Physical training aid device

Abstract

Physical training aid device (1) comprising: - a rigid base (2) defining a first closed housing (3) with a cover (4), - a base (8) made of an elastic polymer material resting on and fixed to the base (2), the base (8) having, on the side opposite the base (2), a support wall (9) forming a training surface, the support wall (9) defining, together with the rest of the base (8), a second housing (10) located above the first housing (3) and separated from it by the cover (4) of the base (2), - a pressure sensor (11) disposed inside the second housing (10) in contact with the support wall (9) of the base (8), the pressure sensor (11) being capable of generating a signal in response to a force exerted on the wall, - an electronic control system (16) for the pressure sensor (11) disposed inside the first housing (3) and connected to the pressure sensor (11). Figure from the summary: 1

Description

Title of the invention: Physical training aid device Field of invention

[0001] The invention relates to a physical training device making it possible to measure the effort when the hand or foot is pressed on it. State of the art

[0002] In recent years, more and more people are deciding to do sports sessions at home by following various programs or videos found on the internet. Thus, many devices have been developed to help users carry out physical activity at home, whether as part of rehabilitation, training or even a game. The user can thus arrange the space with existing devices and be guided during the session.

[0003] One of these devices corresponds to a plurality of interactive tiles configured to communicate with a mobile application during a training session. The interactive tiles are separate and make it possible to measure the effort provided by the player when he exerts pressure on them with his hand or foot. A model of interactive tiles is presented in document WO2017025972. The tiles described in this document comprise a base and a stand forming a housing, the housing comprising a pressure sensor as well as a Bluetooth® transmitter for sending the information measured by the sensor. All the information is sent to a receiver which is a mobile application which will analyze the data and present the information to the user.

[0004] Although practical, existing interactive tiles include a hard base which presents safety problems and can cause injuries to users. In addition, the sensors used are relatively expensive to manufacture, which increases the cost of the tile.

[0005] Thus, there is a need for a compact training device that allows pressure to be exerted on the hands and feet without risk of injury while protecting the electronic system during training of the user. There is also a need for a training device that allows the pressure exerted on it to be accurately measured, but which is simple to produce and assemble, and inexpensive.

[0006] To this end, the invention relates to a physical training aid device comprising:

[0007] - a rigid base defining a first housing closed by a cover,

[0008] - a base made of an elastic polymer material resting on the base and fixed to it, the base having, on the side opposite the base, a support wall forming a surface drive, the support wall defining with the rest of the base a second housing located above the first housing and separated from it by the base cover,

[0009] - a pressure sensor arranged inside the second housing in contact with the support wall of the base, the pressure sensor being capable of generating a signal in response to a force exerted on the wall,

[0010] - an electronic management system for the pressure sensor arranged inside the first housing and connected to the pressure sensor.

[0011] Thus, in this arrangement the training device is sufficiently flexible thanks to the base to allow pressure from the hands and feet without risk of injury. The presence of the first housing also makes it possible to protect the electronic management system of the sensor without impacting the sensitivity of the sensor which is placed in the second housing. The training device is also compact which allows it to be easily moved and positioned even in confined spaces.

[0012] By "elastic polymer material" is meant an elastic material capable of returning to its initial shape following deformation. Typically, a material is said to be elastic when it shrinks within 1 minute to less than 1.5 times its original length after being stretched at room temperature (18 to 29 °C) to twice its original length and held for 1 minute before release.

[0013] The elastic polymer material forming the base may be chosen from rubber, synthetic rubber (also called "EPDM" for "Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer"), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), poly(styrene-butadiene-styrene) (SBS), poly(styrene-ethylene-butadiene-styrene) (SEBS), polylactic acid, silicone, polyurethane, and a thermoplastic elastomer. The thermoplastic elastomer (also called "TPE") typically comprises an elastomer component and a rigid component (generally a thermoplastic block). A thermoplastic elastomer may be a physical mixture of polymers or a block copolymer (polyamides, polyether-esters, polystyroles, polyurethanes). Thermoplastic elastomers which are physical blends of polymers can be polyolefin blends, such as PP / EPDM blends (PP: polypropylene) or dynamically vulcanized blends.Thermoplastic elastomers that are block copolymers can be styrenic block copolymers (SBC), polyamide / elastomer block copolymers (COPA), polyether ester / elastomer block copolymers (COPE) and polyurethane / elastomer block copolymers (TPU). The elastomer component can be polybutadiene, poly(ethylene-co-alkene), polyisobutylene, poly(oxyethylene), poly(ester), polysiloxane or any elastomer, while the rigid (thermoplastic) component can be polystyrene, poly(methyl methacrylate), . urethane, ionomer - poly(ethylene-co-acrylic acid) (sodium, Mg or Zn salt), ethylene-propylene-diene monomer and fluoropolymers.

[0014] Typically, the elastic polymer material forming the base may have a Shore A hardness, measured according to the ISO 48-4:2018 standard, of 40 to 90 points, in particular of 60 to 85 points or included in an interval defined by any two of the preceding limits. In particular, the stabilized Shore A hardness may be measured, the measurement of which is taken after 3 seconds of application of a force. It is recalled that the Shore A hardness is a measurement scale from 0 to 100 and the values ​​of which typically vary from 25 to 95 points.

[0015] Advantageously, the pressure sensor is a pressure sensor made of polymer materials comprising two conductive parts made of electrically conductive polymer material, separated by at least one free space. The assistance device then also comprises an electrical circuit associated with the sensor, connected to the electronic management system and electrically connected to the conductive parts, this electrical circuit being closed and generating a signal when the conductive parts are in contact through said at least one free space and open when the conductive parts are not in contact. In particular, this signal can be proportional to the force exerted on the sensor.

[0016] The use of polymer materials, and in particular exclusively polymer materials, and the arrangement used to produce the pressure sensor allows simplicity of production while presenting an economic advantage compared to conventional pressure sensors using metal inserts. In addition, its principle can be used to produce various forms of sensor.

[0017] In particular, the two conductive parts may be separated by at least one electrically insulating part. One of the conductive and insulating parts is then advantageously made of an elastic polymer material.

[0018] Advantageously, the conductive polymer material may comprise a matrix of insulating polymer material to which a conductive filler has been added. The insulating polymer material of the matrix may be chosen from rubber, synthetic rubber (also called "EPDM" for "Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer"), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), poly(styrene-butadiene-styrene) (SBS), poly(styrene-ethylene-butadiene-styrene) (SEBS), silicone, polylactic acid (PLA), polyurethane and a thermoplastic elastomer, in particular as defined above. At least one of the conductive parts is advantageously made of elastic insulating polymer material. It then has a Shore A hardness measured according to standard 48-4:2018 of 40 to 90 points, preferably of 60 to 85 points. In particular, the stabilized Shore A hardness can be measured according to the ISO 48-4:2018 standard, the measurement of which is taken after 3 seconds of application of force.

[0019] The conductive filler may comprise powders and / or fibers, which may be metallic or contain (or be formed by) carbon (carbon black, graphite, or the like). The level of the conductive filler in the polymer matrix may be chosen so as to obtain a conductive polymer material having an electrical resistivity that is sufficiently low to ensure proper operation of the sensor and sufficiently high to allow detection of a change in voltage or resistance caused by a variation in the contact surface between the conductive parts. Typically, the conductive polymer material may have an electrical resistivity of at most 106 Ohm.cm and at least 102 Ohm.cm.

[0020] When the two conductive parts are separated by at least one electrically insulating part, the latter may be made of an elastic or non-elastic polymer material, which may be chosen from one of the insulating elastic polymer materials listed above. It may or may not be identical to the insulating polymer material matrix of the conductive polymer material. Typically, an insulating polymer material has an electrical resistivity of at least 108 Ohm.cm.

[0021] Advantageously, the conductive parts are two conductive layers of electrically conductive polymer material separated by a grid of electrically insulating polymer material, one of the layers resting on the cover, the other being in contact with the support wall of the base. At least one of the conductive parts or the insulating grid is then made of elastic polymer material. The electrically insulating polymer material is preferably a rigid, non-elastic polymer material, for example polypropylene, polylactic acid (PLA) or other.

[0022] This arrangement of the sensor, consisting of a stack of layers, has the advantage of being simple to produce.

[0023] In another variant, the conductive parts are separated from each other by two electrically insulating parts, the conductive and electrically insulating parts are made of elastic polymer material and form the walls of a hollow tubular element, said tubular element being arranged in a serpentine or spiral manner on the cover made of an electrically insulating material or on a support made of an electrically insulating material resting on the cover, the tubular element being in contact with the support wall of the base, one of its conductive parts extending opposite the latter.

[0024] This arrangement of the sensor has the advantage of being economical, only one sensor of suitable length being necessary to cover the surface of the cover with a reduced quantity of material.

[0025] The tubular element may be made over its entire length of a first electrically conductive polymer material and a second electrically insulating polymer material, the first polymer material forming two conductive parts of the tubular element. extending at least partially opposite each other, the second polymer material forming two electrically insulating parts extending between the two conductive parts in order to electrically insulate them. The first polymer material then preferably has a first Shore A hardness measured according to ISO 48-4:2018, the second polymer material has a second Shore A hardness measured according to 48-4:2018, and the second Shore A hardness is higher than the first Shore A hardness by at least 10 points, optionally by 10 to 20 points. This can make it possible to avoid contact between the conductive parts when the tubular element is arranged in a spiral or serpentine pattern.

[0026] Advantageously, the pressure sensor is capable of generating a signal proportional to the force exerted on the support wall of the base.

[0027] Advantageously, the assistance device comprises a layer of elastic polymer material housed between the pressure sensor and the base made of flexible material and in contact with the pressure sensor and the support wall of the base.

[0028] The addition of a layer of elastic polymer material between the base and the sensor makes it possible to increase the flexibility of the device to prevent the risk of injury without impairing the detection of the forces received.

[0029] Advantageously, the base of the device is fixed to the base by interlocking. This allows simple assembly of the device, without tools.

[0030] Advantageously, the cover is a flat wall, thus allowing better support of the sensor in the device.

[0031] Advantageously, the base defines with the base at least a third lateral housing extending over at least part of the periphery of the base and in that the device comprises at least one light-emitting diode connected to the management system arranged inside the third housing.

[0032] The addition of a light-emitting diode inside the third allows light signaling of the device to the user to indicate, for example, that the device must be pressed or that the detector has detected pressure.

[0033] Advantageously, the management system comprises an electricity supply device, a system for processing the signal generated by the sensor, and optionally a remote communication system with a computer, a mobile phone, a watch or a tablet.

[0034] Other features and advantages of the invention will emerge from reading the description given below of several particular embodiments of the invention, given for informational purposes but not as a limitation, with reference to the following figures:

[0035] [Fig-1] is an exploded sectional view of the drive device.

[0036] [Fig.2] is an exploded sectional view of one embodiment of the device drive including a flat pressure sensor.

[0037] [Fig.3] is an embodiment of a tubular pressure sensor.

[0038] [Fig.4] is a sectional view of a tubular pressure sensor.

[0039] [Fig.5] is a schematic representation of the drive device management system.

[0040] [Fig.l] represents a training aid device 1 of generally circular shape. However, the shape of the device is not limited and can take the form of a parallelepiped for example.

[0041] The training aid device 1 makes it possible to measure the effort when one presses one's hand or foot on it. But also with any other part of the body such as the elbow and the knee. The device can also measure the effort when one presses with a training accessory which can be for example a racket or a bicycle.

[0042] The device 1 firstly comprises a rigid base 2 defining a first housing 3 closed by a cover 4. The rigid base 2 is preferably made of a rigid polymer material such as polylactic acid, polypropylene, polycarbonate or other. Any other rigid material, namely non-deformable, can be considered. However, it will be preferable to use a polymer material.

[0043] The rigid base 2 comprises a side wall 5 and a bottom wall 6. This bottom wall 6 is here a flat horizontal wall which can be placed on a surface. In this example, a cylinder 25, of the same height as the side wall 5, is fixed to the bottom wall 6 and placed in the center of the latter.

[0044] In the example, the cover 4 is fixed to the base 2 via a hollow cylinder 7 of a shape complementary to the cylinder 25. In the example, the hollow cylinder 7 is screwed onto the cylinder 25, it could however simply be fitted onto the latter. This fixing system has the advantage of reinforcing the cover in its center, which can make it possible to produce a thinner cover. Of course, other methods of fixing the cover to the base can be provided. The sleeve and the cylinder could be omitted and the cover could be fitted directly onto the base, for example by resting on a flat part of the side wall 5.

[0045] Like the base 2, the cover 4 is also preferably made of a rigid polymer material such as polylactic acid, polypropylene or polycarbonate.

[0046] The cover 4 thus forms a wall closing the first housing 3. Preferably, as shown in this embodiment, the cover 4 is a flat wall.

[0047] The training device 1 also comprises a base 8 made of a flexible material resting on the base 2 and fixed thereto. The base 8 is made of an elastic polymer material, such as thermoplastic polyurethane also called TPU.

[0048] The base 8 can be fixed to the base 2 by an adhesive, using screws or by interlocking. Preferably, the base 8 of the device is fixed to the base 2 by interlocking for simple and rapid assembly.

[0049] The base 8 has, on the side opposite the base 2, a support wall 9 forming a drive surface. The support wall 9 defines with the rest of the base a second housing 10 located above the first housing 3 and separated from it by the cover 4 of the base 2. In the example, the base 8 has a side wall 8a which extends opposite the side wall 5 of the base 2 when the base 8 is assembled to the base 2. The side wall 8a of the base can for example be fitted onto the edge of the bottom 6 of the base 2.

[0050] Arranged inside the second housing 10, the drive device 1 comprises a pressure sensor 11 in contact with the support wall 9 of the base 8, the pressure sensor 11 being capable of generating a signal in response to a force exerted on the wall of the base 8. For example, the pressure sensor is capable of generating a signal proportional to the force.

[0051] In an alternative embodiment, the drive device 1 comprises a layer of elastic polymer material housed between the pressure sensor 11 and the base 8 made of elastic polymer material and in contact with the pressure sensor 11 and the support wall 9 of the base 8. This layer thus fills a space between the pressure sensor 11 and the base 8. This layer of elastic material is for example made of an elastic polymer material, for example chosen from the above-mentioned list, possibly in the form of a foam.

[0052] Finally, the base 8 also defines with the base 2 at least one third lateral housing 12 extending over the periphery of the base 2. This third housing 12 is here defined between the lateral wall 8a of the base 8 and the lateral wall 5 of the base 2. The device 1 can then comprise at least one electroluminescent diode (not shown) arranged inside the third housing 12 to illuminate the device 1. A transparent or translucent polymer material will then preferably be chosen for the base 8, or the base may have transparent or translucent parts on its lateral wall 8a.

[0053] Within the second housing 10, the pressure sensor 11 is a pressure sensor made of polymer materials comprising two conductive parts made of electrically conductive polymer material, at least one of which is made of elastic conductive polymer material, separated by at least one free space and electrically connected to an electrical circuit associated with the sensor. This electrical circuit is closed and generates a signal when the conductive parts are in contact through said at least one free space and open when the conductive parts are not in contact.

[0054] In a first embodiment, according to [Fig.2], the pressure sensor 11 is a sensor in the form of a plate in which the conductive parts are two conductive layers 13 and 14 made of electrically conductive polymer material separated by a grid 15 made of electrically conductive polymer material. insulating, one of the layers 14 resting on the cover 4, the other 13 being in contact with the support wall 9 of the base 8. The layer 14 resting on the cover 4 may be a plate formed of a rigid or elastic conductive polymer material. It may be a conductive rubber or any other conductive polymer material, while the layer 13 in contact with the support wall 9 of the base 8 may also be a plate formed of an elastic conductive polymer material, (conductive rubber or other conductive material). Note that the layer 13 could be made of a rigid or elastic polymer material and the layer 14 of an elastic polymer material, but this is not preferred. It is indeed preferable for the layer 13 to be made of a more flexible (more elastic) polymer material than that of the layer 14 for better detection of the deformations undergone by the support wall 9 under the effect of pressure exerted on the base 8.The insulating grid 15 is preferably made of a rigid polymer material having insulating properties, for example polylactic acid or any other rigid insulating polymer. The insulating grid may have a thickness of the order of a millimeter, for example 0.5 to 5 mm, preferably 0.5 to 2 mm. The thickness of the grid and / or the dimensions of the meshes of the grid may be chosen according to the desired sensitivity of the sensor: the greater the thickness of the grid, the greater the pressure to be exerted on the layer 13 must be for this layer to come into contact with the layer 14. Similarly, the greater the dimensions of the meshes of the grid, the lower the pressure to be exerted on the layer 13 must be for this layer to come into contact with the layer 14.

[0055] The electrical circuit 26 is electrically connected to the conductive parts 13, 14 of the sensor. This electrical circuit 26 is thus closed and generates a signal when the conductive parts 13, 14 are in contact through the meshes of the grid (following the exertion of pressure in a direction bringing the conductive parts together until they touch) and open when the conductive parts 13, 14 are not in contact.

[0056] The electrical circuit 26 comprises three electrical conductive wires: two conductive wires 27, 28 each connected to one of the conductive parts 13, 14, one of which is a conductive wire 27 connected to the positive terminal of the electrical power supply of the power supply device 17 and the other is a conductive wire 28 connected to the negative terminal of the electrical power supply of the power supply device 17. The electrical circuit comprises a third conductive measuring wire 29 which connects one of the conductive parts, here the conductive part 14, to the management system 16, which is also connected to the negative pole of the electrical power supply of the power supply device 17 by a conductive wire 33.

[0057] In a second embodiment, according to [Fig. 3], the pressure sensor 11 is a tubular sensor in which the conductive parts are connected to each other by electrically insulating parts made of polymer materials, the conductive and electrically insulating parts forming the walls of a hollow tubular element, this tubular element being arranged in a serpentine or spiral manner on the cover 4 made of an electrically insulating material or on a support made of an electrically insulating material resting on the cover, the tubular element being in contact with the support wall of the base.

[0058] As shown [Fig.4], the tubular element is made over its entire length of a first electrically conductive polymer material and a second electrically insulating polymer material. The first polymer material forms two conductive portions 30a, 30b of the tubular element extending opposite one another. The second polymer material extends between the two conductive portions 30a, 30b in order to electrically insulate them. The second polymer material thus forms two electrically insulating portions 31a, 31b, each extending between two conductive portions 30a, 30b in order to separate them. Further, the first polymer material has a first Shore A hardness measured according to ISO 48-4:2018, the second polymer material has a second Shore A hardness measured according to 48-4:2018, and the second Shore A hardness is higher than the first Shore A hardness by at least 5 points, optionally by 5 to 50 points, as previously explained.

[0059] The first conductive elastic polymer material may comprise a matrix of an insulating elastic polymer material and a conductive filler. The matrix of the first polymer material and the second elastic polymer material may be an elastic insulating polymer material as previously described.

[0060] Each elastic polymer material may have a Shore A hardness measured according to the ISO 48-4:2018 standard which is from 5 to 95 points, preferably from 60 to 90 points, more preferably from 70 to 90 points. In particular, the stabilized Shore A hardness may be measured according to the ISO 48-4:2018 standard, the measurement of which is taken after 3 seconds of application of a force.

[0061] The tubular sensor is designed to have a fairly long length, typically greater than 10-20 cm and up to 2 to 5 meters. It can thus be arranged in a spiral or serpentine pattern on the cover. The cavity of the tubular element typically has a minimum internal dimension, measured in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the sensor, of 0.1 mm to 3 mm, preferably 0.3 to 2.5 mm.

[0062] In general, the thickness of the tubular element, defined as the thickness of material extending from an inner face of the tubular element defining the cavity to an outer face of the tubular element and measured in cross-section, may be from 0.4 to 10 mm, preferably from 0.4 to 6 mm.

[0063] The invention is not limited to a specific shape of the section of the element tubular. In particular, a tubular element with a trapezoidal, ovoid or other cross-section could be provided. A flat part may in particular be provided on an external face of the tubular element, along a conductive part, to facilitate its positioning on the cover, the flat part then being able to rest on the cover.

[0064] The conductive and insulating parts of the tubular element can further be defined as follows:

[0065] (i) each electrically insulating portion 31a, 31b extends over a length of the pe rimhery of the tubular element, measured in a plane transverse to the longitudinal direction of the tubular element, which is 0.5 to 3 times a minimum thickness of the tubular element, and / or

[0066] (ii) each electrically insulating portion 31a, 31b extends over a length of the periphery of the tubular element, measured in a plane transverse to the longitudinal direction of the tubular element, which is 0.2 to 6 times a minimum dimension of the cavity.

[0067] The tubular elastomeric sensor may be assembled to the cover or to an insulating support resting on the cover, by one or more of the following means: staples, clamps, glue, adhesive tape, in particular double-sided adhesive tape and / or repositionable adhesive tape, Velcro® type tape, fitting the tubular element into a groove of the cover or the support, sewing and fusion.

[0068] The tubular sensor is connected to an electrical circuit similar to that described with reference to [Fig.2].

[0069] The drive device 1 also comprises an electronic management system 16 connected to the pressure sensor 11 by the electrical circuit 26. As shown [Fig.4], the management system 16, located within the first housing, comprises an electricity supply device 17 and a signal processing system 20 generated by the sensor.

[0070] The power supply device may be, for example, a battery. For example, a 3.7 V, 250 mAh lithium-ion battery could be used. Battery charging is typically managed by an electronic card (not shown) with a micro USB socket, for example.

[0071] The signal processing system 20 may be a microcontroller that will manage all the peripherals. For example, an ESP32® microcontroller could be used. The signal processing system 20 is connected in particular to the pressure sensor 11 by the electrical circuit 26. For this purpose, the cover has an opening allowing the wires x and y to pass from the first to the second housing. The microcontroller may be powered by the battery, for example after conversion of the voltage from 3.7 Volts to 5 Volts by a converter 18. An opening may be provided for this purpose in the side wall of the rigid base. The opening being adapted to make pass a wire and connect it. The power supply device 17 can also make it possible to power at least one light-emitting diode 23, using, if necessary, a second voltage converter 19 converting for example 3.7V to 12V (or 5V to 12V by connecting the converter 19 to the converter 18).

[0072] The processing system 20 measures the response of the pressure sensor 11 on one of the inputs of the analog-digital converter (12-bit CAN = 4096 values) and controls the inputs of the electroluminescence diode via a pulse width modulation signal (also called PWM or Pulse Width Modulation in English) sent to transistors. In particular, it will be possible to use an CAN having a more or less high resolution for a more or less significant sensitivity of the measurement. For example, a 12-bit CAN makes it possible to provide a digital signal from 0 to 212 = 4095. When the CAN measures a maximum input voltage, the digital signal emitted by the CAN will be 4095. For any intermediate voltage value entering the CAN, the digital signal emitted will therefore have a value between 0 and 4095. The voltage measured by the CAN will be higher the larger the contact surface of the conductive parts.

[0073] The electrical circuit generates a signal (i) representative of the value of a voltage measured between the conductive parts or a signal (ii) representative of the value of a resistance measured between the conductive parts. This signal is detected by the processing system, in particular by an analog-digital converter integrated into the processing system. In particular, when the conductive parts come into contact with each other, the intensity of the signal generated by the electrical circuit will increase as the contact surface between the conductive parts increases. In other words, the intensity of the signal is proportional to the surface in contact of the conductive parts and consequently to the voltage measured between the conductive parts of the pressure sensor.This relationship between the intensity of the generated signal and the contact area of ​​the conductive parts results from the fact that the conductive parts have a sufficiently high electrical resistivity so that the change in voltage caused by a variation in the contact area between the conductive parts can be detected by the processing system. Conductive polymer materials generally have a volume resistivity of 106 Ohm.cm or less. Conductive polymer materials usable in the present invention may have a volume resistivity of 102 Ohm.cm to 106 Ohm.cm.

[0074] The processing system can thus be configured (programmed) to:

[0075] (a) receiving the signal generated by electrical circuit and determining a measured value (i) voltage, and optionally the measured value (ii) resistance, and

[0076] (bl) determining, from the measured value (i) of voltage or (ii) of resistance, whether pressure is exerted on the tubular elastomer sensor, then generating a signal of detecting pressure when pressure is exerted, or

[0077] (b2) determine, from the measured value (i) of voltage or (ii) of re resistance, information on the amplitude of the pressure exerted on the tubular elastomer sensor, then generate a signal representative of the pressure amplitude information.

[0078] Determining the resistance value measured during step (a2) may include using a reference resistor, which is an actual physical resistor 32 of known value mounted in the electrical circuit between the positive pole of the power supply device 17 and one of the conductive parts. The measured resistance value Rm (which corresponds to the resistance of the conductive part to which the measuring conductive wire is connected) is then determined from the measured voltage value Ui of the electrical circuit (voltage between the measuring conductive wire 29 and the negative pole of the power supply device 17), a supply voltage U (measured between the conductive wire 27 and the conductive wire 28), and the resistance Rf of the reference resistor 32. Using the formula for a voltage divider bridge Ui = U . Rm / (Rm + Rf), Rm can then be determined.

[0079] Step (bl) is generally implemented by comparing the measured voltage value or the measured resistance value with a threshold value. This threshold value can be determined by experimentation, depending on the desired detection threshold, which can vary depending on the use of the drive device. It will be noted that this threshold will depend on the shape and materials of the elastomer tubular sensor: the more rigid the materials, the higher the threshold will be. In addition, the smaller the space separating the conductive parts, the lower the threshold will be. It is thus understood that by choosing the materials and the dimensions of the space, a person skilled in the art can produce sensors having different detection thresholds.

[0080] The processing system is then configured to determine that pressure is exerted on the tubular elastomer sensor when the measured value is greater than the threshold value.

[0081] Step (b2) is generally implemented by comparing the measured voltage value or the measured resistance value with a plurality of reference values, each reference value corresponding to a measured voltage, or to a measured resistance, for an exerted pressure of a predetermined amplitude. The processing system is then configured to determine the amplitude information of the exerted pressure.

[0082] For example, a database of these reference values ​​may be established in advance, typically by experimentation. This database may, for example, be established during a calibration operation during which the signals generated by the sensor are recorded for different pressure amplitudes exerted on the sensor. Thus, the database associates, with each pressure amplitude exerted, a signal generated by the electrical circuit. The processing system is then configured, in particular programmed, to extract from this database information on the amplitude of the pressure exerted.

[0083] This database may in particular be established by the user.

[0084] Alternatively, the deformation sensor system may comprise only a processing module connected directly to the electrical circuit, and comprising an operational amplifier which will only allow current to pass when the voltage between the conductive wires to which it is connected (conductive wire 28 and measurement conductive wire 29) is greater than a threshold value. In this embodiment, it is not necessary to provide an actual physical resistance 32 in the electrical circuit.

[0085] Optionally, the management system 16 also comprises a remote communication system 22 with an external device 24 such as a computer, a mobile phone, a watch or a tablet. The communication system 22 can be any wireless radio communication system. Preferably it will be a Bluetooth® system. The external device 24 advantageously has an application making it possible to manage the training device (to turn it on and off) but also to choose the desired training session or to display the data transmitted by the remote communication system of the management system. The remote communication system 22 is controlled by the signal processing system 20.

[0086] In the case of a training session, the user can use several training devices communicating with, for example, a mobile phone via a dedicated application.

[0087] The training devices are spaced apart from each other in a user-defined space. Each of the training devices may then be configured to: provide a light signal detectable by the user, receive instructions from the application prompting the user to perform a physical activity or exercise, and transmit signals in response to an action of the user during the physical activity. The physical activity includes, for example, one or more of the following activities: running, jumping, or touching one or more training devices with the feet or hands.

[0088] In one embodiment, the training devices may be adapted to communicate with each other. One training device may be designated as the main device and the others as affiliated devices. Its management system may then be configured to receive signals from all affiliated devices and transmit information to the application. In the event that this device no longer has a battery, another training device may take over.

Claims

Claims

1. Physical training aid device (1) comprising: - a rigid base (2) made of a rigid, non-deformable material defining a first housing (3) closed by a cover (4), - a base (8) made of an elastic polymer material resting on the base (2) and fixed thereto, the base (8) having, on the side opposite the base (2), a support wall (9) forming a training surface, the support wall (9) defining with the rest of the base (8) a second housing (10) located above the first housing (3) and separated therefrom by the cover (4) of the base (2), - a pressure sensor (11) arranged inside the second housing (10) in contact with the support wall (9) of the base (8), the pressure sensor (11) being capable of generating a signal in response to a force exerted on the wall, - an electronic management system (16) of the pressure sensor (11) arranged inside the first housing (3) and connected to the pressure sensor (11).

2. Aid device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the elastic polymer material of the base (8) is chosen from rubber, synthetic rubber, polypropylene, polyethylene, poly(styrene-butadiene-styrene), poly(styrene-ethylene-butadiene-styrene), polylactic acid, silicone, polyurethane and a thermoplastic elastomer.

3. Aid device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the pressure sensor (11) is a pressure sensor made of polymer materials comprising two conductive parts made of electrically conductive polymer material, separated by at least one free space, and in that it comprises an electrical circuit (26) associated with the sensor (11), connected to the electronic management system (16) and electrically connected to the conductive parts, this electrical circuit (26) being closed and generating a signal when the conductive parts are in contact through said at least one free space and open when the conductive parts are not in contact.

4. Aid device (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that the conductive parts are two conductive layers (13, 14) of electrically conductive polymer material separated by a grid (15) of electrically insulating polymer material, one of the layers (14) resting on the cover (4), the other (13) being in contact with the support wall (9) of the base (8), at least one of the conductive parts (13, 14) or the grid (15) being made of elastic polymer material.

5. Aid device (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that the conductive parts (30a, 30b) are separated from each other by two electrically insulating parts (31a, 31b), the conductive parts (30a, 30b) and electrically insulating parts (31a, 31b) are made of elastic polymer material and form the walls of a hollow tubular element, said tubular element being arranged in a serpentine or spiral manner on the cover (4) made of an electrically insulating material or on a support made of an electrically insulating material resting on the cover (4), the tubular element being in contact with the support wall (9) of the base (8) one of its conductive parts extending opposite the latter.

6. Assistance device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the pressure sensor (11) is capable of generating a signal proportional to the force exerted on the support wall (9) of the base (8).

7. Assistance device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that it comprises a layer of elastic polymer material housed between the pressure sensor (11) and the base (8) made of flexible material and in contact with the pressure sensor (11) and the support wall (9) of the base (8).

8. Aid device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the base (8) of the device is fixed to the base (2) by interlocking.

9. Aid device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the cover (4) is a flat wall.

10. Assistance device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the base (8) defines with the base (2) at least a third lateral housing (12) extending over at least part of the periphery of the base (2) and in that the device (1) comprises at least one light-emitting diode (23) connected to the management system (16) arranged inside the third housing (12).

11. Assistance device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the management system (16) comprises an electricity supply device (17), a system for processing the signal (20) generated by the sensor, and optionally a communication system remote communication (22) with a computer, mobile phone, watch or tablet.

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