Oscillating support apparatus with a structure-borne sound excitation device

Abstract

The present invention relates to an apparatus (100) for the oscillating bearing of a living body. The apparatus (100) comprises a support device (101) with a support region (102) on which the body can be supported, wherein the support device (101) comprises at least one excitation device (103) which is coupled to the support region (102) in such a way that the support region (102) can be excited with sound energy in order to generate structure-borne sound waves. The structure-borne sound waves can be induced in the body with sound energy via the support region (102). The apparatus (100) further comprises a bearing device (105) for bearing the support device (101) on a carrier element (110), such that the support device (101) can be borne so as to oscillate in three spatial directions, wherein the bearing device (105) is coupled to the support device (101) in such a way that the structure-borne sound waves can be induced in the suspension device (105) in order to generate an oscillation of the support device (101) relative to the carrier element (110).

Description

[0001] Oscillating support device with a structure-borne sound excitation device

[0002] This patent application is sponsored by the Austrian

[0003] Research Promotion Agency under FFG number: 887198

[0004] Technical area

[0005] The present invention relates to a device for oscillating a living body. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a method for oscillating a living body.

[0006] Background of the invention

[0007] To relax, it's common for people to sit on a chair or lie down on a lounger. To promote relaxation, it's known, for example, from DE 10 2011 086 231 A1, to transmit structure-borne sound waves to a body. In this process, structure-borne sound is transmitted to a lying or sitting person using excitation devices. The corresponding excitation devices for the structure-borne sound are mounted in a support device.

[0008] Presentation of the invention

[0009] It is an object of the present invention to provide a device by means of which structure-borne sound can be used more effectively, particularly for relaxation. This object is achieved with a device and a method for the oscillating support of a living body according to the independent claim.

[0010] According to a first aspect of the present invention, a device for the oscillating support of a living body, for example, a human or an animal, is provided. The device comprises a support device (for example, a couch or a seat) with a support area on which the body can be placed. The support device has at least one excitation device coupled to the support area such that the support area can be excited with sound energy to generate structure-borne sound waves. The structure-borne sound waves can be induced into the body via the support area using the sound energy.

[0011] The device further comprises a bearing device for supporting the support device on a carrier element such that the support device can be supported to oscillate in three spatial directions, wherein the bearing device is coupled to the support device such that the structure-borne sound waves can be induced into the suspension device in order to generate oscillation of the support device relative to the carrier element.

[0012] In one exemplary embodiment, the bearing device can be designed, for example, as a suspension device. The suspension device is designed to suspend the support device from the support element, for example, a ceiling, in such a way that the support device can be mounted in a swinging motion above a floor. This means that the suspension device does not need to have any elements that directly connect the support device to the floor, thus allowing a direct flow of force. In other words, the support device can be mounted suspended above the floor by means of the suspension device, wherein the support device can be moved in a swinging motion.

[0013] The bearing device is coupled to the support device in such a way that the structure-borne sound waves can be induced into the bearing device in order to generate a vibration of the support device relative to the carrier element.

[0014] In a further exemplary embodiment of the support device, it is coupled to the ground and forms the ground support device described below.

[0015] According to a further aspect of the present invention, a method for swingably supporting a living body using the device described above is described.

[0016] The support device is designed, for example, as a seat, chair, lounger, or armchair. The support device accordingly has a support area on which the living body either rests directly or, as described below, rests indirectly via an adapter element, with the body then resting on the adapter element and thus indirectly on the support area. The body or person can assume a relaxed position on the support device. In this relaxed position, effective relaxation therapy can be implemented in combination with the transmission of structure-borne sound waves to generate structure-borne sound. In order to efficiently transmit structure-borne sound waves from the excitation devices, the support device can be made of solid materials, such as a wooden board.

[0017] The excitation devices are installed in the support device in such a way that structure-borne sound waves, such as flexural waves, can be transmitted via the support area into the body. The structure-borne sound waves, such as flexural waves, are generated by the excitation device within the support area, for example by the excitation device being in operative connection with the support area. In other words, the support area forms a membrane in which structure-borne sound waves, in particular flexural waves, travel. The structure-borne sound waves are transmitted directly from the support area to the (human or animal) body via the support surface, without air pockets between the support surface and the body creating airborne sound waves for transmission, which would reduce the transmittable sound energy.This means that a lot of sound energy is transported, which can be transferred directly to the body, since there is less reflection than when sound is transmitted via airborne sound waves.

[0018] To effectively generate structure-borne sound waves, such as bending waves, in the support area, the support area can be made of acrylic glass, wood, fiberglass, plastic, etc., and / or a honeycomb material. The support area is preferably thin, lightweight, and rigid. The wall thickness of the support area can be less than approximately 3 cm (centimeters), especially less than 3 mm (millimeters).

[0019] The device and in particular the support area can be designed to be foldable or collapsible, so that the device and, in addition, the entire arrangement can be designed to be portable or wearable. The support area can, for example, consist of several elements which are connected via hinges or via flexible material connections (e.g. flexible adhesive, insertion of elastic areas). An adapter element (e.g. a mattress) as described below can be placed between the support area and the body for better adaptation. Structure-borne sound waves are sound waves which, in contrast to air-borne sound waves, propagate in a solid body. An elastic solid body, such as the support area, can, in contrast to air, absorb not only normal stresses but also shear stresses. Therefore, in a solid body which is unlimited on all sides, such asthe support area and / or the body, longitudinal waves or transverse waves propagate. These structure-borne sound waves propagate independently of one another. The support surface can be a confined solid with a surface free of shear stress. This results in coupling between longitudinal waves and transverse waves, giving rise to further types of structure-borne sound waves. The most important type of wave is flexural waves, which involve bending deformations. Structure-borne sound waves, and in particular flexural waves, can therefore transport significantly more sound energy than airborne sound waves. Structure-borne sound can be perceived tactilely by humans (the body), especially at low frequencies. A flexural wave, as structure-borne sound, can be described as a physical wave that moves within the (flexible) support area and oscillates perpendicular to its direction of propagation.The vibration causes the support surface to bend and deform. The bending wave propagates primarily one- or two-dimensionally within the support surface. The vibrating support surface generates structure-borne sound waves, which transport high sound energy directly from the support surface into the body without first being converted into airborne sound waves. Within the body, the structure-borne sound waves are referred to as structure-borne sound.

[0020] In the following, structure-borne sound waves refer to sound which is the propagation of the smallest pressure and density fluctuations in the body. The structure-borne sound waves transmitted into the body generate structure-borne sound inside the body. This serves the auditory perception of structure-borne sound inside the body and not the usual auditory perception through airborne sound waves which penetrate the person’s hearing through the ear canal. The structure-borne sound generated in the body by, for example, bending waves leads to a corresponding vibration, for example of the bones, the skeleton and / or the internal organs. The sense organs and the vibrating areas of the body (bones, organs) which are stimulated by structure-borne sound waves induced in the contact area are used to perceive structure-borne sound. In other words, the structure-borne sound waves are not transmitted from outside into the person’s ears.of the body, but is induced from outside in an area of ​​the body on which the support surface of the device rests. The sense of hearing is not tied to the perception of airborne sound waves by the ears. The structure-borne sound waves or the structure-borne sound in the body creates vibrations that are also perceived or felt by sensory organs in corresponding parts of the body. Furthermore, the structure-borne sound is transmitted from the inside to the hearing organ, e.g. due to the corresponding vibrations in the body's skeleton. In other words, the auditory perception of structure-borne sound describes the process of hearing or the form in which the structure-borne sound waves are perceived by the body, e.g. the auditory events that arise during certain sound events.

[0021] The excitation device is, for example, an electrodynamic exciter, such as an electromagnetic (voicing) coil or a piezo element. The excitation device can have a diameter of approximately 2 cm to approximately 12 cm (centimeters) and a height of approximately 0.5 cm to approximately 5 cm. The excitation device can be attached (e.g. glued) to the device and in particular to the support area in order to generate structure-borne sound waves, such as flexural waves, in the support area. By means of the excitation device, transverse waves and / or longitudinal waves are generated in the support area and propagate evenly in all directions along a plane of the support area. The propagation results in the generation of structure-borne sound waves, which are induced as structure-borne sound into the body of the user, wherein the structure-borne sound orthe vibration generated by the structure-borne sound in the user's body can be perceived as an acoustic signal from within and not exclusively from outside, for example through airborne sound waves that penetrate the ear through the ear canal.

[0022] The excitation device, together with the support area, forms a structure-borne sound generator, with the support area acting as the membrane of the structure-borne sound generator. The structure-borne sound waves can be generated in an audible range between approximately 100 Hz and approximately 20 kHz. This allows the structure-borne sound waves, especially music, to be transmitted directly into the body at the support area, allowing the user to perceive internal structure-borne sound, which, for example, reproduces music.

[0023] Using the excitation device, which generates bending waves in the support area in order to induce structure-borne sound waves or structure-borne noise into the body, much more intense vibrations (structure-borne sound) in the bass range can be transmitted to a person's body without distortion. In addition to the structure-borne sound waves or structure-borne noise being transmitted into the body, this also creates a massage effect with increased blood circulation, thus creating local relaxation or regeneration in the area of ​​the body resting on the support area. The structure-borne sound, which is transmitted from the outside to the inside in the support area, results in inner hearing (like an embryo in the womb) and, so to speak, inner vision.

[0024] The storage device is designed to support the support device on a support element. The support element can, for example, be a ceiling of a room, a floor, or a wall element. Furthermore, the support element can form a stand, which is placed, for example, on a floor and to which the storage device can be fixed.

[0025] The bearing device is designed in particular in such a way that the support device can be mounted in a swinging or floating manner above a floor in all three spatial directions (x, y, z).

[0026] The bearing device is particularly configured such that the support device is suspended and can be moved and oscillated within certain limits in all three spatial directions, or has a degree of freedom. Thus, the bearing device can be designed such that the support device is movable in a horizontal plane and simultaneously within a vertical plane if the support device is attached to a support element via the bearing device. The bearing device is accordingly designed such that rocking, rotating, or teetering of the support device relative to the support element or the floor is possible.

[0027] In particular, according to the invention, the bearing device is coupled to the support device in such a way that the structure-borne sound waves can be induced into the bearing device to generate vibration of the support device relative to the support element. Accordingly, the structure-borne sound waves are not only induced in the body, but also in the bearing device, for example, in the cables of the suspension device, which functions as a device. Thus, the elements of the bearing device, such as the cables, are stimulated to move, enabling vibration of the support device relative to the support element in all three spatial directions via the bearing device.

[0028] The swinging in all three directions enabled by the bearing device

[0029] According to the invention, spatial directions means that a movement of the support device along the horizontal spatial directions (x, y, axes) and along a vertical spatial direction (z-axis), whereby all spatial directions x, y, z are defined perpendicular to one another, is possible.

[0030] In particular, the bearing device enables a torque about the horizontal spatial directions, i.e., a torque Mx about the x-axis and a torque My about the y-axis. In other words, the bearing device enables a corresponding rocking motion, in particular a rocking motion about the x-axis and a rocking motion about the y-axis. This mounting is made possible, for example, with the bearing device, which, for example, comprises a suspension device with cables according to the invention or the floor mounting device according to the invention for mounting on the floor.

[0031] In particular, the bearing device enables mounting on the support element such that the support device permits movement along the horizontal spatial directions, i.e. the x-axis and the y-axis, of at least 0.1 cm, 0.5 cm, 1 cm, 2 cm, 5 cm, 10 cm or even more than 20 cm. The movement possibility of the support device along the horizontal spatial directions describes, so to speak, the oscillation amplitude of the oscillation along the x-axis and the y-axis. In addition, the bearing device enables mounting on the support element such that the support device permits movement along the vertical spatial directions, i.e. the z-axis, of more than 0.1 cm, 0.5 cm, 1 cm, 2 cm, 5 cm, 10 cm, 20 cm or more than 50 cm. The movement possibility of the support device along the vertical spatial direction describes, so to speak, the oscillation amplitude of the oscillation along the z-axis.Furthermore, the bearing device enables a mounting on the support element that permits a torque Mx, My about the horizontal spatial directions, i.e., about the x-axis and the y-axis, with a rotation angle greater than 5°, 10°, 20°, or greater than 45°. In an exemplary embodiment, the oscillation according to the invention can be enhanced by means of the bearing device in such a way that rotation or a torque about the vertical z-axis is also enabled.

[0032] Because the bending waves are transmitted to the support device and the support device is excited accordingly, a superposition of bending waves occurs, so that a bending wave generated by the excitation in the support device is also reflected back into the suspension device. This, in turn, creates a new vibration mode in the support device, which is transmitted to the body and stimulates it to further relax.

[0033] As a result, the body not only experiences the impact of structure-borne sound waves from the support area, but also experiences a vibration of the support device in the room, creating a holistic feeling of relaxation. In one exemplary embodiment, the electromechanical excitation devices are installed (e.g. glued) on the support device (e.g. a wooden plate). The electromechanical excitation devices exert longitudinal as well as transverse forces on the support device. This creates bending waves in the support device that spread out (like waves in a lake into which a stone has been thrown). The structure-borne sound (particularly in the form of bending waves) is first generated in a hard and rigid solid body of the support device (wooden plate) and then transmitted to the body via a soft adapter element (mattress, foam topper) or directly (without going through the air).

[0034] The generated bending waves or their energy is further absorbed by the

[0035] Support device is transferred to the bearing device, so that a relative movement or oscillation occurs between the support device, the bearing device and accordingly the carrier element.

[0036] According to an exemplary embodiment, the support device forms a suspension device comprising at least three, in particular four, cables that couple the support device to the carrier element. The cables can be made, for example, of a natural material, such as hemp or rubber. Furthermore, the cables can be made of plastic or a metallic material.

[0037] According to an exemplary embodiment, the cables are designed to be elastic. If, for example, the bending waves from the support device are transmitted into the elastic cables, vibration occurs, particularly in the vertical direction, as the elastic cables periodically expand and contract.

[0038] According to another exemplary embodiment, at least one of the cables is interchangeably attached to the support device. This allows, for example, vibration behavior to be adjusted by using cables with different elasticity or Young's moduli.

[0039] According to a further exemplary embodiment, the suspension device has at least one spring element, in particular a spiral spring, which can be coupled between one of the cables and the support device and / or the carrier element. In order to generate oscillation of the support device relative to the carrier element by means of the suspension device, rigid elements, such as metal cables, can also be used, with the spring elements being installed along the suspension device to enable oscillation, in particular in the direction of a vertical component. A spring element can, for example, be installed between the suspension device and the support device or between the suspension device and the carrier element.

[0040] In an exemplary embodiment, the suspension device has a spring element, in particular a spiral spring, which is fastened directly between the support device and the carrier element without a corresponding cable.

[0041] In another exemplary embodiment, the suspension device comprises at least one spring element, in particular a coil spring. At least one cable consists of two cable elements, and the spring element connects the two cable elements. This allows for a rigid and secure connection between a cable element and the support element or bearing element, with the oscillating function being generated by the spring-mounted spring.

[0042] According to another exemplary embodiment, the spring element is interchangeably attached to the support device and / or the cable and / or is adjustable (i.e., the spring constant and / or the spring travel are adjustable). Thus, for example, a vibration behavior can be adjusted by using spring elements with different spring constants or different spring behaviors.

[0043] According to a further exemplary embodiment, the suspension device has a bearing element to which the cables converge and are fastened in a bearing area, in particular a bearing point, wherein the bearing element can be fastened to the support element. The bearing element forms a solid element which transfers the weight force from the support device to the support element. The bearing element in particular has a smaller area than the support device. Accordingly, cables run together from one edge of the support device in the direction of the bearing element, so that in other words the distance between the cable ends on the bearing element is smaller than the distance between the opposite cable ends on the support device. In other words, the cables do not run parallel to one another, but run together in the direction of the bearing element.

[0044] The bearing element can have corresponding fixing devices, for example drill holes, with which the device can be fixed to the support element.

[0045] In an exemplary embodiment, the bearing element can be designed such that cables of the suspension device run parallel to each other and are fastened to the support element separately from each other.

[0046] According to another exemplary embodiment, the bearing element comprises a pivot bearing, in particular a ball bearing or a plain bearing, such that the bearing element can be rotatably attached to the support element. This results in, for example, the bending waves induced in the suspension device generating a pivoting or rotation of the support device relative to the support element.

[0047] In an exemplary embodiment, a torsion spring can also be attached to the pivot bearing to induce a backward pivoting or a back-and-forth pivoting.

[0048] According to a further exemplary embodiment, the cables can be fastened to the support element at a distance from one another and run, in particular, parallel to one another. According to a further exemplary embodiment, the bearing device further comprises a floor bearing device on which the support device rests and is coupled to the floor as a support element in order to transfer a weight force in the direction of the weight force into the floor. The floor bearing device rotatably supports the support device. The support device can be supported exclusively via the floor bearing device or additionally via elements of the suspension device, such as additional cables, which are attached, for example, to a ceiling, a stand, or a wall of a room.

[0049] According to another exemplary embodiment, the floor support device comprises a support plate to which the support device can be mounted. The support plate comprises at least one further spring element for resiliently supporting the support device. The further spring element is configured to spring along the direction of the weight force and along a second and / or third spatial direction that runs perpendicular to the direction of the weight force.

[0050] For example, the further spring element can be designed with a spiral spring, wherein the spiral springs have a main spring direction between the support plate and the support device and additionally each have degrees of freedom in the vertical direction with respect to the weight force.

[0051] In particular, the further spring elements can be arranged in a guide shaft between the support plate and the support device, so that a lateral degree of movement of the further spring element (coil spring) is limited in vertical directions with respect to the weight force (x,y direction).

[0052] According to a further exemplary embodiment, the further

[0053] The spring element is interchangeably mounted and / or adjustable (i.e., the spring constant and / or spring travel is adjustable). This allows, for example, a vibration behavior to be adjusted by using spring elements with different spring constants or different spring behaviors. Furthermore, additional springs can be attached, for example, so that the cable is coupled to the support device with two or more spring elements.

[0054] In addition to or as an alternative to the cables and spring elements of the suspension device and the other spring elements of the floor support device, hydraulic and / or pneumatic suspension elements can also be used. In particular, appropriately adjustable hydraulic and / or pneumatic suspension elements can be used.

[0055] According to a further exemplary embodiment, the device has a support element which is designed such that one part of the body can be supported at a distance from the support device, while another part of the body rests on the support device. The support element is, for example, a cloth which is stretched between two cables. This means that, for example, a foot or the head of a body can be supported at a distance from the support area. The structure-borne sound is thus only directly induced into the areas of the body which rest on the support area, and the body part held by the support element is not penetrated by structure-borne sound waves. Structure-borne sound waves can, for example, be induced from the support device into the cables and in turn into the support element, although this is highly dampened.

[0056] According to another exemplary embodiment, the support element is designed to vibrate, in particular elastically, and is coupled to the support area in such a way that structure-borne sound waves generated in the support area can be transmitted to the support element. Thus, the body part supported by the support element experiences a different vibration than the other body parts resting directly on the support area.

[0057] According to another exemplary embodiment, the device comprises at least one support rod, which is attached to the support device at a distance from the support device, wherein the support element is attached to the support rod. In one exemplary embodiment, the device comprises two support rods, to which the support element is attached.

[0058] According to another exemplary embodiment, at least one of the support rods is elastic and / or attached to the support device by means of a spring element. Thus, the support rod itself can be excited by means of bending waves from the support area, so that its own vibration can be generated by the support element. The stops can be made of wood and / or a rubber-like material (hard rubber), for example. Furthermore, the support rods can be made of a rigid material, such as metal, and can be attached to the support device in an elastically vibrating manner by means of a spring element.

[0059] According to a further exemplary embodiment, the support element is attached to cables of the suspension device and can also be attached spring-mounted, for example.

[0060] According to a further exemplary embodiment, the device further comprises an adapter element, in particular a pillow or a mattress. The adapter element can be positioned between the support area and the body, wherein the adapter element can be adapted to a surface shape of the support area and to a further surface shape of the body. The adapter element can be positioned between the support area and the body. The adapter element as a pillow is flexible, in particular due to the filling with grains (for example with grain diameters of 0.002 mm to 8 mm). The adapter element can also consist of a soft foam. Furthermore, the pillow as an adapter element can be filled with Styrofoam balls. Furthermore, the pillow as an adapter element can be a vacuum pillow or a compressed air pillow, which, for example, also contains the grains described above, wherein the hardness or firmness is adjusted by variable adjustment of the internal air pressure in the pillow.the softness of the pillow is adjustable.

[0061] According to a further exemplary embodiment, the adapter element has a cavity that can be filled with an elastic filler, in particular springs or grains, or a liquid fluid. In particular, the cavity can have chambers. The chambers are partially separated from one another, for example, by webs or partitions. A honeycomb structure, for example, can be integrated into the chambers. The chambers are designed such that the liquid fluid can flow freely in multiple directions within the chambers. The chambers can also be designed such that the liquid fluid can move freely between the chambers. The honeycomb structure reinforces the support area, so that the support area has a high level of rigidity despite the cavity.

[0062] The liquid fluid can be water, for example, especially warm and temperate water. The support area, including the water flow, is suitable for transferring not only structure-borne sound but also thermal energy (heat) to the user's body. Thus, in addition to transmitting structure-borne sound, heat is also transferred via the support area. This can, for example, enhance the relaxation effect or simulate the effect of an infrared cabin.

[0063] In an exemplary embodiment, the support area above the excitation devices essentially forms a partition wall as a support area with a support surface. The excitation device is attached to the partition wall in such a way, and the partition wall is designed to be so rigid that bending waves can be generated throughout the entire partition wall as structure-borne sound waves with sound energy, and the structure-borne sound waves with the sound energy can be induced into the body by means of the support surface.

[0064] According to a further aspect of the present invention, a system is described which comprises the device described above and the support element, wherein the support device with the suspension device is mounted in an oscillating manner on the support element.

[0065] According to an exemplary embodiment of the system, the system comprises video glasses with a screen positioned close to the eye, allowing a film or images to be displayed in the video glasses. The excitation device is coupled to the video glasses in such a way that, based on the film or images, the excitation device excites the support area with sound energy to generate structure-borne sound waves.

[0066] Thus, for transmitting structure-borne sound waves to the body, coupling with other complementary medical devices and methods, such as light therapy, can be enabled to potentiate the relaxation factor. For example, the device described above can be additionally combined with mind machines, neurostimulators (flickering light combined with constant light), color glasses, special color therapy devices, white, brown, and pink noise, aromatherapy, bioresonance, electromagnetic manipulation of brain frequencies, CES, Shiatsu massages, lymphatic drainage, Lomi Lomi Nui, binaural beats, isochronic beats, sounds from singing bowls, planetary tones, or 3D video glasses.

[0067] According to a further exemplary embodiment, the system comprises a light system, in particular a light lamp or light glasses, wherein the light system is designed to generate flickering or polarized light which is visible from the body.

[0068] The lighting system is configured to generate a constant light and / or a flickering light with variable light intensity, with white light and / or variable color, and / or with a variable flicker interval and variable frequency. The neurostimulator is configured such that the lamp system and the excitation device interact with each other in such a way that the constant light and / or the flickering light and the structure-borne sound are coordinated.

[0069] The lighting system can generate constant light and / or flickering light based on the shared data from the excitation device, allowing the lamp system and the excitation device to interact with each other. The user perceives the play of light from the lamp system and the coordinated structure-borne sound, resulting in increased relaxation and intense perception.

[0070] The lighting system or video glasses can generate constant light and / or flickering light based on the shared data from the excitation device, allowing the lamp system and the excitation device to interact with each other. The user perceives the play of light from the lamp system and the coordinated structure-borne sound, resulting in increased relaxation and intense perception. For example, a film can be played close to the user's eyes via the video glasses, with the associated sound being induced into the body as structure-borne sound via the support area, allowing the user to perceive the sound associated with the film via the structure-borne sound. This creates an effective virtual reality.

[0071] According to a further exemplary embodiment of the arrangement, the excitation device has a control unit. The control unit controls the excitation device such that, based on music data, corresponding structure-borne sound waves (e.g., flexural waves) can be generated in the support area. Based on the structure-borne sound waves in the support area, the structure-borne sound waves are generated, which generate structure-borne sound in the body, so that the piece of music transmitted with the music data can be perceived inside the body. The control unit can contain a microprocessor. Furthermore, the control unit can have an amplifier, with which, for example, the volume or the individual frequency ranges (e.g., mid-range or treble tones) can be specifically amplified.

[0072] According to another exemplary embodiment, the system comprises a wall system with wall elements forming an installation space, with the device being arranged in the installation space. By means of the structure-borne sound waves generated in the support area, sound waves can be generated that are reflected by the wall elements. The wall elements can be made of wood, chipboard, or plasterboard, for example. The generated sound waves are perceived by the body and thus also influence the body's perception, particularly because the reflected sound waves modulate the structure-borne sound vibrations generated in the support device.

[0073] According to a further exemplary embodiment, the wall system consists in particular of four wall elements for forming a square room floor plan, in particular six wall elements for forming a hexagonal room floor plan or eight wall elements for forming an octagonal room floor plan.

[0074] According to another exemplary embodiment, the support device is coupled to the wall system, so that structure-borne sound waves generated in the support area can be transmitted to the wall elements via the support device. Thus, the wall elements thus excited can, for example, generate further bending waves, which are reflected back into the support device. Furthermore, the wall elements generate sound waves that are again perceptible by the body.

[0075] In particular, because the reflected sound waves modulate the structure-borne sound vibrations generated in the support device.

[0076] Furthermore, the device can have a power supply device, such as a battery or a photovoltaic device. A receiver module can also be connected to the control unit to transmit music data from outside the device to the control unit, for example, via a wired or wireless connection technology (wireless LAN, Bluetooth, infrared, etc.).

[0077] The excitation device and the other components, such as the control unit, the power supply unit, the receiving unit, the amplifier and / or the operating unit, can be arranged within the device, for example in a cavity of the device.

[0078] With the described device, the bending waves can be introduced into the bearing device and reflected by it. They can then be superimposed on the original signal in the support surface and added to it, resulting in a type of modulation of the signal generated in the support surface that is essentially dependent on the vibration frequency generated in the bearing device (e.g., the springs or the elasticity of the cables). The structure-borne sound felt in the body is modulated by the vibration frequency of the entire support device. This vibration can also be mechanically modified and adjusted individually for the body / user by another person from outside. This means that the user perceives the structure-borne sound modulated by the intention of the other person.This structure-borne sound vibration reflected by the bearing device modulates the structure-borne sound vibration originally generated in the support device with the frequency of the vibration of the entire bearing device.

[0079] It is therefore possible for another person, for example, to modulate this vibration frequency onto the structure-borne sound vibrations of the support device individually for each user by mechanically changing the vibration of the entire support device (e.g. ropes and springs).

[0080] It is noted that embodiments of the invention have been described with reference to different subject matters.

[0081] In particular, some embodiments of the invention are described with device claims, and other embodiments of the invention with method claims. However, it will immediately become clear to a person skilled in the art upon reading this application that, unless explicitly stated otherwise, in addition to a combination of features belonging to one type of subject matter, any combination of features belonging to different types of subject matter is also possible.

[0082] Short description of the drawings

[0083] For further explanation and better understanding of the present invention, exemplary embodiments are described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of a device for the oscillating support of a body, wherein cables of a suspension device run to a central support element according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0084] Fig. 2 shows a schematic representation of a device for swinging a body, wherein ropes of a suspension device run parallel according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0085] Fig. 3 shows a schematic representation of a device for swingingly supporting a body, wherein the support device is designed as a chair and is attached to a stand as a support element according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0086] Fig. 4 shows a schematic representation of a device for swingingly supporting a body, wherein a support element for holding a body part is shown, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0087] Fig. 5 shows a schematic representation of a rope with two rope parts that are linked to a spring element, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0088] Fig. 6 shows a schematic representation in which the storage device is designed as a floor storage device, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 7 shows a schematic representation of the system with a wall system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0089] Fig. 8 shows a schematic representation of the system with a wall system on which the storage device can be stored, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0090] Detailed description of exemplary implementation forms

[0091] Identical or similar components in different figures are provided with the same reference numerals. The representations in the figures are schematic.

[0092] Fig. 1 shows a schematic representation of a device 100 for the oscillating support of a body 150, in the example shown a human body, wherein the support device 105 is designed as a suspension device with cables 104 that run to a central support element 107 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The device 100 has a support device 101 with a support area 102 on which the body can be placed, wherein the support device 101 has at least one excitation device 103 that is coupled to the support area 102 such that the support area 102 can be excited with sound energy to generate structure-borne sound waves. The structure-borne sound waves can be induced into the body via the support area 102 using the sound energy.The device 100 further comprises a suspension device 105 for suspending the support device 101 on a support element 110 such that the support device 101 can be mounted in an oscillating manner above a floor 111, wherein the suspension device 105 is coupled to the support device 101 such that the structure-borne sound waves can be induced into the suspension device 105 in order to generate an oscillation of the support device 101 relative to the support element 110.

[0093] The support device 101 is designed as a couch in Fig. 1. The support device 101 accordingly has the support area 102, on which the human body 150 rests indirectly via an adapter element 108. The human body 150 or the person can assume a relaxed position on the support device 101.

[0094] The excitation devices 103 are installed in the support device 101 such that structure-borne sound waves, such as flexural waves, can be transmitted into the human body 150 via the support area 102. The excitation device 103, together with the support area 102, forms a structure-borne sound wave generator, with the support area 102 acting as the membrane of the structure-borne sound wave generator.

[0095] The suspension device 105 is designed to support the support device 101 on a support element 110, as shown a ceiling of a room.

[0096] The suspension device 105 is particularly designed such that the support device 101 can be mounted in a swinging or floating manner above a floor 111. This means that the suspension device 101 has no elements that directly connect the support device 101 to the floor 111, so that a direct flow of force occurs. In other words, the support device 101 is mounted in a floating manner above the floor 111 by means of the suspension device 105, wherein the support device 101 is swingably movable and, for example, rotatable. The suspension device 105 is particularly configured such that the support device 101 is mounted in a floating manner and is movable and swinging within certain limits in all three spatial directions, or has one degree of freedom.Thus, the suspension device 105 can be configured such that the support device 101 is movable in a horizontal plane and simultaneously within a vertical plane when the support device 101 is attached to the support element 110 via the suspension device 105. The suspension device is accordingly configured such that rocking, rotating, or teetering of the support device 101 relative to the support element 110 or the floor is possible.

[0097] The suspension device 105 is coupled to the support device 101 such that the structure-borne sound waves can be induced into the suspension device 105 to generate a vibration of the support device 101 relative to the support element 110. Accordingly, the structure-borne sound waves are not only induced into the human body 150, but also into the suspension device 105, for example, into cables 104 of the suspension device 105. Thus, the elements of the suspension device 105, such as the cables 104, are excited to move, enabling a vibration of the support device 101 relative to the support element 110 via the suspension device 105.

[0098] In the illustrated embodiment, the suspension device 105 has four cables 104 that couple the support device 101 to the support element 110. The cables 104 can be elastic. For example, if the bending waves from the support device 101 are transmitted into the elastic cables 104, a vibration occurs, particularly in the vertical direction, as the elastic cables 104 expand and contract. Corresponding spring elements 106, for example, coil springs, are arranged between the support device 101 and the cables 104.

[0099] The suspension device 100 further comprises a bearing element 107, to which the cables 104 converge and are fastened in a bearing area, in particular a bearing point, wherein the bearing element 107 can be fastened to the support element 110. The bearing element 107 forms a solid element which transfers the weight force from the support device 101 to the support element 110. The bearing element 107 has a smaller area than the support device 101. Accordingly, cables 104 run together from one edge of the support device 101 towards the bearing element 107, so that the distance between the cable ends on the bearing element 107 is smaller than the distance between the opposite cable ends on the support device 101. In other words, the cables 105 do not run parallel to one another, but run together towards the bearing element 107.

[0100] The bearing element 107 further comprises a pivot bearing, in particular a ball bearing or a plain bearing, such that the bearing element 107 or the suspension device 105 can be rotatably attached to the support element 110. This results, for example, in the bending waves induced in the suspension device 105 generating a pivoting or rotation of the support device 101 relative to the support element 110.

[0101] The support device 101 as a reclining or sitting device is suspended from a ceiling as a support element 110 via springs 106 or a combination of springs 106 and cables 104 at a suspension point in the bearing element 107, thereby enabling rotation with a torque Mz around the vertical z-axis by 360°, rocking movements, springy movements, and circular movements of the reclining or sitting device or support device 101. The swinging in all three spatial directions x, y, z enabled by the bearing device 105 means, according to the invention, that a movement of the support device 101 along the horizontal spatial directions (x, y axes) and along a vertical spatial direction (z-axis) is enabled, wherein all spatial directions x, y, z are defined perpendicular to one another.

[0102] In particular, the bearing device 105 enables a torque about the horizontal spatial directions with the swinging, i.e., a torque Mx about the x-axis and a torque My about the y-axis. In other words, a corresponding swinging motion is enabled with the bearing device 105, in particular a swinging motion about the x-axis and a swinging motion about the y-axis. This mounting is enabled, for example, with the bearing device 105, which, for example, has a suspension device according to the invention (see Fig. 1) with cables or the floor bearing device 600 according to the invention (see Fig. 6) for mounting on the floor 111.

[0103] Furthermore, a mattress is depicted as an adapter element 108, in particular a pillow or a mattress. The adapter element 108 can be positioned between the support area 102 and the body 150, wherein the adapter element 108 can be adapted to one surface shape of the support area 102 and to another surface shape of the body 150.

[0104] Furthermore, video glasses 109 can be used, which have a screen close to the eyes, so that a film or images can be displayed in the video glasses 109. The excitation device 103 is coupled to the video glasses 109 such that, based on the film or images, the excitation device 103 excites the support area 102 with the sound energy to generate structure-borne sound waves. Fig. 2 shows a schematic representation of a device 100 for the oscillating support of a human body 150, which is designed according to the embodiment of Fig. 1, wherein cables 104 of a suspension device 105 run parallel according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The cables 104 can be fastened to the support element 110 at a distance from one another and run, in particular, parallel to one another.

[0105] Fig. 3 shows a schematic representation of a device 100 for swingably supporting a human body 150, wherein the support device 101 is designed as a chair and is attached to a stand as a support element 110 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The stand is placed, for example, on a floor 111 to which the suspension device 105 can be fixed.

[0106] Furthermore, it is shown, for example, that corresponding spring elements 106 can be provided between an upper end of the cables 104 and the bearing element 107. Furthermore, a spring 106 can also be arranged along the length of a cable 104.

[0107] Fig. 4 shows a schematic representation of a device 100 for swingably supporting a human body 150, wherein a support element 401 is shown between two cables 104 for holding a body part, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The held part of the body 150 is mounted at a distance from the support device 101, while another part of the body 150 rests on the support device 101. The support element 401 is, for example, a cloth that is stretched between two cables 104 or is suspended resiliently. Furthermore, two holding rods 402 are shown, which are attached to the support device 101 at a distance from each other, wherein the support element 401 is attached to the two holding rods 402. If the support element 401 is rigid, it can also be attached with only one holding rod 402 in the middle, which in turn can also be designed resiliently, for example.

[0108] Fig. 5 shows a schematic representation of a cable 104 with two cable parts 501, 502 connected by a spring element 106, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Thus, a rigid and firm connection can be generated between a cable element 501, 502 and the support element 110 or the bearing element 107, wherein the oscillating function can be generated by the resilient spring 104.

[0109] Fig. 6 shows a schematic representation in which the bearing device 105 is designed as a floor bearing device 600, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The support device 101 rests on the floor bearing device 600 and is coupled to the floor as a support element in order to transmit a weight force in the weight force direction G into the floor 111. The floor bearing device 600 rotatably supports the support device 101. The floor bearing device 600 has a support plate 601 on which the support device 101 can be fastened, wherein the support plate 601 has at least one further spring element 602 in order to resiliently support the support device 101. The further spring element 602 is designed to spring along the weight force direction G and along a second and / or third spatial direction (x, y direction) which runs perpendicular to the weight force direction G.

[0110] Fig. 7 shows a schematic representation of the system with a

[0111] Wall system 700 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The wall system 700 comprises wall elements 701 that form an installation space, with the device 100 arranged in the installation space. By means of the structure-borne sound waves that can be generated in the support area 101, sound waves can be generated that can be reflected by the wall elements 701.

[0112] In the exemplary embodiment, the wall system 700 consists in particular of six wall elements 701 for forming a hexagonal room layout. It has been found that, in particular, the reflection of sound waves and / or bending waves from wall element 701, which form a hexagonal room layout, has a particularly relaxing effect on the body 150.

[0113] Fig. 8 shows a schematic representation of the system with a wall system 700 on which the support device 105 can be mounted, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The support device 105 is coupled to the wall system 701, so that structure-borne sound waves generated in the support area 102 can be transmitted via the support device 105 into the wall elements 701. Thus, the thus excited wall elements 701 can, for example, generate further bending waves, which are reflected back into the support device 101.

[0114] Additionally, it should be noted that "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and "one" or "an" does not exclude a plurality. Furthermore, it should be noted that features or steps described with reference to one of the above embodiments may also be used in combination with other features or steps of other embodiments described above. Reference symbols in the claims are not to be considered as limiting. Reference symbols list:

[0115] 100 device

[0116] 101 Support device

[0117] 102 support area

[0118] 103 Excitation device

[0119] 104 rope

[0120] 105 Storage device, suspension device

[0121] 106 spring element

[0122] 107 Bearing element

[0123] 108 adapter element

[0124] 109 Video glasses, light glasses

[0125] 110 support element

[0126] 111 Floor

[0127] 150 body / body part

[0128] 401 Support element

[0129] 402 Grab bar

[0130] 501 rope element

[0131] 502 rope element

[0132] 600 floor storage device

[0133] 601 support plate

[0134] 602 additional spring element

[0135] 700 wall system

[0136] 701 Wall element x, y, z spatial directions Mx, My, Mz torques G weight force

Claims

P a t e n t a n s p r ü c h e 1. A device (100) for the oscillating support of a living body, the device (100) comprising a support device (101) with a support region (102) on which the body can be placed, wherein the support device (101) has at least one excitation device (103) which is coupled to the support region (102) in such a way that the support region (102) can be excited with sound energy to generate structure-borne sound waves, wherein the structure-borne sound waves can be induced into the body via the support region (102) with the sound energy, and a bearing device (105) for supporting the support device (101) on a carrier element (110) in such a way that the support device (101) can be oscillatingly supported in three spatial directions, wherein the bearing device (105) is coupled to the support device (101) in such a way that the structure-borne sound waves can be induced into the support device (105). are,to generate a swing of the support device (101) relative to the carrier element (110) in three spatial directions., 2. Device (100) according to claim 1, wherein the bearing device (105) forms a suspension device (105) for suspending the support device (101) on the carrier element (110) such that the support device (101) can be supported in a swinging manner above a floor (111) as a carrier element (110).

3. Device (100) according to claim 2, wherein the suspension device (105) has at least three, in particular four, cables (104) which are designed to couple the support device (101) to the carrier element (110).

4. Device (100) according to claim 3, wherein at least one of the ropes (104) is replaceably attached to the support device (101).

5. Device (100) according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the ropes (104) are elastic.

6. Device (100) according to one of claims 3 to 5, wherein the suspension device (105) has at least one spring element (106), in particular a spiral spring, which can be coupled between at least one of the cables (104) and the support device and / or the carrier element (110).

7. Device (100) according to one of claims 3 to 6, wherein the suspension device (105) has at least one spring element (106) which is a spiral spring, wherein in particular at least one cable (104) consists of two cable elements (501, 502) and the spring element (106) connects the two cable elements (501, 502).

8. Device (100) according to claim 6 or 7, wherein at least one spring element (106) is replaceably attached to the support device (101) and / or to the cable (104) and / or is adjustable.

9. Device (100) according to one of claims 3 to 8, wherein the suspension device (105) has a bearing element (107) to which the cables (104) converge and are fastened in a bearing area, in particular a bearing point, wherein the bearing element (107) can be fastened to the support element (110).

10. Device (100) according to claim 9, wherein the bearing element (107) comprises a rotary bearing, in particular a ball bearing or a plain bearing, such that the bearing element (107) can be rotatably fastened to the carrier element (110).

11. Device (100) according to one of claims 3 to 10, wherein the cables (104) can be fastened to the support element (110) at a distance from one another.

12. Device (100) according to one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the bearing device (105) further comprises a floor bearing device (600) on which the support device (101) rests and is coupled to the floor (111) as a support element in order to transmit a weight force (G) in the direction of the weight force into the floor (111), wherein the floor bearing device (600) rotatably supports the support device (101).

13. Device (100) according to claim 12, wherein the floor support device (600) has a support plate (601) on which the support device (101) can be fastened, wherein the support plate (601) has at least one further spring element (602) in order to resiliently support the support device (101), wherein the further spring element (602) is designed to spring along the direction of the weight force and along a second and / or third spatial direction which runs perpendicular to the direction of the weight force.

14. Device (100) according to claim 13, wherein the further spring element (602) is replaceably mounted and / or adjustable.

15. Device (100) according to one of claims 1 to 14, further comprising a support element (401) which is designed such that a part of the body (150) can be stored at a distance from the support device (101), while another part of the body (150) rests on the support device (101).

16. Device (100) according to claim 15, wherein the support element (401) is designed to vibrate, in particular elastically, and is coupled to the support area (102) in such a way that structure-borne sound waves that can be generated in the support area (102) can be transmitted into the support element (401).

17. Device (100) according to claim 16, further comprising at least one support rod (402) which is attached to the support device (101), wherein the support element (401) is fastened to the support rod (402).

18. Device (100) according to claim 17, wherein at least one of the holding rods (402) is elastic and / or is attached to the support device (101) by means of a spring element.

19. Device (100) according to claim 2 and 16, wherein the support element (401) is fastened to cables (104) of the suspension device, wherein the support element (401) can in particular also be fastened resiliently and / or elastically.

20. Device (100) according to one of claims 1 to 19, further comprising an adapter element (108), in particular a pillow or a mattress, wherein the adapter element (108) is positionable between the support area (102) and the body (150), wherein the adapter element (108) is adaptable to a surface shape of the support area (102) and to a further surface shape of the body (150).

21. Device (100) according to claim 20, wherein the adapter element (108) has a cavity which can be filled with an elastic filler, in particular springs or grains, or a liquid fluid.

22. Device (100) according to one of claims 1 to 21, wherein the support device (101) forms a lounger, a chair and / or an armchair.

23. System comprising a device (100) according to one of claims 1 to 22, the carrier element (110), wherein the support device (101) with the bearing device (105) is mounted on the carrier element (110) so as to swing in three spatial directions.

24. System according to claim 23, wherein the support element (110) forms a stand, a floor (111) or a ceiling of a room.

25. System according to claim 23 or 24, further comprising video glasses (109) which have a screen close to the eye, so that a film or images can be displayed in the video glasses (109), wherein the excitation device (103) is coupled to the video glasses (109) in such a way that the excitation device (103) based on the film or the pictures the support area (102) is excited with the sound energy to generate structure-borne sound waves.

26. System according to one of claims 23 to 25, further comprising a light system, in particular a light lamp or light glasses, wherein the light system is designed to generate flickering or polarized light which is visible from the body (150).

27. System according to one of claims 23 to 26, further comprising a wall system (700) with wall elements (701) which have a Forming an installation space, wherein the device (100) is arranged in the installation space, wherein sound waves can be generated by means of the structure-borne sound waves that can be generated in the support area (102), which sound waves can be reflected by the wall elements (701).

28. System according to claim 27, wherein the wall system (700) comprises in particular four wall elements (701) for forming a quadrangular room floor plan, in particular six wall elements (701) for forming a hexagonal room floor plan or eight wall elements (701) for forming an octagonal room floor plan.

29. System according to claim 27 or 28, wherein the bearing device (105) is coupled to the wall system (700) so that structure-borne sound waves that can be generated in the support area (102) can be transmitted via the bearing device (105) into the wall elements (701).

30. A method for swinging a living body with a device (100) according to one of claims 1 to 29.

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