FR2975602A1 - Physical fitness apparatus for analysis and/or physical development of selected parts of body, has controller controlling valve according to time sequence and tool for controlling working pressure and to define each time sequence - Google Patents

Abstract

The apparatus has an entry for receiving compressed gas at initial pressure and continuous flow. Pneumatic actuators (200, 202, 204) comprise a working surface. A gas distributor is mounted between the entry and the actuators. The distributor comprises multiple valves. A pressure regulator is mounted upstream of the distributor. The regulator converts the compressed gas to operating pressure. A controller selectively controls each valve according to time sequence and an operating tool for controlling the working pressure and to define each time sequence. An independent claim is also included for a method for operating a physical apparatus.

Description

GÜRTLER 1.FRD 1 PHYSICAL FITTING APPARATUS

The present invention relates to a fitness apparatus and its method of use.

The field of fitness today has broad applications such as the analysis and / or physical development of selected parts of the body, but also the post-traumatic physical rehabilitation commonly known as physiotherapy.

Generally speaking, physical fitness refers to any mechanical action, active or passive, exerted on a body in order to improve its physical condition. There are various devices in the state of the art for actuating a body. Generally, these devices are of the type comprising a physical actuator arranged to act on a specific part of a body. Some devices are designed to replace the work of qualified personnel for physical fitness. Others are designed to provide machine actuation automation, for example by exerting a reciprocating mechanism on a part of the body to develop the muscle mass thereof.

There are other devices in the state of the art with more sophisticated features. In the majority of cases these devices are reserved for medical professionals and are relatively complex to drive and require a specialized environment such as medical centers.

EP 0 920 848 A2 discloses a bed-type device comprising attachment points for hands and feet. The attachment points are connected to a rotational movement system driven by a motor. The device makes it possible to work a back-and-forth movement of the lower and upper limbs of a human body.

EP 1 990 037 A1 discloses a device for stimulating a part of a body by vibration. The device is placed on the ground and further comprises a vibration absorption plate disposed at the bottom of said device to prevent transmission of vibrations to the ground.

In general, the devices of the state of the art operate either by regular actuation of one or more members of a body, or by transmission of vibrations on the body. The possibilities of actuation on body are limited and can generate jerks likely to harm the body. In addition, the known devices have insufficient ergonomics.

The present invention improves the situation.

For this purpose, the invention introduces a fitness apparatus. The apparatus of the invention comprises an inlet for receiving compressed gas at an initial pressure and in continuous flow, at least one pneumatic actuator having a working surface, and a gas distributor mounted between the inlet and the pneumatic actuator. , the dispenser comprising one or more valves that can switch to a gas supply position of the actuator or a gas exhaust position of the actuator. The apparatus of the invention further comprises a pressure regulator mounted upstream of the distributor and suitable for converting the compressed gas input to the initial pressure into compressed gas at a working pressure, a controller adapted to selectively control each valve in a time sequence, and a control tool for adjusting the working pressure and defining each time sequence.

According to one embodiment, the working pressure is between 0.005 and 1 MPa. Preferably, the working pressure is between 0.005 and 0.25 MPa.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, each time sequence may comprise a first parameter defining a time in the supply position of each valve and a second parameter defining a time in the exhaust position.

The apparatus may include a plurality of pneumatic actuators and a plurality of valves, each pneumatic actuator being associated with a respective valve. In another embodiment, several valves are associated with a pneumatic actuator; for example a first valve for the admission of air and a second valve for the exhaust of air.

According to one embodiment, the apparatus may comprise a gas source compressed at the initial pressure connected to said inlet.

According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the apparatus comprises a platform mounted in contact with the working surface of each pneumatic actuator so as to engage a displacement when at least one of said valves tilts to the gas supply position. of the actuator or the gas exhaust position of the actuator. Optionally, the apparatus comprises a base housing each pneumatic actuator.

The control tool may be arranged in a mobile terminal communicating with the pressure regulator and the controller 35 by a wireless communication protocol. The communication between the mobile terminal and the pressure regulator can be done directly or indirectly. When the communication is indirect it is advantageously carried out via a controller.

In one embodiment, the regulator includes the inlet for receiving compressed gas at an initial pressure. The regulator may include a pressure switch to maintain a pressure in the actuator substantially the same as the working pressure.

The invention also provides a method of using the fitness apparatus. The method of the invention comprises the following steps: a. supplying compressed gas at an initial pressure and in continuous flow, b. converting the compressed gas to the initial pressure into compressed gas at a working pressure, c. selectively distributing the compressed gas at the working pressure to each pneumatic actuator, d. pilot the conversion of step b. defining a working pressure, and e. pilot the selective distribution of step c. by switching between a gas supply of the actuator and a gas exhaust of the actuator in a predefined time sequence.

Other advantages and characteristics of the invention will appear on reading the detailed description below and on the accompanying drawings, in which: FIG. 1 shows a diagram of the apparatus of the invention according to a first embodiment FIG. 2 shows a diagram of the apparatus of the invention 35 according to a second embodiment; FIG. 3 represents a profile view of a mobile platform of the apparatus of the invention in a position; 4 is a profile view of a mobile platform of the apparatus of the invention in a position of high position,

FIG. 5 represents a view from above of a mobile platform 10 of the apparatus of the invention,

FIG. 6 schematically represents a mobile platform of the apparatus of the invention when used by a subject; FIG. 7 is a flowchart of a method of use according to the invention, and

FIG. 8 is a block diagram of step / transition control of an embodiment of the method of the invention.

The drawings and the description below contain, for the most part, elements of a certain character. They are an integral part of the description, and may therefore not only serve to further the understanding of the present invention, but also contribute to its definition, if any.

In the present description pressure values are expressed in relative pressure. It is therefore 30 pressure values that are added to the atmospheric pressure of the environment of the device (atmospheric pressure being locally variable).

Figure 1 shows a schematic of the apparatus of the invention according to a first embodiment. The fitness apparatus of Figure 1 comprises an inlet 100 for receiving compressed gas. The gas is at an initial pressure and is supplied in a continuous flow. The compressed gas may in particular come from a source of compressed gas such as a compressor, which may or may not be integrated in the apparatus of the invention.

The apparatus of Figure 1 comprises three pneumatic actuators 200, 202 and 204. This may include 10 air chambers.

Each actuator 200, 202 and 204 has a working surface 300. By working surface 300 is meant that portion of the actuator acting on an element. The element may be for example a part of a human body or a part to be actuated.

Each actuator 200, 202 and 204 is supplied with gas through a distributor 102. Accordingly, the gas distributor 102 is mounted between the inlet 100 and the respective pneumatic actuator 20.

The dispenser 102 includes one or more valves that can switch to a gas supply position of the actuator or a gas exhaust position of the actuator.

The apparatus of the invention further comprises a pressure regulator 104 capable of converting the compressed gas received at inlet 100 to the initial compressed gas pressure at a working pressure.

The pressure regulator 104 is mounted upstream of the distributor 102 to allow the latter to supply each pneumatic actuator with the working pressure.

The apparatus also includes a controller 106 capable of selectively controlling each valve in a time sequence. Thus, by combining the time sequence with a valve, it is possible to selectively supply each pneumatic actuator for a selected period of time in compressed gas at the working pressure. Consequently, each time sequence comprises a first parameter defining a time in the supply position of each valve and a second parameter defining a time in the exhaust position.

For example, a time sequence can last a total of two minutes; During these two minutes each pneumatic actuator is selectively supplied with compressed gas at the working pressure for three seconds, followed by a pause of three seconds during which the actuator empties or holds the compressed gas. This results in twenty active stresses of the work surface 300 on an element in combination with 20 pauses.

It must be understood that the effects caused by said "breaks" must also be considered solicitations. Indeed, the maintenance of a determined volume of compressed gas inside a pneumatic actuator or the effect caused by the escape of a determined volume of compressed gas from the pneumatic actuator can in particular provide a therapeutic effect. targeted on a subject.

A control tool 108 is arranged in the apparatus to adjust the working pressure and to define each time sequence. The control tool 108 is therefore in direct or indirect relation with the pressure regulator 104 and the controller 106.

Figure 2 shows another embodiment of the apparatus of the invention. The apparatus comprises a gas source 110 connected to the inlet 100 of compressed gas. The apparatus integrates its own gas source 110.

The controller 106 comprises an on-off input 118 and an analog input 120. It may for example be a logic controller of the brand Crouzet Millenium type XD10S or XB10S. This type of controller includes static all-digital outputs 122 having a relatively short response time. In addition, this type of controller has a long life and exhibit stability over time in terms of mechano-electronics.

The apparatus of FIG. 2 also includes a first communication extension 114 and a second communication extension 116.

The first communication extension 114 is connected to a wireless communication tool 112. This first communication extension 114 may be of the TCP-IP type and in particular of the Crouzet brand of the Millenium XNO5 type. The first extension 114 and the controller 106 communicate by means of 8 input digital variables and 8 output digital variables.

The second communication extension comprises analog inputs and outputs - it can in particular be an extension of the Crouzet brand of the Millenium XA04 type. An analog output is set to 0-10V to allow proportional control of the pressure regulator 104. Each extension is in indirect relation with the control tool 108. The control tool 108 may be a wireless mobile terminal which is connected to the wireless communication tool 112. The wireless communication tool 112 may be a WiFi card or any other communication protocol (Bluetooth in particular). Thus, the control tool 108 is arranged to adjust the working pressure and to define each time sequence remotely and in real time.

The apparatus thus provides a dynamism of pneumatic energy which can in particular develop a targeted part of a body. The tubes are arranged to alternate between a pressurization and an internal depression. Adjusting the internal working pressure of the air chambers also makes it possible to create pulsation movements in each tube.

The kinetic behavior of each air chamber is due in particular to the simultaneous management of control times by the controller 106 (time sequence chosen) and the low-pressure regulation of the air flow by the regulator 104. Thus, the apparatus generates pulsations, oscillations, stresses or other of the work surface 300 smoothly.

The working pressure is generally between 0.005 and 1 MPa. Advantageously, the working pressure is between 0.005 and 0.25 MPa. This is a pressure that is deliberately low chosen to provide smooth actuation of the actuator.

The regulator 104 of FIG. 2 is of the electropneumatic type and may especially be a SMC brand regulator of the ITV2000 type (standard model with the possibility of using the ITV special execution model No. 9 with a high speed base whose response time is shorter). This type of controller smoothly controls the air pressure in proportion to the electrical signal of the analog output of the controller 106.

The dispenser 102 may be an island-mounted VQC2000 brand SMC distributor 35 and including a supply valve for each air chamber.

Each inner tube can be a single or double-acting cylinder, flexible elastomer at least one wave, linear or rotary. It may in particular be an inner tube whose volume characteristics are as follows: Minimum volume: 0.42 1 Maximum volume: 1.24 1 Maximum variation: 0.8 1.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 3 to 5 which show the pneumatic actuators 200, 202 and 204 housed in a base 208. In this embodiment, the base 208 contains the inlet 100, the distributor 102, the regulator 104, the controller 106. The control tool can be arranged on the base or on a mobile terminal in connection with the controller 106 and the regulator 104.

The working surface 300 of each actuator is in contact with a platform 206. Thus the selective pressurization of the pneumatic actuators 200, 202 and 204 allows the displacement of the platform 206.

Figure 3 shows the apparatus of the invention in a low position. The pneumatic actuators 200, 202 and 204 contain a minimum volume of compressed gas (this volume can be zero). The respective ends of the platform 206 and the base 208 in the low position are at a distance of approximately hl = 170 mm.

Figure 4 shows the apparatus of the invention in a high position position. The pneumatic actuators 200, 202 and 204 contain a maximum volume of compressed gas (while respecting the characteristic of a low pressure). The respective ends of the platform 206 and the base 208 in the high position are at a distance of about h2 = 210 mm.

FIG. 5 shows a view from above of the apparatus of the invention and shows the arrangement of the pneumatic actuators 200, 202 and 204 under the platform 206. According to one embodiment of the invention, the platform 206 and the base 208 fit into a circle with a diameter of about 840 mm.

Each pneumatic actuator 200, 202 and 204 is associated with a valve. When a valve is selectively opened, the respective pneumatic actuator is pressurized. Thus, the pneumatic actuators positioned under the platform 206 allow a controlled displacement thereof and this in combination with a low pressure.

Figure 6 shows the pneumatic actuators 200, 202 and 204 selectively pressurized. It follows a displacement of the platform 206. A subject 400 can be supported on the platform 206.

FIG. 6 shows the platform 206 mounted in contact with the working surface 300 of each pneumatic actuator 200, 202 and 204. The platform 206 engages a displacement when at least one of said valves tilts in the gas supply position of the respective actuator or in the gas exhaust position of the respective actuator.

Indirectly, the platform is therefore controlled by the control tool which is arranged in a mobile terminal communicating with the pressure regulator and the controller by a wireless communication protocol. A user can thus remotely control the movements engaged by the platform 206.

The apparatus of Figures 3 to 6 may incorporate a source 110 of compressed gas. Regulator 104 includes the inlet for receiving compressed gas at an initial pressure. The regulator 104 may comprise a pressure switch for maintaining a pressure in each pneumatic actuator 200, 202 and / or 204 substantially the same as the working pressure.

The invention also provides a method of using the fitness apparatus. Figure 7 shows the different operations of the method of the invention.

The method of the invention comprises a first operation GAS comprising the supply of a compressed gas. The compressed gas during this operation GAS is at an initial pressure. The supply is made in a continuous flow. This gas may in particular come from a source 110 such as an external compressor or inside the device.

A second operation CONV comprises converting the compressed gas at the initial pressure into compressed gas at a working pressure. The operation CONV can be carried out by means of a regulator 104.

Once the compressed gas is at a working pressure (low pressure) a DIST operation comprises the selective distribution of the compressed gas. This DIST operation can be performed by a distributor 102. In this step, the compressed gas is at the working pressure in each pneumatic actuator.

A REG CONV operation controls the conversion of the CONV conversion operation. This operation is used to define a working pressure. This working pressure may especially be between 0.005 and 1 MPa and advantageously does not exceed 0.25 MPa.

A REG DIST operation controls the selective distribution of the DIST operation. The REG DIST operation provides controlled alternation between a gas supply of the actuator and a gas exhaust of the actuator in a predefined time sequence.

The control tool 108 may in particular comprise one or more touch screens each having a graphical user interface. One can provide a first screen for example programming three successive time sequences and a second screen for real-time control. Depending on the architecture of the user interface, it is also possible to provide real-time management and programming of a large number of time sequences on the same screen. This is dependent on the size of the screen for example.

The control tool 108 communicates directly or indirectly with the controller 106 and the controller 104. When the control tool 108 is arranged in a communicating mobile terminal, communication with the controller 106 and the controller 104 via WiFi can be provided. The real-time control is achievable by means of the WiFi rate (1 to 54 Mbit / s) in combination with queries accessible very quickly (about 100 ms) and the very small number of bits of the variables controlling the time sequence. For example we can generate a command request every 100 ms, which allows almost immediate control of the device.

Figure 8 is a block diagram of step / transition control of an embodiment of the method of the invention.

A master ON / OFF command activates the apparatus of the invention. The ACTIVE-PAUSE secondary control contributes to real-time management by managing actuation times and pause times. The control tool acts on variables for switching from an active state to a pause state and vice versa.

Activation of the on / off command validates the first transition and starts the device, ie activates the START step. The unit starts the sequence in the master ON / OFF loop. When the elapsed time is equal to the ON delay, the ON transition is enabled and the STOP stop step is active. It is possible to provide a counter which is then incremented by 1. When the sequence is complete, the apparatus stops for a time equal to the time delay OFF. At the end of this OFF time, the OFF transition is validated and the initial step is active. A new sequence can start. As indicated above, it is possible to arrange three successive sequences whose parameters are simultaneously displayed on the control tool 108.

The ON and OFF timers are between 0 and 10 min. The START activating step validates the first transition to an ACTIVE / PAUSE loop and activates the ACTIVATE step. When the elapsed time is equal to the ACTIVE timer, the ACTIVE transition is enabled and the PAUSE step is active for the given pause time. At the end of this pause time, the PAUSE transition is validated and the initial step is active. The cycle starts again as long as the START stage of the master ON / OFF loop is active.

During the ON operation, the unit is in working order. The ACTIVE and PAUSE timers determine the alternation corresponding to the desired job.

In general, during the OFF operation, the machine is stopped between two sequences. During the ACTIVE operation, each chamber can be selectively supplied with air5 compressed to the working pressure. During the PAUSE operation, some of the air chambers can be exhausted and can be exhausted with compressed air.

The invention makes it possible to define different rhythms during the ACTIVE-PAUSE loop. In particular, a "dynamic" rhythm can be provided. In this embodiment, sub-loops are provided during the ACTIVATE operation. The sub-loops make it possible to combine several rhythms of different natures.

In the embodiment described here, ON / OFF ON / OFF control is manual M / AR. This allows an A.URG emergency stop function of the apparatus of the invention on the one hand, and allows a FOR force of the ACTIVE / PAUSE loop on the other hand.

It should be understood that during the regulation of pressure by the regulator it is possible to vary the pneumatic potential available for distribution by the distributor. The pressure regulation is independent of the other adjustable parameters of the invention and is performed in the REGULATE operation by a separate GAIN command.

The set of ON / OFF and ACTIVE / PAUSE loops makes it possible to determine the time sequence of the controller 106. Thus, FIG. 8 shows a RYTHMER operation for clocking the pneumatic actuators 200, 202 and 204 and thus of tipping the platform 206 which is in contact with work surfaces 300.

Depending on the selected time sequence or sequences it is possible to generate synchronized rhythms, asynchronous or to provide random combinations within a time sequence. Each time sequence can be combined with another in a COMBINER operation. Each time sequence determines the time available to the distributor and its valves to supply a chamber selectively to the working pressure or to put it to the exhaust and thus to the local atmospheric pressure. This is done in the DISTRIBUTE operation.

The apparatus in the embodiment described here makes it possible to develop the stability of the human being standing on its natural supports. More specifically, it is a question of simultaneously developing the motor qualities of the muscle groups of the lower limb and the capacity to protect oneself from articular, peri-articular or muscular traumatisms for the activities which interest the child, the adult or the elderly subject. . For this, the apparatus of the invention develops the speed of muscle contraction in a real situation, the speed of recontraction and co-contraction to improve the joint vigilance, and the fatigue resistance of the muscle groups of the lower limbs, which the devices of the state of the art do not make it possible.

These qualities are essential for postural stability, the prevention of articular, peri-articular or muscular injuries, the physical and sports preparation, the dynamic warm-up before the effort and the rehabilitation of the pathological or traumatized subject able to recover autonomy or not.

A subject standing upright on the device is bipodal or unipodal support on the platform 206 which is movable. Bipodal support, promotes coordination of the lower limbs. Unipodal support, targets the internal-external coordination of the lower limb.

The activity aims at the repetition of imbalances by varying the intensity of the stresses and the type of movements of the plane. It is a question of reacting the subject who, in order to maintain his postural stability, contracts his musculoligamentary groups during modifications of the main plane of the platform 206 with respect to the fixed ground or the fixed base 208.

The solicitations generated by the electropneumatic automatism are sufficient to trigger an effective and protective musculo-ligament cocontraction while remaining quite far from the limits of articular amplitude, that is to say dangerous areas of stress.

The activity of the main plane of the platform 206 is determined by the kinetic and logical behavior of the three pneumatic actuators 200, 202 and 204 to which it is linked. The tip of each foot can look at one of the three rooms.

The objective of a sequence is to solicit the subject by alternating working and rest times. A time sequence is determined by six parameters: a working time (in min), an active delay (in s), a pause time (in s), a solicitation mode, a rhythm, a working pressure. Each time sequence is followed by a rest time (machine stop in min). For example, a working sequence lasts 2 minutes during which the subject is solicited by an activity of 3 seconds alternating with a pause of 3 s (20 cycles of (3 + 3) = 6 s or 120 s or 2 min). The mode, the rhythm and the pressure of the air flow characterize the stresses, their frequency and their intensity. After the sequence, the subject's rest time is 2 minutes (machine stop, low position).

Selections of the activation of the pneumatic actuators can be provided. For example, when three pneumatic actuators are available, the following selections can be provided: no activation, one of three, two of three, three of three.

The unitary modes alternate the activation and the exhausting of a single pneumatic actuator 200, 202 or 204. The binary modes alternate the activation of two actuators, one being activated when the other is at the same time. exhaust. The ternary modes activate each of the three actuators by simultaneously putting the other two exhaust in a chosen logical order.

Thanks to the decoupling of the working pressure regulation and the other kinetic and logical parameters, the torque (time sequence / working pressure) can be used to direct the work towards a type of stress (speed without effort growth or increase in speed). effort without variation of speed). The increase of the working pressure favors the amplitude of the movements.

In one embodiment, three rhythms can be provided. The three rhythms are called "Static", "Dynamic" and "Stato-dynamic".

The static rhythm targets joint and periarticular heating, resistance to isometric fatigue. In static timing, during the ACTIVE timeout, the platform 206 is moved during the time of feeding the chambers to find a static position maintained. During the PAUSE delay, the main plane of the platform 206 is at rest in a selected position relative to the base 208. The PAUSE delay can be zero so that the plate switches from one combination to another without passing by the rest position in the low position.

The dynamic rhythm targets the agonist-antagonist coordination. In dynamic rhythm, during the ACTIVE delay, the platform varies under the effect of pulsations to stabilize in an oscillation movement. During the PAUSE delay, the main plane of the platform 206 is at rest in a selected position relative to the base 208.

The stato-dynamic rhythm combines the work of cocontraction and the resistance in isometric static fatigue. The ACTIVER step is that of the dynamic mode but the PAUSE step is replaced by the "ACTIVATE" step of the static mode.

In dynamic and stato-dynamic rhythms, the ACTIVE and PAUSE timers are not necessarily multiples of the pulse period.

Thus, in dynamic rhythm, for the binary and ternary modes, after each pause during which no room is activated, the recovery of activity is not necessarily on the position that follows the last in the sequence. Likewise, in stato-dynamic rhythm, the static stop during the PAUSE delay is not necessarily made on the position that follows the last one.

The regulation of the working pressure is totally independent of the mode and the temporal or rhythmic parameters (temporal sequence). Thus, it is possible to calibrate the working power according to the subject (and not according to an absolute external parameter) regardless of age, morphology, sensitivity or vulnerability.

Claims (10)

REVENDICATIONS1. Fitness apparatus characterized in that it comprises: - an inlet for receiving compressed gas at an initial pressure and in continuous flow, - at least one pneumatic actuator having a working surface, - a gas distributor mounted between the inlet and the pneumatic actuator, the dispenser comprising one or more valves 15 for tilting at a gas supply position of the actuator or a gas exhaust position of the actuator, and further comprising 20 - a pressure regulator mounted upstream of the dispenser and adapted to convert the compressed gas input to the initial pressure into compressed gas at a working pressure, a controller adapted to selectively control each valve in a time sequence, and a control tool to adjust the working pressure and to define each time sequence. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the working pressure is between 0.005 and 0.25 MPa. 30 35 3. Apparatus according to one of the preceding claims, wherein each time sequence comprises a first parameter defining a time in the supply position of each valve and a second parameter defining a time in the exhaust position. 4. Apparatus according to one of the preceding claims, comprising a plurality of pneumatic actuators and several valves, each pneumatic actuator being associated with a respective valve. 5. Apparatus according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising a gas source compressed at the initial pressure connected to said inlet. 6. Apparatus according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising a platform mounted in contact with the working surface of each pneumatic actuator so as to engage a displacement when at least one of said valves tilts in the gas supply position. of the actuator or the gas exhaust position of the actuator. 7. Apparatus according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the control tool is arranged in a mobile terminal communicating with the pressure regulator and the controller by a wireless communication protocol. Apparatus according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the regulator comprises the inlet for receiving compressed gas at an initial pressure. 9. Apparatus according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the regulator comprises a pressure switch for maintaining a pressure in the actuator substantially identical to the working pressure. 10. A method of using the apparatus according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that it comprises the following steps. at. supplying compressed gas at an initial pressure and in continuous flow, b. converting the compressed gas to the initial pressure into compressed gas at a working pressure, c. selectively distributing the compressed gas at the working pressure to each pneumatic actuator, 10 d. pilot the conversion of step b. defining a working pressure, and e. pilot the selective distribution of step c. by switching between a gas supply of the actuator and a gas exhaust of the actuator in a predefined time sequence.