FR2815241A1 - DEVICE FOR MONITORING A PROPER ALIGNMENT OF THE HOLDING OF AN INDIVIDUAL AND METHOD FOR IMPLEMENTING SAME - Google Patents

Abstract

- The object of the invention is a device for controlling a good alignment of the posture of an individual, in particular equipped with a sports accessory, characterized in that it comprises: - a data acquisition unit , - a sensor for measuring a force exerted by the individual and the speed of application of this force, and - a connection of this sensor to the unit. The invention also covers the method of implementing these measures.

Description

DEVICE FOR MONITORING A GOOD ALIGNMENT OF THE HOLD

  OF AN INDIVIDUAL AND ASSOCIATED IMPLEMENTATION METHOD

  The present invention relates to a device for controlling a good alignment of an individual, the correct maintenance and positioning of his

  body when the latter uses accessories such as sports accessories.

  The invention also covers the adapted implementation method.

  We know that the human body has imperfections that make

  that the general morphology is affected by a misalignment of the body.

  Indeed, on the one hand the longitudinal axis of the body is not perfectly vertical and on the other hand the transverse axis at the level of the pelvis is not perfectly horizontal and therefore is not perpendicular to the vertical axis and

possibly off-center.

  Such misalignments, even if they are reduced, are completely detrimental to the good learning of certain sports, in particular the disciplines which require a balance such as skiing, rollerblading, cycling, or those which require an adapted positioning and comfort. like piloting

athletic.

  To date, by means of shims of suitable shape and dimensions, it is possible to correct the lateral and front / rear imbalances so as to allow the

  skeleton to work in the best conditions.

  Indeed, empirically, it is possible to know "through" the reactions of the user if the wedges allow him to find a better positioning likely to bring him better sensations when

  is equipped with the accessories mentioned above.

  Indeed, kinesiology is a science that has appeared recently that deals with the relationships between muscle tone and well-being. Now it has been shown that there is a direct relationship between muscle tone and good alignment, therefore the right balance of the skeleton. As soon as the skeleton is correctly aligned, the user can use his own qualities. Nevertheless, the evaluation is empirical and remains a matter for specialists. It is necessary to educate the practitioner in a tedious way so that he can determine the muscular feeling of the individual tested and that he can appreciate the differences in tone according to the wedges submitted, by determining the one which gives said user the best muscular sensations. . This is tricky because depending on the type of imbalance, the shims are generally different on one side and the other and this disturbs judgment and complicates the

number of tests.

  The aim of the present invention is to propose a device which makes it possible to measure in a comparative, controlled and repetitive manner the muscle tone, this for any individual in order to determine, during an alignment operation.

the best wedges.

  If we take an example of skis that can be rented, we understand that we must be able to quickly determine the correct alignment and this in a reliable and reproductive manner, which allows the device according to the present invention.

  especially when the method is implemented.

  In addition, this operation must not be tedious for the interested party. With the device according to the invention, it is possible to dispense with the personal interpretation of the individual while using little equipment.

  expensive, easy to use and compact.

  To this end, the device for controlling proper alignment of the maintenance of an individual, in particular equipped with a sports accessory, is characterized in that it comprises: - a data acquisition unit, - a sensor measuring an effort exerted by the individual and the speed of application of this effort, and

  - a link from this sensor to the unit.

  Either the sensor is an actuator for measuring a force exerted with the thumb of the individual and we measure the force and the speed of action to react, or the sensor is a static sensor, held in the hand, for the measurement of the force exerted and the speed of action of the thumb on said sensor by exerting a

  an effort that seems constant to the individual when he exercises it.

  The invention also covers the process for controlling a good alignment of the maintenance of an individual which is characterized in that it consists of the following stages: - calibration by exercise of at least one pressure, without shim, - installation of a first set of shims, - at least one action exerted on the pressure sensor by the individual, the shims in place, data entry, - installation of a second set of shims, in place and place of the first, - at least one action exerted on the pressure sensor by the individual, the shims in place, data entry, - installation of an n th set of shims, in place of the n - 1lme set of shims, - at least one action exerted on the pressure sensor by the individual, the shims in place, data entry, and - comparison of the recorded values to determine the highest speed for the pressure value lower, which corresponds to one of the

wedge sets.

  Calibration consists in carrying out at least one measurement, the individual being barefoot on a flat surface so as to measure a value corresponding to a good muscle tone, and at least one measurement, the individual having one foot on an obstacle in sort of measuring a value corresponding to a bad muscle tone. In particular, for each test, with each set of shims, the individual is made to perform 10 tests from which the two upper extremes are removed

  and the two lower extremes and we average the remaining six.

  The present invention is now described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings which represent a particular, non-limiting embodiment, in which the various figures represent: - Figure 1, a perspective view of a device according to the present invention, Figure 2, a symbolized view of the axes of a naturally unaligned skeleton, - Figure 3, a symbolized view of the same skeleton after correction leading to alignment, and - Figure 4, a block diagram of the acquisition and processing steps

stored information.

  The device according to the present invention comprises a unit 10

  acquisition, a sensor 12 and a cord 14 connecting this sensor to the unit.

  This wired link can be replaced by a wireless link if this is necessary for good ergonomics, such links existing on the market. The acquisition unit comprises a microprocessor 16 which makes it possible to collect the information measured using the sensor, to store it, to display it on an integrated screen 18. This unit can also include an output adapted to dump the information into a central unit of a

  desktop computer with processing software.

  Such software can not only present the results but also associate the shims used with each result by a graphic display. In addition, the results can also be processed for presentation in the form of

  graphical plots such as curves.

  The sensor 12 is a housing 20 adapted to be held in the hand and to apply the thumb. The dimensions are studied so as to be held by a

adult as by a child.

  This sensor, in the case of this actuator, comprises a button 22

piston type actuation.

  Thus the piston is movable in the housing and the integrated cells are suitable for measuring the support force exerted by the thumb and the time taken to exert it. These values corresponding to a pressure and a speed reflect the state of muscular tone of the individual and vary proportionally for

  each individual according to changes in this state of muscle tone.

  In Figure 2, we symbolized a skeleton with its elements

  mechanical which show a different left foot 24 and right foot 26.

  The individual is equipped with sports accessories, in this case shoes

  28 rigid such as ski boots.

  Naturally, it can be seen that the longitudinal axis Y is inclined, which leads to certain misalignments at the level of the pelvis and the transverse axis X which corresponds to it. This X axis is not horizontal and for

  compensate, we can also see swaying of the individual.

  In such a state of misalignment, it can be seen that learning the corresponding sport is relatively delicate. The loss of symmetry is a

  significant obstacle for good skiing, for example.

  When suitably adapted wedges 30 are placed under at least one of the feet of the user, it can be seen in FIG. 3 that the skeleton is perfectly aligned, which gives the user a satisfactory natural balance. We understand that this observation is easy on a theoretical diagram but much more delicate when the individual is dressed, that there is no radiography device and that the time allowed

remains reduced.

  Due to the correction made, we see that the individual learns the techniques of the practiced balance sport much more quickly. This is understandable since it is a question of concentrating only on the problems of imbalance engendered by the practice of the sport without having to add to it the efforts of compensation for the natural misalignment. We also note that this is true even in sports which are not solely based on balance. Indeed, in all cases of efforts exerted, it is preferable to

  generate in a symmetrical space.

  To determine the suitable types of shims, a calibration is carried out using the device according to the present invention. Indeed, the initial muscle tone varies from one individual to another and even more from a child to an adult. To this end, according to the method of the invention, the individual grasps the housing and exercises several actions on the sensor in order to determine an initial average value of muscle tone. This preliminary test is carried out by the individual in a natural position and bare foot, on a flat surface, which corresponds to a favorable situation with good muscle tone. Then, the test is repeated with an obstacle placed under a foot so as to place it in a very unfavorable situation, which then corresponds to a poor muscle tone. Depending on the morphology and following an adapted protocol,

  different shims are successively tested.

  Generally in the tests carried out, a test is made with each block and each test comprises a series of at least 10 tests, that is to say that the user exerts 10 successive pressures with an interval allowing a good distinction tests. The user is asked to press with a substantially identical force on the sensor for each of these 10 tests and the measurements are carried out. Systematically, the two highest values and the two lowest values are eliminated then the calculation of the

  average is made based on the remaining 6 results.

  This method is of course a particular non-limiting example, but there remains a good compromise between the result obtained and the time necessary to achieve it so as to carry out the operation within deadlines compatible with the

business needs.

  Each effort is recorded and the time taken to record each pressure

I'exercer.

  The lower effort exerted and the shorter time taken to do so are the reflection of the best muscle tone and therefore of the best alignment and therefore of the most suitable set of shims. Indeed, it is found that when the muscle tone is good, the reaction speed is rapid and the individual does not feel obliged to exert a violent effort. Just record the pressure curve and measure the slope to determine this reaction speed synonymous with muscle tone, so well-being, so good

  alignment since it is the only parameter that we vary.

  In the majority of cases, there are simultaneous variations in effort and speed because muscle tone is a component of these

two main parameters.

  In order to determine coefficients which take into account the correlation of these two parameters, it may be wise to make a report of these two values but this remains in the domain of calculations, easily carried out by the

  microprocessor and / or by the associated computer.

  In the case of kinesiology, it is generally planned to analyze the responses in reaction and not in action. Therefore, it is possible to easily modify the device using a sensor of the inflatable bladder type. In this case, it takes a very rapid inflation to analyze the reaction of the individual who has the bladder tight in the hand and which must remain the closed hand and fight against the effort of inflation. This analysis fully complies with the prescriptions of kinesiology. This inflatable bladder can be replaced by a pneumatic cylinder which we know that the response times can be very short

  if it is supplied by a suitable source of pressurized gas.

  With such a reactive arrangement, we are free from any drifts

  due to the effort and fatigue caused by the succession of tests.

  In FIG. 4, a synoptic of data acquisition is represented with a summary presentation which allows a direct reading of the

final information.

  For an improvement of the reading, one can convert these values into a graph which allows an immediate interpretation, without even a reading of the values which are relative values and whose only interest is to allow

a comparison.

  Even more simplified, it is possible to provide a symbol or a

  bright red / incorrect display; green / OK.

  It is also possible, according to another embodiment, to use a static sensor 12-1 for measuring pressure and its connection 14-1, as opposed to the dynamic sensor 12 indicated above. In this case, the sensor 12-1 continuously records in the same way the value of the pressure exerted but without significant movement of the thumb which acts, the sensor being held in the hand. The advantage is to remove the resistant force from the return element, this

  which facilitates reproducibility. Only the pressure gauge is requested.

  In FIG. 4, the block diagram shows in a simplified manner the start-up, with the choice of the number of tests, the start-up and the verification of the correct connection of the sensor. Then the tests are numbered and recorded to determine the pressure and the speed. The report is calculated then the values

  extremes are eliminated to finally calculate the average.

  The method and the sensors used were in an application to the alignment of the maintenance of an individual and this must include the alignment of the whole body including in the ancillary tests and the means of correction other than wedges such as existing devices for correcting the maxillary posture. In all cases, the device makes it possible to determine a state of the person and his feelings of well-being or evil

  be according to whether the correction made to the posture is satisfactory or not.

  The device presented can also be miniaturized and in this case, the

  connection is internal, the sensor and the housing holding in the hand.

Claims (6)

  1. Device for controlling proper alignment of the maintenance of an individual, in particular equipped with a sports accessory, characterized in that it comprises - a unit (10) for data acquisition, - a sensor (12 ) measuring an effort exerted by the individual and the speed of application of this effort, and   - a link (14) of this sensor to the unit.   2. A device for controlling good alignment according to claim 1, characterized in that the sensor is a dynamic sensor (12) for measuring a force exerted by the thumb of the individual on said sensor and of the speed   put to apply or contain it.   3. A device for checking correct alignment according to claim 1, characterized in that the sensor is a static sensor (12-1), held by hand, for measuring the force exerted by the thumb on said sensor. and speed put to apply it.   4. A method of controlling a good alignment of the maintenance of an individual by the implementation of the device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that it consists of the succession of the following steps: - calibration by exercise of at least one pressure, without shims, - installation of a first set (30) of shims, - at least one action exerted on the pressure sensor by the individual, the shims in place, data entry, - installation in place of a second set of shims, in place of the first, - at least one action exerted on the pressure sensor by the individual, the shims in place, data entry, - installation of a n iome set of shims, in place of the n-1st set of shims, - at least one action exerted on the pressure sensor by the individual, the shims in place, data entry, and 2815241   - comparison of the recorded values to determine the fastest speed   large for the lowest pressure value.   5. A method of checking a good alignment according to claim 4, characterized in that the calibration consists in carrying out at least one measurement, the individual being barefoot on a flat surface so as to measure a value corresponding to a good muscle tone, and at least one measure, the individual having one foot on an obstacle so measure a value corresponding to poor muscle tone.   6. A method of checking a good alignment according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that, for each test, with each set of shims, the individual is made to perform 10 tests from which the two lower extremes are removed and   and we average the remaining six.