FR2671477A1 - Device for measuring the forces exerted by an individual - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a device with which it is possible to measure the traction and pressure forces in a simple manner and to deliver, virtually instantaneously, information relating to the physical shape. It consists of a closed box (1) comprising all the elements necessary for its functioning, a traction sensor (2), a pressure sensor (6), a screen for displaying the results (10), an electronic data processing unit (9) with access orifices (7) and (8) for the pressure forces, rings (3) and (4) for the traction forces, (4) being sealed by the bellows element (5), sealed access controls to the information (12) and a sealed loudspeaker (11) distributing information assisting in use, and a rechargeable battery and a solar sensor (13). The device according to the invention is intended in particular for the training of sports persons and for monitoring the progress of individuals undergoing physical rehabilitation.

Description

DESCRIPTION
The present invention relates to an apparatus for measuring different forces developed by a natural person.

 These measurements which can currently be made by specialists and require bulky equipment cannot be carried out in a simple and individual way by the general public.

 The device according to the invention overcomes these drawbacks. It is indeed easy to use, very handy, light, shockproof and waterproof. On the other hand, the results of the measurements are almost instantaneous and do not require interpretation by a specialist.

 The device consists of a housing (1) containing two force sensors, the first (2) of traction to which forces are subjected by means of two attachment points, one (3) fixed relative to the housing, the other (4) mobile and sealed by the bellows (5) to measure the forces provided and by integration over time, the energy developed. The second sensor (6) is subjected to pressure forces, it is fixed in a cavity connected to the outside by two orifices, one connected to a mouthpiece (7) the other (8) is equipped with a calibrated restriction and can be easily obstructed using a finger.

 This pressure sensor (6) makes it possible to measure the pulmonary static pressure and the time in apnea by blocking it, as well as the thoracic capacity by letting out the air exhaled by the calibrated restriction (8) and by integrating the pressure variation during the maximum expiration time.

 The information coming from the sensors (2) and (6) in the form of electric voltage, intensity or frequency, proportional to the forces applied are processed by an electronic system (9) which delivers information using the display screen ( 10) and the waterproof speaker (11) access to the information and programming of the device is done using waterproof external controls (12).

 The device is powered by a rechargeable battery and a built-in solar collector (13) and it goes to sleep after one minute of non-use while keeping the information in memory. The use of the device is facilitated by audible information in plain language in the chosen language, thanks to the loudspeaker (11) (possibility of several languages).

 As soon as a weak (adjustable) effort appears "ready" sound information as soon as a higher (adjustable) effort sounds "go" sound information.

 From this moment, the processing of the information on the variation of the effort and the elapsed time is put into service with the possibility of hearing the time slipping from second to second or from minute to minute in the form "one minute one", thus that information relating to the effort for the purpose of encouragement, number of liters expired, pressure reached, number of movement of effort, evolution of the cadence of the genre, in progress constant effort, slowing down, the level reached according to the effort and its duration, of the level "1 to 1,000" type.

 As soon as the effort has dropped below a minimum (adjustable) for a period (adjustable) "stop" sound information. From the "stop" information, it is necessary to intervene manually on the device, either to put it back into service or to access the results.

 The results which can be accessed are given in units compatible with humans. They can be viewed on the screen (10).

This information is as follows - curve representing the effort developed which allows the athlete to analyze
how it releases its energy and how to be more efficient - the total time between information "Go" and information "stop".

- the total energy developed.

- the power of the sportsman, energy developed during the duration of the effort
given with great precision to be able to make comparisons
from a given chosen time.

- number of movements (variations in effort) - maximum acceleration developed over one second, one minute.

- longest duration of an effort - shortest duration of an effort - magnitude of the maximum effort achieved - volume of exhaled air - for each of the results, best score achieved since the 1st setting
device service.

 By way of nonlimiting example, the device will have dimensions of the order of 20cm X 10cm XScm. The device according to the invention is intended for athletes and all those wishing to monitor the development of their physical form and for example, during rehabilitation after an accident.

 It can be equipped with devices allowing it to be adapted to different sports, for example with a harness, it can allow a swimmer to test his efforts in relation to a fixed point at the edge of the pool, similarly, it can be attached between the brake strap of an exercise bike and the strap attachment point, or between the weights or springs and the handles of a weight machine.

These examples are of course not limiting.

Claims (4)

 1) Device for measuring the tensile and pressure forces developed by a natural person, characterized in that it comprises a waterproof and anti-shock case (1) that it is small, handy, light and delivers results almost instantaneously, that the tensile forces are transmitted to the sensor (2) by two attachment points, one (3) fixed relative to the housing, the other (4) mobile and sealed by the bellows (5), that the forces pressure are transmitted to the sensor (6) by two orifices, one equipped with a mouthpiece '(7) the other equipped with a calibrated orifice (8) which can be obstructed by a finger, the two sensors delivering a electric voltage, a current or a frequency proportional to the applied effects.  2) Device according to claim 1 characterized in that the information from the sensors is processed in real time by an incorporated electronic system (9), powered autonomously by a rechargeable battery and an integrated solar sensor (13) and that the the information can be viewed on a screen (10) in the form of a curve and digital display, having access to this information by means of watertight external controls (12) and the device going to sleep after one minute of no use while keeping the information in memory.  3) Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the use of the device is facilitated by a waterproof speaker (11) which delivers information in plain language during the use of the device (possibility of several languages).  4) Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it can be adapted to all sports developing or having a relationship with traction or pressure forces or which can be related thereto using a connection device connected to a fixed point or having a relative displacement, whether by means of springs, a brake or weights, for example between a swimmer equipped with a harness and the edge of the pool, between the brake strap of an exercise bike and the strap attachment, between the weights or springs and the handles of a weight machine.