WO2022208371A1

WO2022208371A1 - A modular structure for an entity and a method for an operation of the same

Info

Publication number: WO2022208371A1
Application number: PCT/IB2022/052920
Authority: WO
Inventors: Mahesh Khatri
Original assignee: Gehani, Neelam
Priority date: 2021-03-30
Filing date: 2022-03-30
Publication date: 2022-10-06

Abstract

A modular structure for an entity is provided. The modular structure includes interchange facilitator(s) operatively coupled to part(s) of the entity. The interchange facilitator(s) are configured to be mechanically coupled with each other via at least one mechanical coupling mechanism and locked using electromagnetically actuated locking mechanism(s) upon the mechanical coupling. The modular structure also includes a controlling unit (90) which includes a processing subsystem (100) which includes an input module (120) which receives parameter(s) sensed via sensor(s). The processing subsystem (100) also includes a controlling module (140) which compares the parameter(s) with a respective threshold value to generate a comparison result, determines a locking status of the interchange facilitator(s) based on the comparison result, and generates a control signal to control an operation of the entity based on the locking status.

Description

A MODULAR STRUCTURE FOR AN ENTITY AND A METHOD FOR AN

OPERATION OF THE SAME

FIELD OF INVENTION

[0001] Embodiments of a present disclosure relate to entities with modular structures, and more particularly to a modular structure for an entity and a method for an operation of the same.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Modular design is a design principle that subdivides a system into smaller parts called modules which can be independently created, modified, replaced, exchanged, or the like, with other modules or between different systems. An entity that can have a modular design may include vehicles, furniture, appliances, and the like. Traditionally, entities such as furniture, vehicles, appliances, and the like are available or are manufactured as a single structure. In such a case, people have to adjust to the existing design of the corresponding entities. Further, if the people are willing to change any part of the entity to get a new design for the same, then the people may have to visit workshops or repair shops in order to get it done as doing it oneself would be difficult as the person is not skilled in the art of designing the structure of the corresponding entity. There are several approaches to design the structure of the entity such that, people can themselves replace one or more parts of the entity.

[0003] However, such approaches include the usage of additional tools to separate at least one part from the entity and replace it with a new part which becomes a tedious job for people in some cases, when the corresponding entity is huge or involves lots of complications in the structure of the entity. Also, in such other approaches, even if additional tools are not used to replace the at least one part with the new part on the entity, the process of doing so is time-consuming and involves complicated steps. Also, there is a possibility that the user may forget to replace the new part at the place of the part which is removed and use the entity as it is without the part being removed. In such a case, there is the possibility that the user might get hurt, break some rules, cause trouble to society, and the like, thereby making such approaches less reliable, less efficient, and less secure.

[0004] Hence, there is a need for an improved modular structure for an entity and a method for an operation of the same which addresses the aforementioned issues. BRIEF DESCRIPTION

[0005] In accordance with one embodiment of the disclosure, a modular structure for an entity is provided. The modular structure includes one or more interchange facilitators operatively coupled to one or more parts of the entity. The one or more interchange facilitators are configured to be mechanically coupled with each other via at least one mechanical coupling mechanism. Further, the one or more interchange facilitators are configured to be locked using one or more electromagnetically actuated locking mechanisms upon the mechanical coupling of the one or more interchange facilitators. The modular structure also includes a controlling unit operatively coupled to the one or more interchange facilitators. The controlling unit includes a processing subsystem hosted on a server. The processing subsystem is configured to execute on a network to control bidirectional communications among a plurality of modules. The processing subsystem includes an input module configured to receive one or more parameters sensed via one or more sensors. The one or more sensors are associated with the corresponding one or more interchange facilitators. The processing subsystem also includes a controlling module operatively coupled to the input module. The controlling module is configured to compare the one or more parameters received by the input module with a respective threshold value to generate a comparison result. The controlling module is also configured to determine a locking status of the one or more interchange facilitators based on the comparison result. Further, the controlling module is also configured to generate a control signal to control an operation of the entity based on the locking status.

[0006] In accordance with another embodiment, a vehicle system is provided. The vehicle system includes a plurality of parts of a vehicle. The vehicle system also includes one or more interchange facilitators operatively coupled to the plurality of parts of the vehicle. The one or more interchange facilitators are configured to be mechanically coupled with each other via at least one mechanical coupling mechanism. The one or more interchange facilitators are configured to be locked using one or more electromagnetically actuated locking mechanisms upon the mechanical coupling of the one or more interchange facilitators. Further, the vehicle system also includes a controlling unit operatively coupled to the one or more interchange facilitators. The controlling unit includes a processing subsystem hosted on a server. The processing subsystem is configured to execute on a network to control bidirectional communications among a plurality of modules. The processing subsystem includes an input module configured to receive one or more parameters sensed via one or more sensors. The one or more sensors are associated with the corresponding one or more interchange facilitators. The processing subsystem also includes a controlling module operatively coupled to the input module. The controlling module is configured to compare the one or more parameters received by the input module with a respective threshold value to generate a comparison result. The controlling module is also configured to determine a locking status of the one or more interchange facilitators based on the comparison result. Further, the controlling module is also configured to generate a control signal to control an operation of the vehicle based on the locking status.

[0007] In accordance with yet another embodiment, a method for an operation of a modular structure for an entity is provided. The method includes receiving one or more parameters sensed via one or more sensors, wherein the one or more sensors are associated with one or more interchange facilitators of the modular structure, wherein the one or more interchange facilitators are operatively coupled to one or more parts of the entity. The method also includes comparing the one or more parameters received by the input module with a respective threshold value for generating a comparison result. Further, the method also includes determining a locking status of the one or more interchange facilitators based on the comparison result. Furthermore, the method also includes generating a control signal for controlling an operation of the entity based on the locking status.

[0008] To further clarify the advantages and features of the present disclosure, a more particular description of the disclosure will follow by reference to specific embodiments thereof, which are illustrated in the appended figures. It is to be appreciated that these figures depict only typical embodiments of the disclosure and are therefore not to be considered limiting in scope. The disclosure will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail with the appended figures. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The disclosure will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail with the accompanying figures in which:

[0009] FIG. 1 is a block diagram representation of a modular structure for an entity in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0010] FIG. 2 is a schematic representation of an embodiment of the modular structure of FIG. 1 having the entity as a vehicle system depicting a two-wheeled vehicle in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0011] FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a controlling computer or a controlling server in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; and

[0012] FIG. 4 is a flow chart representing steps involved in a method for an operation of a modular structure for an entity in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0013] Further, those skilled in the art will appreciate that elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and may not have necessarily been drawn to scale. Furthermore, in terms of the construction of the device, one or more components of the device may have been represented in the figures by conventional symbols, and the figures may show only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present disclosure so as not to obscure the figures with details that will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art having the benefit of the description herein.

DETAIFED DESCRIPTION

[0014] For the purpose of promoting an understanding of the principles of the disclosure, reference will now be made to the embodiment illustrated in the figures and specific language will be used to describe them. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the disclosure is thereby intended. Such alterations and further modifications in the illustrated system, and such further applications of the principles of the disclosure as would normally occur to those skilled in the art are to be construed as being within the scope of the present disclosure. [0015] The terms "comprises", "comprising", or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process or method that comprises a list of steps does not include only those steps but may include other steps not expressly listed or inherent to such a process or method. Similarly, one or more devices or sub- systems or elements or structures or components preceded by "comprises... a" does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other devices, sub-systems, elements, structures, components, additional devices, additional sub-systems, additional elements, additional structures or additional components. Appearances of the phrase "in an embodiment", "in another embodiment" and similar language throughout this specification may, but not necessarily do, all refer to the same embodiment.

[0016] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by those skilled in the art to which this disclosure belongs. The system, methods, and examples provided herein are only illustrative and not intended to be limiting.

[0017] In the following specification and the claims, reference will be made to a number of terms, which shall be defined to have the following meanings. The singular forms “a”, “an”, and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0018] Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a modular structure for an entity. As used herein, the term “modular structure” is defined as a structure of an apparatus that is built using one or more standard modules, wherein the corresponding one or more standards modules could be removed and replaced with another standard module to get a new design for the apparatus. In one embodiment, the entity may include a vehicle, furniture, appliances, utility products, and the like. The modular structure described hereafter in FIG. 1 is the modular structure for the entity.

[0019] FIG. 1 is a block diagram representation of a modular structure (10) for an entity (20) in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The modular structure (10) includes one or more interchange facilitators (30) operatively coupled to one or more parts (40) of the entity (20). As used herein, the term “interchange facilitator” is defined as an element or an assembly which when attached or coupled to a component, facilitates the corresponding component to be able to detach from another component or attach to another component easily without the usage of any tools. Further, in one embodiment, the one or more parts (40) may include cupboard parts, furniture parts, vehicle parts, utility product parts, or the like. In such embodiment, the cupboard parts may include door, handle, compartment bars, and the like. In such another embodiment, the furniture parts may include furniture legs, furniture hands, furniture base, and the like. In such another embodiment, the vehicle parts may include seat, handle, steering, tank, battery, footrest, fairing, mudguard, and the like.

[0020] The one or more interchange facilitators (30) are configured to be mechanically coupled with each other via at least one mechanical coupling mechanism. In one embodiment, the mechanical coupling of the one or more interchange facilitators (30) enables the mechanical coupling of the corresponding one or more parts (40) of the corresponding entity (20). Further, the one or more interchange facilitators (30) are configured to be locked using one or more electromagnetically actuated locking mechanisms upon the mechanical coupling of the one or more interchange facilitators (30). In one embodiment, the locking of the one or more interchange facilitators (30) enables the locking of the corresponding one or more parts (40) of the corresponding entity (20).

[0021] Further, in one exemplary embodiment, the one or more interchange facilitators (30) may include at least two assemblies. The at least two assemblies may include a first assembly (50) and a second assembly (60). Further, the first assembly (50) of the at least two assemblies is configured to be mechanically coupled and locked to the second assembly (60) of the at least two assemblies. Furthermore, in one embodiment, the first assembly (50) may be operatively coupled to a first part (70) of the one or more parts (40) of the entity (20) and the second assembly (60) may be operatively coupled to a second part (80) of the one or more parts (40) of the entity (20). Thus, the first part (70) may get mechanically coupled and locked to the second part (80) upon the mechanical coupling and locking of the first assembly (50) with the second assembly (60).

[0022] Moreover, in one embodiment, the at least one mechanical coupling mechanism may be defined as a mechanism in which the first assembly (50) attached to the first part (70) of the one or more parts (40) may be bought in physical contact with the second assembly (60) attached to the second part (80) of the one or more parts (40). Further, in an embodiment, upon mechanically coupling the first assembly (50) with the second assembly (60), the locking may have to be established to maintain the corresponding mechanical coupling intact and prevent detachment. Thus, the one or more electromagnetically actuated locking mechanism may be used to achieve the locking of the first assembly (50) with the second assembly (60).

[0023] As used herein, the term “electromagnetically actuated locking mechanism” is defined as a mechanism in which an electromagnet and an armature plate is used. Typically, the electromagnet portion is attached to a first part and the armature plate is attached to a second part and when the first part and the second part are bought closer the electromagnet is energized, a current passing through the electromagnet creates a magnetic flux that causes the armature plate to attract to the electromagnet, creating a locking action. In one embodiment, the one or more electromagnetically actuated locking mechanism may include usage of the one or more solenoid locks. As used herein, the term “solenoid lock” is defined as a latch for electrical locking and unlocking. Basically, based on receiving a positive pulse or a negative pulse of a voltage, a current, or power, the solenoid lock remains in the locking state or an unlocking state.

[0024] Subsequently, in one embodiment, the first part (70) of the one or more parts (40) which may be mechanically coupled and locked to the second part (80) of the one or more parts (40), may be detached. In such embodiment, a user using the entity (20) may be willing to replace the first part (70) of the one or more parts (40) with a third part of the one or more parts (40) of the corresponding entity (20). Thus, upon detaching the first part (70) from the second part (80), ensuring that the third part is attached to the second part (80) is also significant. Consider an example of the entity (20) being a bed in a house of the user. If at least one of one or more legs of the bed is removed in order to replace the same, then a new leg has to be attached back in place of the corresponding at least one of the one or more legs of the bed. Otherwise, if the new leg is not attached and if the user who has removed the corresponding leg is out of the house for a while for some reason, and another member in the house unknowingly sits on the same bed, might get hurt. Therefore, the modular structure (10) also includes a controlling unit (90) operatively coupled to the one or more interchange facilitators (30). The controlling unit (90) includes a processing subsystem (100) hosted on a server (110). In one embodiment, the server (110) may include a cloud server. In another embodiment, the server (110) may include a local server.

[0025] The processing subsystem (100) is configured to execute on a network (not shown in FIG. 1) to control bidirectional communications among a plurality of modules. In one embodiment, the network may include a wired network such as a local area network (LAN). In another embodiment, the network may include a wireless network such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Zigbee, near field communication (NFC), infra-red communication (RFID), or the like.

[0026] In addition, the processing subsystem (100) includes an input module (120) configured to receive one or more parameters sensed via one or more sensors (130). The one or more sensors (130) are associated with the corresponding one or more interchange facilitators (30). In one embodiment, the one or more sensors may include at least one of proximity sensors, pressure sensors, Infrared sensors, Optical sensors, Internet of Things based sensors, image sensors, camera, and the like. In one exemplary embodiment, the one or more parameters may include at least one of resistance value, current value, voltage value, temperature value, and the like.

[0027] The processing subsystem (100) also includes a controlling module (140) operatively coupled to the input module (120). The controlling module (140) is configured to compare the one or more parameters received by the input module (120) with a respective threshold value to generate a comparison result. The controlling module (140) is also configured to determine a locking status of the one or more interchange facilitators (30) based on the comparison result. Further, the controlling module (140) is also configured to generate a control signal to control an operation of the entity (20) based on the locking status.

[0028] For example, when the Infrared sensors are used and are associated with the first assembly (50). Suppose the first assembly (50) is operatively coupled to the first part (70) and the second assembly (60) is operatively coupled to the second part (80). So, Infrared signals emitted by an Infrared sensor may get reflected and detected, when the first part (70) is attached to the second part (80) via the first assembly (50) and the second assembly (60). In such a scenario, the voltage value and the resistance value may be the one or more parameters received by the input module (120). Also, when the voltage value and the resistance value are compared with the respective threshold value by the controlling module (140), the comparison result generated may be positive, thereby determining that the locking status is also positive which means that the first part (70) is attached to the second part (80). Therefore, the control signal generated may be sent to a controller of the entity (20), which is representative of the locking status being positive, thereby indicating the entity (20) to operate normally.

[0029] However, in absence of the second part (80), the Infrared sensor may fail to detect the Infrared signals emitted. In such a scenario, the voltage value or the resistance value may not match with the respective threshold value, thereby generating the comparison result being negative. Therefore, the locking status thus determined being negative which means that the first part (70) is not attached to the second part (80). Therefore, the control signal generated may be sent to the controller of the entity (20), which is representative of the looking status being negative, so that the operation of the entity (20) is stopped. In an example when the entity (20) is the bed, the operation of the bed may include letting the user or other member of the house to sit on the bed. However, when the absence of the at least one of the one or more legs of the bed is determined, then the control signal sent to the controller of the bed may include generating an alarm for the user or the other member of the house to not sit on the bed.

[0030] In one exemplary embodiment, the processing subsystem (100) may also include an alert generation module (as shown in FIG. 2) operatively coupled to the controlling module (140). The alert generation module may be configured to generate an alert for the user based on the locking status. The alert is representative of information for the user about the at least one of a current condition of the entity (20), the operation of the entity (20), the one or more parameters, the comparison result, the locking status, and the like. In one embodiment, the alert may be generated in one or more forms such as, but not limited to, a text message, an E-mail, a pop-up notification, an alarm, or the like. In one embodiment, the alert may be sent to a user device of the user. In one embodiment, the user device may include a mobile phone, a tablet, a laptop, or the like. [0031] FIG. 2 is a schematic representation of an embodiment of the modular structure (10) of FIG. 1 having a vehicle system (160) as the entity (20) depicting a two-wheeled vehicle in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure. The vehicle system (160) includes a plurality of parts of a vehicle (170). In one embodiment, the vehicle (170) may include the two-wheeled vehicle, a three- wheeled vehicle, a four- wheeled vehicle, and the like. In one exemplary embodiment, the vehicle (170) may include an engine-based vehicle, an electric vehicle, or the like. In one embodiment, the plurality of parts of the vehicle (170) may include a chassis (180) configured to provide a pre-defined structure to the vehicle (170). In one exemplary embodiment, the plurality of parts may also include an engine (190) operatively coupled to the chassis (180), wherein the engine (190) may be configured to power the vehicle (170) to enable movement of the vehicle (170). In another exemplary embodiment, the plurality of parts may also include an electric motor operatively coupled to the chassis (180), wherein the electric motor may be configured to power the vehicle (170) to enable the movement of the vehicle (170).

[0032] Further, in an embodiment, the plurality of parts of the vehicle (170) may also include a seat, a storage tank, a Handlebar, headlights, a battery, footrests, a fuel tank, a fairing, a mudguard, and the like. The vehicle system (160) also includes the one or more interchange facilitators (30) operatively coupled to the plurality of parts of the vehicle (170). The one or more interchange facilitators (30) are configured to be mechanically coupled with each other via at least one mechanical coupling mechanism. The one or more interchange facilitators (30) are configured to be locked using one or more electromagnetically actuated locking mechanisms upon the mechanical coupling of the one or more interchange facilitators (30). In one embodiment, the mechanical coupling and locking of the one or more interchange facilitators (30) may enable the mechanical coupling and locking of the plurality of parts of the vehicle (170).

[0033] Further, in one exemplary embodiment, the one or more interchange facilitators (30) may include at least two assemblies. The at least two assemblies may include a first assembly and a second assembly. Further, the first assembly of the at least two assemblies is configured to be mechanically coupled and locked to the second assembly of the at least two assemblies. [0034] Furthermore, in one embodiment, the first assembly may be operatively coupled to one or more first parts of the plurality of parts of the vehicle (170) and the second assembly may be operatively coupled to one or more second parts of the plurality of parts of the entity (20). Thus, the one or more first parts may get mechanically coupled and locked to the one or more second parts upon the mechanical coupling and locking of the respective first assembly with the respective second assembly.

[0035] For example, suppose the one or more first parts may include one or more handlebars (200), one or more fuel tanks (210), one or more footrests (220), one or more batteries (230), one or more seats (240), one or more headlights (250), and the like. Suppose the one or more second parts may include the chassis (180), the engine (190), and the like. Now, in such a scenario, the respective first assembly attached to the one or more first parts may be the same. In such another scenario, the respective first assembly attached to the one or more first parts may be different, thus, the respective first assembly may include a handlebar assembly (260), a fuel tank assembly (270), a footrest assembly (280), a battery assembly (290), a seat assembly (300), a headlight assembly (310), and the like.

[0036] Similarly, in one scenario, the respective second assembly attached to the one or more second parts may be the same. In another scenario, the respective second assembly attached to the one or more second parts may be different, thus, the respective second assembly may include a chassis assembly (320), an engine assembly (330), and the like. In one embodiment, the one or more electromagnetically actuated locking mechanism may include usage of the one or more solenoid locks.

[0037] Further, in an embodiment, when at least one of the plurality of parts of the vehicle (170) is removed, then a new part may have to be attached to at the same place, otherwise, the user might get hurt or the user might be breaking one or more driving rules. In a non-limiting example, suppose the user has removed the one or more headlights (250) with an intention of replacing them with a new headlight. But suppose the user forgets to replace, then there is the possibility of getting caught by authorities for missing headlights. Thus, the vehicle system (160) also includes the controlling unit (90) operatively coupled to the one or more interchange facilitators (30). The controlling unit (90) includes the processing subsystem (100) hosted on the server (110). The processing subsystem (100) is configured to execute on the network (not shown in FIG. 2) to control bidirectional communications among the plurality of modules. The processing subsystem (100) includes the input module (120) configured to receive the one or more parameters sensed via the one or more sensors (130). The one or more sensors (130) are associated with the corresponding one or more interchange facilitators (30).

[0038] The processing subsystem (100) also includes the controlling module (140) operatively coupled to the input module (120). The controlling module (140) is configured to compare the one or more parameters received by the input module (120) with the respective threshold value to generate the comparison result. The controlling module (140) is also configured to determine the locking status of the one or more interchange facilitators (30) based on the comparison result. Further, the controlling module (140) is also configured to generate the control signal to control an operation of the vehicle (170) based on the locking status.

[0039] Thus, in the example of the absence of the one or more headlights (250), and suppose that the Infrared sensors are used, then the voltage value or the resistance value may not match with the respective threshold value, thereby generating the comparison result being negative. Therefore, the locking status thus determined to be negative which means that the headlight is absent. Therefore, the control signal generated may be sent to the controller of the vehicle (170), which is representative of the looking status being negative so that the operation of the vehicle (170) is stopped. Here, the controller may be the engine (190) of the vehicle (170). Further, the operation of the vehicle (170) may include starting the engine (190) of the vehicle (170) for the vehicle (170) to start moving. However, when the absence of the headlight of the vehicle (170) is determined, then the control signal sent to the engine (190) may stop the engine (190) from starting, thereby preventing the movement of the vehicle (170) without the headlight. However, when the headlight is present, the control signal generated may enable the user to ignite the engine (190), thereby starting the engine (190) to initiate the movement of the vehicle (170) for the user to use.

[0040] In one exemplary embodiment, the processing subsystem (100) may also include the alert generation module (335) operatively coupled to the controlling module (140). The alert generation module (335) is configured to generate the alert for the user based on the locking status. The alert is representative of the information for the user about the at least one of a current condition of the vehicle (170), the operation of the vehicle (170), the one or more parameters, the comparison result, the locking status, and the like. In one embodiment, the alert may be sent to the user device of the user.

[0041] FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a controlling computer or a controlling server (340) in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The controlling server (340) includes processor(s) (350), and a memory (360) operatively coupled to a bus (370). The processor(s) (350), as used herein, means any type of computational circuit, such as, but not limited to, a microprocessor, a microcontroller, a complex instruction set computing microprocessor, a reduced instruction set computing microprocessor, a very long instruction word microprocessor, an explicitly parallel instruction computing microprocessor, a digital signal processor, or any other type of processing circuit, or a combination thereof.

[0042] Computer memory elements may include any suitable memory device(s) for storing data and executable program, such as read only memory, random access memory, erasable programmable read only memory, electrically erasable programmable read only memory, hard drive, removable media drive for handling memory cards and the like. Embodiments of the present subject matter may be implemented in conjunction with program modules, including functions, procedures, data structures, and application programs, for performing tasks, or defining abstract data types or low-level hardware contexts. Executable program stored on any of the above-mentioned storage media may be executable by the processor(s) (350).

[0043] The memory (360) includes a plurality of subsystems stored in the form of executable program which instructs the processor(s) (350) to perform method steps illustrated in FIG. 4. The memory (360) includes a processing subsystem (100) of FIG 1. The processing subsystem (100) further has following modules: an input module (120) and a controlling module (140).

[0044] The input module (120) is configured to receive one or more parameters sensed via one or more sensors (130), wherein the one or more sensors (130) are associated with the corresponding one or more interchange facilitators (30). [0045] The controlling module (140) is configured to compare the one or more parameters received by the input module (120) with a respective threshold value to generate a comparison result. The controlling module (140) is also configured to determine a locking status of the one or more interchange facilitators (30) based on the comparison result. The controlling module (140) is also configured to generate a control signal to control an operation of the entity (20) based on the locking status.

[0046] The bus (370) as used herein refers to be internal memory channels or computer network that is used to connect computer components and transfer data between them. The bus (370) includes a serial bus or a parallel bus, wherein the serial bus transmits data in bit-serial format and the parallel bus transmits data across multiple wires. The bus (370) as used herein, may include but not limited to, a system bus, an internal bus, an external bus, an expansion bus, a frontside bus, a backside bus and the like.

[0047] FIG. 4 is a flow chart representing steps involved in a method (380) for an operation of a modular structure for an entity in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The method (380) includes receiving one or more parameters sensed via one or more sensors, wherein the one or more sensors are associated with one or more interchange facilitators of the modular structure, wherein the one or more interchange facilitators are operatively coupled to one or more parts of the entity in step 390. In one embodiment, receiving the one or more parameters may include receiving the one or more parameters by an input module (120).

[0048] The method (380) also includes comparing the one or more parameters received by the input module with a respective threshold value for generating a comparison result in step 400. In one embodiment, comparing the one or more parameters with the respective threshold value may include comparing the one or more parameters with the respective threshold value by a controlling module (140).

[0049] Furthermore, the method (380) includes determining a locking status of the one or more interchange facilitators based on the comparison result in step 410. In one embodiment, determining the locking status may include determining the locking status by the controlling module (140). [0050] Furthermore, the method (380) also includes generating a control signal for controlling an operation of the entity based on the locking status in step 420. In one embodiment, generating the control signal may include generating the control signal by the controlling module (140).

[0051] In one exemplary embodiment, the method (380) may also include generating an alert for a user based on the locking status, wherein the alert is representative of information for the user about the at least one of a current condition of the entity, the operation of the entity, the one or more parameters, the comparison result, and the locking status. In such embodiment, generating the alert may include generating the alert by an alert generation module (335).

[0052] Various embodiments of the present disclosure enable the entity to have the modular structure such that, the one or more parts of the entity can be easily and quickly replaced without the requirement of additional tools. Also, the modular structure enables ensuring that the corresponding one or more parts which are removed are replaced with a respective new part or ensuring that the one or more parts are in place and properly attached, because of the presence of the controlling unit associated with the entity, thereby making the modular structure more reliable, more efficient, and more secure. Also, the modular structure is easy to install and to interchange the one or more parts of the entity, thereby making the modular structure cost-effective, time-saving, and convenient to use.

[0053] While specific language has been used to describe the disclosure, any limitations arising on account of the same are not intended. As would be apparent to a person skilled in the art, various working modifications may be made to the method in order to implement the inventive concept as taught herein.

[0054] The figures and the foregoing description give examples of embodiments. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that one or more of the described elements may well be combined into a single functional element. Alternatively, certain elements may be split into multiple functional elements. Elements from one embodiment may be added to another embodiment. For example, order of processes described herein may be changed and are not limited to the manner described herein. Moreover, the actions of any flow diagram need not be implemented in the order shown; nor do all of the acts need to be necessarily performed. Also, those acts that are not dependent on other acts may be performed in parallel with the other acts. The scope of embodiments is by no means limited by these specific examples.

Claims

I/WE CLAIM:

1. A modular structure (10) for an entity (20), wherein the modular structure (10) comprises: one or more interchange facilitators (30) operatively coupled to one or more parts (40) of the entity (20), wherein the one or more interchange facilitators (30) are configured to be mechanically coupled with each other via at least one mechanical coupling mechanism, wherein the one or more interchange facilitators (30) are configured to be locked using one or more electromagnetically actuated locking mechanism upon the mechanical coupling of the one or more interchange facilitators (30); and a controlling unit (90) operatively coupled to the one or more interchange facilitators (30), wherein the controlling unit (90) comprises: a processing subsystem (100) hosted on a server (110), and configured to execute on a network to control bidirectional communications among a plurality of modules comprising: an input module (120) configured to receive one or more parameters sensed via one or more sensors (130), wherein the one or more sensors (130) are associated with the corresponding one or more interchange facilitators (30); and a controlling module (140) operatively coupled to the input module (120), wherein the controlling module (140) is configured to: compare the one or more parameters received by the input module (120) with a respective threshold value to generate a comparison result; determine a locking status of the one or more interchange facilitators (30) based on the comparison result; and generate a control signal to control an operation of the entity (20) based on the locking status.

2. The modular structure (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the one or more interchange facilitators (30) comprises at least two assemblies, wherein a first assembly (50) of the at least two assemblies is configured to be mechanically coupled and locked to a second assembly (60) of the at least two assemblies.

3. The modular structure (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the one or more electromagnetically actuated locking mechanism comprises usage of one or more solenoid locks.

4. The modular structure (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the one or more sensors (130) comprises at least one of proximity sensors, pressure sensors, Infrared sensors, Optical sensors, Internet of Things based sensors, image sensors, and camera.

5. The modular structure (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the processing subsystem (100) comprises an alert generation module (335) operatively coupled to the controlling module (140), wherein the alert generation module (335) is configured to generate an alert for a user based on the locking status, wherein the alert is representative of information for the user about the at least one of a current condition of the entity (20), the operation of the entity (20), the one or more parameters, the comparison result, and the locking status.

6. A vehicle system (160) comprising: a plurality of parts of a vehicle (170); one or more interchange facilitators (30) operatively coupled to the plurality of parts of the vehicle (170), wherein the one or more interchange facilitators (30) are configured to be mechanically coupled with each other via at least one mechanical coupling mechanism, wherein the one or more interchange facilitators (30) are configured to be locked using one or more electromagnetically actuated locking mechanism upon the mechanical coupling of the one or more interchange facilitators (30); and a controlling unit (90) operatively coupled to the one or more interchange facilitators (30), wherein the controlling unit (90) comprises: a processing subsystem (100) hosted on a server (110), and configured to execute on a network to control bidirectional communications among a plurality of modules comprising: an input module (120) configured to receive one or more parameters sensed via one or more sensors (130), wherein the one or more sensors (130) are associated with the corresponding one or more interchange facilitators (30); and a controlling module (140) operatively coupled to the input module (120), wherein the controlling module (140) is configured to: compare the one or more parameters received by the input module (120) with a respective threshold value to generate a comparison result; determine a locking status of the one or more interchange facilitators (30) based on the comparison result; and generate a control signal to control an operation of the vehicle (170) based on the locking status.

7. The vehicle system (160) as claimed in claim 6, wherein the one or more electromagnetically actuated locking mechanism comprises usage of one or more solenoid locks.

8. The vehicle system (160) as claimed in claim 6, wherein the processing subsystem (100) comprises an alert generation module (335) operatively coupled to the controlling module (140), wherein the alert generation module (335) is configured to generate an alert for a user based on the locking status, wherein the alert is representative of information for the user about the at least one of a current condition of the vehicle (170), the operation of the vehicle (170), the one or more parameters, the comparison result, and the locking status.

9. A method (380) for an operation of a modular structure for an entity, wherein the method (380) comprises: receiving, by an input module (120), one or more parameters sensed via one or more sensors, wherein the one or more sensors are associated with one or more interchange facilitators of the modular structure, wherein the one or more interchange facilitators are operatively coupled to one or more parts of the entity; (390) comparing, by a controlling module (140), the one or more parameters received by the input module with a respective threshold value for generating a comparison result; (400) determining, by the controlling module (140), a locking status of the one or more interchange facilitators based on the comparison result; and (410) generating, by the controlling module (140), a control signal for controlling an operation of the entity based on the locking status (420).

10. The method (380) as claimed in claim 9, comprises generating, by an alert generation module (335), an alert for a user based on the locking status, wherein the alert is representative of information for the user about the at least one of a current condition of the entity, the operation of the entity, the one or more parameters, the comparison result, and the locking status.