SPLASHGUARD DEVICE FOR A WHEELED VEHICLE AND ASSEMBLY COMPRISING SUCH A DEVICE

Abstract

A respiratory stimulation device (10) includes a belt (11) intended to be fitted around the abdomen of a user, and at least three motors (12, 13) fixed to the belt (11), a central motor (12) and two lateral motors (13), so as to position the central motor (12) opposite the umbilical region (14) and the lateral motors (13) opposite the two sides of the user's abdomen (15) when wearing the belt. A control unit (30) is connected to the motors (12, 13) and configured to generate vibrations of variable amplitudes on each motor (12, 13) so as to induce two sensations of movement (P1) of the location of the vibrations felt by the user as an apparent double tactile movement.

Claims

1. A respiratory stimulation device comprising: a belt intended to be fitted around the abdomen of a user; at least three motors fixed to the belt, a central motor and two lateral motors, so as to position the central motor opposite the umbilical region and the lateral motors opposite the two sides of the user's abdomen when wearing the belt; and a control unit connected to the motors and configured to generate vibrations of variable amplitudes on each motor so as to induce two sensations of movement of the location of the vibrations: a first sensation of movement of the location of the vibrations from the sides of the abdomen towards the umbilical region obtained by progressively decreasing the amplitude of the vibrations applied to the lateral motors while progressively increasing the amplitude of the vibration applied to the central motor so as to induce inhalation; and a second sensation of movement of the location of the vibrations from the umbilical region to the sides of the abdomen obtained by progressively decreasing the amplitude of the vibration applied to the central motor while progressively increasing the amplitude of the vibrations applied to the lateral motors so as to induce exhalation.

2. The device according to claim 1, wherein the vibrations applied to the central motor and the lateral motors have distinct waveforms and/or frequencies between the first sensation of movement and the second sensation of movement.

3. The device according to claim 1, wherein each motor has a contact area with the user's body of less than 15 cm.sup.2.

4. The device according to claim 1, wherein the belt comprises at least two intermediate motors arranged between the central motor and the lateral motors; the control unit being configured to induce: the first sensation of movement of the location of the vibrations from the sides of the abdomen towards the umbilical region by gradually decreasing the amplitude of the vibrations applied to the lateral motors, while gradually increasing and then decreasing the amplitude of the vibrations applied to the intermediate motors, while gradually increasing the amplitude of the vibration applied to the central motor, so as to induce inhalation; and a second sensation of movement of vibrations from the umbilical region towards the sides of the abdomen by gradually decreasing the amplitude of the vibration applied to the central motor, while gradually increasing and then decreasing the amplitude of the vibrations applied to the intermediate motors, while gradually increasing the amplitude of the vibrations applied to the lateral motors, so as to induce an exhalation.

5. The device according to claim 1, wherein the distance between the central motor and the lateral motors is of between 10 cm and 20 cm.

6. The device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit incorporates wireless connection means so that the user can adjust the breathing rate induced by the control unit with a smartphone.

7. A method for controlling the respiratory stimulation device according to claim 1 so as to induce an inhalation phase by generating a sensation of movement of the location of the vibrations, the method comprising the following steps: activating the vibration of the lateral motors to reach a maximum vibration amplitude; activating the vibration of the central motor to reach a minimum vibration amplitude; decreasing the vibration of the lateral motors to reach said minimum vibration amplitude while increasing the vibration of the central motor to reach said maximum vibration amplitude; deactivating the vibration of the central motor; and deactivating the vibration of the lateral motors.

8. The method for controlling the respiratory stimulation device according to claim 7, wherein the step of activating the vibration of the lateral motors to reach a maximum vibration amplitude is carried out for a predetermined duration, for example for a duration of between 5 and 15% of the duration of the inhalation stimulation phase, during which the vibration amplitude of the lateral motors increases from the minimum vibration amplitude to the maximum vibration amplitude.

9. The method for controlling the respiratory stimulation device according to claim 7, wherein the step of decreasing the vibration of the lateral motors is carried out with at least two speeds: a first speed of decrease slower than a second speed of decrease, and the step of increasing the vibration of the central motor is carried out with at least two speeds: a first speed of increase faster than a second speed of increase; the transition between the speeds of decrease and the speeds of increase possibly occurring at distinct moments of the inhalation stimulation phase.

10. The method for controlling the respiratory stimulation device according to claim 7, wherein the step of deactivating the vibration of the central motor is carried out for a predetermined duration, for example for a duration between 5 and 15% of the duration of the inhalation stimulation phase, during which the vibration amplitude of the central motor decreases from the maximum vibration amplitude to the minimum vibration amplitude.

11. The method for controlling the respiratory stimulation device according to claim 1 so as to induce an exhalation phase by generating a sensation of movement of the location of the vibrations, the method comprising the following steps: activating the vibration of the central motor to reach a maximum vibration amplitude; activating the vibration of the lateral motors to reach a minimum vibration amplitude; decreasing the vibration of the central motor to reach said minimum vibration amplitude while increasing the vibration of the lateral motors to reach said maximum vibration amplitude; deactivating the vibration of the central motor; and deactivating the vibration of the lateral motors.

12. The method of controlling the respiratory stimulation device according to claim 11, wherein the step of activating the vibration of the central motor to reach a maximum vibration amplitude is carried out for a predetermined duration, for example for a duration between 5 and 15% of the duration of the exhalation stimulation phase, during which the vibration amplitude of the central motor increases from the minimum vibration amplitude to the maximum vibration amplitude.

13. The method of controlling the respiratory stimulation device according to claim 11, wherein the step of reducing the vibration of the central motor is carried out with at least two speeds: a first speed of decrease slower than a second speed of decrease, and the step of increasing the vibration of the lateral motors is carried out with at least two speeds: a first speed of increase faster than a second speed of increase; the transition between the speeds of decrease and the speeds of increase possibly occurring at distinct moments of the exhalation stimulation phase.

14. The method for controlling the respiratory stimulation device according to claim 11, wherein the step of deactivating the vibration of the lateral motors is carried out for a predetermined duration, for example for a duration of between 5 and 15% of the duration of the exhalation stimulation phase, during which the vibration amplitude of the lateral motors decreases from the maximum vibration amplitude to the minimum vibration amplitude.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0059] The manner in which the invention may be carried out and the resulting advantages appear more clearly from the following examples of carrying out, which are given by way of non-limited indication and with the support of the accompanying figures, in which:

[0060] FIG. 1 is a schematic representation of the respiratory stimulation device according to a first embodiment of the invention during an inhalation stimulation phase;

[0061] FIG. 2 is a schematic representation of the device of FIG. 1 during an exhalation stimulation phase;

[0062] FIG. 3 is a graphical representation of the amplitude of the central motor and lateral motors of the device in FIG. 1 during the inhalation and exhalation stimulation phases;

[0063] FIG. 4 is a schematic representation of the respiratory stimulation device according to a second embodiment of the invention incorporating intermediate motors; and

[0064] FIG. 5 is a graphical representation of the amplitude of the central motor, the intermediate motors and the lateral motors of the device of FIG. 4 during the inhalation and exhalation stimulation phases.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0065] FIGS. 1, 2 and 4 show a respiratory stimulation device 10 integrated into a belt 11 fitted around the abdomen of a user. This belt 11 is preferably made of non-abrasive lycra for its extensibility, it can comprise several layers of fabric. In addition, the belt 11 may comprise holding means, for example two Velcro portions arranged on both ends, in order to hold the belt 11 around the user's abdomen during use.

[0066] In the example of FIGS. 1 and 2, the belt 11 integrates three motors 12-13. Two of these motors 13, called lateral motors, are arranged opposite the sides of the abdomen 15 and the last motor 12, called central motor, is arranged opposite the umbilical region 14. When the belt 11 is intended for an adult of average proportion, the lateral motors 13 are positioned at a distance D1 of between 10 and 20 cm from the central motor 12.

[0067] Of course, if the belt 11 is intended for an infant or an overweight person, the size of the belt 11 and the distance D1 between the motors 12-13 varies.

[0068] In addition, FIG. 4 illustrates an embodiment in which the respiratory stimulation device 10 comprises two intermediate motors 16 positioned between the lateral motors 13 and the central motor 12. The distance D2 between the intermediate motor 16 and the lateral motors 13 is of between 5 and 10 cm. Similarly, the distance D3 between the intermediate motors 16 and the central motor 12 is also of between 5 and 10 cm. Each motor 12, 13, 16 preferably has a contact area with the user's body of less than 15 cm.sup.2.

[0069] As before, if the belt 11 is intended for an infant or an overweight person, the size of the belt 11 and the distance D2 and D3 between the motors 12, 13, 16 varies.

[0070] All motors 12, 13, 16 are connected to a control unit 30 by wired connectors integrated into the belt. This control unit 30 may be removable to facilitate recharging, for example by using magnetized electrical connectors on the control unit 30. The charging can be carried out by induction or by a connector, for example a USB type connector.

[0071] In addition, the control unit 30 can integrate wireless connection means such that the user can adjust the respiratory rate induced by the control unit 30 with a smartphone. Thus, it is possible to modify the adjustment parameters of each motor 12, 13, 16 to adapt to the user's needs.

[0072] Indeed, to induce the respiratory phases, the invention proposes to control the motors 12, 13, 16 to vary the vibration amplitude and induce a double tactile movement felt by the user. To this end, the lateral motors 13 are controlled differently from the central motor 12, and from any intermediate motors 16. In the remainder of the description, the difference in control of the lateral motors 13 and the central motor 12 is first presented.

[0073] More precisely, during the inhalation stimulation phase P1, the amplitude A13 of the vibrations applied to the lateral motors 13 gradually decreases while gradually increasing the amplitude of the vibration A12 applied to the central motor 12.

[0074] This difference in control of the motors 12 and 13 in the inhalation stimulation phase P1 allows to induce an apparent double tactile movement on the abdomen which propagates from the sides of the abdomen 15 to the umbilical region 14, as illustrated in FIG. 1.

[0075] On the contrary, during the exhalation stimulation phase P2, the amplitude A13 of the vibrations applied to the lateral motors 13 gradually increases while gradually decreasing the amplitude of the vibration A12 applied to the central motor 12. This difference in control of the motors 12 and 13 in the exhalation stimulation phase P2 allows to induce another apparent double tactile movement on the abdomen which propagates from the umbilical region 14 to the sides of the abdomen 15, as illustrated in FIG. 2.

[0076] FIG. 3 is a graphical representation of the amplitude of the motors 12, 13 according to an implementation mode of the different respiratory phases illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2. More precisely, at the start of the inhalation stimulation phase P1, the amplitude A13 of the lateral motors 13 has the minimum amplitude value Amin. Then, the amplitude A13 undergoes a rapid increase V1 to reach the maximum value Amax at the time T1. Then, the amplitude A13 undergoes a first speed of decrease V2 and reaches an intermediate amplitude value Aint at the time T2. Finally, the amplitude A13 undergoes a second speed of decrease V3 and reaches the minimum value Amin at the end of the duration Ti of the inhalation stimulation phase P1.

[0077] For the amplitude A12 of the central motor 12, it starts at the minimum value Amin and undergoes a first speed of increase V4 to reach the intermediate amplitude value Aint at the time T3. Then, the amplitude A12 undergoes a second speed of increase V5 to reach the maximum value Amax at the time T4. Finally, the amplitude A12 undergoes a rapid decrease V6 to reach the minimum value Amin at the end of the duration Ti of the inhalation stimulation phase P1.

[0078] Following this inhalation stimulation phase P1, a delay S without vibration is programmed. This delay S, the times T1 to T4, as well as the amplitude values Amin, Aint and Amax, can be parametrized and possibly modified by the control unit 30.

[0079] After this delay S, the exhalation stimulation phase P2 begins. In this phase, the amplitude A13 of the lateral motors 13 begins at the minimum value Amin and undergoes a first speed of increase V7 to reach the intermediate value Aint at the time T3. Then, amplitude A13 undergoes a second speed of increase V8 to reach the maximum value Amax at the time T4. Finally, the amplitude A13 undergoes a rapid decrease V9 to reach the minimum value Amin at the end of the duration Te of the exhalation stimulation phase P2.

[0080] For the amplitude A12 of the central motor 12, it starts at the minimum value Amin. Then, the amplitude A12 undergoes a rapid increase V10 to reach the maximum value Amax at the time T1. Then, the amplitude A12 undergoes a first speed of decrease V11 and reaches an intermediate value Aint at the time T2. Finally, the amplitude undergoes a second speed of decrease V12 until it reaches the minimum value Amin at the end of the duration Te of the exhalation stimulation phase P2.

[0081] At the end of this exhalation stimulation phase P2, a new delay S is applied before starting again a new inhalation stimulation phase P1. This new delay S between the exhalation stimulation phase P2 and the inhalation stimulation phase P1 may be different from the delay S applied between the inhalation stimulation phase P1 and the exhalation stimulation phase P2.

[0082] This difference in vibration amplitude between the motors 12 and 13 aims to provide a dynamic tactile sensation on the abdomen. This apparent tactile effect needs to be felt only on the surface of the abdomen in order to induce a motion of vibration movement from the umbilical zone 14 to the sides of the abdomen 15 and from the sides of the abdomen 15 to the umbilical zone 14 to allow the user to consciously synchronize his inhalations and exhalations.

[0083] Preferably, the amplitude value Amin is of between 0% and 5% of the amplitude value Amax and the intermediate amplitude value Aint is of between 70% and 90% of the amplitude value Amax. Similarly, the durations Ti and Te of the inhalation and exhalation stimulation phases P1 and P2 may be similar.

[0084] In this embodiment, T1 is preferably of between 5% and 15% of the duration Ti of the inhalation stimulation phase P1. T2 is preferably of between 55% and 65% of the duration Ti, T3 is preferably of between 30% and 50% of the duration Ti and T4 is preferably of between 85% and 95% of the duration Ti.

[0085] In a variant, the durations Ti and Te may be distinct as well as the times T1 to T4 for the inhalation and exhalation stimulation phases P1 and P2.

[0086] All these parameters can be previously stored in the control unit 30 in order to create several stimulation modes that the user can select, for example to induce different types of breathing.

[0087] In the embodiment of FIG. 4, the respiratory stimulation device 10 comprises two intermediate motors 16 positioned between the lateral motors 13 and the central motor 12. In this embodiment, the control unit 30 is programmed to generate vibrations of different amplitudes on each motor 12, 13, 16 in order to induce a sensation of movement and to allow the user to consciously synchronize his breathing.

[0088] More precisely, during the inhalation stimulation phase P1, the amplitude A12 of the vibrations applied to the central motor 12 progressively increases, while progressively increasing and then decreasing the amplitude A16 of the vibrations applied to the intermediate motors 16, while progressively decreasing the amplitude A13 of the vibration applied to the lateral motors 13.

[0089] During the exhalation stimulation phase P2, the amplitude A13 of the vibration applied to the lateral motors 13 gradually increases, while gradually increasing and then decreasing the amplitude A16 of the vibrations applied to the intermediate motors 16, while gradually decreasing the amplitude A12 of the vibrations applied to the central motor 12.

[0090] The use of a large number of motors allows to increase the sensation of movement and, thus, to allow the user to better consciously synchronize his breathing and to provide a dynamic tactile sensation to the abdomen in order to induce motions of movement of the vibrations between the umbilical zone 14 and the sides of the abdomen 15 and vice versa.

[0091] FIG. 5 is a graphical representation of the amplitude of motors 12, 13 and 16 according to an implementation mode. During the inhalation stimulation phase P1, the amplitude A13 of the signal from the lateral motors 13 starts at a minimum Amin. Then, the amplitude A13 increases to reach the maximum value Amax at the time T5. Then, the amplitude A13 decreases until it reaches the minimum value Amin at the end of the inhalation stimulation phase P1.

[0092] For the amplitude A16 of the intermediate motors 16, it starts at the minimum value Amin. Then, the amplitude A16 increases to reach the maximum value Amax at the time T7. Then, the amplitude A16 decreases until it reaches the minimum value Amin at the end of the inhalation stimulation phase P1.

[0093] For the amplitude A12 of the central motor 12, it starts at the minimum value Amin and gradually increases to reach the maximum amplitude value Amax at the time T6. Then, the amplitude A12 decreases to reach the minimum value Amin at the end of the inhalation stimulation phase P1.

[0094] Following this inhalation stimulation phase P1, a delay S is applied.

[0095] After this delay S, an exhalation stimulation phase P2 begins. In this phase, the amplitude A13 of the lateral motors 13 starts at the minimum value Amin and gradually increases to reach the maximum value Amax at the time T6. Then, the amplitude A13 decreases to reach the minimum value Amin at the end of the exhalation stimulation phase P2.

[0096] As in the inhalation stimulation phase P1, in the exhalation stimulation phase P2, the amplitude A16 of the intermediate motors 16 begins at the minimum value Amin.

[0097] Then, the amplitude A16 increases to reach the maximum value Amax at the time T7. Then, the amplitude A16 decreases until reaching the minimum value Amin at the end of exhalation stimulation phase P2.

[0098] For the amplitude A12 of the central motor 12, it starts at the minimum value Amin and gradually increases to reach the maximum amplitude value Amax at the time T5. Then, the amplitude A12 decreases to reach the minimum value Amin at the end of the inhalation stimulation phase P2.

[0099] As described above, these values T5 to T7, Amin, Amax, Ti, Te and S can also be adjusted by the control unit 30.

[0100] To conclude, the use of two signals of inverse amplitudes applied to the different motors 12, 13, 16 generates a synchronous apparent double tactile movement propagating back and forth between the sides of the abdomen 15 and the umbilical region 14. This apparent double tactile movement allows to induce slow and deep abdominal inhalation and exhalation stimulation phases that allow: [0101] to overactivate the function of the sympathetic nervous system if the programmed inhalation time is greater than the exhalation time; [0102] to overactivate the function of the parasympathetic nervous system if the programmed inhalation time is less than the exhalation time; or [0103] to balance the functions of the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system if the programmed inhalation time is equal to the exhalation time.

[0104] Activation of the sympathetic nervous system prepares the body to act in response to stress. For example, activation of the sympathetic nervous system speeds up the heart rate while activation of the parasympathetic nervous system slows down the body's functions to put it in a state of relaxation.

[0105] Slow and deep breathing of the cardiac coherence type allows to stimulate and activate both the sympathetic nervous system and the parasympathetic nervous system. With this specific breathing, the variability of the user's heart rate is improved. This variability being an indicator of good physiological health.

[0106] Thus, the invention proposes a device 10 that induces the inhalation and exhalation phases, for example to obtain periods of slow and deep abdominal breathing or to control the heart rate according to the configuration parameters of the induced breathing. The control of the respiratory rate can even improve the physiological health of the user.