SI26375A - Device for exercising the lower limbs - Google Patents

Abstract

The subject of the invention is a device for stretching the lower limbs (1) and it solves technical problems: knee stretching, hip stretching or simultaneous knee and hip stretching. The device for stretching the lower limbs (1) includes at least: a supporting structure (2), a seat (3), a backrest (4), a drive for stretching the knee (5), a drive for stretching the hip (6), a pivot for the guide for the hip (7) , guide for the hip (8), guide for the shin (9), sensors and user interface and preferably includes one of the other parts: drive for adjusting the seat in the vertical direction (10), drive for adjusting the seat in the horizontal direction (15), converter movements (11), thigh support (12), shin support, shin support anchor (13) and shin support support (14). Electric energy is used to drive the device for stretching the lower limbs (1), the twists are provided by appropriate designs of mechanisms and electric motors. The device for stretching the lower limbs (1) includes a system for measuring twists and moments.

Description

LOWER LIMB EXERCISE DEVICE

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The field of technology

Stretcher, hip stretcher, knee stretcher, lower extremity stretcher, hip and knee stretcher measurements, rehabilitation device, lower extremity personal trainer.

Display the problem

Relatively large forces and torques occur when moving the lower limb. As a rule, to exercise the lower limbs of a healthy person with average requirements, dedicated exercises without the use of exercise equipment are sufficient. In the case of a person who is in the rehabilitation phase, or who is prescribed exercise with effect measurement, an exercise device is inevitably necessary.

The exercise device has to solve quite a few technical problems:

flexibility of the length between two joints (hip and knee) - the design of the swivel, which ensures that the twist around each joint is as similar as possible to the natural or ideal geometry of this joint. A device that cannot meet this requirement can also cause injuries to the user, the device must enable the exercise of each limb separately and also both limbs at the same time, the device must allow maximum twists, as defined by the profession for exercising the lower limb, i.e. physiotherapist, the device must provide adequate moments around the individual pivots. The moment consists of the moment required for movement, from the moment for twisting the individual supports of the device, in addition, it is necessary to take into account the safety factor, which mdr. takes into account possible extraordinary loads during use, especially in the case of a person who is in the rehabilitation phase, it is considered that its sensors are not reliable. It means that the same person has a different pain threshold, in the case of a normal - healthy - state, and in the case of an injury. Therefore, it is necessary for the user to have a device with sensors that allows measuring and displaying correct results, which both the physiotherapist and the user can rely on. In addition to reliable results, the user also needs an appropriate exercise program. From the point of view of the invention, this means that the device must ensure the capture, processing and display of measurement data, the user interface must ensure user-friendly data entry. The storage of training parameters must be available to the user, the user interface must ensure the storage of data over a longer period of time. This enables the implementation of an appropriate rehabilitation program, which can last from a few weeks to several months.

State of the art

Technical solutions for stretching devices, according to the market review and in the professional scientific literature, in the vast majority provide stretching of one joint. In addition, most devices are designed without sensors, which means that the measurement of forces/moments and displacements is not possible. Typically, training program threshold settings are left up to the user. As already mentioned, especially in the case of rehabilitation, it is essential that the device contains a system for measuring and displaying the results of this measurement.

Measuring exercise parameters with exercise equipment has many advantages. As already mentioned, the user who is in the rehabilitation phase cannot rely on his own feeling. His sensory system is - very likely - unable to transmit correct information due to acute pain. In addition, even the highly developed systems that the human body has for capturing data and analyzing it, after a certain period of receiving wrong information, can start to work according to this modified (incorrect) patterns. Therefore, an external evaluator is absolutely necessary for the patient, usually a physiotherapist, doctor or trainer. Of course, the physiotherapist only has a personal feeling, which is not necessarily completely correct either. These are the reasons for the manufacture and use of various measuring devices available to today's physiotherapists. These are different devices for measuring muscle activity, twists of joints, the force overcome by a certain set of muscles, temperature, etc. These devices are free-standing or can be installed on the user or any of the existing exercise equipment.

There is also a solution on the market that meets some of the above requirements. This device can measure pivot twist and torque. However, it does not allow training through two joints, but only one, namely the hip. The movement of the device is via an electric motor, the setting of the desired movement is done with a button. The device has a display of twists and moments around a single pivot, but for today's user, it has a relatively lacking user interface.

Specialists in the field of sports medicine use devices that are intended for measuring the muscle strength of individual (lower) limbs, and they can also be formally used for exercising the lower limbs. These devices are extremely robust in construction and are primarily intended for use in organizations/institutes.

The review of the situation showed that there is no device on the market that meets our performance criteria and is also affordable.

The development of user-friendly devices is taking place in virtually all areas of technology. The reasons are different, progress in one area, e.g. of computer science and informatics helps to accelerate the search for new solutions in the field of construction and industrial design. The lowering of the prices of advanced technologies after they are established in the market also contributes. In addition to the above, significant changes are brought about by systems that enable the collection and processing of information about processes and action based on the performed analyses.

The above has resulted in the design and manufacture of various new machines and devices, especially so-called smart devices in recent times. The development of these devices is followed by the opening of new needs for more sophisticated and at the same time more accessible sensors.

Mere use of advanced technological solutions is not enough. The constructor sometimes also does not produce an appropriate technical solution for the technical problem in question. Therefore, it is very important that the emerging construction enables the functionality of the sensors to the right extent. When looking for powertrains, it is necessary to make extensive analyzes of possible loads on the structure. In addition, specialists from other disciplines and end users have a great influence on the determination of construction requirements. The above-mentioned requirements are subordinated to the further search for technological solutions - both those that have already been developed and those that still need to be developed.

Description of the new solution

The subject of the invention is a device for exercising the lower limbs and it solves the technical problems:

- knee flexion,

- hip flexion,

- simultaneous knee and hip flexion.

The lower extremity exerciser has the functions of knee exercise, hip exercise and simultaneous exercise of both joints, knee and hip.

The device for exercising the lower limbs consists of hardware, sensors and an interface. The design and construction of the device for exercising the lower limbs ensures flexibility for users with different requirements. In order to ensure a successful exercise, the requirements are coordinated with experts in the field of physiotherapy and sports medicine, whose requirements are taken into account in the technical design of the device for exercising the lower limbs.

During operation, the lower extremity mobilization device provides a controlled rotation around the knee pivot and the hip pivot. The twist options are different: knee twist only, hip twist only, different sequences of individual twists with the possibility of simultaneous hip and knee twists.

Electric energy is used to drive the device for exercising the lower limbs, the twists are provided by appropriate designs of mechanisms and electric motors. The device for exercising the lower limbs includes a system for measuring twists and moments.

The device for exercising the lower limbs includes a user interface that replaces the trainer or physiotherapist as much as possible and contains technical solutions that enable exercise for users of different physical predispositions, such as weight and height. The device for exercising the lower limbs is flexible and is suitable for users with different requirements or needs for exercise. The user interface allows you to monitor the progress or effectiveness of the exercise.

The lower extremity exerciser includes: support structure, seat, backrest, knee extension drive, hip extension drive, hip guide pivot, hip guide, tibia guide, sensors and interface.

The lower extremity exercise device preferably comprises at least one of the following elements: a vertical seat adjustment drive, a horizontal seat adjustment drive, a motion transducer, a thigh support, a shin support, a shin support anchor, and a shin support support .

The supporting structure ensures the attachment of key components, drives, pivots, the backrest seat and other parts of the lower extremity exercise device and at the same time meets all conditions regarding the stability and rigidity of the lower extremity exercise device. The supporting structure can be made of any material, but it is preferably made of steel, which ensures a more affordable design, and the structure is rigid and of sufficient weight, which ensures the stability of the device for exercising the lower limbs.

The seat of the lower extremity mobilization device may be manually adjustable, but is preferably motorized. The adjustment of the seat in the horizontal direction is carried out with the drive for adjusting the seat in the horizontal direction, which is preferably implemented as an electric motor, preferably with the transmission of movement in the direction of the axis of the electric motor. The adjustment of the seat in the vertical direction is carried out with a drive for adjusting the seat in the vertical direction, which is preferably implemented as an electric motor, preferably by transferring movement in a direction perpendicular to the axis of the electric motor.

Any actuator can be used to drive the hip extension, but preferably a linear actuator is used. Any actuator can be used to drive the knee extension, but preferably a rotary actuator is used.

When using a linear actuator, the translational motion of the linear actuator is converted into a circular motion, which is done by a motion transducer that surrounds the sliding element. To ensure the rotation of the hip guide, the hip guide is connected to the supporting structure with a pivot of the hip guide, preferably in the form of a bearing.

On the shin guide, in order to adapt the guide to the body proportions of the user, a movable anchorage of the shin support is installed, which is connected to the support of the shin support, on which the shin support is installed.

Lower extremity exercise device, measures hip rotation and knee rotation. The measurement is performed by checking the position of the electric drive for knee extension and the electric drive for hip extension.

The device for stretching the lower limbs allows for the adjustment of the length between the foot and the knee. The support for the support for the shin and the support for the shin are pressed to the anchorage of the support for the shin, which is preferably implemented as a sliding element. The user selects the most appropriate position of the shin support anchorage.

The lower extremity exerciser provides the most appropriate hip rotation for different users. The device for exercising the lower limbs also allows the measurement of the length between the pivot point of the hip and the pivot point of the knee. The measurement is preferably carried out using a measuring magnetic tape and a suitable sensor, but it is also possible to choose one of the similar solutions.

The entire lower extremity exercise device system consists of hardware and electrical equipment and a software environment with logical algorithms that are necessary for the operation of the lower extremity exercise device system.

The system of the lower extremity mobilization device is autonomous and capable of making its own decisions based on the parameters exchanged, preferably with its own programmable logic controller containing an algorithm and a user interface.

The system of the device for exercising the lower limbs contains force sensors, which are used to determine the moment around an individual pivot from the measurement. During the operation of the device for exercising the lower limbs, the technical solutions used ensure adequate rotations of individual parts of the mechanism. The measurement of the position (rotation angle around the pivot) is carried out by counting the signals of the drive motors, with no influence of the surroundings on the operation of the system. A programmable logic controller (PLK) with a human-machine connection system (touch panel, user interface) automatically captures data and gives commands to the device's electro-drives. Key components are also selected according to the criterion of optimal loads and electricity consumption.

The user enters his data in the interface. If the user is using the device for exercising the lower limbs for the first time, measurements are taken to obtain data. After selecting the initial data, the device for exercising the lower limbs is placed in the initial position. Where manual installation is required, information about the required positions is displayed on the screen. Using the data, the user makes manual adjustments to the backrests or the lengths of the mechanism elements.

In the interface, the user first enters the username and password.

When using for the first time, the interface asks the user for the missing data, which the user must enter, or the device measures, and the user confirms and saves:

height, weight, age, state of health (normal or rehabilitation) in case of rehabilitation, some disease suggestions (and customized program), e.g.: recovery of a specific muscle group, hip recovery, knee recovery, left / right / both leg recovery and similar leg weight:

the first weight data is determined from the data entered by the user (height, weight) the second weight data is determined from the measurement of the weight of the leg, and the measurement is carried out with the existing sensors on the measuring device thigh length (distance between the knee and the hip), is determined in the following way: the user sits on the device, selects the thigh length measurement section on the user interface in the appropriate tab, the user sets the correct position, the measuring device measures the distance, the user then confirms/saves the measured distance.

definition of exercise types - the creator also writes default values for all sections.

in the form of a menu, each type of exercise is sufficiently listed, e.g.:

initial knee angle between knee and thigh (default angle data is available) end angle between knee and thigh (default data is 180° available).

speed of movement ('working movement') accurate listing of the movement sequence (with descriptions that enable display on the 'time - twist' graph) training program and training intensity - after entering the data, the user chooses between different training programs and intensities.

Data is also entered into the interface:

- about the choice of the control method of the device for exercising the lower limbs (manual or by program)

- about the exercise status

- about the degree of relaxation of the limb (contracted, relaxed or in between)

The interface also provides insight into exercise statistics, after one exercise or over a selected longer period of time. Warnings or instructions for further training are also given, such as the most suitable time for training.

In the interface, the setting regarding data transfer, such as via the Internet, via a mobile phone or any other method, is also specified. The described operation of the interface is a preferred solution, which does not limit the essence of the invention.

The essence of the invention is explained in more detail below with a description of the implementation example and the attached sketches, whereby the sketches are part of the present patent application and the sketches show:

Figure 1 shows: lower extremity exerciser 1, support structure 2, seat 3, backrest 4, knee exerciser 5, hip exerciser 6, hip guide pivot 7, hip guide 8, tibia guide 9, drive to adjust the seat in the vertical direction 10.

Figure 2 shows: backrest 4, knee extension drive 5, hip extension drive 6, hip guide 8, motion transducer 11, thigh support 12.

Figure 3 shows: lower limb flexor 1, support structure 2, seat 3, backrest 4, knee flexor drive 5, hip guide pivot 7, hip guide 8, shin guide 9, seat vertical adjustment drive 10.

Figure 4 shows: knee extension drive 5, shin guide 9, seat vertical adjustment drive 10, shin support anchor 13, shin support support 14.

Figure 5 shows: support structure 2, seat 3, backrest 4, knee extension drive 5, hip guide pivot 7, hip guide 8, shin guide 9, vertical seat adjustment drive 10, seat adjustment drive in horizontal direction 15.

Figure 6 shows: seat 3, backrest 4, drive for adjusting the seat in the horizontal direction 15.

Implementation example:

The device for exercising the lower limbs 1 consists of hardware, sensors and an interface. During operation, the lower extremity mobilization device provides controlled rotation around the knee pivot and the hip pivot. The twist options are different: knee twist only, hip twist only, different sequences of individual twists with the possibility of simultaneous hip and knee twists. Electric energy is used to drive the device for exercising the lower limbs 1, the twists are provided by appropriate designs of mechanisms and electric motors. The device for exercising the lower limbs includes a system for measuring twists and moments.

Lower extremity exercise device 1 includes: support structure 2, seat 3, backrest 4, knee extension drive 5, hip extension drive 6, hip guide pivot 7, hip guide 8, shin guide 9, seat adjustment drive vertical 10, horizontal seat adjustment drive 15, motion transducer 11, thigh support 12, shin support, shin support mount 13 and shin support support 14, sensors and interface.

The supporting structure 2 is made of steel, which ensures a cost-effective design, structural rigidity and sufficient weight to ensure the stability of the lower extremity exercise device 1.

The seat 3 of the device for exercise of the lower limbs 1 is adjustable with a drive for adjusting the seat in the vertical direction 10, which is an electric motor with the transmission of motion in the direction of the axis of the electromotoi and a drive for adjusting the seat in the horizontal direction 15, which is an electric motor with the transmission of motion in the direction perpendicular to the axis electric motor.

A linear actuator is used to drive the hip extension 6. A rotary actuator is used for the knee flexion drive 5.

The translational motion of the linear actuator is converted into circular motion by the motion transducer 11, which surrounds the sliding element. In order to ensure the rotation of the hip guide 8, the hip guide 8 is connected to the support structure 2 with the pivot of the hip guide 7 made in the form of a bearing.

On the guide for the shin 9, in order to adapt the guide to the body proportions of the user, a movable anchorage of the support for the shin 13 is installed, with which the support for the support for the shin 14 is connected, on which the support for the shin is installed.

Lower extremity exercise device 1, measures hip rotation and knee rotation. The measurement is performed by checking the position of the electric drive for flexing the knee 5 and the electric drive for flexing the hip 6.

The system of the lower extremity exercise device 1 is autonomous and capable of making its own decisions based on the parameters exchanged, with its own programmable logic controller containing an algorithm and a user interface.

The user enters his data in the user interface. If the user is using the device for exercising the lower limbs for the first time, measurements are taken to obtain data. After selecting the initial data, the device for exercising the lower limbs is placed in the initial position. Where manual installation is required, information about the required positions is displayed on the screen. Using the data, the user makes manual adjustments to the backrests or lengths of the mechanism elements.

The interface also provides insight into exercise statistics, after one exercise or over a selected longer period of time. Warnings or instructions for further training are also given, such as the most suitable time for training.

It is more understandable that the described solution can also be implemented in a different design, which does not change the essence of the invention.

Claims (28)

PATENT CLAIMS 1. A device for stretching the lower limbs characterized by the fact that it includes a support structure (2), a seat (3), a backrest (4), a drive for stretching the knee (5), a drive for stretching the hip (6), a pivot for the guide for the hip ( 7), hip guide (8), shin guide (9), sensors and interface. 2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that it includes a drive for adjusting the seat in the vertical direction (10). 3. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that it includes a drive for adjusting the seat in the horizontal direction (15). 4. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that it includes a motion transducer (11). 5. A device according to claim 1, characterized in that it includes a thigh support (12). 6. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that it includes the attachment point of the shin support (13). 7. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that it surrounds the shin support support (14). 8. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized by the fact that the support structure (2) is made of steel. 9. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized by the fact that the adjustment of the seat (3) in the horizontal direction is carried out by an electric motor. 10. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the adjustment of the seat (3) in the vertical direction is performed with an electric motor. 11. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that an actuator is used to drive the hip flexion (6). 12. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that a linear actuator is used for the hip flexion drive (6). 13. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that an actuator is used to drive the knee (5). 14. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that a rotary actuator is used for the knee flexion drive (5). 15. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that the translational motion of the linear actuator is converted into a circular motion by a motion transducer (11) that surrounds the sliding element. 16. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 15, characterized by the fact that the hip guide (8) is connected to the support structure (2) with the pivot of the hip guide (7) in the form of a bearing. 17. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 16, characterized by the fact that on the shin guide (9) a movable anchorage of the shin support (13), to which the support of the shin support (14) is connected, on which the support is mounted for the shin. 18. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 17, characterized in that it measures hip rotation by controlling the position of the electric drive for hip flexion (6). 19. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 18, characterized in that it measures knee rotation by controlling the position of the electric drive for knee flexion (5). 20. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 19, characterized in that it has an adjustable length between the user's foot and knee. 21. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 20, characterized in that it provides measurement of the length between the pivot point of the hip guide (7) and the pivot point of the knee using a measuring magnetic tape and a sensor. 22. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 21, characterized in that it provides a lower extremity exercise device system (1) consisting of hardware and electrical equipment and a software environment with logical algorithms that are necessary for the operation of the lower extremity exercise device system . 23. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 22, characterized by the fact that the system of the device for exercising the lower limbs (1) is autonomous and is able to make decisions on its own according to the measured parameters, with its programmable logic controller, which includes an algorithm and a user interface. 24. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 23, characterized by the fact that it includes force sensors, with which the moment around an individual pivot is determined from the measurement. 25. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 24, characterized by the fact that the measurement of the angle of rotation around the pivot is performed by counting the signals of the drive motors, with no influence of the environment on the operation of the system. 26. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 25, characterized by the fact that the programmable logic controller with a human-machine connection system automatically collects data and gives commands to the electric drives of the device. 27. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 26, characterized by the fact that the user enters his data in the user interface. 28. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 27, characterized by the fact that, when the user first uses the device for exercising the lower limbs (1), measurements are taken to obtain data.