Stationary pedelec ergometer system

Abstract

Standard pedelec for use as a stationary ergometer with a communication interface for controlling and documenting a program-controlled and / or sensor-dependent training, on a standard indoor bike trainer, which can be used in this application with or without its own controller, The control unit is implemented using an app on a smartphone, which automatically adjusts the user's individual and control-compatible pedelec with a desired pre-selected individual load, the app obtains the status and sensor information of the pedelec, The app, unlike manual operation, can control the electric motor of the pedelec in a very fine or stepless manner in both modes a) drive and, if available, b) "braking" (recuperation), The app receives values ​​from vital parameter sensors in order to adapt or regulate training sequences according to individual load specifications. the app automatically adjusts suitable control commands via implemented algorithms to adapt the braking or driving effect of the motor of the pedelec and / or the roller trainer accordingly, The app uses the training program and available sensor data to recognize the rider's workload and increases or decreases it by controlling the system components. the app provides a user interface to inform the user about status and current values, or warnings, and allows user input, the app can be adapted to different system components and users. The app can store training data via an online portal and also receive training recommendations from there, which are automatically generated or manually created by a commissioned trainer. The app, in a medically approved version, can also be used for rehabilitation programs, for example for cardiac exercise groups, to carry out heart rate-controlled training.

Description

[0001] The invention relates generally to a computer- and motor-assisted training device and to the methods for controlling it and evaluating the training sessions performed. Specifically, it relates to a stationary, pedelec-based ergometer system with a roller trainer, sensors, and a control unit, typically implemented as an app on a smartphone / tablet or PC, and to methods for controlling support or braking depending on a programmed training sequence and / or intelligent, sensor-dependent control.

[0002] The app can display the received and processed training parameters and transmit them to an online data portal. This portal allows for further analysis, consultations with third parties, and / or automated evaluation by an online assistant.

[0003] (State of the art) Due to its comprehensive training benefits, proven in numerous studies, the ergometer has become firmly established both in rehabilitation and as a home fitness device. It offers excellent cardiovascular training and is particularly well-suited for those recovering from rehabilitation and for seniors. The body is supplied with more oxygen, blood circulation is improved, and blood pressure can be lowered. Users feel physically and mentally fitter. The smooth, circular motion, as with regular cycling, provides a very joint-friendly workout. The ease of use and the fact that training is done while seated are particularly suitable and safer for seniors than, for example, treadmill training.

[0004] Commercially available, good-quality ergometers offer a wide range of options, from manual adjustment of pedaling power to computer-controlled, pulse- and / or speed-dependent, automatically regulated pedaling resistance, allowing users to train in their optimal pulse range or maintain the specified power output. They also offer pre-made training programs and / or individual settings, each with different characteristics of the sensor signals used for control.

[0005] As an alternative to the fixed, integrated ergometer, indoor bike trainers have become established, allowing users to use their "normal" bicycle, the one they also use outdoors, for "indoor training." Similar to ergometers, there is a wide range of indoor bike trainers available, from manually adjustable pedal resistance to sensor-dependent braking control, some of which are implemented via apps and wireless interfaces (e.g., Bluetooth).

[0006] In recent years, the pedelec (colloquially often referred to as e-bike) has become more and more of a "normal bicycle" and has gained widespread acceptance, especially among seniors, who are still the primary clientele for exercise bikes.

[0007] (Problem description) There are many ergometers with sophisticated control options and evaluation programs, and there are simple to feature-rich indoor trainer systems for bicycles, allowing for indoor training on one's usual bike in bad weather. Meanwhile, there is also a growing number of pedelecs on the bicycle market, which are generally stored away during the winter / bad weather period, for example, in the basement. Currently, there is no suitable system to make these pedelecs usable for a continuous training experience and to optimally realize the health benefits of the associated exercise. Various possibilities are known from the prior art. DE 20 2015 102 557 U1 Power-controlled sports device with motor assistance and extension kit DE 10 2012 211 719 A1 Invention relates to a method for controlling assistance based on a predefined route profile.DE 10 2011 082 084 A1 Bicycle US 7 060 006 B1 Computer systems and methods for interaction with exercise device US 2011 / 0 165 995 A1 Computer controlled exercise equipment apparatus and method of use thereof DE 10 2014 009 428 A1 Automatic adjustment of the support power in e-bikes and similar vehicles depending on the user's workload, determined e.g. via the pulse rate, in order to keep the workload within a defined range US 7 351 187 B2 Resistance and Power Monitoring Device and System for Exercise Equipment US 4 869 497 A Computer Controlled Exercise Machine.

[0008] (Solution description) The invention aims to optimize the use of these pedelecs, which are already ergonomically and individually adjusted to the user at the time of purchase, for indoor training as a "stationary pedelec ergometer" and to integrate them into a more comprehensive health management system. This allows typical ergometer profiles to be trained using a relatively simple roller, and the training data can be saved for further analysis.

[0009] The central element is the data processing and control of the system elements via a control unit, typically an app that is installed on a smartphone, PC or tablet.

[0010] The degree of control options for the system components allows for the simulation of more complex training scenarios.

[0011] A pedelec ergometer consists of at least the components pedelec, roller trainer, and app, and can be expanded with the components vital parameter sensors and a data portal. All system components are briefly introduced below.

[0012] System components: Pedelec (Fig 1)

[0013] With common pedelecs (such as in Fig. (1 shown) there are various drive system configurations, such as a mid-drive or rear-wheel motor (2) with a suitable battery (3) and different gear shifting systems (8). Manually controlled training, analogous to bicycles without a motor and with a minimal training protocol, is possible in principle with all types of pedelecs.

[0014] To realize a "pedelec ergometer" according to the invention using a standard roller trainer, a suitable pedelec must be capable of communication and control; that is, it must offer the possibility, via an interface, e.g., Bluetooth, to set at least the assistance level via a control unit (1) and, ideally, to transmit all recorded pedelec data, such as pedaling power (4), motor power (5), etc., to the control unit. With conventional ergometers and roller trainers currently on the market, the braking effect of the brake unit is increased or decreased, whereas with the pedelec ergometer, the motor assistance is increased or decreased to shape the dynamics of the training.

[0015] There are also variations in the gear system (8). Derailleur gears are typical, where selecting a suitable chainring changes the gear ratio and thus determines the pedaling resistance. Electronic shifting systems are also possible, where the gear ratio, and therefore the required pedaling power (at a given cadence), can be automatically selected or adjusted via a shift command from the control unit.

[0016] Pedelec drive systems come in two main types: those with recuperation (motor in braking generator mode, charging the battery) and those without. Both systems are generally suitable for pedelec ergometers, but the drive systems with recuperation offer a wider control range. This means that the rider's workload can be reduced (positive control = propulsion) or increased (negative control = generator mode, additional braking effect) by adjusting the motor's control, making them the better choice for pedelec ergometers.

[0017] In addition to the functional blocks of the pedelec already mentioned, a bracket for the control unit (7), a cadence sensor (6), and other pedelec data recorded via corresponding sensors, such as wheel speed (9) or torque, are typical design components of a suitable pedelec. Roller trainer (Fig 2)

[0018] The roller trainers (11) commonly available on the market operate on the principle that the resistance of the brake unit (12) can be variably adjusted via various mechanisms. In Fig. 2 shows a schematic representation of manual settings via a control unit (13). In more advanced models, this operation can also be performed programmatically via an interface.

[0019] In the invention discussed here, a simple roller trainer is sufficient, in which a base resistance is preselected depending on the individual's fitness level, and the further dynamics of the training are then defined by the corresponding motor control. The pedaling resistance is thus modulated by the motor control.

[0020] Only when high dynamic training is required, such as for competitive athletes, do the additional adjustment options for pedal resistance (gear ratio and braking resistance of the brake unit) need to be taken into account by the control unit. Control Unit (App) (Fig 2)

[0021] The Control Unit (1) is responsible for controlling the system components and for data communication and processing, and also provides the user interface.

[0022] It is typically implemented as an app on a smartphone, PC or tablet.

[0023] In this system configuration, the term "app" includes the corresponding hardware, communication interfaces, and user interface, and is used synonymously with the term control unit.

[0024] The app allows users to configure and customize training sessions, or to receive pre-configured training sessions via a suitable interface, such as the internet. During a training session, the app receives and processes the relevant sensor data, informs the user about the training status and progress, and controls the system components, such as the e-bike motor, to ensure the desired training sequence is implemented. Sensors (Fig 2)

[0025] Using appropriate sensors, the app receives the data necessary for the individual control of the pedelec ergometer and for documenting the training.

[0026] The pedelec controller provides data from the integrated pedelec sensors such as motor power (4), pedal power (5), torque (10), wheel speed (8) etc., and the user-oriented vital sensors (15) provide data that give information about the user's workload, such as heart rate, ECG etc.

[0027] This data, as well as certain user settings such as height, weight, fitness level, etc. (14) are relevant for the individual and real-time control of the defined training profiles. For example, for heart rate-controlled training, the heart rate is measured and monitored, and the motor assistance is controlled via the app so that the pedal resistance is varied in such a way that the resulting load or relief during pedaling keeps the heart rate within the target range. Online Portal (Fig 3)

[0028] The training parameters (all sensor values ​​and results) are saved via the online portal (2) and are thus available for further evaluations and training optimizations, both for the user himself and for authorized third parties (training partner, training group, trainer, therapist, service provider, etc.) or an online assistant (Computer Assisted Training, CAT).

[0029] Displayed training progress and comparisons with others are essential factors for training motivation. Necessary or desired training adjustments are identified and can be transferred from the portal back to the app, where they are available for further training management.

[0030] To complete possible home training scenarios, other training systems, such as the traditional ergometer (10) or the mobile ergometer (11), as described in claim 12 of DE 10 2016 003 784 A1, can also be integrated via the control unit (1).

[0031] Training management and documentation: Using the system components shown, the stationary pedelec ergometer system can be built, and with the control unit, a large number of common or possible ergometer training sessions can be saved, adapted, carried out, logged and, if necessary, synchronized with settings on the portal.

[0032] Typical training settings include: - Heart rate-controlled training - Performance-based training - Interval training - Comparison training etc.

[0033] In each case, the control unit adjusts or varies the pedaling load according to the corresponding program so that the set training parameters are maintained.

[0034] (Exemplary embodiment) An exemplary embodiment of the presented invention of a stationary pedelec ergometer, as shown in Fig.Figure 2 shows a standard pedelec with a derailleur and rear-wheel motor, which can be operated in both positive (propulsion) and negative (recuperation) support modes. The rear wheel of the pedelec, which is already equipped (either factory-fitted or via a retrofit option) with a suitable axle and corresponding axle nuts for mounting in the roller trainer, is fixed in a standard roller trainer with manual resistance adjustment. A smartphone holder is mounted on the handlebars, into which a compatible smartphone with a specific app can be inserted, serving as the control unit.

[0035] A trainee who wants to complete a heart rate-controlled training session puts on a suitable, commercially available heart rate chest strap with sensor and selects the desired training on their smartphone, which has already been configured either on the smartphone or on the portal connected via the internet.

[0036] In a further preset, he selects a suitable resistance level via the trainer's brake unit, which he won't need to change again during the training session, and a corresponding gear, which he also typically won't need to change for his chosen workout. The selected gear defines the pedaling ratio. Thus, as an alternative to a cadence sensor, the displayed e-bike speed, derived from the wheel revolutions, can serve as a measure of cadence and be displayed via a corresponding conversion in the control unit or read from a conversion table.

[0037] In principle, the pedaling resistance can be changed by the selected gear, by the setting on the brake unit of the roller trainer, and by the control of the electric motor.

[0038] The exemplary embodiment is to be understood as merely illustrative and is in no way intended to limit the scope of the invention. There are various combinations of different pedelecs, roller trainers, and sensors, which may be controlled differently by the control unit and are used in optimized ways in the training programs, and which cannot be fully described here. Accordingly, the invention is not limited by the claims below.

[0039] (Advantages) An e-bike rider can easily and cost-effectively convert their typically expensive and individually adjusted bicycle into a stationary ergometer or winter training setup, allowing year-round, weather-independent training. Ideally, they will have already considered this stationary ergometer option when purchasing the bike, and their e-bike will have both an external communication and control function and a compatible axle or suitable axle nuts for the trainer, so it can be easily mounted on the trainer. They can simply launch the appropriate control app on their smartphone and begin their desired training program. All relevant performance parameters of the e-bike are available to the control unit via the data interface. A simple, inexpensive trainer is sufficient for most common training programs.If the app is not already on the smartphone, it can simply be downloaded via an app store (e.g. Google Play Store) and configured accordingly.

[0040] (Further Development) For storing training data, further analysis, and optimal training adjustments, the app can synchronize the data with a portal. This allows training sessions to be shared with third parties, compared with partners or groups, and further optimized.

Claims

[1] Commercially available pedelec for use as a stationary ergometer with a communication interface for controlling and documenting a program-controlled and / or sensor-dependent training, on a standard indoor bike trainer, which can be used in this application with or without its own controller, where the control unit is implemented via an app on a smartphone, which automatically adjusts the user's individual and control-compatible pedelec with a desired pre-selected individual load, the app obtains the status and sensor information of the pedelec, The app, unlike manual operation, can control the electric motor of the pedelec in a very fine or stepless manner in both modes a) drive and, if available, b) "braking" (recuperation), The app receives values ​​from vital parameter sensors in order to adapt or regulate training sequences according to individual load specifications. the app uses implemented algorithms to automatically adjust suitable control commands to adapt the braking or driving effect of the motor of the pedelec and / or the roller trainer accordingly, The app uses the training program and available sensor data to recognize the rider's workload and increases or decreases it by controlling the system components. the app provides a user interface to inform the user about status and current values, or warnings, and allows user input, the app can be adapted to different system components and users. The app can store training data via an online portal and also receive training recommendations from there, which are automatically generated or created manually by a commissioned trainer. The app, in a medically approved version, can also be used for rehabilitation programs, for example for cardiac exercise groups, to carry out heart rate-controlled training. [2] Commercially available pedelec for use as a stationary ergometer, according to claim 1, characterized by that the standard pedelec is optionally equipped to be compatible with rollers, with either a suitable rear axle or suitable axle cap nuts that fit into the suspension of the roller trainer. [3] Commercially available pedelec for use as a stationary ergometer, according to claim 1, characterized by that the cadence relevant for conducting or controlling training can be derived from the torque curve even without an additional sensor. [4] A commercially available pedelec for use as a stationary ergometer, according to claim 1, wherein the training can be configured and adjusted within the app or configured on an online portal and transferred to the app via the online connection. [5] Commercially available pedelec for use as a stationary ergometer, according to claim 1, characterized by that the ergometer can be integrated with a compatible online portal and thus become part of a comprehensive training and health management system, where individual progress and successes can be assessed and where further, corresponding services can be integrated. For example, training successes and comparisons with others can be presented, thus contributing to training motivation. Necessary or desired training adjustments can be identified and transferred from the portal back to the app, where they are available for further training controls. Further possibilities, which are already well-documented and known in the literature for defining training with computer-aided route and / or load profiles, can be integrated to tailor the training to individual preferences. The basic functions of this portal are: • Bidirectional data connection via the internet with the app • Storage of all training sessions and their data • Management and presentation of data according to various criteria • Analysis of data and presentation of progress or deviations relative to one's own training and / or to the training of partners, group members, relevant age group, etc. • Training planning, training documentation and reports • Sharing of released data with third parties such as training partners, training groups, trainers, therapists, service providers, etc. • Integration of additional consulting services, including those from third parties and service providers • Intelligent and automatic online assistant that evaluates training progress based on defined parameters and provides training recommendations (Computer Assisted Training, CAT) • Integration of mobile pedelec ergometers and / or traditional ergometers via the same app [6] Commercially available pedelec for use as a stationary ergometer, according to claim 1, characterized by , that the control system includes further control parameters and, for example, automatically adjusts the pedaling resistance of the roller and / or automatically operates the gear shift. DE 202015102557 Ul - Power-controlled sports device with motor assistance and extension kit. DE 102012211719 Al - Invention relates to a method for controlling assistance based on a predefined route profile. DE 102011082084 Al - Bicycle. US7060006 - Computer systems and methods for interaction with exercise device. US201 10165995 - Computer-controlled exercise equipment apparatus and method of use thereof. DE102014009428A1 - Automatic adjustment of the assistance power in e-bikes and similar vehicles depending on the user's workload, determined, for example, via the heart rate, in order to keep the workload within a defined range. US Pat. No. 7,351,187 B2 (Apr. 1, 2008) - Resistance and Power Monitoring Device and System for Exercise Equipment. US Pat. No. 4,869,497 - Computer-Controlled Exercise Machine.

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