functions.

[0038] The present invention works best in following manner that includes where the rectangular plate 101 having multiple U-shaped members 102 configured with a the hinges 103, attached on a rear surface of the plate 101 by means of telescopic bars 104 mounted on ball and socket joints 105, for clamping onto a handrail of the vehicle for affixing the plate 101. Herein, the user accesses the microphone 112, linked with the microcontroller, for receiving an audio command from the user regarding affixing the plate 101 to trigger the microcontroller to actuate the imaging unit 111, in synchronization with the laser sensor to determine dimensions and curvature of the handrail to actuate hinges 103 to curve the members 102 around the handrail and the electromagnets 107 to close the members 102 securely around the handrail. Also, the ultrasonic sensor detects dimensions of hand of the user to trigger a microcontroller to actuate the frame 109 to extend or retract as per the detected dimensions to accommodate hand of the user. Further, if the imaging unit 111 detects a position of the user with respect to the plate 101 then the microcontroller actuate the bars 104 and ball and socket joints 105 to change an angular position of the plate 101 for a convenient grip of the user in accordance with angle of the plate 101 with respect to the handrail detected by the angle sensor for proper support to the user in the vehicle during traveling.

[0039] 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 supporting device for travelling in public transportation vehicle, comprising:

i) a rectangular plate 101 having a plurality of U-shaped members 102 configured with a plurality of hinges 103, attached on a rear surface of said plate 101 by means of telescopic bars 104 mounted on ball and socket joints 105, clamping onto a handrail of said vehicle for affixing said plate 101;
ii) a plurality of suction units 106 installed on upper surface of said plate 101 for enabling affixing of said plate 101 onto a flat surface;
iii) electromagnets 107 provided at ends of said members 102 for a secured closing around said handrail;
iv) a plurality of motorized pop-out balls 108 installed on inner peripheries of said members 102 for a translation of said members 102 along said handrail;
v) a telescopic rectangular frame 109 attached at a bottom surface of said plate 101 by means of a chain 110 for enabling a user to acquire a grip onto said plate 101 , wherein said frame 109 is capable of being extended or retracted as per dimensions of hand of said user;
vi) an ultrasonic sensor installed on said plate 101 detects dimensions of hand of said user to trigger a microcontroller to actuate said frame 109 to extend or retract as per said detected dimensions to accommodate hand of said user; and
vii) an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 111, in synchronization with a laser sensor embedded in said plate 101, installed on said plate 101 and integrated with a processor for recording and processing images in a vicinity of said plate 101, to determine dimensions and curvature of said handrail to trigger said microcontroller to actuate hinges 103 to curve said members 102 around said handrail and said electromagnets 107 to close said members 102 securely around said handrail.

2) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a microphone 112, linked with said microcontroller, provided on said plate 101 for receiving an audio command from said user regarding affixing said plate 101 to trigger said microcontroller to actuate said imaging unit 111, in synchronization with said laser sensor to determine dimensions and curvature of said handrail to actuate hinges 103 to curve said members 102 around said handrail and said electromagnets 107 to close said members 102 securely around said handrail.

3) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a hall effect sensor provided with said electromagnets 107 detects electromagnetic force applied by said electromagnets 107 to relay to said microcontroller for enabling an actuation of said electromagnets 107 as per a weight applied by said user as detected by a weight sensor installed in said frame 109.

4) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said imaging unit 111 detects a position of said user with respect to said plate 101 to trigger said microcontroller to actuate said bars 104 and ball and socket joints 105 to change an angular position of said plate 101 for a convenient grip of said user, wherein an angle sensor provided in said plate 101 detects angle of said plate 101 with respect to said handrail.

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.