Sports device with integrated muscle stimulation system and method for controlling it

Abstract

Sports equipment (1) with integrated muscle stimulation system, wherein the sports equipment comprises: - one or more actuators (3) configured to perform electromagnetic stimulation or functional magnetic stimulation, wherein the actuators (3) are arranged at least one area where a contact surface with a user (2) is provided, the contact surface being a muscle group to be supported, and wherein the actuators (3) are configured to perform muscle stimulation and the stimulation is carried out without the user having to wear special clothing or have electrodes applied to their skin, - at least one control unit (4) designed to control the actuators (3), - at least one power supply unit designed to supply electrical energy to the actuators (3) and the control unit (4), wherein the control unit (4) is designed to control the actuators (3) in such a way as to stimulate the user's (2) muscles in such a way as to assist a movement of the user (2) to perform an operation of the sports equipment (1).

Description

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

[0002] Systems already exist that support users during training, for example, by delivering EMS impulses to their muscles. A variety of garments with the necessary equipment are already known for this purpose, as disclosed in DE 10 2014 108 316 A1, which provides support while cycling. Similar garments that support the user are also disclosed in US 2023 / 0226345 A1 and WO 2016 / 131936 A2. EMS devices are also known for use in gym workouts, actively training and strengthening muscles. Other methods for supporting a user are disclosed, for example, in DE 10 2007 044 445 B4, DE 103 26 654 A1, DE 10 2015 002 565 A1, DE 10 2021 111 627 A1, US 2007 / 0 208 392 A1, EP 3 395 401 B1, or WO 2022 / 199 766 A1.

[0003] In all applications, the user must wear special clothing or have electrodes attached to the skin. This can be cumbersome. Therefore, it is an object of this invention to provide an improved sports device with a muscle support system. This object is achieved according to the invention by the features of the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments are the subject of the dependent claims.

[0004] A sports device with an integrated muscle stimulation system is proposed, wherein the sports device comprises: one or more actuators at at least one area where a contact surface with a user is provided, wherein the actuators are configured to perform muscle stimulation; at least one control unit configured to control the actuators; at least one power supply unit configured to supply the actuators and the control unit with electrical energy, wherein the control unit is configured to control the actuators in such a way that they stimulate the user's muscles in such a way as to support a movement by the user to perform an operation of the sports device.

[0005] Furthermore, the actuators are designed to perform electromagnetic stimulation or functional magnetic stimulation.

[0006] Furthermore, it is stipulated that the sports equipment be a bicycle, a rowing machine, or a fitness machine.

[0007] Furthermore, a method for controlling a muscle stimulation system arranged in the sports equipment is proposed, wherein the stimulation of the user's muscles takes place as soon as an actuation of the sports equipment or a start signal given by the user has been detected.

[0008] Furthermore, it is planned that the correctness of the activity intended for the sports equipment will be monitored and corrected if necessary by adjusting the stimulation.

[0009] Furthermore, it is intended that the user will be able to adjust the intensity of the stimulation.

[0010] Furthermore, a computer program product with program code for carrying out the procedure is proposed if it is executed on at least one control unit of the sports equipment.

[0011] 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.

[0012] Preferred embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawing.

[0013] Fig. Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of a bicycle with a stimulation system for muscle support according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0014] As mentioned previously, there are already known items of clothing that support a user during their training, including cycling. However, support can also be provided for other sports or equipment.

[0015] Currently, bicycles also offer assistance to the user while riding by means of an electric drive. Here, the force applied by the user to the pedals is amplified by the electric drive. Alternatively, the drive can be set to rotate in the opposite direction to the pedaling motion, thus creating a training effect. However, this stimulation will not occur if the user is not wearing appropriate clothing.

[0016] According to the invention, it is proposed to provide a sports device with an integrated (muscle) stimulation system for muscle support, wherein the actuators are arranged on a contact surface with a user, depending on the sports device.

[0017] A bicycle, as in Fig. As shown in example 1, a fitness machine or a rowing machine can also be used. It is important that the muscle group to be supported is in contact with a part of the exercise equipment so that stimulation of the muscle group can occur.

[0018] Using the example of the in Fig.In the bicycle 1 shown (with or without electric drive), the actuators 3 used for stimulation can be arranged in the area of ​​the bicycle saddle 10, i.e., the gluteal muscles and, if applicable, even the thigh muscles, in particular the hamstrings (leg extensors). A control unit 4 and a power supply 5 are also provided. As soon as the control unit 4 detects either pedaling 11 of the bicycle 1 or a user 2 gives a start signal (e.g., pressing a button), it activates the actuators 3 in the bicycle saddle 10 to stimulate the gluteal muscles and, if applicable, part of the leg muscles. This muscle stimulation allows the user 2 to apply more force while pedaling, thus moving faster. The muscles are also strengthened simultaneously.Depending on the fitness level, it may even be possible for user 2 to no longer need an electric drive, i.e., to replace the very heavy bicycle 1 with a lighter bicycle 1 that has the stimulation system.

[0019] In the case of a rowing machine, the stimulation system can be located on the seat, or additionally or alternatively in the backrest, armrest, etc. Similarly, in the case of other fitness equipment, the stimulation system can be located on the seat, backrest, armrest, etc.

[0020] The necessary energy supply for the actuators 3 of the stimulation system and the control unit 4 can be provided either via the power supply of the exercise equipment, via a battery 5, or both. If a battery 5 is used, it can be recharged by operating the exercise equipment (through recuperation). In this case, stimulation cannot occur simultaneously, but only once the battery 5 is sufficiently charged. Alternatively, it can 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] The description makes it clear that the stimulation system integrated into the exercise equipment helps to strengthen the muscles of user 2 and to use the equipment more effectively. It is not necessary for user 2 to wear special clothing with integrated electrodes or for electrodes to be placed on the skin. Rather, the stimulation effect is demonstrably effective even through the user's normal clothing. Thanks to the integrated control unit 4, it is also unnecessary to select a program for the stimulation system, as the type of exercise equipment inherently identifies which muscle groups are to be stimulated, allowing for pre-programmed stimulation.

[0022] In one version, the user can adjust the intensity of the stimulation, preferably for each stimulable muscle group.

[0023] One embodiment provides for monitoring the use of the exercise equipment, i.e., the exercise being performed, for example, by control unit 4. The user's movement is compared to a stored target movement. If user 2 deviates from this target movement (the permissible degree of deviation can be predefined), the stimulation device intervenes to correct the movement, for example, by providing stronger stimulation to a muscle that is being insufficiently activated by user 2. This promotes the correct use of the exercise equipment and the correct execution of the exercise. It can also strengthen a weaker muscle group of user 2.

[0024] The integrated stimulation system in the sports device allows the user's movement execution to be improved and muscle training to be carried out without the user having to wear special clothing or have electrodes applied to their skin.

[0025] Stimulation can be performed using EMS (electromagnetic stimulation) or FMS (functional magnetic stimulation). Reference symbol list 1 vehicle 10 vehicle seats 11 Pedal 2 users 3 Actuator 4 Control unit 5 Accumulator

Claims

[1] Sports equipment (1) with integrated muscle stimulation system, wherein the sports equipment comprises: - one or more actuators (3) configured to perform electromagnetic stimulation or functional magnetic stimulation, wherein the actuators (3) are arranged at least one area where a contact surface with a user (2) is provided, the contact surface being a muscle group to be supported, and wherein the actuators (3) are configured to perform muscle stimulation and the stimulation is carried out without the user having to wear special clothing or have electrodes applied to their skin, - at least one control unit (4) designed to control the actuators (3), - at least one power supply unit configured to supply electrical energy to the actuators (3) and the control unit (4), wherein the control unit (4) is configured to control the actuators (3) in such a way as to stimulate the user's (2) muscles in such a way as to assist a movement of the user (2) to perform an operation of the sports equipment (1). [2] Sports equipment (1) according to claim 1, wherein the sports equipment is a bicycle (1) or a rowing machine or a fitness machine. [3] Method for controlling a muscle stimulation system arranged in a sports device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the stimulation of the user's (2) muscles takes place as soon as an actuation of the sports device (1) or a start signal given by the user (2) has been detected. [4] Method according to claim 3, wherein the correctness of the activity provided for the sports equipment (1) is monitored and corrected as necessary by adjusting the stimulation. [5] Method according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the user (2) can adjust the intensity of the stimulation. [6] Computer program product with program code for carrying out the method according to one of claims 3 to 5, when it is executed on at least one control device (4) of the sports equipment (1).

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