System and suit for assisting with homeostasis intended for applying an alternating cooling and heating sequence

Abstract

The present invention relates to a system (100) for assisting with homeostasis, comprising a flexible substrate (110), control electronics (120) and a software application, the substrate (110) comprising at least one flexible heating and cooling means (112) integrated inside the substrate (110) and at least one temperature sensor (111), which are intended for being associated with at least one zone (2) of the surface of a user's body, the control electronics (120) communicating with the substrate (110) and the application communicating with the control electronics (120) so as to receive information measured by the sensor (111) via the control electronics (120), to determine instructions for applying an alternating cooling and heating sequence and to send the instructions to the control electronics (120).

Description

[0001] Description

[0002] Title: Homeostasis support system and combination for applying a sequence of alternating cooling and heating

[0003] Technical field

[0004] The present invention relates to the field of homeostasis.

[0005] The present invention relates more particularly to a system and a combination making it possible to assist the homeostasis phenomena of a user.

[0006] By homeostasis in the sense of the present invention, is meant throughout the following description the phenomena and processes of regulation of the physical characteristics of a user, in particular blood circulation and the ventilation rhythm allowing the regulation of oxygen, ions or even nutrients through the body, or even muscular contraction producing heat. Such a system and such a combination can thus be used to optimize these phenomena and / or to ensure their proper functioning.

[0007] The present invention will thus find numerous advantageous applications in the field of assistance to athletes, in particular in assistance with recovery or rehabilitation. The present invention will also find applications in other broader fields, in particular in the field of health in general, for assistance with recovery after surgery or during convalescence.

[0008] State of the art

[0009] The Applicant notes that, in sports practice, the programming of training loads has progressed considerably in order to optimize sports performance. However, recovery methods are often left to the athlete. However, since muscle recovery is a key factor in sports performance, the absence of regular recovery gradually leads the athlete into overload or overtraining.

[0010] The Applicant thus observes that various solutions have been considered to improve the recovery of athletes, so as to allow the athlete to continue training or maintain a stable competitive state. Such solutions employ hot and / or cold massage techniques, hyperbaric oxygenation, venous return acceleration, or even electrostimulation, so as to accelerate the athlete's overall regeneration. Other solutions such as local cryotherapy and cold water immersion also appear to be means of combating muscle inflammation. To date, these solutions remain incomplete, under development, and do not ensure optimal recovery of the athlete. The implementation of these solutions is also complex and their use is therefore limited to specific conditions of use.

[0011] The Applicant therefore submits that there is currently no satisfactory alternative solution to assist the athlete's muscle recovery and homeostasis as much as possible, so as to achieve optimal performance and avoid exercise-related injuries.

[0012] Summary of the invention

[0013] The present invention aims to improve the current situation described above.

[0014] The present invention aims more particularly to remedy the above limitations by proposing a homeostasis assistance system which is easy to use and stimulates muscle recovery capacities as much as possible.

[0015] To this end, the subject of the present invention relates in a first aspect to a homeostasis assistance system intended to apply a sequence of alternating cooling and heating in at least one area of ​​the surface of a user's body, the system comprising:

[0016] - a flexible support capable of being worn by the user;

[0017] - control electronics; and

[0018] - a software application, the medium comprising at least one heating and cooling means and at least one temperature sensor intended to be associated with the zone, the control electronics being configured to receive data from the temperature sensor and to control the heating and cooling means, the application being configured to communicate by wired or wireless means with the control electronics so as to:

[0019] - receive temperature information measured by the sensor from the control electronics;

[0020] - determining instructions for applying a specific sequence of alternating cooling and heating, based on the temperature information received, according to a program of the application; and

[0021] - send instructions to the control electronics.

[0022] In other words, the system application receives body temperature information from a user, the information being obtained by a temperature sensor, for example a thermistor, and generates a set of instructions from the received information according to a program of the application, for example a program selected from a plurality of programs dedicated to muscle recovery, training, or even the treatment of injury or sprain. The instructions are then transmitted to the control electronics, for example by wire, the application being implemented by a microprocessor integrated into the control electronics, or by wireless means, the application being implemented remotely on a remote electronic device, for example a smartphone.The control electronics then apply the instructions so as to control the heating and cooling means associated with the flexible support worn by the user, resulting in a sequence of alternating cooling and heating on the user's body surface area.

[0023] It is understood here that the flexible support corresponds to a device intended to be worn by the user, in particular so as to produce a mobile device, its flexible nature making it possible to adapt to the physiognomy and / or movements of the user. The flexible support is for example made of a textile material. The control electronics is for example assembled on the support or connected to it, in particular to the heating and cooling means of the support. In particular, the assembly of the control electronics to the support allows the production of a portable assembly allowing the athlete to move. The control electronics is thus powered either by mains power, in particular via a transformer, in a simplified design with limited mobility, or by battery in a portable design of the system.

[0024] It is further understood that the control electronics may be configured to control a plurality of heating and cooling means, for example arranged on several supports or on the same support. According to a variant, the control electronics is configured to control a single heating and cooling means. Those skilled in the art understand that such a selection is made according to the number and type of heating and cooling means desired, as well as the limitations of the control electronics, in particular the current required by the heating and cooling means with respect to the maximum current tolerated by the control electronics.

[0025] The person skilled in the art additionally understands that the alternating sequence of cooling and heating successively generates vasoconstrictions and vasodilations having the effect of stimulating blood flow in the vicinity of the surface of the body receiving the heating and cooling means, according to a mechanism called "vasopumping", which allows a movement of metabolic substances (oxygen, ions, nutrients), a reduction of the inflammatory response and its duration, facilitating the repair of the muscle subjected to exercise and reducing the metabolic processes within the muscle.

[0026] The Applicant thus submits that such a solution allows for the implementation of a rapid thermal shock using a portable device, without requiring additional external elements, for example ice cubes or baths that cool the muscle. In comparison with these solutions, the thermal shock is also carried out in an automated and controlled manner, making it possible to simplify and optimize its use without requiring specific knowledge. The Applicant further observes that the use of this solution makes it possible to obtain a significant improvement in the evacuation of lactic acid and the recovery of force production capacities, allowing the repetition of medium or long duration exercises.This solution also has advantageous analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects in the context of acute pathologies of surgical, traumatological or rheumatological origin, for example muscle injuries, sprains, acute tendinopathies or in the context of post-surgical care or treatment of algoneurodystrophy. Advantageously, the heating and cooling means is integrated inside the flexible support, the heating and cooling means also being flexible. In other words, the heating and cooling means is associated with the flexible support so as to form a single-piece assembly. The flexible support corresponds for example to a textile support, the heating and cooling means being integrated into the flexible support for example by knitting and welding the electrical components with the flexible support.

[0027] In particular, the flexibility of the heating and cooling means within the flexible support ensures good contact between the heating and cooling means and the surface area of ​​the user's body. This design thus improves the heat transmission between the user's body and the heating and cooling means.

[0028] The person skilled in the art additionally understands that this design is optionally supplemented with cable glands integrated into the flexible support, so as to supply the heating and cooling means and / or the control electronics, as well as to connect the heating and cooling means to the control electronics.

[0029] By means of the present invention, the homeostasis support system enables the application of cooling and heating via the wearing of a mobile device, minimizing the mobility of the user and allowing use in various situations, in which cooling is carried out without nitrogen, ice cubes or liquid. The use of the system is therefore simplified and its efficiency increased in comparison with existing devices.

[0030] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, at least one heating and cooling means comprises at least one Peltier effect cell.

[0031] Preferably, the control electronics comprise an H-bridge configured to apply an alternating current through the Peltier cell.

[0032] It is understood here that the Peltier effect cell corresponds to a thermoelectric cooling module having two faces, the module exploiting the Peltier effect so that the circulation of a current through the Peltier effect cell cools a first face of the module while heating a second face of the module. The direction of the current then defines whether the face of the Peltier cell associated with the area of ​​the user's body surface is cooled or heated. The use of the H-bridge then makes it possible to change the polarity of the current, that is to say to reverse the direction of the current so that the Peltier cell carries out the alternating sequence of cooling and heating, depending on the current flowing through it.

[0033] Advantageously, the Peltier cell has a flexible structure, thus making it possible to be associated with the flexible support and to follow its deformation, in order to adapt the Peltier cell to the area of ​​the user's body surface and / or to their movements. The Peltier cell is for example associated with a layer of graphite forming a thermal conductor, or with any other material or element facilitating the transfer of heat from the Peltier cell to the area of ​​the body surface.

[0034] Thus, the Peltier effect cell allows for a unique means of heating and cooling, controlled directly by the current flowing through it, the use of the H-bridge allowing for alternating between cooling and heating.

[0035] Preferably, the control electronics comprises a voltage controller configured to apply a variable voltage and a constant current across the Peltier cell. The Applicant submits that the use of such a voltage controller makes it possible to obtain a more linear operation of the Peltier cell, in particular by maintaining a constant electrical consumption, which makes it possible to achieve a gradual and sustainable descent into cold by allowing the necessary time for heat dissipation at the other side of the Peltier cell. For heating, the use of the voltage controller also makes it possible to obtain constant heating at a stabilized temperature, i.e. to obtain better control of the heating.

[0036] Preferably, the voltage controller is controlled by pulse width modulation. Those skilled in the art understand that pulse width modulation (PWM), or PWM, consists of varying the voltage pulse lengths, producing a variable voltage. The voltage controller, and therefore the control electronics and the system more generally, is then more autonomous and can be controlled more easily, without requiring manual adjustment.

[0037] In a particular embodiment, the heating and cooling means is configured to apply a cooling sequence to less than 0°C, preferably between -10°C and 0°C.

[0038] The Applicant observes that such a temperature of the cooling sequence allows body heat to be cooled, when in use, down to 10°C. In particular, the heating and cooling means is configured to perform cryotherapy, as opposed to simply cooling the area of ​​the body surface.

[0039] In an additional embodiment, the flexible support comprises at least one heat dissipation means.

[0040] It is understood here that the heat dissipation means is configured to be associated with the heating and cooling means, for example with the Peltier effect cell described above, which respectively generates and / or loses heat so as to cool or heat the area of ​​the surface of the user's body. Such a heat dissipation means thus makes it possible to evacuate and / or recover the heat generated and / or lost by the heating and cooling means, in particular outside the area of ​​the surface of the user's body, and therefore to improve the heating and cooling applied to this area.

[0041] Preferably, the at least one heat dissipation means comprises at least one fan, the control electronics being configured to control said fan. The Applicant submits that the use of such a fan makes it possible to improve the heating and cooling performance. In particular, in combination with a Peltier effect cell as described above, the use of a fan allows the Peltier cell operating in cooling to reach negative temperatures depending on the face associated with the area of ​​the user's body surface.

[0042] Of course, the at least one heat dissipation means may also comprise “passive” means requiring no control, for example the use of a heat sink facilitating convection cooling. Such a heat sink is for example also flexible so as to facilitate its carrying. According to a specific design, this heat sink is integrated with the fan in a single-piece element and / or removably assembled to a Peltier cell forming the heating and cooling means.

[0043] A particular design therefore includes a textile support incorporating a flexible Peltier cell, associated with heat sinks on either side, the conductive wires of the Peltier cell being integrated inside the flexible support.

[0044] Preferably, the fan is arranged relative to the at least one heating and cooling means so as to expel air from the at least one heating and cooling means to the outside.

[0045] The Applicant observes that this arrangement of the fan, in particular unlike an arrangement aimed at blowing air towards the at least one heating and cooling means, makes it possible to improve heat dissipation and in particular to accelerate the drop in temperature. In particular, the combination of a Peltier effect cell and a fan arranged to expel the air from the Peltier effect cell makes it possible to obtain, in use on a user, a cell temperature of 0°C in less than 4 seconds.

[0046] In a specific embodiment, the at least one heat dissipation means comprises a plurality of micro-fans disposed adjacent to the heating and cooling means, the control electronics being configured to control the plurality of micro-fans.

[0047] The Applicant submits that this design makes it possible to achieve a flexible and efficient assembly, in particular more flexible than one or more conventional fans and more efficient than a simple passive heat sink. The flexibility of the assembly also makes it possible to ensure that the micro-fans are arranged as close as possible to the heating and cooling means in order to ensure their functionality.

[0048] For example, micro-fans are also integrated inside the flexible support, like the heating and cooling means.

[0049] In an additional embodiment, the support further comprises at least one feedback means selected from a set of feedback means comprising:

[0050] - a vibration device;

[0051] - an electrostimulation device;

[0052] - a shock wave generating device; and

[0053] - a piezoelectric haptic feedback device, the control electronics being configured to control the at least one feedback means and the application being configured to communicate with the control electronics so as to send instructions for controlling the at least one feedback means.

[0054] It is understood here that the feedback means completes the alternating sequence of cooling and heating, so as to stimulate and control homeostatic processes. In particular, the Applicant observes that the use of an electrostimulation device, in particular a transcutaneous electrical neurostimulation device, known as TENS (from the English "Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation"), has analgesic properties and facilitates the user's recovery. The feedback means is for example integrated with the heating and cooling means, or juxtaposed with it, so as to act on the same area of ​​the body's surface. The application program is for example adapted so as to send variable instructions depending on the presence and / or the type of the feedback means.

[0055] In a specific embodiment, the support further comprises at least one biosensor selected from a set of biosensors comprising:

[0056] - a heart rate sensor;

[0057] - a glucose level sensor;

[0058] - a gluconic acid level sensor;

[0059] - a lactic acid level sensor;

[0060] - a pyruvic acid level sensor;

[0061] - a potassium ion level sensor; and

[0062] - a sodium ion level sensor, the control electronics being configured to receive data from the biosensor and the application being configured to receive biological information measured by the biosensor and to adapt the instructions sent according to the biological information. It is understood here that the biosensor can be configured to directly measure the heart rate and therefore estimate the blood circulation, or the level of one or more ions or molecules regulated by the heart rate and ventilation, in particular at the level of the area of ​​the surface of the body receiving the heating and cooling means, and therefore at the level of the muscles associated with this area. The biosensor corresponds for example to an ion-selective electrode, called ISE (from the English "lon-Selective Electrode", also called "Specific Ion electrode" or in French "Specific Ion Electrode") making it possible to measure the concentration of a particular ion.The instructions determined by the application are then also determined based on the biological information returned by the biosensor. The person skilled in the art further understands that the glucose level makes it possible to evaluate local situations of hypoglycemia and / or hyperglycemia; that lactic acid, or lactate, is produced when the oxygen supply is insufficient and must be evacuated; that pyruvic acid, or pyruvate, is part of the glycolysis processes linked to respiration and nutrient metabolism; that sodium ions (associated with hyponatremia and / or hypernatremia) and potassium ions (associated with hypokalemia and / or hyperkalemia) are at the heart of the electrophysiological phenomena of the muscle, in particular muscle contractions. Thus, the implementation of a thermal shock, carrying out “vasopumping” makes it possible to both improve the supply of oxygen, ions and nutrients as well as the evacuation of metabolic products.The use of additional sensors, and the adaptation of the application program to the processing of the information received by these sensors, thus makes it possible to more precisely calibrate the use of heating and cooling means, or even other feedback means described above, in order to guarantee optimal muscle performance.

[0063] In another embodiment, the support further comprises at least one surface electromyography sensor, the control electronics being configured to receive data from the surface electromyography sensor and the application being configured to receive neuromuscular information measured by the surface electromyography sensor and to adapt the instructions sent according to the neuromuscular information.

[0064] The person skilled in the art understands here that surface electromyography, known as EMG, allows a non-invasive analysis of the neuromuscular system, the surface EMG sensor corresponding for example to one or more electrodes arranged on the skin of the area of ​​the surface of the user's body. The neuromuscular information measured by the EMG sensor thus makes it possible to monitor muscular activity, detect sensitive areas and fatigue thresholds, so as to optimize the recovery process controlled by the application.A second aspect of the present invention relates to a homeostasis assistance suit intended to apply a sequence of alternating cooling and heating in at least one area of ​​the surface of the body of a user, the suit comprising at least one sleeve receiving a support connected to electronics for controlling the thermoregulation system according to the first aspect of the invention, the heating and cooling means and the temperature sensor of the support being arranged in the suit so as to be associated with the area when the user wears the suit.

[0065] It is understood here that the suit incorporates the flexible support and the control electronics of the system according to the first aspect of the invention, the control electronics communicating with the application by wired or wireless means, for example communicating remotely with a remote electronic device independent of the suit. The suit comprises for example a plurality of sleeves, making it possible to treat large areas of the body or the entire body. According to a particular design, the sleeves are arranged according to a map of the motor points of the body, so as to target the action of the suit on all the areas of the body to be treated to optimize the physical recovery of the user. The integration of the homeostasis assistance system in a suit also facilitates the mobility of the user.

[0066] Preferably, the suit has a compressive effect along at least one area of ​​the user's body surface.

[0067] It is understood here that compression, for example dynamic, complements the heating and cooling action, for example like the feedback means described above, by assisting the "vasopumping". The compressive effect is for example included, in an adjustable manner, between 0 and 75 mm of mercury.

[0068] Thus, through the various functional and structural technical characteristics above, the Applicant proposes a system and a combination of homeostasis assistance allowing the cooling and heating of an area of ​​the body surface using a portable device, making it possible to improve recovery capacities and avoid lesions and injuries linked to fatigue, and to apply cooling without ice cubes or liquid baths.

[0069] Brief description of the figures

[0070] The characteristics of the present invention will emerge from the above description with reference to the appended figures 1 to 6 illustrating a plurality of exemplary embodiments which are devoid of any limiting character and in which: [Fig- 1]

[0071] Figure 1 shows a schematic view of a homeostasis support system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0072] [Fig- 2]

[0073] Figure 2 represents an exploded schematic view of a first example of embodiment of a flexible support integrated into a system according to Figure 1;

[0074] [Fig- 3]

[0075] Figure 3 represents a schematic view of a second example of embodiment of a flexible support integrated into a system according to Figure 1; [Fig- 4]

[0076] Figure 4 represents a schematic view of a first example of embodiment of a Peltier effect cell integrated into a flexible support of a system according to Figure 1;

[0077] [Fig- 5]

[0078] Figure 5 represents a flowchart of the different stages of a homeostasis assistance process implemented by a system in accordance with Figure 1;

[0079] [Fig- 6]

[0080] Figure 6 represents a schematic view of a second exemplary embodiment of a Peltier effect cell integrated into a flexible support of a system according to Figure 1.

[0081] Detailed description

[0082] The present invention will now be described in the following with reference to Figures 1 to 6 attached to the description.

[0083] As stated in the preamble to the description, current homeostasis support solutions are generally bulky and only allow limited recovery after exercise.

[0084] One of the objectives of the present invention is to enable the use, by an athlete or any other user, for example a person in rehabilitation or a standard practitioner of a sporting discipline, of a system facilitating their muscular recovery and having limited bulk.

[0085] This is made possible in the example described below.

[0086] According to the example of Figure 1, a homeostasis assistance system 100 developed within the scope of the present invention is used by a user, for example an athlete. In a specific design, the user wears a homeostasis assistance suit, i.e., a garment, for example, a vest or a full suit, which incorporates the material elements of the system 100. The suit comprises, for example, one or more sleeves, i.e., a pocket or portion of the suit, receiving the material elements of the system 100. In particular, the positioning of the sleeve(s), i.e., the arrangement of the material elements of the system 100, makes it possible to define at least one zone 2 of the surface of the user's body on which the system 100 acts.Thus, the sleeve(s) of the suit are for example advantageously arranged so as to cover the motor points of the user's body, in particular according to a given mapping of the motor points. Optionally, the suit has a compressive effect according to zone 2, that is to say it is configured to apply pressure to the surface of the user's body. In particular, an adjustable pressure, between 0 and 75 mm of mercury, that is to say between 0 and 0.1 bar, or even a dynamic pressure evolving over time, makes it possible to assist the user's blood circulation according to zone 2, and therefore to control homeostasis via the supply of oxygen, ions and nutrients and the evacuation of the products of muscular activity.In this same example, the system 100 comprises a flexible support 110 capable of being worn by the user, the support 110 comprises at least one heating and cooling means 112 and at least one temperature sensor 111, for example a thermistor, intended to be associated with the zone 2; the support 110 constitutes at least part of the material elements of the system 100, as stated above. The flexible support 110 is thus arranged so as to act on the zone 2 of the surface of the user's body. According to the example of Figure 2, the support 110 also comprises a film 118 coming directly into contact with the zone 2, the temperature sensor 111 and the heating and cooling means 112 being arranged on this film 118. The film 118 corresponds for example to a graphene film, producing a light and flexible support 110 adapting to the shape of the zone 2, that is to say to the physiognomy and movement of the user.

[0087] In combination with the support 110, the system 100 comprises control electronics 120 in communication with the temperature sensor 111, so as to receive data therefrom, and with the heating and cooling means 112, so as to control it. The control electronics 120 is for example also integrated into the suit, without however needing to be in direct contact with the zone 2. The control electronics 120 can thus be arranged on the suit so as to facilitate its wearing, or even to be connected to several separate supports 110, for example arranged along several sleeves of the suit. In general, the control electronics 120 is thus advantageously configured to power and control the electronic elements of the support 110.In this respect, the control electronics 120 is supplied with electricity by a source 140, for example a source internal to the system 100 and carried by the user, in particular a battery in a portable design of the system 100 facilitating the movement and autonomy of the user, or even a source external to the system 100, corresponding in particular to a transformer sized for the power supply of the control electronics 140, the system 100 then operating when connected to the mains. In order to allow the control of the electronic elements of the support 110, the control electronics 120 thus comprises at least one processor 121. Finally, the system 100 also comprises a software application configured to communicate with the control electronics 120 by wired or wireless means.According to a first design, the software application is directly implemented by the processor 121, the latter communicating with the other elements of the control electronics by wire. According to a second design, the software application is implemented by a remote device 130 in communication with the control electronics 120, in particular with the processor 121. This design makes it possible in particular to limit the processing capacities required by the processor 121 and to replace them with means of communication with the remote device 130, so as to limit the space requirement generated by the control electronics 120. The remote device 130 corresponds for example to a smartphone of the user, communicating with the control electronics by wire or wireless means, for example by Bluetooth.The software application and the control electronics 120 thus make it possible to control the heating and cooling means 112 and to receive data from the temperature sensor 111.

[0088] According to the examples of Figures 2 to 4 and 6, the at least one heating and cooling means 112 comprises at least one Peltier effect cell, that is to say a cell having two faces and configured to receive a current flowing through the cell, the flow of the current generating a cooling of a first face and a heating of a second face opposite the first face, by the application of the Peltier effect. In combination with such a Peltier effect cell, the control electronics 120 comprises an H-bridge 122 configured to apply an alternating current through the Peltier effect cell. In other words, the processor 121 controls the operation of the H-bridge 122 so as to send a current through the Peltier effect cell, the polarity of the current changing the direction in which the Peltier effect takes place, that is to say exchanging the cooling and heating of the first and second faces.

[0089] Thus, the Peltier effect cell makes it possible to carry out, in a single element, alternating heating and cooling, depending on the control carried out by the control electronics 120.

[0090] The example of Figures 4 and 6 illustrates in more detail a Peltier effect cell according to an alternative embodiment of the invention. In this example, the Peltier effect cell has a first conductive wire 112a and a second conductive wire 112b, each being assembled to two heat sinks 112c forming the two faces of the Peltier effect cell, for example via a set of welds 112d. The first conductive wire 112a corresponds for example to the phase and the second conductive wire 112b to the neutral of the Peltier effect cell. Advantageously, a flexible thermal insulator 112e, that is to say a conductive material whose thermoelectric power is assumed to be zero, is arranged between the two heat sinks 112c, making it possible to separate the two faces of the Peltier cell and therefore to improve its efficiency.According to a particular design, the Peltier cell is integrated inside the flexible support 110, the Peltier cell also having a flexible structure. For example, the flexible support 110 forms the flexible thermal insulator 112e, the conductive wires 112a, 112b being knitted with the thermal insulator 112e so as to arrange the heat sinks 112c on either side of the surface of the flexible support 110. The textile structure allowing the integration of a flexible heating and cooling means 112 corresponds for example to a velvet fabric, a 3D weave, a warp knit, or even to an insertion by sewing of the thermoelectric wires.This design thus makes it possible to completely integrate the heating and cooling means 112 with the flexible support 110 as opposed to a simple assembly, and to arrange the heating and cooling means 112 directly in contact with the zone 2 of the surface of the user's body when using the system 100.

[0091] Advantageously, and as illustrated in Figure 2, an electrically insulating film 117 is provided on either side of the Peltier effect cell, allowing its operation without risk to the user or the other components of the support 110.

[0092] In the example of Figure 1, a voltage controller 123 is additionally provided, integrated into the control electronics 120 and associated with the H-bridge 122 so as to power the Peltier effect cell. Such a voltage controller 123 is advantageously configured to apply a variable voltage and a constant current across the Peltier effect cell, resulting in a more linear evolution of the temperature of the Peltier effect cell, facilitating heat dissipation and allowing better resistance over time of the desired temperature. The variable voltage of the voltage controller 123 is for example obtained via a pulse width modulation control, making it possible to approximate a linear evolution of the voltage.

[0093] Optionally, and as illustrated in Figures 2, 3 and 6, the flexible support additionally comprises at least one heat dissipation means 113, 114, 114'. In these examples, the heat dissipation means 113, 114, 114' makes it possible to improve the heat exchanges with the face of the Peltier cell which does not act on the zone 2 of the surface of the user's body. The temperature gradient inside the heating and cooling means 112 is therefore reduced, limiting the internal heat transfers and improving its performance. A passive heat sink 113 is thus provided, in particular a device provided with a plurality of fins mounted vertically relative to the heating and cooling means 112, thus producing a passive heat sink 113 having a large contact surface with the outside air and increasing the heat exchanges by convection.A fan 114 is also provided, for example combined with the passive heat sink as illustrated in FIG. 2, the control electronics 120 also controlling the actuation of the fan 114. Preferably, the fan 114 is arranged to blow the air coming from the heating and cooling means 112, and here from the passive heat sink 113, outwards, i.e. in the direction opposite to the zone 2 of the user's body surface. In the example of FIG. 6, a plurality of micro-fans 114' are provided as a replacement or in addition to the passive heat sink 113 and / or the fan 114. The micro-fans 114' are advantageously arranged adjacent to the heating and cooling means 112.The micro-fans are for example also arranged to blow the air coming from the heating and cooling means 112 towards the outside, so as to obtain more efficient cooling.

[0094] The system described above is thus configured to implement the steps of a homeostasis assistance method according to FIG. 5. In a first step 31, the application receives from the control electronics 120 temperature information measured by the temperature sensor 111, that is to say that the data from the temperature sensor 111 and received by the control electronics 120 are transmitted for processing according to the application. In accordance with the description above, the information is thus transmitted to the processor 121 and / or the remote device 130.

[0095] In a second step 32, the application determines instructions for applying a determined sequence of alternating cooling and heating based on the temperature information received. The instructions are also determined according to a program of the application, for example a targeted program for strength training, rapid recovery, rehabilitation or any other program, making it possible to adapt the instructions to different usage scenarios or even to different user profiles. The instructions are then sent in a third step 33 to the control electronics 120, which implements them, in particular by controlling the heating and cooling means 112 and optionally the fan 114 and / or the micro-fans 114' described above, so as to optimize the operation of the heating and cooling means 112.Thus, the heating and cooling means 112 is controlled so as to carry out a sequence of alternating heating and cooling on the zone 2 of the surface of the user's body. This sequence results in a plurality of vasoconstrictions and vasodilations, generating a "vasopumping" mechanism stimulating blood circulation at the muscle level and facilitating energy recovery and the supply of nutrients, ions and oxygen. Optionally, an additional intermediate step is provided in which the temperature information received is compared to at least one threshold value, the instructions determined during the second step 32 being adapted according to a result of the comparison.In particular, the software application program is configured to generate an inversion between heating and cooling depending on the result, in particular so as to control heating when the temperature information is lower than a first threshold value, and cooling when the temperature information is higher than a second threshold value. Such operation makes it possible to provide additional safety to the system during its use, in particular so as to avoid burns resulting from extreme temperatures. Advantageously, the heating and cooling means 112, for example the Peltier effect cell described above and associated with the heat dissipation means 113, 114, 114' is configured to carry out cooling below 0°C, preferably between -10°C and 0°C, such a temperature making it possible to carry out cryotherapy, reducing the body heat of the zone 2 by up to 10°C.Such a temperature reduction makes it possible to ensure effective vasoconstriction and to differentiate the action of the heating and cooling means 112 from a simple cooling of the zone 2.

[0096] Optionally, the support 110 also comprises at least one biosensor 115, the control electronics 120 receiving the data from the biosensor 115 and the application being configured to receive, during the first step 31, biological information measured by the biosensor 115, the application also being configured to adapt, during the second and third steps, the information determined and sent according to the biological information.

[0097] The biosensor 115 corresponds for example to a heart rate sensor, thus making it possible to determine the blood circulation taking place in the muscle associated with zone 2, or to one or more sensors measuring a level of ions or nutrients in the user's blood, in particular to an ion-selective electrode. The biosensor 115 thus makes it possible, for example, to measure a glucose level in order to determine whether the sugar intake is insufficient or excessive, that is to say local hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia of zone 2, a level of gluconic, lactic or pyruvic acid produced during glycolysis and having to be evacuated from the muscles associated with zone 2, or a potassium or sodium ion level in order to identify situations of hypokalemia, hyperkalemia, hyponatremia and hypernatremia, that is to say to monitor and regulate the concentration of ions allowing correct muscular contraction.

[0098] Thus, according to a particular design, the information received from the biosensor 115 is processed by the application so as to regulate the rhythm of the alternating sequence of cooling and heating, in order to accelerate or slow down the blood circulation at the level of the muscle associated with the zone 2, the information received from the temperature sensor 111 being processed so as to follow the cooling and heating applied according to the determined sequence, so as to confirm that the cooling and heating means 112 has the desired effect.

[0099] According to another variant, the support 110 comprises one or more surface electromyography sensors, called EMG sensors, the control electronics 120 receiving the data from the EMG sensor and the application receiving neuromuscular information measured by the EMG sensor during the first step 31 and adapting the instructions of the second and third steps 32, 33 according to the neuromuscular information. According to a principle similar to that described above with regard to the biosensors 115, the use of EMG sensors makes it possible to specify the action of the cooling and heating means 112 and to adapt it to the needs of the muscle treated, in particular by identifying signs of muscular fatigue.

[0100] According to another variant illustrated in Figure 3, the support 110 also comprises a feedback means 116, for example arranged adjacent to the temperature sensor 111, in contact with the zone 2 of the surface of the user's body. Such a feedback means 116 corresponds for example to a vibration device, an electrostimulation device, a shock wave generation device or even a piezoelectric haptic feedback device. The instructions determined and sent by the application during the second and third steps 32, 33 then also comprise instructions for controlling the feedback means 116. The action of the feedback means 116 then completes the “vasopumping” implemented by the cooling and heating means 112 and / or provides an additional means of assisting homeostasis in parallel with the cooling and heating means 112.

[0101] Thus, it will be understood that the present invention provides a homeostasis assistance system, and a combination at least partially integrating such a system, the system allowing the application of an alternating sequence of cooling and heating to at least one area of ​​the surface of a user's body, thus generating both vasoconstriction and vasodilation within a single application-controlled assembly, without requiring the use of baths or ice cubes to complete the action. Preferably, the cooling and heating are implemented using at least one Peltier cell allowing these two actions to be performed using a simple and compact device. Such a system can also be supplemented by the use of additional sensors and feedback means, in order to refine the behavior of the system and optimize muscle recovery, in particular according to the precise needs of the muscle being treated.It should be noted that this detailed description relates to a particular embodiment of the present invention, but that in no case does this description have any limiting character with respect to the subject matter of the invention; on the contrary, its objective is to remove any possible imprecision or misinterpretation of the claims which follow. It should also be noted that the reference signs placed in parentheses in the claims which follow are in no case limiting in character; these signs have the sole purpose of improving the intelligibility and understanding of the claims which follow as well as the scope of the protection sought.

Claims

Demands 1. A homeostasis support system (100) designed to apply a sequence of alternating cooling and heating to at least one area (2) of a user's body surface, said system comprising: - a flexible support (110) suitable for being worn by said user; - control electronics (120); and - a software application, said medium (110) comprising at least one heating and cooling means (112) and at least one temperature sensor (111) intended to be associated with said zone (2), said control electronics (120) being configured to receive data from said temperature sensor (111) and to control said heating and cooling means (112), said application being configured to communicate wired or wirelessly with said control electronics (120) so as to: - receive (31) from said control electronics (120) temperature information measured by said sensor (111); - determine (32) instructions for applying a specific sequence of alternating cooling and heating, based on said temperature information received, according to a program of said application; and - send (33) to said control electronics (120) said instructions, characterized in that said heating and cooling means (112) is integrated inside said flexible support (110), said heating and cooling means (112) also being flexible.

2. System (100) according to claim 1, wherein said at least one heating and cooling means (112) comprises at least one Peltier effect cell, said control electronics (120) comprising an H-bridge (122) configured to apply an alternating current through said Peltier effect cell.

3. System (100) according to claim 2, wherein said control electronics (120) comprises a voltage controller (123) configured to apply a variable voltage and a constant current through said Peltier effect cell.

4. System (100) according to claim 3, wherein said voltage controller (123) is controlled by pulse width modulation.

5. System (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein said heating and cooling means (112) is configured to apply a cooling sequence below 0°C, preferably between -10°C and 0°C.

6. System (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein said flexible support (110) comprises at least one heat dissipation means (113, 114, 114').

7. System (100) according to claim 6, wherein said at least one heat dissipation means (113, 114, 114') comprises at least one fan (114), said control electronics (120) being configured to control said fan (114).

8. System (100) according to claim 7, wherein said fan (114) is arranged with respect to said at least one heating and cooling means (112) so as to expel the air from said at least one heating and cooling means (112) to the outside.

9. System (100) according to any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein said at least one heat dissipation means (113, 114) comprises a plurality of micro-fans (114') arranged adjacent to said heating and cooling means (112), said control electronics (120) being configured to control said plurality of micro-fans (114').

10. System (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein said support (110) further comprises at least one feedback means (116) selected from a set of feedback means comprising: - a vibrating device; - an electrostimulation device; - a shock wave generation device; and - a piezoelectric haptic feedback device, said control electronics (120) being configured to control said at least one feedback means (116) and said application being configured to communicate with said control electronics (120) so as to send control instructions to said at least one feedback means (116).

11. System (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein said support (110) further comprises at least one biosensor (115) selected from a set of biosensors comprising: - a heart rate sensor; - a glucose level sensor; - a gluconic acid level sensor; - a lactic acid level sensor; - a pyruvic acid level sensor; - a potassium ion level sensor; and - a sodium ion level sensor, said control electronics (120) being configured to receive data from said biosensor (115) and said application being configured to receive biological information measured by said biosensor (115) and to adapt said instructions sent according to said biological information.

12. System (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein said support (110) further comprises at least one surface electromyography sensor, said control electronics (120) being configured to receive data from said surface electromyography sensor and said application being configured to receive neuromuscular information measured by said surface electromyography sensor and to adapt said instructions sent according to said neuromuscular information.

13. Homeostasis support suit intended to apply a sequence of alternating cooling and heating to at least one area (2) of the surface of a user's body, said suit comprising at least one sleeve receiving a support (110) connected to control electronics (120) of the homeostasis support system according to any one of claims 1 to 12, said heating and cooling means (112) and said temperature sensor (111) of said support (110) being arranged in said suit so as to be associated with said area (2) when said user wears said suit.

14. Combination according to claim 13, which has a compressive effect according to said at least one area (2) of the surface of said user's body.

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