ES2684545A1 - Performance control ergometer for aquatic activities (Machine-translation by Google Translate, not legally binding) - Google Patents

Abstract

Performance control ergometer for aquatic activities comprising a supporting structure (1) in which a bench (2) is coupled and on this a seat (3), a footrest (4), a drum (5) containing the system power transmission (5.1) comprising at least one pulley or the like (5.1.1) and at least one clutch (5.1.2), and a brake (5.2). This ergometer simulates the practice of sport outside the natural environment where it is performed and in this way the coach, physical educator or retrainer can make the appropriate feedback in a stable and controlled environment based on accurate and repeatable data. This data is processed by a control unit (6) that stores and shows the user its parameters in real time both performance and control of the technique. (Machine-translation by Google Translate, not legally binding)

Description

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DESCRIPTION

Performance control ergometer for aquatic activities.

Technical sector

The present invention relates to an ergometer oriented to water sports. This system can be modified for different activities and improves the physiological parameters measurement systems. In addition, it implements a technique control system. The precision of this invention makes it suitable both for high performance and for health-oriented physical activity, and can be used by a wide sector of users, as well as by trainers, physical educators or retrofiters.

Background of the invention

At present, various ergometers are used for this purpose that attempt to reproduce the technique of this type of sports. They do this with an aerodynamic drag braking system. This system is unreliable due to changes in temperature, humidity and pressure. In addition, devices that attempt to emulate the unstable conditions of the aquatic environment do not respond faithfully to their actual behavior.

In relation to United States patents, US 2007/0082793 document describes an ergometer only designed for rowing activity with the same lack of precision in the measurement of power as well as the lack of a system that emulates the aquatic environment. There are also the following documents with similar characteristics: US 2011/0275489, US 005820528, US 4,714,244, US 4,674,741, US 4,647,715. Outside the United States are the following: RU 2 092 208, EP 2 545 965, DE 10 2010 022819, DE 102009060372, 30 DE 10164117, CN 201249013Y, WO 2014/196870, WO 2016/172103, W 02017/008775 and TW 201634094.

The most commonly used devices on the market are the "D" and "E" models of Concept2, Inc. 105 Industrial Park Drive, Morrisville, VT 05661 USA and the "Dansprint PRO 35 Kayak" of Dansprint Aps-strandmarksvei 27C, DK- 2650 Hyidovre These two designs do not respond to the precision needs that this sport requires because it does not have a reliable system for measuring the resistance generated.

There is also a device included in document ES 2 396 852 that shows a sports machine and specific assessment of strength in kayakers. This machine only values strength in a single isolated action, and does not contemplate the emulation of the environment or the continued practice of sport.

Following the experience provided by research in this sector, it is known how sport specificity can improve user performance, as well as the reproducibility of gestures and forces that are carried out in practice. In this way, we can obtain reliable and accurate data on the user's physical capabilities and their evolution at a functional level.

Explanation of the invention.

For the purposes of this invention and its description, "member" refers to upper members such as the user's arms and lower members such as the user's legs.

In turn "chronic noncommunicable diseases" refers to diseases characterized by multiple risk factors, with the absence of causative microorganism, prolonged latency,

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long periods of remission and recurrence, in which lifestyle and physical and social environment factors matter and that have long-term consequences such as cardiovascular diseases, cancer, chronic respiratory diseases and diabetes.

It also indicates "coach, physical educator and retrainer" as professions related to the field of physical activity and sports sciences.

Just as “sport” refers to sport as a physical activity governed by a specific regulation that implies competition, as well as unregulated physical activity for leisure and physical activity dedicated to the improvement of health parameters.

In order to avoid the aforementioned drawbacks, the present invention proposes a precise and reliable training system when measuring the performance of physiological parameters in this type of sports. In addition to implementing a technique control system and improve the emulation of real practice. This new system allows to increase the difficulty in the task according to the user's abilities and can thus adapt the cognitive load of this depending on their ability.

One aspect of the invention is a performance control ergometer for aquatic activities (Figure 1), from now on this aspect of the invention can be referred to as an "ergometer". Said ergometer is of the type comprising a supporting structure (1) in which a bench (2) is coupled and on this a seat (3) and a footrest (4). It also integrates a drum containing the power transmission system (5) comprising at least one pulley or analog (5.1.1) and at least one clutch (5.1.2), and the brake

(5.2), characterized in that:

- The bed (2) is longitudinally movable to the supporting structure (1), thanks to a guidance system (1.1) comprising at least one anchor (1.2) to the guidance system that allows the degree of movement that is specific to the selected sport type. In addition, said bed is oscillating and dynamic thanks to a stabilization unit (2.1) which in turn comprises a motion sensor (2.1.1) that collects the longitudinal movement produced by the user, a position recovery mechanism (2.1.3 ), a position sensor (2.1.4) that allows to know its angle of inclination with the horizontal, and at least one mechanical unit

(2.1.2) that allows to set or vary said oscillation in a way that allows the degree of movement that is specific to the type of sport selected.

The assembly of the bed (2), seat (3) and footrests (4), comprise two mobile anchoring systems that allow the seat (3.1) to be adjusted in height and the footrest (4.1) lengthwise. A position sensor (2.1.4) is inserted in the seat, which allows the situation of the bed to be determined longitudinally and, in addition, force sensors (3.2, 4.2) are inserted in the seat and each footrest, which allow to know the forces exerted on each element (figure 3).

- The pulley or analog (5.1.1) and clutch (5.1.2) of the mechanical energy transmission system (5.1) vary in size and position depending on the characteristics of the sport to be performed (figure 2).

- The brake (5.2) is characterized by being an individualized magnetic brake for each member of the upper part of the user that allows the traction performed by the user to be stopped unilaterally. In addition, said brake is characterized by a torque that is electrically adjustable dynamically, previously adjustable or based on parameters obtained by a speed sensor (5.2.2) and another watt sensor (5.2.1) located on the drum ( 5).

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- Finally, the control unit (6) that collects the information of the different sensors of the system is located in the supporting structure (1) so that the user can interact to adapt the physiological parameters of the user and technical parameters of the sport with User physical security criteria by issuing warnings and alarms (figure 1).

Additionally, the device comprises a user-controlled pole (7) that contains at least three motion sensors, one of them allows to measure the angles of inclination of the pole over the horizontal (7.1), another that allows to measure axial turning angles (7.2) and two other triaxial acceleration sensors located at the ends of the pole (7.3).

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, all the elements of the ergometer are characterized by comprising static, dynamic and anchoring systems that allow varying degrees of freedom of movement such as the angle of inclination and longitudinal travel of the bench or the height of the bench. seat and longitudinal position of the footrest.

In a more preferred embodiment, the external control and storage devices can be portable or desktop computers, smartphones, tablets and the like.

The invention is applicable to the exercise of any high performance sport, as well as technification, learning and sport in other performance categories in any of the water sports and the like.

It can also be used for the practice of healthy physical activities, and for users with chronic noncommunicable diseases related to cardiovascular and pulmonary capacity or degenerative diseases such as heart disease or muscular dystrophy.

Invention useful for coaches, physical educators or retrofiters, who may initially set and maintain the parameters for the sport in a stable manner, either according to the program defined by reproducing a predetermined pattern, or by simulating real conditions.

Brief description of the drawings

For the understanding of the description, a schematic drawing is provided with an illustrative and non-limiting nature of the situation of the ergometer components, in this case for the practice of canoeing.

Figure 1. Perspective view of the realization of a model oriented to canoeing.

Figure 2. Perspective detail view of the drum.

Figure 3. Detail perspective view of the bench.

Preferred Embodiment of the Invention

As already indicated, to facilitate the understanding of the object of the invention, Figure 1 is shown, a diagram of the complete ergometer in perspective as an example oriented to the practice of canoeing.

This preferred application is used for high performance sport, as well as technification, learning, sport in other performance categories and in the sport of canoeing as leisure or as a means to improve health parameters.

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As shown in figure 1 there is a supporting structure (1) that will support the different emulation, measurement and information processing systems of the invention. This bearing structure (1) is supported on at least two legs (1.4) fixed by bolts to the carrier (1) and joined together by at least one slat (1.5). At its ends at least four end stops are anchored (1.3) that mark the end of travel of the mobile bench (2). This supporting structure (1) may be modified depending on the orientation or purpose for which it is manufactured even for the user's purpose, in this example for canoeing. In addition, this supporting structure (1) supports a mobile and oscillating bench (2). As main characteristics it allows to generate movement with each propulsive action of the user and allows the destabilization of this with a degree of mobility identical to that produced in a canoeing boat. This degree of mobility will depend on the model used by the user in his actual practice since there is a great variety of boats for canoeing. The bench (2) will have at least one stabilization system that recovers the vertical position dynamically (2.1) and another (2.1.3) that recovers the longitudinal position, previously adjustable to the sport or depending on the different parameters. It also includes a motion sensor (2.1.1) that collects the displacement that is made on the mobile bench (2) produced by the shovels made by the user. The shovels made by the user will in this case be unilateral tractions on the same pole (7) which generate a movement similar to a cone of revolution on both sides of the ergometer at each end of the pole (7). This pole (7) collects and sends the movement to the control unit (6) by 3 sensors, one of inclination (7.1) with the horizontal to know the degree of inclination with which the athlete performs the kick, another (7.2) which measures the angle of rotation of the pole since in the technical action of the paddle the blade itself is rotated for better traction in the water that will also send the collected data to the control unit (6) and finally a two sensors of triaxial acceleration (7.3) that will pick up the accelerations in three components (x, y, z) of the ends of the pole (7) independently in each paddle and send the data to the control unit (6).

Figure 3 shows in detail the oscillating mobile bed (2) in which a seat (3) is anchored in which the weight of the user is measured by a force sensor (3.2), as well as its longitudinal location by means of a position sensor (2.1.4) and the angle of inclination of the user with the horizontal by means of a motion sensor (2.2.1). At the other end of the bench (2) is the footrest (4) which can be moved to adjust it to the characteristics of the user (4.1). The footrest (4) will measure the force exerted (4.2) with each foot in the force translation actions of the upper and lower limbs, as would occur in the shovels performed by the user who practices the sport of canoeing. At the end of the course of the bed there are four stops (1.3) that stop the movement of the mobile bed (2) as shown in figure 1 in case the user makes an excessive movement.

In the front part on the supporting structure (1) is the drum (5) as detailed in Figure 2, it consists of a mechanical energy transmission system (5.1), a pulley system or the like (5.1.1) , one of them with clutch, which are responsible for transmitting the energy produced in the shovels made by the canoeist. In this way, these tractions or shovels are controlled by magnetic braking (5.2) with electrically adjustable resistive torque that is usually regulated previously, or depending on parameters related to canoeing. In this brake (5.2), the data on the dissipated power (5.2.1) and the traction speed (5.2.2) on both members are collected individually.

Finally, the control unit (6) is responsible for processing raw and real-time data from sensors 2.1.1, 2.1.4, 3.2, 4.2, 5.2.1, 5.2.2, 7.1, 7.2, 7.3 to determine the variables of interest of the sport, in this case the practice of canoeing.

Note that in this control unit (6) the variables to be measured are likely to be reduced or increased depending on the needs coming directly from the sport modality, the user or the requirements of the coach, physical educator or retractor. This control unit (6) sends the values of the variables of interest by cable or wirelessly to the display terminal, which can be a dedicated device (laptop or desktop), a smartphone, tablet and the like. In addition, by means of this unit (6), the parameters can be initially set and maintained without altering the parameters, either stably, either according to a defined program reproducing a predetermined pattern previously set, or depending on the values of the sensors allowing simulating conditions

10 from field trials on a canoeing boat, thus increasing the realism of the practice. In addition, it controls in real time the parameters of the aforementioned canoeing, according to the values or the predefined program, or depending on the instantaneous values of the sensors. It also analyzes the data values of the sensors with safety criteria, issuance of warnings and alarms where appropriate.

15 The user can display the variables based on previous settings in addition to the warnings and alarms. The user can also access all the individual values or graphs of trends of values according to adjustments, both instantaneously and by storing them in a history for future use, identified with time stamp, user name, supervisor name, sport settings and other parameters inherent to the sport.

Claims (8)

5 10 fifteen twenty 25 30 35 40 Four. Five fifty 1. Performance control ergometer for water activities of the type comprising a supporting structure (1) in which a bench (2) is attached and on this a seat (3), a footrest (4); a drum containing the power transmission system (5) comprising at least one pulley or the like (5.1.1) and at least one clutch (5.1.2), and the brake (5.2), characterized in that: - The bed (2) is longitudinally movable to the supporting structure (1), thanks to a guidance system (1.1) comprising at least one anchor (1.2) to the guidance system that allows the degree of movement that is specific to the selected sport type, said bench is oscillating and dynamic thanks to a stabilization unit (2.1) which in turn comprises a motion sensor (2.1.1) that collects the longitudinal movement produced by the user, a position recovery mechanism (2.1 .3), a position sensor (2.1.4) that allows to know its angle of inclination with the horizontal, and at least one mechanical unit (2.1.2) that allows to fix or vary said oscillation in a way that allows the degree of movement which is specific for the type of sport selected. - The assembly of the bed (2), seat (3) and footrest (4), in turn comprises two mobile anchoring systems that allow the seat (3.1) to be adjusted in height and the footrest (4.1) lengthwise; a position sensor (2.1.4) is inserted in the seat, which allows the situation of the bed to be determined longitudinally and, in the seat (3) and each footrest (4), force sensors (3.2, 4.2) are inserted that allow Know the forces exerted on each element. - The pulley (5.1.1) and clutch (5.1.2) of the mechanical energy transmission system (5.1) vary in size and position depending on the characteristics of the sport to be performed. - The brake (5.2) is characterized by being an individualized magnetic brake for each member of the upper part of the user that allows to brake the tractions performed by the user unilaterally, and in addition said brake is characterized by being electrically adjustable resistant torque of dynamic form, previously adjustable or based on parameters obtained by a speed sensor (5.2.2) and another dissipated power sensor (5.2.1) located in the drum (5). - The control unit (6) that collects the information of the different sensors (2.1.1,2.1.4, 3.2, 4.2, 5.2.1.5.2.2, 7.1,7.2, 7.3) is located in the supporting structure ( 1) so that the user can interact to adapt the physiological parameters of the user and the technical parameters of the sport with the user's physical safety criteria by issuing warnings and alarms. - Additionally, the device comprises a pole (7) controlled by the user that contains at least three motion sensors, one of them allows to measure the angles of inclination of the pole on the horizontal (7.1), another that allows to measure angles of axial rotation (7.2) and two other triaxial acceleration sensors of the pole (7.3) located one at each end of it. 2. Ergometer according to claim 1 characterized in that the control unit (6) via cable or wirelessly communicates or sends information to external display devices and / or monitoring data storage. 5 10 fifteen twenty 25 3. Ergometer according to claim 2 characterized in that the external control and storage devices can be portable or desktop computers, smartphones, tablets and the like. 4. Ergometer according to claims 1 and 2 characterized in that all the elements of the ergometer (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6) are characterized by comprising static and dynamic anchoring systems (1.1, 1.2, 2.1.2, 2.1 .3, 3.1, 4.1) that allow varying degrees of freedom of movement. 5. Ergometer according to claim 1 characterized in that the supporting structure (1) is supported on at least two legs (1.4) fixed by bolts to the carrier (1) and joined together by at least one slat (1.5), and at its ends at least four end of travel stops (1.3) that mark the end of travel of the mobile bed (2) are anchored. 6. Use of the ergometer, according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that it is used for high performance sport, as well as technification, learning, sport in other performance categories and in any water sport and the like. 7. Use of the ergometer, according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that it is used for the practice of healthy physical activities, and for users with chronic noncommunicable diseases related to cardiovascular and pulmonary capacity or degenerative diseases. 8. Use of the ergometer, according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that both the user and the trainer, physical educator or retrofitter can initially set and maintain the parameters, either stably, either according to the program defined by reproducing a predetermined pattern, or by simulation of real conditions.