AU2021100691A4

AU2021100691A4 - Smart shoes for the cyclist

Info

Publication number: AU2021100691A4
Application number: AU2021100691A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Vinod Bhalla; Parag Nijhawan; Parminder Singh
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2021-02-04
Filing date: 2021-02-04
Publication date: 2021-04-22
Anticipated expiration: 2029-02-04

Abstract

The present invention discloses smart shoes (101) that continuously monitors the functional threshold power (FTP) of a cyclist while the cyclist is wearing the smart shoes (101). The FTP is the maximum power that the cyclist able to sustain for sixty minutes. The smart shoes (101) comprise of a power meter (105) in the sole (103) of the smart shoes (101). The power meter (105) used in the smart shoes (101) comprises of a strain gauge. The measurement of the FTP gives a way to directly measure the cyclist's fitness level. This offers better flexibility to the cyclist to work out on different machines as the smart shoes (101) of the cyclist are performing the function of FTP measurement rather than the training cycle. The smart shoes (101) are also equipped with Bluetooth technology and ANT+, for the effective transmission of the FTP results of the smart shoes (101) to any mobile device, for monitoring or processing. 1/2 100 101 105 103 Fig. 1

Description

1/2

100

101

105 103

Fig. 1

TITLE: SMART SHOES FOR THE CYCLIST FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is related to smart shoes (101) for aiding a person involved in athletics, more specifically related to making the life of a cyclist simpler.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Cycling, which is also called bicycling or biking is the use of bicycles for transport, recreation, exercise or sport. People engaged in cycling are referred to as cyclists, bicyclists, or bikers. Apart from two-wheeled .0 bicycles, "cycling" also includes the riding of unicycles, tricycles, quadricycles, recumbent and similar human-powered vehicles (HPVs).

Athletics is a group of sporting events that involves competitive running, jumping, throwing, and walking. The most common types of athletics competitions are track and field, road running, cross country running, .s and race walking. The sport specific training is the key to achieving the greatest performance gains, but there are a plenty of evidence that cycling training can benefit not just runners who wish to cross-train a little, but also speed and power athletes whose sport-specific movement patterns and skills are far removed from pedal pushing. There are training zones in which a cyclist or an athlete practice. Training zones are used to give an athlete a set intensity at which they should be working during an activity. Training zones are important because it means that riders can be sure they are pushing hard enough during intervals, that they are racing at a sustainable output for the duration required, and that they are pedaling gently enough on recovery and endurance rides.

The effective training of the professional cyclist is monitored and executed either through measurement of heart rate or functional threshold power. In heart rate monitoring, there are five operating zones:- 1. Recovery (Intensity of 50 to 60 % of your maximum heart rate), 2. Endurance training (Intensity of 60 to 70% of your maximum .o heart rate), 3. Aerobic capacity (Tempo) (Intensity of 70 to 80% of your maximum heart rate), 4. Lactate threshold (Intensity of 80 to 90% of your maximum heart rate), 5. V02 (Intensity of 90 to 100% of your maximum heart rate). The maximum heart rate of the cyclist is calculated by subtracting the age of the user from 220. The functional .s threshold power monitoring, there are seven operating power zones. The power zones are calculated based on the functional threshold power (FTP). The FTP is the maximum power a user can sustain for sixty minutes. The power zones are defined as a percentage of your FTP, and are unique to every user, based on their functional threshold power, while also allowing for easy comparison with others. The seven operating power zones of the functional threshold power monitoring are: - 1. Active recovery (<55% of FTP), 2. Endurance (56 to 75% of FTP), 3. Tempo (76 to 90% of FTP), 4. Lactate threshold (91 to 105% of FTP),

5. Vo2 Max (106 to 120% of FTP), 6. Anaerobic capacity (121 to 150% of FTP), 7. Neuromuscular power (>150% of FTP). The heart rate monitoring method for the effective training of the professional cyclist is an old approach. The power meters (105) have become popular later on, because the heart rate can be affected by more than just how hard you are working, and the objective of training is not just to develop your heart. The objective of the training is to go faster and that means, to generate more power. It is therefore more efficient to measure power. The power meters (105) for measuring functional threshold power are .0 generally installed on any of the crank, pedal, rear hub or chainring spider of the cycle. The training cycles are having these power meters (105) installed. When the user is working out on a single cycle then the power meter (105) sets itself according to the user. But the power meter (105) is not personal to the cyclist as anyone can use the cycle and have .s the readings of the meter unique for them all over again. There is a need for a device which can be personal to the cyclist for the independent analysis of their performance, for comparison with other cyclists, also for the storage of the performance result.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention discloses smart shoes (101) that continuously monitors the Functional Threshold Power (FTP) of the cyclist while the cyclist is wearing the smart shoes (101). When the cyclist is riding a bike, the cyclist works to overcome the forces of air resistance, gravity and tyre-rolling resistance. Power is the rate at which the cyclist works. The amount of power employed by the cyclist, lets the cycle move faster. The effective training of the professional cyclist is monitored and executed through the FTP. The FTP is the maximum power the cyclist can sustain for sixty minutes. The FTP has seven operating power zones. These seven power zones are defined based on the percentage of the FTP of the cyclist. These power zones are unique to the cyclist based on the percentage of the cyclist's FTP, also, allows for easy comparison with others. The smart shoes (101) comprise of a power meter (105) in .o the foot sole (103) of the smart shoe (101) for the FTP measurement of the cyclist. The power meter (105) which is used in the smart shoes (101) comprises of a strain gauge. The strain gauge is a sensor whose resistance varies with applied force. The strain gauge converts force, pressure, tension, weight, etc., into a change in electrical resistance .s which is then measured. Stress is defined as the object's internal resisting forces and strain is defined as the displacement and deformation that occur. The strain gauge is one of the most important sensor of electrical measurement technique applied to the measurement of mechanical quantities. The strain consists of tensile and compressive strain, distinguished by a positive or negative sign. Thus, strain gauges can be used to pick up expansion as well as contraction. The power meter (105) uses strain gauge for the FTP measurement of the cyclist. The measurement of the FTP by the strain gauge, gives a way to directly measure the cyclist's fitness level. This offers better flexibility to the cyclist to work out on different machines as the smart shoes (101) of the cyclist are performing the function of FTP measurement rather than the training cycle. The smart shoes (101) are also equipped with a wireless communication module. The wireless communication module is having the Bluetooth technology and ANT+, for the effective transmission of the FTP results of the smart shoes (101) to a mobile device like android or iOS or bike computer platforms, for monitoring or processing. Further, the cyclist and/or trainer is/are enabled to take a decision based .0 on the received FTP on the mobile device. Also, the mobile device receiving the FTP results uses ANT+ to talk to other mobile devices for comparison of the FTPs of the cyclists. The ANT+ also allows the interoperability which means that ANT+ products from multiple brands work together, hence, allows for more flexibility.

.s The smart shoes (101) of the present invention provide a more flexible environment for the cyclist to systematically exercise on the different machines as, now the smart shoes (101) are performing the function of the FTP measurement of the cyclist rather that the training cycle. The proposed smart shoes (101) of the present invention provide a cost effective way of cycling and makes the life of the cyclist simpler. The smart shoes (101) ensure proper and effective training of the cyclist, both, in indoor and outdoor environments.

The main advantage of the smart shoes (101) is that it provides a platform for the cyclist to continuously monitor the FTP. The cyclist self-monitors his FTP conditions on the mobile device and further transmits the results of the FTP to the other devices that are coupled to the smart shoes (101) using ANT+, if needed. The FTP results can also be saved in other devices for later assessment.

The market potential for this device is very high, and this type of device is useful for people involved in adventure tours, cycling, athletics, etc. the original worth of smart shoes (101) is in improving the performance .0 of the cyclist by continuous self-monitoring and post analysis.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the present invention described herein are

exemplary, and not restrictive. Embodiments will now be described, by

way of examples, with reference to the accompanying drawings. In these

.s drawings, each identical or nearly identical component that is illustrated

in various figures is represented by a like reference character. For

purposes of clarity, not every component is labeled in every drawing. The

drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale, with emphasis instead being

placed on illustrating various aspects of the techniques and devices

described herein.

The foregoing and other objects, aspects and advantages are better understood from the following detailed description of a preferred embodiment of the invention with reference to the drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 shows the diagram 100 of a smart shoe (101) with a power meter (105) coupled to the inner side of the sole (103) of the smart shoe (101) of the present invention.

FIG. 2 shows the schematic diagram 200 of a strain gauge coupled to the smart shoe (101).

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

.0 Reference will now be made in detail to the preferred embodiment(s) of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Whenever possible, the same reference numerals will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts.

.s With reference to Fig. 1, the smart shoe (101) with the sole (103) separated with the smart shoe (101) to have an inside view is shown. The power meter (105) is coupled to the sole (103) of the smart shoe (101). The power meter (105) is coupled to the inner side of the sole (103) of the smart shoe (101).

With reference to Fig. 2, the schematic diagram of the strain gauge is shown. The strain gauge is coupled to the inner side of the sole (103) of the smart shoe (101). The diagram shows arrows in the outward direction of the strain gauge to indicate strain applied to the physical structure of the strain gauge causing expansion. A pair of connecting wires (201) are used to connect strain gauge with the system circuitry. The connecting wires (201) are soldered with the strain gauge using solder terminals (203). The resistance of the strain gauge is formed using an etched metal foil (205). The etched metal foil (205) of the strain gauge is supported by an insulating flexible backing (207).

In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the effective training of the professional cyclist is monitored and executed through the .o FTP, which is calculated using the functional threshold power monitoring. The smart shoes (101) with power meter (105) coupled to the sole (103) of the smart shoes (101). The power meter (105) comprises of the strain gauge for measuring the Functional Threshold Power (FTP) of the cyclist when the cyclist is wearing the smart shoes (101). The strain gauge is used .s to measures strain on the shoe. The strain gauge coupled to the shoe is deformed as the shoe is pressed or released by the cyclist wearing the shoe. Hence the electrical resistance of the strain gauge changes. The FTP is the maximum amount of power the cyclist can sustain for sixty minutes. The FTP measurement has seven operating power zones. These power zones are unique to the cyclist based on the percentage of the cyclist's FTP. Hence, also allows for easy comparison with others. The seven power zones are :- 1. Active Recovery: When the cyclist is riding below the 55% of the FTP, this encourages recovery without placing additional stress on the body of the cyclist. Riding in this power zone is easy and can be sustained indefinitely. Using the power meter (105), the cyclist ensures that the recovery ride remains a recovery ride. 2. Endurance: This power zone is having an FTP range of 56 to 75%. The cyclist is able to ride here for 3 to 8 hours with proper re-fueling. Those cyclists who are putting in big miles during winter base training will invariably spend a lot of their time in this power zone. 3. Tempo: This power zone is having an FTP of 76 to 90%. This power zone is commonly seen as a "dead zone" by many. Those cyclists who are competing in long-course triathlons and half .o ironman events will target this power zone. 4. Lactate threshold: This power zone is having an FTP of 91 to 105%. This is a tough place to hang out, and by the definition, you should only be able to maintain your threshold power for sixty minutes. The threshold of the cyclist defines the remining power zones, so it's important to monitor your threshold as it .s increases with training. 5. Vo2 max: The amount of time a rider can spend in the Vo2 max zone varies between 3 to 8 minutes. Those cyclists who are competing in road races should target this power zone in their training. This power zone interval should only be attempted when a rider is feeling fresh. 6. Anaerobic capacity: Targeting this power zone in training involves short but intense efforts of between 30 seconds and 2 minutes. An ample recovery of 5 to 6 minutes should be allowed for between efforts. 7. Neuromuscular power: This is the shortest, but most painful interval. The cyclist lies in this red zone when the FTP is greater than 150

%. This power zone refers to simply pushing as hard as you can for between 5 and 30 seconds. The measurement of the FTP of the cyclist gives a way to directly measure the cyclist's fitness level. This offers better flexibility to the cyclist to work out on different machines as the smart shoes (101) of the cyclist are performing the function of FTP measurement rather than the training cycle. The smart shoes (101) are also equipped with a wireless communication module. The wireless communication module is equipped with the Bluetooth technology and/or ANT+. The FTP of the power meter (105) is further transmitted, using the .o Bluetooth technology, to an application software of a mobile device which is located at a remote location. The application software in the mobile device further, processes the FTP received from the power meter (105) of the smart shoe (101). The processed FTP is then displayed on the display screen of the mobile device. The ANT+ is a wireless technology that .s allows the mobile devices to talk to each other. Hence, the FTPs of different cyclists from the different mobile devices can be exchanged using the ANT+ technology. The ANT+ technology allows the interoperability which means that ANT+ products from multiple brands work together, hence allows for more flexibility. The FTPs are transmitted to the remotely located mobile device for processing, displaying and storing the values of the measurements for further evaluation or for transmitting the value to a remote location for monitoring purposes.

Further, the cyclist and/or the trainer is/are enabled to take a decision based on the received FTP on the mobile device.

In yet another embodiment, the strain gauge is deformed when the cyclist is wearing the smart shoe (101). The deformation of the strain gauge occurs either in terms of expansion or contraction.

Although embodiments have been described with reference to specific example embodiments, it will be evident that various modifications and changes may be made to these embodiments without departing from the broader spirit and scope of the system and method .o described herein. Accordingly, the specification is to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense.

Many alterations and modifications of the present invention will no doubt become apparent to a person of ordinary skill in the art after having read the foregoing description. It is to be understood that the phraseology .s or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. It is to be understood that the description above includes many specifications; these should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention but as merely providing illustrations of some of the personally preferred embodiments of this invention.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A smart shoe (101), enabled to determine functional threshold power of the cyclist, the smart shoe (101) comprising:

a power meter (105), wherein a first surface of the power meter (105) is coupled with the smart shoe (101), enabled to measure the functional threshold power from the shoe of the user, further comprises;

a strain gauge, wherein, the at least one strain gauge is coupled with the power meter (105) of the smart shoe (101) of the user;

a wireless communication module, wherein, the at least one wireless communication module is coupled to the smart shoe (101), enabled to transmit the output of the strain gauge to an application software of a mobile device located at a remote location, for further processing and display of the measurement readings.

2. The smart shoe (101) of claim 1, wherein the application software in the mobile device is enabled to receive and process the FTP of the cyclist wearing the smart shoe (101).

3. The smart shoe (101) of claim 1, further comprises ANT+ wireless technology module, wherein the ANT+ technology allows the mobile devices to talk to each other.

4. The smart shoe (101) of claim 1, wherein the deformation of the strain gauge occurs in terms of expansion or contraction.