Device and method for electrical stimulation of the muscles of a vehicle occupant

Abstract

Device for electrical stimulation (1) of muscles of an occupant of a vehicle (100), comprising stimulation means (11) which are to be arranged in the interior of the vehicle and / or on or in the vicinity of the muscles in such a way that they are designed to selectively stimulate predetermined muscle parts depending on a detected driving situation, which is a collision or a training and / or support situation or a combination thereof, and on a detected current posture of the occupant in a predetermined manner, such that the occupant assumes a predetermined reference posture.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a device and a method for electrical stimulation of the muscles of an occupant of a vehicle.

[0002] Modern vehicles are equipped with airbags and seatbelts to restrain occupants in the event of a collision or crash. Seatbelts restrain the occupants in a crash, preventing them from being ejected from the vehicle. Airbags cushion the body, preventing it from colliding with vehicle components such as the steering wheel. Both seatbelts and airbags act externally to protect the occupants in a collision.

[0003] However, such methods do not take care to prevent or mitigate damage to the cervical spine or other parts of the body caused by the collision. This is addressed in German patent DE 602 07 304 T2. The device proposed therein causes a local contraction of the muscles of the user's body part by means of an electrical impulse applied to specific points on the body. In this way, it prevents and / or reduces trauma to the body, such as whiplash, which occurs during impacts, blows, and / or high-acceleration loads. However, the proposed device is intended for a wide range of means of transport, including aircraft, so specific requirements for use in automobiles are not addressed.The device is also only designed to prevent trauma resulting from collisions or other abnormal conditions of the means of transport.

[0004] Further state of the art can be found in documents DE 10 2015 014 791 A1, DE 600 38 341 T2 and DD 2 95 757 A5.

[0005] Therefore, it is an object of this invention to provide a device and a corresponding method by which these disadvantages are overcome. This object is achieved according to the invention by the features of the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments are the subject of the dependent claims.

[0006] A device for the electrical stimulation of a vehicle occupant's muscles is proposed, comprising stimulation means that are to be arranged inside the vehicle and / or on or near the muscles in such a way that they are configured to selectively stimulate predetermined muscle groups, depending on a detected driving situation and the occupant's current posture, in a predetermined manner, so that the occupant assumes a predetermined reference posture. The detected driving situation is a collision, a training and / or support situation, or a combination thereof.

[0007] In contrast to the stimulation described above, the invention provides targeted stimulation such that not only specific muscle groups are stimulated solely for stiffening, depending on the situation. Rather, the occupant's body is specifically brought into a defined reference posture; that is, not only the muscle groups directly affected by the situation are stimulated, but also other groups in order to influence the occupant's overall posture.

[0008] In one version, the driving situation is captured as a frontal collision, for which the reference posture is defined as an upright and symmetrical upper body position, a straight head, legs hip-width apart, and feet on a pedal or footrest, and where the stimulation is such that this position is essentially assumed.

[0009] In one embodiment, the driving situation is captured as a rear-end collision, for which the reference posture is an upright and symmetrical upper body position with the occupant's head resting on a headrest, and where the stimulation is such that this position is essentially assumed.

[0010] In one embodiment, the driving situation is defined as a side-impact collision, for which the reference posture is one in which the occupant's head, ribs, and pelvis are as far away as possible from a deformation area of ​​the vehicle, and the occupant's back is close to or resting against a backrest, and the stimulation is provided in such a way that essentially this position is assumed.

[0011] In one embodiment, the detected posture of the occupant is a substantially upright sitting position or a position inclined backwards at an angle, or a lying position, or a position with the upper body turned to one side, and / or with the head inclined to one side or forwards, wherein the posture is a position facing in the direction of travel or against the direction of travel, and for different combinations of the detected posture a preset reference posture is transmitted to or stored in the electrical stimulation device.

[0012] Different reference positions depending on the occupant's posture are particularly important in highly automated and even autonomous vehicles. In these systems, occupants can no longer assume only the previously permitted positions, which are essentially forward-facing and seated. Especially in prone positions and positions that present an unfavorable angle for the occupant in the event of a collision, it is crucial to be able to position the occupant in a way that minimizes injury. Therefore, different reference positions are necessary for various occupant postures, also to allow the occupant to assume the reference position within a reasonable timeframe before the actual collision.

[0013] In one embodiment, the specified driving situation is a training and / or support situation, and the reference posture is a reference posture specifically specified for the occupant, and the stimulation is both temporary and permanent depending on parameters specified for the occupant.

[0014] Stimulation can therefore be used not only in the event of a collision, i.e., to protect occupants, but also for support purposes, such as training. For example, a person with limited mobility, such as someone who cannot sit upright (permanently) without assistance, can be stimulated in such a way that they can still travel certain distances by vehicle. Stimulation can also be used to improve posture, for example, to strengthen back muscles while driving. Especially in the case of highly automated and even autonomous driving, travel time can thus be used for other activities, such as training the back muscles.

[0015] The presented electrical stimulation can therefore be used both in crash situations and for muscle training. Electrical stimulation can generate isometric muscle contractions, in which both the agonist and antagonist muscles are contracted. This results in muscle tension without body or limb movement, thus fixing the position. This has the advantage of keeping the occupant in position during a crash and allowing the muscles to be trained without any other body movement. Furthermore, electrical stimulation can also induce concentric muscle contractions. In this case, the agonist and antagonist muscles are contracted unequally, so that one muscle is contracted more strongly than the other. This leads to movement (flexion) of the limb. This allows the occupant to be positioned during a crash. Electrical stimulation can also generate eccentric muscle contractions.In this process, the agonist and antagonist muscles are contracted unequally, and one muscle is less strongly contracted, thus creating a controlled relaxation of a position (extension). In this way, the body position of an occupant can be changed in the event of a crash through controlled relaxation, thereby dissipating energy from the body.

[0016] Furthermore, a vehicle is proposed, comprising driving situation detection devices designed to detect the driving situation of the vehicle, occupant detection devices designed to detect the posture of an occupant, and the device for electrical stimulation.

[0017] Furthermore, a method for the electrical stimulation of muscles of a vehicle occupant is proposed, wherein the occupant's posture is recorded at predetermined intervals, and wherein stimulation means, which are to be arranged inside the vehicle and / or on or near the muscles in such a way that they selectively stimulate predetermined muscle groups depending on a recorded driving situation and the occupant's posture in a predetermined manner, are used to stimulate the occupant in such a way that he assumes a predetermined reference posture.

[0018] Further features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description of exemplary embodiments of the invention, with reference to the figures in the drawing, which shows details of the invention, and from the claims. The individual features can be implemented individually or in any combination in a variant of the invention.

[0019] Preferred embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawing. Fig. Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of important components of the device in a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. Figure 2 shows a flowchart of the method according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] In the following figure descriptions, identical elements or functions are marked with the same reference symbols.

[0021] A reference posture is a specific occupant position prescribed for particular driving situations. This is a significant improvement over the stimulation of individual muscles described above, which merely aims to stiffen them, but does not induce the occupant to assume a prescribed posture, i.e., a reference posture, through stimulation.

[0022] In principle, skeletal muscles can be activated via electrical stimulation, more precisely EMS (electrical muscular stimulation or electromyostimulation), resulting in isometric muscle contraction. This leads to muscle stiffening. EMS is applied either directly via electrodes to the skin or indirectly via contact gels or sprays that deliver contact fluids locally and as needed.

[0023] Through muscle contraction, the human body can be partially or completely stiffened in active phases (awake state) or passive phases (sleep state) in the event of an accident, as described in the aforementioned prior art. Such positioning into a reference position has not yet been described.

[0024] However, the device can also stabilize a person before or during a collision, regardless of their reaction time or state of consciousness, and bring them into a predetermined reference position. This allows crash protection systems such as seatbelts and airbags to function more effectively. Furthermore, the stimulation can provide postural support, also for training purposes. This can also be implemented to offer an additional use for the device.

[0025] This means that the proposed device, as well as the proposed method, can be used both as a safety system and as a supporting system for other purposes.

[0026] Fig. Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of important components of the device for electrical stimulation 1 in a vehicle 100. The sequence of the procedure is shown schematically in Figure 1. Fig. 2 shown.

[0027] The method and system described below are illustrated using an application in a vehicle, such as a passenger car or truck with appropriate equipment. The device, or at least parts of it, can also be used in other means of transport, such as buses, motorcycles, airplanes, trains, etc. In these cases, modifications may be necessary for those skilled in the art to adapt the device to the specific circumstances. However, the invention focuses on its use in a vehicle, specifically a passenger car, and is particularly advantageous in vehicles with at least a high degree of automation, especially when the driving situation involves a collision.

[0028] The basic concept of the invention is that a vehicle occupant is stimulated via electrical stimulation in such a way that he / she assumes a predetermined reference posture. The prescribed reference posture depends on the current driving situation and the occupant's current posture.

[0029] As in Fig.As shown schematically in Figure 1, it is generally advantageous if, in addition to the electrical stimulation device 1 with the stimulation means 11, the vehicle 100 is equipped with corresponding driving situation detection means 2, which can detect the driving situation as comprehensively and predictively as possible. Sensors, cameras, etc., can be used for this purpose. Furthermore, it is advantageous if occupant detection means 3 are also provided, which can detect the posture of the occupant, i.e., each individual occupant of the vehicle, as separately as possible. Corresponding sensors, cameras, etc., can also be used for this purpose. If the electrical stimulation device 1 is used for support or training purposes, a profile can also be selected by each occupant, in which corresponding information is stored regarding which type of stimulation should be applied.The components of the detection means 2 and 3, which serve to process the detected data, can also be integrated into a single control device 4 to process the detected data on the driving situation and the posture of the occupant(s). The stimulation means can be arranged in the vehicle, in textiles, or even in the occupant's seat, so that they can stimulate the corresponding muscle groups, which, depending on the device's design, are to be stimulated depending on the driving situation. The technical implementation of the stimulation, i.e., the type of stimulation means 11 used, such as electrodes or contact elements, etc., or the current intensity, or the circuitry or wiring, will not be discussed in detail here, as this is known to those skilled in the art, for example, from the aforementioned publication.Rather, the aim is to maintain the reference position through stimulation depending on the driving situation and the current posture of the occupant.

[0030] The following section first describes the driving situation of a collision. Advantageously, a distinction can also be made between the types of collisions, e.g., frontal impact, rear impact, and side impact. The driving situation detection devices 2 must be selected or installed on the vehicle accordingly. Retrofitting is also possible for vehicles that do not yet have the appropriate detection devices. In the driving situation of a collision, a very rapid response from the stimulation devices 11 is necessary to reach the reference position before impact, so the sensors and signal transmission should be designed accordingly. Response times for the deployment of safety devices such as airbags are advantageously less than one second, with the safety devices being triggered by a so-called pre-crash system before impact, as is the case with an active seat belt.Either the electrical stimulation device 1 can be pre-programmed with the reference position for the occupant, specific to the type of collision, after processing the acquired data, or the electrical stimulation device 1 can determine the reference position itself. Pre-set reference positions may also be available, depending on the occupant's detected posture, in order to shorten the reaction time.

[0031] Reference positions can be set for predefined basic postures such as essentially sitting, lying down, or leaning sideways. Additionally, if it is detected that the gaze is directed in or against the direction of travel and / or the head is turned and / or tilted, the reference position can be adjusted accordingly, or a reference position can be predefined for specific combinations.

[0032] In principle, the following reference positions are advantageous for protecting the occupant in different impact situations: - In the event of a frontal collision: an upright and symmetrical upper body angle, the occupant's head is straight, legs are hip-width apart, and feet are supported on a pedal or a support, e.g., a comfort ramp. - In the event of a rear-end collision: upper body angle upright and symmetrical, head resting against the headrest - In the event of a side impact: head, ribs and pelvis as far away as possible from the deformation area, back close to the seat backrest to achieve good coverage with the thorax airbags in the seat.

[0033] Below are some examples of postures of an occupant and the muscle groups which are advantageously stimulated in the event of a collision according to the invention.

[0034] In one example, the upper body is in a reclined or lying position. Here, stimulation of the abdominal and back muscles is intended to facilitate righting the body in the event of a frontal impact. With legs crossed, stimulation of the thigh and hip muscles is intended to ensure that the feet are positioned, for example, against the support or comfort slope, and that the thighs are subjected to symmetrical weight distribution.

[0035] In another example, the head is leaning against the inside of the vehicle door, or tilted to the side in some other way, e.g., for relaxation. In this case, if a side impact occurs, stimulation of the abdominal and / or back muscles on the side opposite the impact is intended to move the occupant away from the expected deformation area.

[0036] In another example, when the head is bent forward, e.g. when reading, stimulation of the back and neck muscles is provided to achieve proper alignment with the headrest.

[0037] The examples described are merely illustrative of a few possible occupant positions, representing only a few of the principles of the invention. Depending on the occupant's current position, a different reference position can be chosen to counteract the detected collision situation. Furthermore, in cases where it is detected that the ideal reference position cannot be assumed, for example, due to time constraints, an alternative, more quickly assumed reference position can be chosen as an emergency reference position to minimize damage.

[0038] The procedure, independent of the driving situation, involves recording the posture of each occupant as regularly as possible at predetermined intervals (S1), so that the posture is as current as possible at all times. When a driving situation (S2) is detected in which stimulation of the occupant is to occur, the occupant is stimulated with electrical stimulation in such a way that they assume a reference posture (S3) predetermined for that driving situation.

[0039] It is necessary to record the occupant's posture in order to determine the reference position. This also applies if each occupant has selected a profile that dictates the type of stimulation.

[0040] In principle, the system, i.e., the electrical stimulation device, can be used both to better protect occupants in the event of a collision, i.e., a crash, and to perform muscle training. To provide optimal stimulation for each occupant in an emergency, the system can be calibrated. This can be done, for example, by stimulating an occupant while the vehicle is in motion and measuring muscle contraction values ​​based on the stimulation duration and / or intensity of the stimulation pulse. Based on these measurements, an individualized stimulation regimen can then be calculated for that occupant in the event of an emergency.

Claims

[1] Device for the electrical stimulation (1) of muscles of an occupant of a vehicle (100), comprising stimulation means (11) which are to be arranged in the vehicle interior and / or on or in the vicinity of the muscles in such a way that they are designed to stimulate predetermined muscle groups depending on a detected driving situation, which is a collision or a training and / or support situation or a combination thereof, and on a detected current posture of the occupant in a predetermined manner in such a way that the occupant assumes a predetermined reference posture. [2] Device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the driving situation is detected as a frontal impact collision, for which the reference posture is specified as an upright and symmetrical posture of the upper body, a straight head, legs hip-width apart, and feet on a pedal or footrest, and wherein the stimulation is carried out in such a way that substantially this position is assumed. [3] Device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the driving situation is detected as a rear-end collision, for which the reference posture is an upright and symmetrical posture of the upper body in which the head of the occupant rests on a headrest, and wherein the stimulation is carried out in such a way that substantially this position is assumed. [4] Device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the driving situation is detected as a side impact collision case, for which the reference posture is a posture in which the head, ribs and pelvis of the occupant are as far away as possible from a deformation area of ​​the vehicle, and the back of the occupant is close to or rests against a backrest, and wherein the stimulation is carried out in such a way that substantially this position is assumed. [5] Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the predetermined driving situation is a training and / or support situation, and wherein the reference posture is a reference posture specifically predetermined for the occupant, and the stimulation takes place both temporarily and permanently depending on parameters predetermined for the occupant. [6] Device (1) according to claim 5, wherein, if a collision case is additionally detected, the predetermined reference posture has the highest priority in the execution of the stimulation. [7] Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the detected posture of the occupant is a substantially upright sitting posture or tilted backwards at an angle, or a lying posture, or a posture with the upper body turned to one side, and / or with the head tilted to one side or forwards, wherein the posture is a posture facing in the direction of travel or opposite to the direction of travel, and for different combinations of the detected posture, a preset reference posture is transmitted to the device for electrical stimulation or is stored there. [8] Vehicle (100), comprising driving situation detection means (2) configured to detect a driving situation of the vehicle (100), occupant detection means (3) configured to detect a posture of an occupant, and the device for electrostimulation (1) according to one of the preceding claims. [9] Method for the electrical stimulation of muscles of an occupant of a vehicle (100), wherein the posture of the occupant is detected at predetermined intervals (S1), wherein by means of stimulation means (11) which are to be arranged in the vicinity of the muscles, predetermined muscle parts are specifically stimulated depending on a detected driving situation and posture of the occupant (S2) in such a way that the occupant assumes a predetermined reference posture (S3). [10] Method according to claim 9, wherein the driving situation is either a collision case or a training and / or support situation or a combination thereof, for which specific reference attitudes are specified, wherein the reference attitude for the collision case has the highest priority.

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