CA2665768A1 - Adaptable spring device for walking and running - Google Patents
Adaptable spring device for walking and running Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA2665768A1 CA2665768A1 CA 2665768 CA2665768A CA2665768A1 CA 2665768 A1 CA2665768 A1 CA 2665768A1 CA 2665768 CA2665768 CA 2665768 CA 2665768 A CA2665768 A CA 2665768A CA 2665768 A1 CA2665768 A1 CA 2665768A1
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- laminate
- springs
- cam
- bearing
- person
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A43—FOOTWEAR
- A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
- A43B5/00—Footwear for sporting purposes
- A43B5/06—Running shoes; Track shoes
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A43—FOOTWEAR
- A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
- A43B13/00—Soles; Sole-and-heel integral units
- A43B13/14—Soles; Sole-and-heel integral units characterised by the constructive form
- A43B13/18—Resilient soles
- A43B13/181—Resiliency achieved by the structure of the sole
- A43B13/183—Leaf springs
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B25/00—Stilts or the like
- A63B25/10—Elastic bouncing shoes fastened to the foot
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16F—SPRINGS; SHOCK-ABSORBERS; MEANS FOR DAMPING VIBRATION
- F16F1/00—Springs
- F16F1/02—Springs made of steel or other material having low internal friction; Wound, torsion, leaf, cup, ring or the like springs, the material of the spring not being relevant
- F16F1/18—Leaf springs
- F16F1/22—Leaf springs with means for modifying the spring characteristic
Landscapes
- Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Physical Education & Sports Medicine (AREA)
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Rehabilitation Tools (AREA)
Abstract
The invention is an adaptable spring device for walking and running. The device is put on user's feet to create comfortable conditions during the locomotion.
It consists of at least one upper and one lower laminate springs of carbon fiber or another spring material, and a cam-bearing, which clamped between upper and lower laminate springs, with a special profile. The cam-bearing has a joint that allows the said laminate springs to be pivoting. The ends of the upper and lower laminate springs have the adjustable flexible constraints. In order to create the optimal conditions for exchange of energy between the device and the user, and to reduce the shock loads on the joints of legs and a spine during locomotion of a particular person, the device is adapting by shifting of the cam-bearing between the laminate springs and by adjusting the flexible constraints between the ends of the laminate springs.
It consists of at least one upper and one lower laminate springs of carbon fiber or another spring material, and a cam-bearing, which clamped between upper and lower laminate springs, with a special profile. The cam-bearing has a joint that allows the said laminate springs to be pivoting. The ends of the upper and lower laminate springs have the adjustable flexible constraints. In order to create the optimal conditions for exchange of energy between the device and the user, and to reduce the shock loads on the joints of legs and a spine during locomotion of a particular person, the device is adapting by shifting of the cam-bearing between the laminate springs and by adjusting the flexible constraints between the ends of the laminate springs.
Description
Adaptable Spring Device For Walking And Running This invention relates to a spring device for walking and running, which is put on feet by providing the user a spring action in movement on the ground. Those types of the devices have the elastic system that absorbs, stores and returns the kinetic energy to the user of the device during the gait cycle.
Background Of The Invention It is well known that the center of mass commits vertical motions with each step when person runs or walks. And with each step a person throws up himself for a few centimeters by spending the energy and loses the most portion of that energy irrevocably.
The main purpose of the device, which has an elastic system, is the conservation and returning the energy to a user and the reduction of shock loads on the joints of legs and spine rights.
The effectiveness of such devices depends on the optimal condition of the energy exchange between a device and a person in locomotion. This optimal condition exists when the inert forces are balanced the elastic forces then exchange of energy is maximally free between a person and a device. This is known as a resonance. However, the condition of resonance depends on individual characteristics of each person. And if the device works best for one user it will be not work well for other. This is a serious disadvantage of such devices. Thus, the individual setting is necessary to each user, since the elastic system is the device plus the unique person with his characteristics.
The existing inventions do not take into account the condition of resonance.
Typical devices of this kind are shown, for example, in the following United States of America patents:
75,900 Hale and Hubbell 871,864 Feazell and Thompson 1,587,749 Bierly 4,360,978 Simpkins However 4,534,124 Schnell 5,343,636 Sabol.
But these devices are not adaptable for variety of users with different weight and manner of motion.
6,436,012 Naville.
In the device mentioned above the intermediate section comprises of separate parts in order to adjust the resistance of that intermediate section according to the weight of a user.
But it is requires the availability of a few of parts for central section that increases the cost of the device. Besides, if these parts are metal springs, it increases the weight of the device. Moreover, the device is not adapted to a manner of locomotion of a user. As a result, the user must be adjusted to the device, but it should be conversely, the device must be adapted to the user.
Summary Of The Invention To create comfortable resonant conditions for running or walking the device must be adapted to a specific user.
An object of present invention is the device that is adapted to variety of users according to its mass and to its unique manner of locomotion. This creates favorable conditions for energy exchange between the device and the individual to move with greater ease and comfort.
Background Of The Invention It is well known that the center of mass commits vertical motions with each step when person runs or walks. And with each step a person throws up himself for a few centimeters by spending the energy and loses the most portion of that energy irrevocably.
The main purpose of the device, which has an elastic system, is the conservation and returning the energy to a user and the reduction of shock loads on the joints of legs and spine rights.
The effectiveness of such devices depends on the optimal condition of the energy exchange between a device and a person in locomotion. This optimal condition exists when the inert forces are balanced the elastic forces then exchange of energy is maximally free between a person and a device. This is known as a resonance. However, the condition of resonance depends on individual characteristics of each person. And if the device works best for one user it will be not work well for other. This is a serious disadvantage of such devices. Thus, the individual setting is necessary to each user, since the elastic system is the device plus the unique person with his characteristics.
The existing inventions do not take into account the condition of resonance.
Typical devices of this kind are shown, for example, in the following United States of America patents:
75,900 Hale and Hubbell 871,864 Feazell and Thompson 1,587,749 Bierly 4,360,978 Simpkins However 4,534,124 Schnell 5,343,636 Sabol.
But these devices are not adaptable for variety of users with different weight and manner of motion.
6,436,012 Naville.
In the device mentioned above the intermediate section comprises of separate parts in order to adjust the resistance of that intermediate section according to the weight of a user.
But it is requires the availability of a few of parts for central section that increases the cost of the device. Besides, if these parts are metal springs, it increases the weight of the device. Moreover, the device is not adapted to a manner of locomotion of a user. As a result, the user must be adjusted to the device, but it should be conversely, the device must be adapted to the user.
Summary Of The Invention To create comfortable resonant conditions for running or walking the device must be adapted to a specific user.
An object of present invention is the device that is adapted to variety of users according to its mass and to its unique manner of locomotion. This creates favorable conditions for energy exchange between the device and the individual to move with greater ease and comfort.
Another object of this invention is to provide a method of adjustment of the device.
Characteristics of a person that are taken into account are the mass of a person (weight), his style of movement and his pattern of locomotion. There are three style of movement, respectively, when a person put down his foot on a ground with rearfoot, midfoot or forefoot strike. In general, for walking a person uses the rearfoot style.
We know that running consists of two phases, namely, the phase of the support and the transport. When person is walking the transport phase disappears and we have only phase of support. The duration of the phase of support is very important because it defines condition of interaction of the device and a person.
The condition of resonance is performed when the time of the response of elastic system (device plus person) equals to the duration of the phase of support, where the phase of support is calculated under the comfortable conditions, namely, for comfortable length of step and favorable velocity for a person without a device.
Configuring the device is composed of coarse and accurate tuning. Coarse tuning is the choice of the laminate springs and the position of cam-bearing between them.
Coarse tuning defines the period of natural oscillation. Accurate tuning is to adjust flexible constraints, which can be shortened or lengthened.
Order Of Adaption The Device To The Person 1. Define comfortable step's length of the person (right foot to left foot).
It is defined by leg's length and angle between hips. Approximately it is equal to leg's length.
2. Define favorable velocity of a motion of the person without any device.
3. Calculate comfortable foot-ground contact time. It is calculated based on the ratio of comfortable step's length to favorable velocity.
Characteristics of a person that are taken into account are the mass of a person (weight), his style of movement and his pattern of locomotion. There are three style of movement, respectively, when a person put down his foot on a ground with rearfoot, midfoot or forefoot strike. In general, for walking a person uses the rearfoot style.
We know that running consists of two phases, namely, the phase of the support and the transport. When person is walking the transport phase disappears and we have only phase of support. The duration of the phase of support is very important because it defines condition of interaction of the device and a person.
The condition of resonance is performed when the time of the response of elastic system (device plus person) equals to the duration of the phase of support, where the phase of support is calculated under the comfortable conditions, namely, for comfortable length of step and favorable velocity for a person without a device.
Configuring the device is composed of coarse and accurate tuning. Coarse tuning is the choice of the laminate springs and the position of cam-bearing between them.
Coarse tuning defines the period of natural oscillation. Accurate tuning is to adjust flexible constraints, which can be shortened or lengthened.
Order Of Adaption The Device To The Person 1. Define comfortable step's length of the person (right foot to left foot).
It is defined by leg's length and angle between hips. Approximately it is equal to leg's length.
2. Define favorable velocity of a motion of the person without any device.
3. Calculate comfortable foot-ground contact time. It is calculated based on the ratio of comfortable step's length to favorable velocity.
4. Calculate the resonant frequency of the device. The resonant frequency equals to the inverse of comfortable foot-ground contact time.
5. Calculate the comfortable stiffness of the device. The comfortable stiffness equals to mass of the person multiplied by the square of the resonant cyclic frequency.
6. Calculate the static deflection under load of the weight of the person. It is calculated based on the ratio of the weight of the person to the comfortable stiffness.
7. Adjust of the device according to the static deflection by shifting cam-bearing and by shortening or lengthening the adjustable flexible constraints.
For example: my mass of body is m = 80 kg or my weight is 800 H
1. My comfortable step's length is 0.9 m 2. My favorable velocity of a motion is 3.2 m/s 3. Comfortable foot-ground contact time equals 0.9/3.2 = 0.281 s 4. Resonant frequency of the device is 1/0.281 = 3.56 1/s 5. Comfortable stiffness of the device is mXw2 = mx(21rf) 2= 80x(2x3.14x3.56)2 =
40000 H/m 6. Static deflection under load of the weight of the person is 800/40000 =
0.02 m =
2 cm 7. We choose the position of the cam-bearing such that the ends of upper and lower laminate springs have the static deflection, mention above (2 cm), under load (rearfoot or forefoot) of the weight of the person. Then, we set the initial value of the elastic force by adjusting flexible constraints.
Brief Description Of The Drawings 1. Fig.1 is a side view of a schematic of the device.
2. Fig.2 is a side view of the device in the position of rearfoot loading (device loaded by the heel) when upper laminate spring is shifted forward relatively to the lower laminate spring.
3. Fig.3 is a side view of the device in the position of forefoot loading (device loaded by the tip of the foot) when upper laminate spring is shifted forward relatively to the lower laminate spring.
4. Fig.4 is a side view of the device in the position of rearfoot loading when upper laminate spring is shifted rearward relatively to the lower laminate spring.
5. Fig.5 is a side view of the device in the position of forefoot loading when upper laminate spring is shifted rearward relatively to the lower laminate spring.
6. Fig.6 is a transverse cross-sectional view of the supporting cam-bearing and upper laminate spring in two positions on larger scale: non-load and under load.
Detailed Description Of The Invention Fig.1 shows the construction of the embodiment of the adaptable spring device for walking and running according to the invention. Upper 1 and lower 2 laminate springs are approximate the outline of normal footwear. The ends of laminate springs 1 and 2 have the adjustable flexible constraints 5. The cam-bearing 3 can be rearranged and clamped in different positions between laminate springs 1 and 2. By that the device adapts to the style of motion of the person (rearfoot, midfoot, forefoot strike).The joint 4 allows to the laminate springs land 2 to be pivoting. And user can do comfort angle between upper and lower laminate springs 1 and 2. Through the joint 4 laminate springs I and 2 work effectively by accumulating energy over its entire length during forefoot load and rearfoot load. Lower laminate spring 2 is wider than the upper laminate spring 1 for lateral stability. The device attaches to the footwear by using securing straps Velcro 6. The material 7 is suitable for contact with terrain, which is affixed to the bottom of lower laminate spring 2. The laminate springs 1 and 2 are fabricated from the suitable high tensile strength spring material such as composite material of carbon fiber or fiberglass. The adjustable, flexible constraints 5 are aircraft cable or other. The cam-bearing 3 with joint 4 can be fabricated from composite materials or other.
In the phase of support the kinetic energy of the person's body is transformed to the potential energy of bending beams (laminate springs 1 and 2) and goes inversely.
Additionally, there is a torque when the laminate springs 1 and 2 are shifted relatively to each other.
In Fig.2 and Fig.3 shown that couple of forces (the weight of the person W and the ground reaction force R) creates the torque T for the motion of the person that pushes the person forward (aggressive style of motion).
In Fig.4 and Fig.5 shown that couple of the forces (the weight of the person W
and the ground reaction force R) creates the torque T against the motion of the person (comfortable style). In this case the torque T presses the device to the foot of the person (feedback) and the person feels complete control over the device.
In Fig.6 shown that the cam-bearing 3 has a special profile where a point of support 8 when the device is non-loaded and a point of support 9 when the device is under loaded by heel. The shift of the point of support by bending laminate springs 1 and 2 increases stiffness of the device. When the person puts down his foot on the ground, the stiffness of the device is minimal, and when the deflection of laminate springs 1 and 2 is maximal, the stiffness is maximal too. Thus, the work of the device becomes more comfortable for the user.
The device can be used as a simulator for rehabilitation after injury.
The method of calculation can be used in the design of such devices with an elastic system.
For example: my mass of body is m = 80 kg or my weight is 800 H
1. My comfortable step's length is 0.9 m 2. My favorable velocity of a motion is 3.2 m/s 3. Comfortable foot-ground contact time equals 0.9/3.2 = 0.281 s 4. Resonant frequency of the device is 1/0.281 = 3.56 1/s 5. Comfortable stiffness of the device is mXw2 = mx(21rf) 2= 80x(2x3.14x3.56)2 =
40000 H/m 6. Static deflection under load of the weight of the person is 800/40000 =
0.02 m =
2 cm 7. We choose the position of the cam-bearing such that the ends of upper and lower laminate springs have the static deflection, mention above (2 cm), under load (rearfoot or forefoot) of the weight of the person. Then, we set the initial value of the elastic force by adjusting flexible constraints.
Brief Description Of The Drawings 1. Fig.1 is a side view of a schematic of the device.
2. Fig.2 is a side view of the device in the position of rearfoot loading (device loaded by the heel) when upper laminate spring is shifted forward relatively to the lower laminate spring.
3. Fig.3 is a side view of the device in the position of forefoot loading (device loaded by the tip of the foot) when upper laminate spring is shifted forward relatively to the lower laminate spring.
4. Fig.4 is a side view of the device in the position of rearfoot loading when upper laminate spring is shifted rearward relatively to the lower laminate spring.
5. Fig.5 is a side view of the device in the position of forefoot loading when upper laminate spring is shifted rearward relatively to the lower laminate spring.
6. Fig.6 is a transverse cross-sectional view of the supporting cam-bearing and upper laminate spring in two positions on larger scale: non-load and under load.
Detailed Description Of The Invention Fig.1 shows the construction of the embodiment of the adaptable spring device for walking and running according to the invention. Upper 1 and lower 2 laminate springs are approximate the outline of normal footwear. The ends of laminate springs 1 and 2 have the adjustable flexible constraints 5. The cam-bearing 3 can be rearranged and clamped in different positions between laminate springs 1 and 2. By that the device adapts to the style of motion of the person (rearfoot, midfoot, forefoot strike).The joint 4 allows to the laminate springs land 2 to be pivoting. And user can do comfort angle between upper and lower laminate springs 1 and 2. Through the joint 4 laminate springs I and 2 work effectively by accumulating energy over its entire length during forefoot load and rearfoot load. Lower laminate spring 2 is wider than the upper laminate spring 1 for lateral stability. The device attaches to the footwear by using securing straps Velcro 6. The material 7 is suitable for contact with terrain, which is affixed to the bottom of lower laminate spring 2. The laminate springs 1 and 2 are fabricated from the suitable high tensile strength spring material such as composite material of carbon fiber or fiberglass. The adjustable, flexible constraints 5 are aircraft cable or other. The cam-bearing 3 with joint 4 can be fabricated from composite materials or other.
In the phase of support the kinetic energy of the person's body is transformed to the potential energy of bending beams (laminate springs 1 and 2) and goes inversely.
Additionally, there is a torque when the laminate springs 1 and 2 are shifted relatively to each other.
In Fig.2 and Fig.3 shown that couple of forces (the weight of the person W and the ground reaction force R) creates the torque T for the motion of the person that pushes the person forward (aggressive style of motion).
In Fig.4 and Fig.5 shown that couple of the forces (the weight of the person W
and the ground reaction force R) creates the torque T against the motion of the person (comfortable style). In this case the torque T presses the device to the foot of the person (feedback) and the person feels complete control over the device.
In Fig.6 shown that the cam-bearing 3 has a special profile where a point of support 8 when the device is non-loaded and a point of support 9 when the device is under loaded by heel. The shift of the point of support by bending laminate springs 1 and 2 increases stiffness of the device. When the person puts down his foot on the ground, the stiffness of the device is minimal, and when the deflection of laminate springs 1 and 2 is maximal, the stiffness is maximal too. Thus, the work of the device becomes more comfortable for the user.
The device can be used as a simulator for rehabilitation after injury.
The method of calculation can be used in the design of such devices with an elastic system.
Claims (6)
1. An adaptable spring device for walking and running, which comprises at least one of the upper and at least one of the lower approximately horizontally disposed laminate springs whose front and rear ends have the adjustable flexible constraints, and the cam-bearing, which can be rearranged and clamp in different positions between the upper and the lower laminate springs.
2. A device as defined in claim 1, wherein a said cam-bearing has a special profile that determines the change of stiffness of the device in the deflection of the said laminate springs.
3. A device as defined in claim 1 or 2, wherein a said cam-bearing has a joint that allows to the said laminate springs to be pivoting.
4. A device as defined in claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein a said upper laminate spring has a shift relatively to a said lower laminate spring.
5. A device as defined in claim 1, 2, 3 or 4, wherein a said lower laminate spring is wider than a said upper laminate spring for lateral stability.
6. A device as defined in claim 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5, which configured to the resonance by shifting a said cam-bearing so that stiffness of the device equals to mass of the person multiplied by the square of the resonant cyclic frequency, wherein the resonant cyclic frequency equals to 2.pi. multiplied by the resonant frequency, wherein the resonant frequency is calculated based on the ratio of favorable velocity to comfortable step's length, when a person walks or runs without any device.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2665768 CA2665768A1 (en) | 2009-05-06 | 2009-05-06 | Adaptable spring device for walking and running |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2665768 CA2665768A1 (en) | 2009-05-06 | 2009-05-06 | Adaptable spring device for walking and running |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2665768A1 true CA2665768A1 (en) | 2010-11-06 |
Family
ID=43063716
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2665768 Abandoned CA2665768A1 (en) | 2009-05-06 | 2009-05-06 | Adaptable spring device for walking and running |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2665768A1 (en) |
-
2009
- 2009-05-06 CA CA 2665768 patent/CA2665768A1/en not_active Abandoned
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| FZDE | Dead |
Effective date: 20150506 |