Adjustable luggage trolley towing device

Abstract

An adjustable luggage trolley towing device, consisting of: i) a frame 101 having a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the proximal end of the frame 101 is configured with an extendable U-shaped element 201; ii) an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 102, installed on the frame 101 and paired with a processor to capture and process multiple images of the environment in order to detect the presence of a luggage trolley near the frame 101, together with determining the dimensions of the trolley's handle, wherein, on the basis of this, an integrated microcontroller actuates a motorized drawer assembly integrated into the element 201 to extend / retract in order to increase / decrease the dimensions of the element 201 with respect to accommodating the element 201 above the trolley's handle; iii) a plurality of suction units 202 arranged on the inner circumference of the element 201 and actuated by the microcontroller to grip the trolley handle in order to secure the element 201 to the trolley handle, wherein a telescopically actuated rod 104 is arranged on the frame 101 in continuation of the element 201, which is actuated by the microcontroller to extend in order to position a curved body 103 which is connected to the free end of the rod 104 and is constructed with a plurality of curved, extendable plates designed to engage with the lower back area of ​​a user; iv) a LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) sensor attached to the body 103 and synchronized with the imaging unit 102 to detect the dimensions of the user's waist section, wherein, based on the detected dimensions, the microcontroller actuates the panels to extend / retract them and synchronously actuates several motorized hinges configured between the panels to tilt the panels towards / away from each other to secure the body 103 around the user's waist section and facilitate the user's carrying of the cart without requiring any physical effort in pulling or carrying; and v) a pressure sensor configured with each of the plates to detect the pressure exerted by the plates on the user's waist area, wherein, in the event that the detected pressure exceeds a threshold, the microcontroller regulates the expansion of the plates to reduce the pressure and thus prevent any likelihood of pain / discomfort for the user.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to an adjustable baggage cart pulling device capable of pulling a baggage cart by detecting the presence of a baggage cart in the surrounding area, thereby completing the entire process with minimal human intervention. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Luggage trolleys are a practical solution for transporting luggage more efficiently and ergonomically. The wheels are designed to be smooth and maneuverable, making it easy to navigate airports, train stations, or other destinations. The trolley handle is positioned at a comfortable height, allowing the user to grasp and push the trolley without straining their back or shoulders. This ergonomic design helps distribute the weight of the luggage evenly and reduces the risk of injury or fatigue when carrying heavy bags. Luggage trolleys are a practical and efficient solution for travelers to transport their luggage with ease, minimizing physical strain and making travel more comfortable.

[0003] Traditionally, people simply carried luggage by hand, which is quite tiring, especially when the bags were heavy or when there were multiple bags to carry. Another method was to use a shoulder strap or sling to carry the bags over the shoulder. This method allowed for some weight distribution but was still uncomfortable, especially when the bags were bulky or unevenly distributed. Some travelers also used carts or wagons pulled by animals or people to transport their luggage. These carts had a larger capacity and could carry several pieces of luggage at once. However, they were not as portable and comfortable as modern luggage trolleys.

[0004] US5291976A discloses a suitcase comprising a luggage element, a support structure attached to the luggage element, the support structure comprising a first horizontal element with two wheels thereon to facilitate pulling along the ground, a second horizontal element, two tubular elements connecting the first and second horizontal elements, thereby forming a rectangular frame, a shaft in extendable, sliding engagement in each of the tubular elements, the shafts being connected by a first handle, the shafts being extendable between a folded position in the tubular elements and a fully extended position to enable pulling of the luggage element on the wheels, at least one of the shafts comprising a wedge element slidable in the respective tubular element and frictionally received in a first bore,which is provided at one end of the respective tubular member adjacent to the second horizontal member to hold the shafts in the fully extended position. Although US '976 discloses a suitcase to provide an improved suitcase or luggage carrier with wheels, it is not capable of assisting a user in pulling or carrying a luggage trolley without considerable effort.

[0005] Conventionally, there are many devices capable of carrying luggage carts, however, these existing devices fail in providing a means of detecting the dimensions of the user's waist area in order to be secured around the user's waist area to assist the user in carrying the cart.

[0006] To overcome the above drawbacks, there is a need in the art to develop a device capable of carrying luggage carts by monitoring the measurements of the user's waist to be positioned around the user's waist area to assist the user in carrying the cart. OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

[0007] The main object of the present invention is to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art.

[0008] The aim of the present invention is to develop a device capable of pulling a luggage trolley by monitoring the dimensions of the trolley handle in a secure manner, thus automating the entire process.

[0009] Another object of the present invention is to develop a device capable of detecting the dimensions of the user's waist area to be secured around the user's waist area, thereby making it easier for the user to carry the trolley without much effort.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is inherently reliable.

[0011] The foregoing and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become readily apparent upon closer examination of the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0012] The present invention relates to an adjustable trolley pulling device capable of assisting a user in carrying trolleys by evaluating the dimensions of the trolley handle.

[0013] Furthermore, the proposed device is portable and reliable in nature.

[0014] According to one embodiment of the present invention, an adjustable trolley pulling device comprises a frame having a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end of the frame being assembled with an extendable U-shaped member, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit disposed on the frame for capturing multiple images of the surroundings to detect the presence of a trolley near the frame and determine the dimensions of the trolley handle, a motorized drawer assembly embedded in the member for extending / retracting to increase / decrease the dimensions of the member to accommodate the member over the trolley handle, a plurality of suction units mounted on the inner periphery of the member for clamping around the trolley handle to secure the member to the trolley handle, and a telescopically operated rod.which is arranged on the frame to extend for positioning a curved body connected to the free end of the rod and constructed with a plurality of curved, extendable plates designed to engage the lower back region of a user.

[0015] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the proposed device further comprises a LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) sensor mounted on the body to detect the dimensions of the user's waist area; several motorized hinges integrated between the plates to tilt the plates toward and away from each other for securing the body around the user's waist area; a pressure sensor integrated into each of the plates to detect the pressure exerted by the plates on the user's waist area; a strap integrated into the body to secure the body to the user's waist area; a cushion integrated into each of the plates to provide comfort to the user; a motorized ball joint integrated between the rod and the element to provide multi-axis rotational movement to the rod;to facilitate the correct carrying of the trolley with the movement of the user, and a battery is connected to the device to supply energy to electrical and electronically operated components connected to the device.

[0016] While the invention has been described and shown with particular reference to the preferred embodiment, it will be apparent that variations are possible which 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 more apparent from the following description, the appended claims and the accompanying drawings: Fig. shows an isometric view of an adjustable baggage trolley towing device; and Fig. shows an internal view of the proposed device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0018] The following description contains the preferred best mode for carrying out an embodiment of the present invention. From this description of the invention, it will be apparent that the invention is not limited to the illustrated embodiments, but that the invention also includes a variety of modifications and embodiments thereto. Therefore, the present description should be considered as illustrative and not restrictive. 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 intended 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,” “with,” and “characterized by”) may be replaced by the respective partially closed terms “consists essentially of,” “consists essentially of,” and the like, or the respective closed terms “consists of,” “consists of,” and the like.

[0020] The singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” used here refer to both the singular and the plural, unless expressly intended to refer to only the singular.

[0021] The present invention relates to an adjustable trolley pulling device capable of assisting a user in pulling and carrying a trolley by monitoring the presence of the trolley in the surrounding area and evaluating the dimensions of the trolley handle. Furthermore, the proposed device is also capable of determining the dimensions of the user's waist area in order to be secured around the user's waist area while the user carries the trolley to provide support to the user.

[0022] Referring to Fig. 1 and Fig.2 illustrates an isometric view and an interior view of an adjustable luggage cart pulling device comprising a frame 101 having a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end of the frame 101 being configured with an extendable U-shaped member 201, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 102 being installed on the frame 101, a plurality of suction units 202 being configured on the inner periphery of the member 201, a telescopically actuated rod 104 being arranged on the frame 101, and a curved body 103 being attached to the free end of the rod 104.

[0023] The device disclosed herein comprises a frame 101 consisting of a proximal end and a distal end, with an extendable U-shaped element 201 integrated into the proximal end of the frame 101. An artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 102 is mounted on the frame 101 and is actuated by a built-in microcontroller to capture multiple images of the surroundings to detect the presence of a luggage cart near the frame 101 and the dimensions of the cart's handle.

[0024] The artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 102 is equipped with a camera lens and a processor. The camera lens is designed to capture a series of images of the environment. The processor performs a series of image processing operations, including preprocessing, feature extraction, and classification. The image captured by the imaging unit 102 is a real-time image of the environment. The artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 102 transmits the captured image signal in the form of digital bits to the microcontroller.

[0025] Upon receiving the image signals, the microcontroller compares the received image signal with the data stored in a database and continuously detects the presence of a luggage trolley near frame 101, as well as the dimensions of the trolley handle. Based on this detection, the microcontroller actuates a motorized drawer assembly integrated into element 201 to extend or retract it, increasing or decreasing the dimensions of element 201 so that element 201 can be accommodated over the trolley handle.

[0026] The drawer assembly described above consists of a drawer that typically slides on rails inside element 201. These rails provide a smooth and stable path for extending and retracting element 201. When the microcontroller actuates the drawer assembly, the motor begins to rotate, and the rotary motion is converted into linear motion through the use of gears. As the motor rotates, the drawer moves either outward or inward along the slide rails. This extension and retraction increases or decreases the size of element 201 and helps stabilize element 201 on the handle of the cart.

[0027] After extending element 201, the microcontroller actuates several suction units 202 located on the inner periphery of element 201 to grip the trolley handle and secure element 201 to the trolley handle. The suction cups 202 are used to create a vacuum seal between element 201 and the trolley handle. When the suction cups are pressed against the trolley handle, the initial contact creates a seal between the suction cup and the surface of the trolley handle, sealing the area inside the suction cup. The suction cup is designed to maintain a relatively tight seal even if the surface is not perfectly smooth.

[0028] Furthermore, a telescopically actuated rod 104 is arranged on the frame 101, which is actuated by the microcontroller to position a curved body 103 connected to the free end of the rod 104 and provided with a plurality of curved, extendable plates designed to engage the lower back region of a user. A belt is configured with the body 103 to secure the body 103 to the user's waist region. The telescopic rods 104 mentioned here are driven by a pneumatic unit that uses compressed air to extend and retract the rods 104. The process begins with an air compressor that compresses atmospheric air to a higher pressure. The air cylinder of the pneumatic unit contains a piston that reciprocates within the cylinder.

[0029] The cylinder is connected to one end of the telescopic rod 104. The piston is attached to the telescopic rod 104s, and its movement is controlled by the flow of compressed air. To extend the telescopic rod 104, the piston actuates the air valve, allowing compressed air to flow into the chamber behind the piston. As the pressure in the chamber increases, the piston extends the telescopic rod 104 to the desired length for positioning the body 103.

[0030] After positioning the body 103, the microcontroller installs a LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) sensor on the body 103 to measure the dimensions of the user's waist area. The LiDAR sensor emits rapid laser pulses in a sweeping motion. These pulses travel through the air and strike the user's waist area. When the laser pulses strike the waist area, the laser bounces off the surface of the user's waist area. The LiDAR sensor precisely measures the time it takes for these laser pulses to travel to the hip area and back to the sensor.

[0031] This measurement is called a time-of-flight measurement, and as the LiDAR sensor continues to emit laser pulses and measure their time of flight, a dense point cloud of data points is created. Each data point corresponds to a specific location on the waist section. By combining the time-of-flight data from multiple laser beams at different angles, the LiDAR creates a detailed 3D (three-dimensional) map, or point cloud, of the user's hip area. The microcontroller connected to the LiDAR sensor processes the 3D (three-dimensional) map and determines the dimensions of the user's hip area.

[0032] After determining the dimensions of the user's waist area, the microcontroller controls the panels to extend or retract them. The panels are equipped with a cushion to provide comfort to the user. The extension of the panels is powered by a pneumatic unit that uses compressed air to extend and retract. In addition, the microcontroller actuates several motorized hinges integrated between the panels to tilt the panels toward or away from each other, securing the body 103 around the user's waist area.The hinge connection consists of a pair of plates connected together by a rod 104, the rod 104 being coupled to a motor connected to the microcontroller to tilt the plates toward or away from each other to secure the body 103 around the user's waist area, allowing the user to carry the cart without exerting any physical effort in pulling or carrying.

[0033] Based on the determined dimensions of the user's waist area, the microcontroller activates a pressure sensor embedded in each of the plates to detect the pressure exerted by the plates on the user's waist area. The pressure sensor contains a piezoelectric material that generates a voltage in response to mechanical stress. When pressure is applied from the plates to the user's hip area, the piezoelectric material deforms. The pressure exerted by the plates on the user's hip area deforms the material and generates a voltage. This strain leads to the generation of an electrical charge in the material, which produces a voltage signal proportional to the applied pressure.

[0034] The generated voltage is usually very low, so the signal is amplified to make it suitable for further processing. The microcontroller continuously monitors the pressure sensor data. If the detected pressure exceeds a predefined value, the microcontroller triggers the extension of the plates to reduce the pressure and thus avoid pain or discomfort for the user.

[0035] A battery is connected to the device to power the electrically powered components used within it. The battery consists of a pair of electrodes called the cathode and anode. The battery uses a chemical reaction of oxidation / reduction to perform work on the charge and generate a voltage between its anode and cathode, thus generating electrical energy that is used to perform work in the device.

[0036] The present invention functions as follows: the proposed device comprises the frame 101 having the proximal end and the distal end, the proximal end having the extendable U-shaped element 201; the artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 102 for capturing multiple images of the surroundings to detect the presence of the luggage trolley near the frame 101 and to determine the dimensions of the trolley handle; the motorized drawer assembly for extending / retracting to increase / decrease the dimensions of the element 201 with a view to accommodating the element 201 over the trolley handle; a plurality of suction units 202 for clamping the trolley handle with a view to attaching the element 201 to the trolley handle; and the telescopically operated rod 104 for extending to position the curved body 103 having a plurality of curved extendable plates.which are designed to engage the user's lower back area. This includes a motorized ball joint for providing multi-axis rotational movement to the rod 104 to facilitate proper carrying of the trolley with the user's movement. Further features include a LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) sensor for detecting the dimensions of the user's waist area, several motorized hinges for tilting the panels toward and away from each other to secure the body 103 around the user's waist area, a pressure sensor for detecting the pressure exerted by the panels on the user's waist area, and a strap for securing the body 103 to the user's waist.

[0037] Although the scope of the invention has been described herein with limited reference to specific embodiments, this description is not intended to be limiting. Various modifications to the disclosed embodiments, as well as alternative embodiments of the invention, will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the description of the invention. QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents submitted by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the convenience of the reader. This list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] US 5291976A

[0004]

Claims

[1] An adjustable luggage trolley pulling device, consisting of: i) a frame 101 having a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end of the frame 101 being configured with an extendable U-shaped member 201; ii) an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 102 installed on the frame 101 and paired with a processor for capturing and processing multiple images of the surroundings to detect the presence of a luggage trolley in the vicinity of the frame 101, along with determining the dimensions of the trolley handle, based on which a built-in microcontroller actuates a motorized drawer assembly integrated into the element 201 to extend / retract in order to increase / decrease the dimensions of the element 201 with a view to receiving the element 201 above the trolley handle; iii) a plurality of suction units 202 arranged on the inner periphery of the element 201 and actuated by the microcontroller to grip the handle of the trolley in order to secure the element 201 to the handle of the trolley, wherein a telescopically actuated rod 104 is arranged on the frame 101 in continuation of the element 201, which is actuated by the microcontroller to extend to position a curved body 103 connected to the free end of the rod 104 and constructed with a plurality of curved, extendable plates designed to engage the lower back region of a user; iv) a LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) sensor attached to the body 103 and synchronized with the imaging unit 102 to detect the dimensions of the user's waist portion, wherein the microcontroller, based on the detected dimensions, operates the panels to extend / retract them and synchronously operates a plurality of motorized hinges configured between the panels to tilt the panels toward / away from each other to secure the body 103 around the user's waist portion and facilitate the user's carrying of the cart without having to exert any physical effort in pulling or carrying it; and v) a pressure sensor configured with each of the plates to detect the pressure exerted by the plates on the user's waist area, wherein, in the event that the detected pressure exceeds a threshold, the microcontroller regulates the expansion of the plates to reduce the pressure and thus prevent any likelihood of pain / disability to the user. [2] The device of claim 1, wherein a belt is configured with the body 103 to connect the body 103 to the waist region of the user. [3] The device of claim 1, wherein a cushion is disposed on each of the plates to provide comfort to the user. [4] The device of claim 1, wherein a motorized ball joint is disposed between the rod 104 and the element 201, which is actuated by the microcontroller to impart a multi-axis rotational movement to the rod 104 to facilitate the proper carrying of the cart as the user moves. [5] The device of claim 1, wherein a battery is connected to the device to power electrical and electronically operated components connected to the device.

Images