WO2024061530A1

WO2024061530A1 - Respiratory stimulation device and control methods therefor

Info

Publication number: WO2024061530A1
Application number: PCT/EP2023/071932
Authority: WO
Inventors: Philippe-Antoine CORTES
Original assignee: Neoflo
Priority date: 2022-09-19
Filing date: 2023-08-08
Publication date: 2024-03-28
Also published as: FR3139729A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a respiratory stimulation device (10) comprising: - a belt (11) intended to be fitted around the abdomen of a user; - at least three motors (12, 13) fixed on the belt (11), a central motor (12) and two lateral motors (13), so as to position the central motor (12) opposite the umbilical region (14) and the lateral motors (13) opposite the two sides of the abdomen (15) of the user when the user is wearing the belt; and - a control unit (30) connected to the motors (12, 13) and configured to generate vibrations of variable amplitudes on each motor (12, 13) so as to induce two sensations of movement (P1) of the location of the vibrations which are felt by the user as an apparent double tactile movement.

Description

DESCRIPTION

TITLE: RESPIRATORY STIMULATION DEVICE AND CONTROL METHODS

ASSOCIATES

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention relates to a respiratory stimulation device, that is to say a device making it possible to induce phases of inspiration and expiration. Also provided are methods for controlling the device to induce these phases of inspiration and expiration.

The invention finds application in the medical field to assist a patient's breathing, increase heart rate variability and re-educate abdominal breathing. The invention can also be used to allow users to improve their breathing. Typically, the invention can be used to induce slow, deep abdominal breathing. With such abdominal breathing, the user can experience relaxation, stress regulation or even an improvement in cognitive performance.

For the purposes of the invention, “abdominal breathing” is characterized by the use of the diaphragm to inhale and exhale. When inhaling, the diaphragm descends by contracting, which has the effect of opening the lungs to let air in, and inflating the abdomen. When exhaling, the diaphragm rises and relaxes, which has the effect of closing the lungs to let the air escape, and pulling in the abdomen.

STATE OF THE ART

There are a significant number of people who suffer from stress, anxiety, a lack of psycho-emotional balance or even problems related to cognitive performance. In these people we find significant tension and chronic tension of the diaphragm preventing effective abdominal breathing.

To help these people, it is often advisable to perform periods of slow, deep abdominal breathing. To do this, there are several solutions to suggest to a user the optimal phases of inspiration and expiration in order to obtain this specific breath. For example, document WO 2010/088895 or document US 6,561,987 describes a device making it possible to warn the user during optimal moments of inspiration and expiration.

The signals transmitted to the user to indicate the optimal breathing phases can take the form of an electric current, an audible signal, a visual signal, a temperature variation or even vibrations.

The disadvantage of this solution is that the user must be concentrated to follow the signals allowing them to adapt their breathing, so that this respiratory state is difficult to access over long periods or when carrying out another activity.

Furthermore, some people suffer from respiratory insufficiency and there are also devices intended to control breathing. To do this, it is known to excite the body with vibrations in order to trigger the inspiration phase while letting the body generate the expiration phase itself, as described in document WO 2021/162555 to fight against sleep apnea in infants.

Excitation can also directly target the diaphragm by applying localized vibrations to the abdomen. Such vibrations are for example described in document WO 2017/198283 which proposes using at least two motors mounted on a ventral belt to generate these vibrations making it possible to stimulate the diaphragmatic muscle. Thus, in document WO 2017/198283, vibrations of constant amplitudes are applied for a predetermined duration to mechanically stimulate the phases of inspiration by activating the diaphragm.

In addition, vibrations of constant amplitudes applied to trigger the phases of inspiration can stimulate the parasympathetic nerve and decrease the heart rate, so that this periodic excitation can be used to try to induce a state of relaxation.

However, stimulation of the parasympathetic nerve is not always effective in reducing the heart rate because the user may also feel excitation of the sympathetic nerve which has the effect of increasing this heart rate. Thus, when the user wears the belt during the day and carries out various activities, he very rarely carries out periods of slow and deep abdominal breathing with the belt of document WO 2017/198283. The technical problem of the invention is therefore to obtain a device which induces the phases of inspiration but also the phases of expiration, for example to obtain periods of slow and deep abdominal breathing.

STATEMENT OF THE INVENTION

To respond to this technical problem, the invention proposes to use several vibratory motors juxtaposed on a belt facing the umbilical region and the sides of the abdomen, and to control these motors to generate variable amplitudes in order to obtain a feeling of displacement of the location of the vibrations. In doing so, the user feels an apparent double tactile movement on the abdomen which induces the phases of inspiration and expiration.

Indeed, the invention comes from a discovery according to which the application of a sensation of movement of vibrations from the sides of the abdomen towards the umbilical region makes it possible to induce a phase of abdominal inspiration, by actively inflating and gradually the abdomen to the rhythm of the movement of vibrations felt.

In addition, the application of a sensation of displacement of vibrations from the umbilical region towards the sides of the abdomen makes it possible to induce a phase of abdominal expiration by actively and gradually retracting the abdomen to the rhythm of the displacement of vibrations felt .

Thus, the invention makes it possible to induce both the phases of inspiration and expiration by activating the abdomen and it is now possible to vary these phases to lead a user to perform slow and deep abdominal breathing.

According to a first aspect, the invention relates to a respiratory stimulation device comprising:

- a belt intended to be fitted around the abdomen of a user;

- at least three motors fixed on the belt, a central motor and two lateral motors, so as to position the central motor facing the umbilical region and the lateral motors facing the two sides of the user's abdomen when he wears the belt; And

- a control unit connected to the motors and configured to generate vibrations of variable amplitudes on each motor so as to induce two sensations displacement of the location of vibrations:

- a first sensation of displacement of the location of the vibrations from the sides of the abdomen towards the umbilical region obtained by gradually decreasing the amplitude of the vibrations applied to the lateral motors while gradually increasing the amplitude of the vibration applied to the motor central so as to induce inspiration; And

- a second sensation of displacement of the location of the vibrations from the umbilical region towards the sides of the abdomen obtained by gradually decreasing the amplitude of the vibration applied to the central motor while gradually increasing the amplitude of the vibrations applied to the motors lateral so as to induce expiration.

For the purposes of the invention, the umbilical region is located below the epigastrium, above the hypogastrium and between the two lateral regions. The sides of the abdomen are located on either side of this umbilical region, they can extend over the lumbar and inguinal regions, right and left.

Thus, the invention proposes an abdominal belt integrating motors activated distinctly to induce phases of inspiration and expiration. These motors are controlled by a control unit configured to generate the control signals of these motors so that the user feels a double tactile movement apparent on the abdomen which induces the phases of inspiration and expiration.

It is possible to use several waveforms or distinct frequencies to differentiate the vibrations applied during the inspiration phase and those applied during the expiration phase. The waveforms preferentially used may be waves called: "Sine wave" and "Ricker wavelet". A sine wave induces continuous movement and feeling, while Ricker Wavelets are spaced with delays to generate a tapping sensation.

It is possible to modify the shape of these different waves in order to induce a movement corresponding to the user's expectations. Concretely, the frequency of a sine wave can vary between 30 Hz and 200 Hz. For Ricker wavelets, it is possible to modify the delay between each tapping sensation which can vary between Os and 1 s and the duration of the pulses which can vary between 10ms and 200ms. All these parameters, linked to the waves, can be controlled by the control unit and thus be recorded beforehand. A differentiation in the shapes of the signal for the phases of inspiration and expiration makes it possible to generate different tactile sensations on the abdomen. This differentiation allows the user to distinguish vibrations which induce exhalations from those which induce inspirations.

Preferably, to allow suitable perception of the location of the vibrations, each motor has a contact area with the user's body of less than 15 cm ² . The distance between the central motor and the side motors is, for example, between 10 cm and 20 cm. This distance makes it possible to define a suitable stimulation zone.

At least three motors are necessary to induce this apparent double tactile movement on the abdomen. Of course, other motors can be used to improve the sensation of moving the location of the vibrations and promote the breathing phases.

For example, the invention may comprise at least two intermediate motors arranged between the central motor and the side motors; the control unit being configured to induce:

- the first sensation of displacement of the location of the vibrations from the sides of the abdomen towards the umbilical region by gradually decreasing the amplitude of the vibrations applied to the lateral motors, while gradually increasing then decreasing the amplitude of the vibrations applied to the intermediate motors, while gradually increasing the amplitude of the vibration applied to the central motor, so as to induce inspiration; And

- a second sensation of movement of vibrations from the umbilical region towards the sides of the abdomen by gradually decreasing the amplitude of the vibration applied to the central motor, while gradually increasing then decreasing the amplitude of the vibrations applied to the intermediate motors , while gradually increasing the amplitude of the vibrations applied to the lateral motors, so as to induce expiration.

Furthermore, the control unit preferably integrates wired connection means but it can also integrate wireless connection means so that the user can adjust the breathing rate induced by the control unit from a smartphone. Concretely, during the inspiration stimulation phase, the central motor located next to the umbilical region generates in the first moments of stimulation a minimum amplitude of vibration to reach a maximum amplitude at the end of the stimulation.

On the contrary, the lateral motors located opposite the flanks of the abdomen behave in the opposite way by starting the stimulation with a maximum vibration amplitude and tending towards a minimum vibration amplitude at the end of the stimulation.

Thus, according to a second aspect, the invention relates to a method of controlling the respiratory stimulation device so as to induce an inspiration phase by generating a sensation of displacement of the location of the vibrations, the method comprising the following steps:

- activation of the central motor vibration to achieve a minimum vibration amplitude;

- activation of the vibration of the side motors to achieve maximum vibration amplitude;

- increasing the vibration of the central motor to reach said maximum vibration amplitude while decreasing the vibration of the side motors to reach said minimum vibration amplitude;

- deactivation of central motor vibration; And

- deactivation of vibration of side motors

Preferably, to obtain effective activation of the side motors, the step of activating the vibration of the side motors to reach a maximum vibration amplitude is carried out for a predetermined duration, for example for a duration of between 5 and 15% of the duration of the inspiration stimulation phase, during which the vibration amplitude of the lateral motors increases from the minimum vibration amplitude to the maximum vibration amplitude.

This embodiment makes it possible to limit the forces experienced by the side motors during activation to increase their lifespan and also to avoid a clicking sensation when the motors are activated.

In addition, the step of reducing the vibration of the side motors is preferably carried out with at least two speeds: a first slower reduction speed that a second decrease speed, and the step of increasing the vibration of the central motor is carried out with at least two speeds: a first increase speed faster than a second increase speed; the transition between the decreasing speeds and the increasing speeds being able to occur at distinct moments of the inspiration stimulation phase.

This embodiment makes it possible to create a simple crossfade between the two signals in order to improve the perception of the continuity of the apparent movement compared to the use of a single speed of decrease and increase of vibrations.

Preferably, the step of deactivating the vibration of the central motor is carried out for a predetermined duration, for example for a duration of between 5 and 15% of the duration of the inspiration stimulation phase, during which the vibration amplitude of the side motors decreases from the maximum vibration amplitude to the minimum vibration amplitude. This embodiment makes it possible to limit the forces experienced by the central motor during the deactivation stage to increase its lifespan.

During the expiration stimulation phase, the lateral motors located opposite the sides of the abdomen generate a minimum vibration amplitude in the first moments of stimulation to reach a maximum amplitude at the end of the stimulation. On the contrary, the central motor located opposite the umbilical region behaves in the opposite way by starting stimulation with a maximum vibration amplitude to tend towards a minimum vibration amplitude at the end of the stimulation.

Thus, according to a third aspect, the invention relates to a method of controlling the respiratory stimulation device so as to induce an expiration phase by generating a sensation of displacement of the location of the vibrations, the method comprising the following steps:

- activation of central motor vibration to achieve maximum vibration amplitude;

- activation of the vibration of the side motors to achieve a minimum vibration amplitude;

- increasing the vibration of the side motors to reach said maximum vibration amplitude while decreasing the vibration of the central motor to reach said minimum vibration amplitude; - deactivation of central motor vibration; And

- deactivation of the vibration of the side motors.

Preferably, to obtain effective activation of the central motor, the step of activating the vibration of the central motor to reach a maximum vibration amplitude is carried out for a predetermined duration, for example for a duration of between 5 and 15% of the duration of the expiration stimulation phase, during which the vibration amplitude of the central motor increases from the minimum vibration amplitude to the maximum vibration amplitude.

This embodiment makes it possible to limit the forces experienced by the central motor during the activation stage to increase its lifespan and also to avoid a clicking sensation when activating the motor.

Preferably, the step of reducing the vibration of the central motor is carried out with at least two speeds: a first reduction speed slower than a second reduction speed, and the step of increasing the vibration of the side motors is carried out with at least two speeds: a first speed of increase faster than a second speed of increase; the transition between decreasing speeds and increasing speeds can occur at distinct moments in the expiration stimulation phase.

Preferably, the step of deactivating the vibration of the lateral motors is carried out for a predetermined duration, for example for a duration of between 5 and 15% of the duration of the expiration stimulation phase, during which the vibration amplitude of the side motors decreases from the maximum vibration amplitude to the minimum vibration amplitude. This embodiment makes it possible to limit the forces experienced by the lateral motors during the deactivation step to increase their lifespan. Brief description of the figures

The manner in which the invention can be carried out and the advantages which result from it will become clearer from the examples of implementation which follow, given for informational and non-limiting purposes, in support of the appended figures in which:

[Fig 1] is a schematic representation of the respiratory stimulation device according to a first embodiment of the invention during an inspiration stimulation phase;

[Fig 2] is a schematic representation of the device of Figure 1 during an expiration stimulation phase;

[Fig 3] is a graphic representation of the amplitude of the central motor and the lateral motors of the device of Figure 1 during the inspiration and expiration stimulation phases;

[Fig 4] is a schematic representation of the respiratory stimulation device according to a second embodiment of the invention integrating intermediate motors; and [Fig 5] is a graphical representation of the amplitude of the central motor, the intermediate motors and the lateral motors of the device of Figure 4 during the inspiration and expiration stimulation phases.

Detailed description of the invention

Figures 1, 2 and 4 represent a respiratory stimulation device 10 integrated into a belt 11 mounted around the abdomen of a user. This belt 11 is preferably made of non-abrasive lycra for its extensibility, it can include several layers of fabric. In addition, the belt 11 may include holding means, for example two portions of Velcro arranged on the two ends, in order to hold the belt 11 around the user's abdomen during use.

In the example of Figures 1 and 2, the belt 11 integrates three motors 12-13. Two of these motors 13, called lateral motors, are placed facing the sides of the abdomen 15 and the last motor 12, called central motor, is placed facing the umbilical region 14. When the belt 11 is intended for an adult of average proportion, the lateral motors 13 are positioned at a distance DI of between 10 and 20 cm from the central motor 12.

Of course, if the belt 11 is intended for an infant or an overweight person, the size of the belt 11 and the distance DI between the motors 12-13 varies. Furthermore, Figure 4 illustrates an embodiment in which the respiratory stimulation device 10 comprises two intermediate motors 16 positioned between the side motors 13 and the central motor 12. The distance D2 between the intermediate motor 16 and the side motors 13 is between 5 and 10 cm. Likewise, the distance D3 between the intermediate motors 16 and the central motor 12 is also between 5 and 10 cm. Each motor 12, 13, 16 preferably has a contact area with the user's body of less than 15 cm ² .

As before, if the belt 11 is intended for an infant or an overweight person, the size of the belt 11 and the distance D2 and D3 between the motors 12, 13, 16 varies.

All motors 12, 13, 16 are connected to a control unit 30 by wired connectors integrated into the belt. This control unit 30 can be removable to facilitate recharging, for example by using magnetic electrical connectors on the control unit 30. Recharging can be carried out by induction or by a connector, for example a USB type connector.

In addition, the control unit 30 can integrate wireless connection means so that the user can adjust the breathing rate induced by the control unit 30 from a smartphone. Thus, it is possible to modify the adjustment parameters of each motor 12, 13, 16 to adapt to the needs of the user.

Indeed, to induce the respiratory phases, the invention proposes to control the motors 12, 13, 16 to vary the amplitude of the vibrations and induce a double tactile movement felt by the user. To do this, the lateral motors 13 are controlled differently from the central motor 12, and any intermediate motors 16. In the remainder of the description, the difference in control of the side motors 13 and the central motor 12 is first presented.

More precisely, during the PI inspiration stimulation phase, the amplitude A13 of the vibrations applied to the lateral motors 13 gradually decreases while gradually increasing the amplitude of the vibration A12 applied to the central motor 12. This difference in control of the motors 12 and 13 in the PI inspiration stimulation phase makes it possible to induce an apparent double tactile movement on the abdomen which propagates from the sides of the abdomen 15 to the umbilical region 14, such as shown in Figure 1.

On the contrary, during the expiration stimulation phase P2, the amplitude A13 of the vibrations applied to the lateral motors 13 gradually increases while gradually decreasing the amplitude of the vibration A12 applied to the central motor 12. This difference in control of the motors 12 and 13 in the expiration stimulation phase P2 makes it possible to induce another apparent double tactile movement on the abdomen which propagates from the umbilical region 14 to the sides of the abdomen 15, as illustrated on Figure 2.

Figure 3 is a graphic representation of the amplitude of the motors 12, 13 according to a mode of implementation of the different respiratory phases illustrated in Figures 1 and 2. More precisely, at the start of the PI inspiration stimulation phase, the The amplitude A13 of the side motors 13 has the minimum amplitude value Amin. Then, the amplitude A13 undergoes a rapid increase VI to reach the maximum value Amax at the time Tl. Then, the amplitude A13 undergoes a first rate of decrease V2 and reaches an intermediate amplitude value Aint at the time T2 . Finally, the amplitude A13 undergoes a second reduction speed V3 and reaches the minimum value Amin at the end of the duration Ti of the PI inspiration stimulation phase.

For the amplitude A12 of the central motor 12, it starts at the minimum value Amin and undergoes a first speed of increase V4 to reach the intermediate amplitude value Aint at time T3. Then, the amplitude A12 undergoes a second rate of increase V5 to reach the maximum value Amax at time T4. Finally, the amplitude A12 undergoes a rapid decrease V6 to reach the minimum value Amin at the end of the duration Ti of the PI inspiration stimulation phase.

Following this PI-inspired stimulation phase, a delay S without vibration is programmed.

This delay S, the instants Tl to T4, as well as the amplitude values Amin, Aint and Amax, can be parameterized and possibly modified by the control unit 30. After this delay S, the expiration stimulation phase P2 begins. In this phase, the amplitude A13 of the lateral motors 13 begins at the minimum value Amin and undergoes a first speed of increase V7 to reach the intermediate value Aint at time T3. Then, the amplitude A13 undergoes a second speed of increase V8 to reach the maximum value Amax at time T4. Finally, the amplitude A13 undergoes a rapid decrease V9 to reach the minimum value Amin at the end of the duration Te of the expiration stimulation phase P2.

For the amplitude A12 of the central motor 12, it starts at the minimum value Amin. Then, the amplitude A12 undergoes a rapid increase VIO to reach the maximum value Amax at the time Tl. Then, the amplitude A12 undergoes a first speed of decrease Vil and reaches an intermediate value Aint at the time T2. Finally, the amplitude undergoes a second speed of reduction V12 until reaching the minimum value Amin at the end of the duration Te of the expiration stimulation phase P2.

At the end of this P2 expiration stimulation phase, a new delay S is applied before starting a new PI inspiration stimulation phase. This new delay S between the expiration stimulation phase P2 and the inspiration stimulation phase PI may be different from the delay S applied between the inspiration stimulation phase PI and the expiration stimulation phase P2.

This difference in vibration amplitude between motors 12 and 13 aims to provide a dynamic tactile sensation on the abdomen. This apparent tactile effect needs to be felt only on the surface of the abdomen in order to induce a movement of movement of vibrations from the umbilical area 14 to the sides of the abdomen 15 and from the sides of the abdomen 15 to 'to the umbilical area 14 to allow the user to consciously synchronize their inspirations and expirations.

Preferably, the amplitude value Amin is between 0% and 5% of the amplitude value Amax and the intermediate amplitude value Aint is between 70% and 90% of the amplitude value Amax. Likewise, the durations Ti and Te of the stimulation phases of inspiration and expiration PI and P2 can be similar.

In this embodiment, Tl is preferably between 5% and 15% of the duration Ti of inspiration stimulation phase Pl. T2 is preferably between 55% and 65% of the duration Ti, T3 is preferably between 30 % and 50% of the duration Ti and T4 is preferably between 85% and 95% of the duration Ti. Alternatively, the durations Ti and Te can be distinct as well as the instants Tl to T4 for the stimulation phases of inspiration and expiration PI and P2.

All these parameters can be recorded beforehand in the control unit 30 in order to create several stimulation modes that the user can select, for example to induce different types of breathing.

In the embodiment of Figure 4, the respiratory stimulation device 10 comprises two intermediate motors 16 positioned between the lateral motors 13 and the central motor 12. In this embodiment, the control unit 30 is programmed to generate vibrations of different amplitudes on each motor 12, 13, 16 in order to induce a sensation of movement and to allow the user to consciously synchronize their breathing.

More precisely, during the PI inspiration stimulation phase, the amplitude A12 of the vibrations applied to the central motor 12 gradually increases, while gradually increasing then decreasing the amplitude A16 of the vibrations applied to the intermediate motors 16, while decreasing gradually the amplitude A13 of the vibration applied to the lateral motors 13.

During the expiration stimulation phase P2, the amplitude A13 of the vibration applied to the lateral motors 13 gradually increases, while gradually increasing then decreasing the amplitude A16 of the vibrations applied to the intermediate motors 16, while gradually decreasing the amplitude A12 of the vibrations applied to the central motor 12.

The use of a large number of motors increases the sensation of movement and, thus, allows the user to better consciously synchronize their breathing and provides a dynamic tactile sensation on the abdomen in order to induce vibration displacement movements between the umbilical area 14 and the sides of the abdomen 15 and vice versa.

Figure 5 is a graphical representation of the amplitude of the motors 12, 13 and 16 according to one implementation mode. During the PI inspiration stimulation phase, the amplitude A13 of the signal from the lateral motors 13 begins at a minimum Amin. Then, the amplitude A13 increases to reach the maximum value Amax at time T5. Then, the A13 amplitude decreases until reaching the minimum value Amin at the end of the PI inspiration stimulation phase.

For amplitude A16 of intermediate motors 16, it starts at the minimum value Amin. Then, the amplitude A16 increases to reach the maximum value Amax at time T7. Then, the A16 amplitude decreases until reaching the minimum value Amin at the end of the PI inspiration stimulation phase.

For the amplitude A12 of the central motor 12, it starts at the minimum value Amin and gradually increases to reach the maximum amplitude value Amax at time T6. Then, the A12 amplitude decreases to reach the minimum value Amin at the end of the PI inspiration stimulation phase.

Following this PI-inspired stimulation phase, a delay S is applied.

After this delay S, an expiration stimulation phase P2 begins. In this phase, the amplitude A13 of the lateral motors 13 begins at the minimum value Amin and gradually increases to reach the maximum value Amax at time T6. Then, the amplitude A13 decreases to reach the minimum value Amin at the end of the expiration stimulation phase P2.

Just as in the inspiration stimulation phase PI, in the expiration stimulation phase P2, the amplitude A16 of the intermediate motors 16 begins at the minimum value Amin.

Then, the amplitude A16 increases to reach the maximum value Amax at time T7. Then, the amplitude A16 decreases until reaching the minimum value Amin at the end of the expiration stimulation phase P2.

For the amplitude A12 of the central motor 12, it starts at the minimum value Amin and gradually increases to reach the maximum amplitude value Amax at time T5. Then, the A12 amplitude decreases to reach the minimum value Amin at the end of the P2 inspiration stimulation phase.

As described previously, these values T5 to T7, Amin, Amax, Ti, Te and S can also be adjusted by the control unit 30. To conclude, the use of two signals of opposite amplitudes applied to the different motors 12, 13, 16 generates a double apparent synchronous tactile movement propagating back and forth between the sides of the abdomen 15 and the umbilical region 14. This apparent double tactile movement makes it possible to induce phases of slow and deep abdominal inspiration and expiration stimulation which allow:

- to overactivate the function of the sympathetic nervous system if the programmed inspiration time is greater than the expiration time;

- to overactivate the function of the parasympathetic nervous system if the programmed inspiration time is less than the expiration time; Or

- to balance the functions of the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems if the programmed inspiration time is equal to the expiration time.

Activation of the sympathetic nervous system prepares the body to take action in response to stress. For example, activation of the sympathetic nervous system accelerates the heart rate while activation of the parasympathetic nervous system slows down the body's functions to put it in a state of relaxation.

Slow, deep breathing of the “cardiac coherence” type helps stimulate and activate both the sympathetic nervous system and the parasympathetic nervous system. With this specific breathing, the user's heart rate variability is improved. This variability is an indicator of good physiological health.

Thus, the invention proposes a device 10 which induces the phases of inspiration and expiration, for example to obtain periods of slow and deep abdominal breathing or to control the heart rate according to the configuration parameters of the induced respiration. Controlling the respiratory rate can even improve the physiological health of the user.

Claims

1. Respiratory stimulation device (10) comprising:

- a belt (11) intended to be mounted around the abdomen of a user;

- at least three motors (12, 13) fixed on the belt (11), a central motor (12) and two lateral motors (13), so as to position the central motor (12) facing the umbilical region (14 ) and the lateral motors (13) facing the two sides of the abdomen (15) of the user when wearing the belt; And

- a control unit (30) connected to the motors (12, 13) and configured to generate vibrations of variable amplitudes on each motor (12, 13) so as to induce two sensations of movement (Pl, P2) of the location vibrations:

- a first sensation of movement (PI) of the location of the vibrations from the sides of the abdomen (15) towards the umbilical region (14) obtained by gradually reducing the amplitude (A13) of the vibrations applied to the lateral motors (13 ) while gradually increasing the amplitude of the vibration (A12) applied to the central motor (12) so as to induce inspiration; And

- a second sensation of movement (P2) of the location of the vibrations from the umbilical region (14) towards the sides of the abdomen (15) obtained by gradually reducing the amplitude of the vibration (A12) applied to the central motor ( 12) while gradually increasing the amplitude (A13) of the vibrations applied to the lateral motors (13) so as to induce expiration.

2. Device according to claim 1, in which the vibrations (A12-A13) applied to the central motor (12) and to the side motors (13) have distinct waveforms and/or frequencies between the first sensation of movement ( PI) and the second sensation of movement (P2).

3. Device according to claim 1 or 2, in which each motor has a contact area with the user's body of less than 15 cm ² .

4. Device according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the belt comprises at least two intermediate motors (16) arranged between the central motor (12) and the side motors (13); the control unit (30) being configured to induce:

- the first sensation of movement (PI) of the location of the vibrations from the sides of the abdomen (15) towards the umbilical region (14) by gradually decreasing the amplitude (A13) of the vibrations applied to the lateral motors (13) , while gradually increasing then decreasing the amplitude (A16) of the applied vibrations on the intermediate motors (16), while gradually increasing the amplitude (A12) of the vibration applied to the central motor (12), so as to induce inspiration; And

- a second sensation of movement (P2) of vibrations from the umbilical region (14) towards the sides of the abdomen (15) by gradually decreasing the amplitude (A12) of the vibration applied to the central motor (12), while by gradually increasing then decreasing the amplitude (A16) of the vibrations applied to the intermediate motors (16), while gradually increasing the amplitude (A13) of the vibrations applied to the lateral motors (13), so as to induce expiration.

5. Device according to one of claims 1 to 4, in which the distance (Dl) between the central motor (12) and the side motors (13) is between 10 cm and 20 cm.

6. Device according to one of claims 1 to 5, in which the control unit (30) integrates wireless connection means so that the user can adjust the respiratory rate induced by the control unit (30). ) from a smartphone.

7. Method of controlling the respiratory stimulation device (10) according to one of claims 1 to 6 so as to induce an inspiration phase by generating a sensation of movement (PI) of the location of the vibrations, the method comprising the following steps :

- activation of the vibration of the side motors (13) to reach a maximum vibration amplitude (Amax);

- activation of the vibration of the central motor (12) to achieve a minimum vibration amplitude (Amin);

- decrease in the vibration of the lateral motors (13) to reach said minimum vibration amplitude (Amin) while increasing the vibration of the central motor (12) to reach said maximum vibration amplitude (Amax);

- deactivation of the vibration of the central motor (12); And

- deactivation of the vibration of the side motors (13).

8. Method for controlling the respiratory stimulation device according to claim 7, in which the step of activating the vibration of the lateral motors (13) to reach a maximum vibration amplitude (Amax) is carried out for a predetermined duration, by example for a duration between 5 and 15% of the duration of the inspiration stimulation phase (Ti), during which the vibration amplitude of the lateral motors (13) increases from the minimum vibration amplitude (Amin) to the maximum vibration amplitude (Amax).

9. Method for controlling the respiratory stimulation device according to claim 7 or 8, in which the step of reducing the vibration of the lateral motors (13) is carried out with at least two speeds (V2, V3): a first speed of decrease (V2) slower than a second decrease speed (V3), and the step of increasing the vibration of the central motor (12) is carried out with at least two speeds (V4, V5): a first speed d increase (V4) faster than a second increase speed (V5); the transition between decreasing speeds and increasing speeds can occur at distinct moments in the inspiration stimulation phase.

10. Method of controlling the respiratory stimulation device according to one of claims 7 to 9, wherein the step of deactivating the vibration of the central motor (12) is carried out for a predetermined duration, for example for a duration between 5 and 15% of the duration of the inspiration stimulation phase (Ti), during which the vibration amplitude of the central motor (12) decreases from the maximum vibration amplitude (Amax) to the amplitude of minimum vibration (Amin).

11. Method of controlling the respiratory stimulation device (10) according to one of claims 1 to 6 so as to induce an expiration phase by generating a sensation of movement (P2) of the location of the vibrations, the method comprising the following steps :

- activation of the vibration of the central motor (12) to reach a maximum vibration amplitude (Amax);

- activation of the vibration of the lateral motors (13) to achieve a minimum vibration amplitude (Amin);

- decrease in the vibration of the central motor (12) to reach said minimum vibration amplitude (Amin) while increasing the vibration of the lateral motors (13) to reach said maximum vibration amplitude (Amax);

- deactivation of the vibration of the central motor (12); And

- deactivation of the vibration of the side motors (13).

12. Method of controlling the respiratory stimulation device according to claim 11, in which the step of activating the vibration of the central motor (12) to reach a maximum vibration amplitude (Amax) is carried out for a duration predetermined, for example for a duration of between 5 and 15% of the duration of the expiration stimulation phase (Te), during which the amplitude of vibration of the central motor (12) increases by the amplitude of vibration minimum (Amin) to the maximum vibration amplitude (Amax).

13. Method for controlling the respiratory stimulation device according to claim 11 or 12, in which the step of reducing the vibration of the central motor (12) is carried out with at least two speeds (Vi l, V12): a first speed reduction (Vi l) slower than a second reduction speed (V12), and the step of increasing the vibration of the side motors (13) is carried out with at least two speeds (V7, V8): a first increase speed (V7) faster than a second increase speed (V8); the transition between decreasing speeds and increasing speeds can occur at distinct moments in the expiration stimulation phase.

14. Method of controlling the respiratory stimulation device according to one of claims 11 to 13, in which the step of deactivating the vibration of the lateral motors (13) is carried out for a predetermined duration, for example for a duration between 5 and 15% of the duration of the expiration stimulation phase (Te), during which the vibration amplitude of the lateral motors (13) decreases from the maximum vibration amplitude (Amax) to the minimum vibration amplitude (Amin).