Sports equipment with integrated muscle stimulation system and method for control

Abstract

The present invention proposes a sports apparatus having an integrated muscle stimulation system, the sports apparatus comprising: one or more actuators at at least one region, at which a contact surface with a user is provided, the actuators being provided for performing muscle stimulation; the at least one control device is arranged to be used for controlling the actuator; at least one energy supply unit arranged to supply electrical energy to the actuator and the control device, the control device being arranged to control the actuator such that the actuator stimulates muscles of a user such that a user's action is supported for performing a manipulation of the sports apparatus. The invention further relates to a method for controlling a muscle stimulation system arranged in said sports equipment.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a sports device with a muscle support system and a method for controlling it. Background Technology

[0002] Systems are known that support a user, for example, during training, by sending EMS pulses to the user's muscles. Various garments with corresponding equipment are known for this purpose, such as those disclosed in DE102014108316A1, which provide support while cycling. Similar garments supporting the user are also disclosed in US2023 / 0226345A1 or WO2016 / 131936A2. For training in a gym, EMS devices that actively train and strengthen muscles are also known. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In all applications, users must wear appropriate clothing or have electrodes attached to their skin. This can be cumbersome. Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide an improved exercise device with a muscle support system. According to the invention, this object is achieved by the features of the independent claim. Advantageous embodiments are the subject of the appended claims.

[0004] An exercise device with an integrated muscle stimulation system is proposed, wherein the exercise device includes: one or more actuators at at least one region having a contact surface with a user at the region, the actuators being configured to perform muscle stimulation; at least one control device configured to control the actuators; and at least one energy supply unit configured to supply electrical energy to the actuators and the control device, the control device being configured to control the actuators such that the actuators stimulate the user's muscles, thereby supporting the user's movements for manipulating the exercise device.

[0005] Furthermore, it is specified that the actuator is configured to perform electromagnetic stimulation or functional magnetic stimulation.

[0006] Furthermore, it is specified that the exercise equipment is a bicycle, rowing machine, or fitness equipment.

[0007] Furthermore, a method is proposed for controlling a muscle stimulation system arranged in the exercise equipment, wherein stimulation of the user's muscles is performed once manipulation of the exercise equipment or a start signal given by the user has been detected.

[0008] Furthermore, it is stipulated that the correctness of the prescribed manipulation for the exercise equipment shall be monitored, and corrections shall be made by adjusting the stimulus when necessary.

[0009] In addition, it is stipulated that users can adjust the intensity of the stimulus.

[0010] Furthermore, a computer program product is proposed, the computer program product having program code for implementing the method when the computer program product is executed on at least one control device of the sports equipment.

[0011] Further features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description of embodiments of the invention, the accompanying drawings illustrating details of the invention, and the claims. Various features may be implemented individually or in any combination in variations of the invention. Attached Figure Description

[0012] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0013] Figure 1 A schematic view of a bicycle with a stimulation system for muscle support according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0014] As already mentioned, it is known that user 2's clothing is supported during user training, primarily while cycling. However, support can also be provided for other sports types or devices.

[0015] Currently, user support during bicycle riding is also achieved through the bicycle's electric drive system. Here, the force applied to the pedals by the user is amplified by the electric drive system, which acts as support. Alternatively, the drive system can be configured to counteract the pedaling direction, thereby producing a training effect. However, in this case, no stimulation is provided if the user is not wearing appropriate clothing.

[0016] According to the present invention, a sports device with an integrated (muscle) stimulation system for muscle support is proposed, wherein the actuator is arranged on the contact surface with the user according to the sports device.

[0017] As a sports equipment, not only bicycles can be used (such as in...) Figure 1 As shown in the example below, fitness equipment or rowing machines can also be used. It is important that the muscle groups to be supported are pressed against a portion of the exercise equipment to allow for stimulation of the muscle groups.

[0018] by Figure 1Taking the bicycle 1 shown (with or without an electric drive) as an example, it can be specified that the actuator 3 for stimulation is arranged in the area of ​​the bicycle saddle 10, that is, in the area of ​​the gluteal muscles and, if necessary, even the thigh muscles, especially the posterior thigh muscles (leg extensors). A control device 4 and a power supply device 5 are also provided here. Once the control device 4 detects pedaling of the bicycle 1's pedal 11 or the user 2 gives a start signal (e.g., pressing a button), the control device activates the actuator 3 in the bicycle saddle 10 to apply stimulation to the gluteal muscles and, if necessary, a portion of the thigh muscles. By stimulating the muscles, the user 2 can apply more force when pedaling, enabling them to move forward faster. Simultaneously, the muscles are strengthened. Depending on the health level, it is even possible that the user 2 no longer needs the electric drive; that is, a lighter bicycle 1 (with the aforementioned stimulation system) can replace the very heavy bicycle 1 due to its drive mechanism.

[0019] In the case of rowing machines, the stimulation system can be located at the seat, but it can also be added as an add-on or alternative to the backrest or armrests. In the case of other fitness equipment, the stimulation system can also be located at the seat, backrest, armrests, etc.

[0020] The energy supply required for the actuators 3 and control unit 4 of the stimulation system can be achieved via the power supply device of the exercise equipment, via the battery 5, or both. In the case of the battery 5, the battery can be charged by manipulating the exercise equipment (through regeneration), in which case stimulation cannot be performed simultaneously, but only when the battery 5 is sufficiently charged. It can also be directly connected to an external power supply for charging, or the battery can be removable and taken to a charging station and / or replaced with another battery.

[0021] It is clear from the description that the stimulation system integrated into the exercise equipment helps strengthen the user's muscles and utilize the equipment more effectively. In this case, the user 2 does not need to wear special clothing with integrated electrodes or have electrodes placed on the skin. Instead, the stimulation effect is demonstrably achieved through the user's normal clothing. Due to the presence of the control device 4, there is also no need to select a program for the stimulation system, as the type of exercise equipment is known to determine which muscle groups should be stimulated, thus allowing for pre-setting of the stimulation.

[0022] In one implementation, user 2 can adjust the intensity of the stimulus, preferably adjusting the intensity of the stimulus for each stimulable muscle group.

[0023] In one implementation, the manipulation of the exercise equipment (i.e., the exercise performed) is monitored, for example, via a control device 4. Here, the user's execution of the movement is compared to a stored target movement. If the user deviates from the target movement (within a predetermined permissible degree of deviation), the stimulation device intervenes in a corrective manner, for example, by more strongly stimulating the muscles that the user has manipulated too little. This promotes the correct use of the exercise equipment and the proper execution of the exercise. It also strengthens the weaker muscle groups of the user.

[0024] Therefore, by integrating stimulation systems into exercise equipment, users can improve their motor performance and train their muscles without having to wear special clothing or have electrodes applied to their skin.

[0025] The stimulation can be achieved using EMS (electromagnetic stimulation) or FMS (functional magnetic stimulation).

[0026] List of reference numerals

[0027] 1 vehicle

[0028] 10 Vehicle Seats

[0029] 11 Pedals

[0030] 2 users

[0031] 3. Actuator

[0032] 4. Control device

[0033] 5. Storage batteries

Claims

1. Exercise equipment with an integrated muscle stimulation system (1), wherein, The sports equipment includes: - One or more actuators (3) in at least one region, wherein a contact surface for contact with a user (2) is provided in the region, the actuators (3) being configured to perform muscle stimulation. - At least one control device (4), the control device being configured to control the actuator (3). - At least one energy supply unit, the energy supply unit being configured to supply electrical energy to the actuator (3) and the control device (4), the control device (4) being configured to control the actuator (3) such that the actuator stimulates the muscles of the user (2) such that it supports the user (2)’s movements for performing manipulation of the exercise equipment (1).

2. The sports equipment (1) according to claim 1, wherein, The actuator (3) is configured to perform electromagnetic stimulation or functional magnetic stimulation.

3. The sports equipment (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The exercise equipment is a bicycle (1) or a rowing machine or fitness equipment.

4. A method for controlling a muscle stimulation system arranged in the exercise equipment (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, Once manipulation of the exercise equipment (1) or a start signal given by the user (2) has been detected, stimulation of the user's (2) muscles is performed.

5. The method according to claim 4, wherein, Monitor the correctness of the manipulation prescribed for the exercise equipment (1) and make corrections by adjusting the stimulus when necessary.

6. The method according to claim 4 or 5, wherein, The user (2) can adjust the intensity of the stimulus.

7. A computer program product having program code for implementing the method according to any one of claims 4 to 6 when the computer program product is executed on at least one control device (4) of the sports equipment (1).

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