• 专利附录
  • 专利说明
  • 权利要求
  • 类似技术
  • 同族专利
  • 引用文献
  • 法律状态
  • 优先权
    • 专利摘要:
    The present invention relates to a shear measuring device for measuring a shearing force of a human body relative to a seat, such as a chair, wheelchair, airplane seat, comprising the device, - a framework for providing a mechanical, substantially sliding-free, connection with the seat, - a force sensor arranged on the frame, - shear force receiving means for receiving the shear force, which are coupled to the sensor, the shear force means being arranged and arranged such that shear force applied to the shear force means is transferable to the sensor so that the shear force is perceptible through the sensor. The present invention further relates to a wheelchair or seat, a method and a computer-readable carrier comprising computer program means.
    公开号:NL2019006A
    申请号:NL2019006
    申请日:2017-05-31
    公开日:2017-12-05
    发明作者:Paul Rogmans Max
    申请人:Vicair B V；
    IPC主号:
    专利说明:

    DETERMINATION DEVICE, WHEELCHAIR AND METHOD
    The present invention relates to a shear force measuring device for measuring a shear force of a human body relative to a seat, such as a chair, wheelchair, airplane seat, car seat. The present invention furthermore relates to a chair or wheelchair comprising such a determining device. The present invention further relates to a method for performing a shear force measurement using a shear force measuring device according to the present invention. The present invention further relates to a computer-readable carrier comprising computer program means for carrying out a method according to the present invention.
    A common problem with people who are forced to be confined to a bed or wheelchair for a longer period of time is that the body of these people has to endure shear forces. Because these people are subjected to the shear forces, body damage such as discomfort in general, pressure ulcers, unwanted pelvic tilting, bruising of the blood or friction wounds occurs.
    A vertical load on a body which occurs when a seat or lying surface is based without a horizontal load component is many times less stressful on the body than a load resulting from a combination of a vertical load and a horizontal load. For example, when a body sits in a chair for a long period of time, the person will relax and a horizontal shear force will arise because the body pushes itself against the backrest. The horizontal shear force is created under the seat or at least between the body and the seat of the chair. Furthermore, the horizontal shear force exacerbates damage caused by vertical pressure, in particular when both forces occur.
    The greater the imbalance the person is in, the greater the shear forces will be. This is particularly stressful when the person suffers from a combination of frequent sitting and poor physical condition.
    It is an object of the present invention to provide a contribution to reducing these complaints. To this end, the present invention provides a shear force measuring device for measuring a shear force of a human body relative to a seat, such as a chair, wheelchair, airplane seat, car seat, comprising the device, - a framework for providing a mechanical, substantially sliding-free, connection to the seat, - a force sensor arranged on the frame, - shear force receiving means for receiving the shear force, which are coupled to the sensor, the shear force means being arranged and arranged such that shear force applied to the shear force means is transferable to the sensor so that the shear force is perceptible through the sensor.
    An advantage of the present invention is that a force measurement can be performed in any seat that is used by an end user. An important aim here is that the device functions in combination with many seats with many seating surfaces. A further object here is that the device functions when a curvature is caused by the deformation of the seat surface when the weight of the person presses downwards after sitting down. Various embodiments as described below achieve this goal, as a result of which they offer flexible deployment on many seating surfaces, each deforming in their own way.
    An advantage of such a shear force measuring device is furthermore that the presence of the shear force and an order of magnitude thereof can be determined. In order to be able to adjust the sitting position, it is important that the need for this is recognized. Many people who experience complaints are unable to recognize the sliding forces in time. Other persons experiencing complaints may be able to recognize the shear forces in time, but they will not be able to communicate them to the environment. The present invention therefore provides a contribution to the problem of the complaints in that on the basis of a measurement the shear force can be recognized and subsequently prevented by, for example, placing the body in a more stable position, at least in a position that produces fewer horizontal shear forces . Furthermore, it is possible to recognize that the person can undergo a training to independently learn how to take place in such a way that shear forces arise.
    An important advantage of the present invention is that the shear forces can be recognized and the seat adjusted to reduce the problems of shear forces by reducing the shear force. To this end, for example, the angle of the seat can be adjusted. Alternatively, the angle of the backrest can be adjusted.
    In particular when putting a wheelchair into use, the invention is advantageous when adjusting the chair for optimum use. Such optimum use provides, for example, for the user to be positioned such that shear forces are minimal during use. Here, the invention is preferably applied to measure the development of the shear forces during a period, such as a day or part thereof, but also for several days. The reason for this is that changes in the forces often occur during the day, such as under the influence of the adjustment of the chair.
    When the user takes a seat and is still fit, the user often prevents the shear forces and subsequently shear forces arise during the day, for example by decreasing the attention to the sitting or fatigue of the user. By making use of measurement data recorded during this period, the setting can not only be optimized for the start of the sitting period, but also optimized by preventing shear forces occurring later. This realizes that this improved setting of shear forces is also optimized during a usage period of weeks, months and longer thereafter. Being able to absorb shear forces during the entire measurement period is therefore important and advantageous for this application. Preferred ranges of the length of time during which the recording is held are a few hours, such as between 4-12 hours, preferably 8 hours, one to a few days, one to a few weeks or, more preferably, continuous as long as a person takes place at the session.
    In a first preferred embodiment, the shear force measuring device comprises a sliding assembly that promotes substantially friction-free or low-friction slidability of the shear-receiving means relative to the sensor and / or the seat, wherein the sliding assembly preferably comprises coupling means, such as Velcro, for coupling to the framework. The use of such a slide assembly greatly improves the quality of the measurement because friction is reduced or prevented. Friction cancels the shear force, so that the shear force would be measured correspondingly lower. A very simple variant of a slide assembly relates to a single or multiple sheet of a smooth material, such as a smooth plastic.
    According to a further preferred embodiment, the sliding assembly is adapted to provide sliding of the sliding force receiving means over an operating stroke of the force sensor. This makes the sliding assembly function over the required route.
    According to a further preferred embodiment, an operating stroke of the force sensor is such that substantially no movement of the shear force receiving means is required. This is particularly advantageous when the operating stroke of the force sensor is very low or zero. This is possible with a solid-state sensor where pressure on the material or the composition of the material provides the observation, for example by generating a voltage or current. The piezoelectric effect is provided as a useful effect. The operating stroke of the force sensor is, for example, the range of 1 micron to 1 cm.
    The sliding assembly further preferably comprises at least two layers of foil with lubricants arranged between them and / or an amount of air. A very low frictional force between the films is hereby realized in a practical manner, as a result of which the perception of the shear force is virtually equal to the actual shear force. The lubricants further preferably comprise an oil, such as a silicone oil, a fat, such as a lubricating fat, a graphite-containing emulsion, or a gel.
    According to a further preferred embodiment, the foil or at least one layer thereof is processed in the shear force measuring device, such as impregnated and / or coated, with a friction-reducing auxiliary substance, such as by means of silicone, (poly) urethane. As a result, mutual friction between layers of film is reduced or wear of the film is reduced. Furthermore, the permeability of the lubricant film is reduced by means of such an operation, which further increases the durability.
    Particularly preferred materials for the film include nylon, polyester, polypropylene, polyethylene.
    The sliding assembly further preferably comprises a layer formed from a deformable material, wherein the deformable material comprises an elastic material or a gelatinous material. Using such a material, the shear force receiving means can transmit the shear force to the sensor within extensibility of the material. The choice of material is hereby provided such that the force required for deforming the material is minimal, so that the shear force is transmitted to the sensor as much as possible.
    According to a further preferred embodiment, a basic element of the frame extends over a width of a third to form a seat that extends all the width of the seat. This makes it possible to record stable observations. It is hereby also possible to use two parallel-acting shear-receiving means. Although some shear force pick-up means function on their own, a dual embodiment is advantageous for determining differences between shear forces on the left and right-hand sides.
    The frame preferably further comprises at least one, preferably two or three auxiliary elements extending from the basic element, such as forwardly extending. Such auxiliary elements, or arms of the frame, provide positional stability to the device during use. Furthermore, such auxiliary elements are of practical use in stabilizing with respect to a case to be described later.
    Such a use case is further preferably provided for enclosing during use at least a part of the shear-receiving means and / or providing a stable arrangement with respect to a seat surface of the seat, preferably comprising a non-slip bottom side such as comprising a rubber. Such a sheath is advantageous when placing the device on the seat, its seat surface.
    The case preferably provides a stiffness for fixed positioning relative to the seat. Furthermore, the case provides protection to the various arms of the frame and shear force receiving means.
    Furthermore, the case is further preferably provided with laterally upright side parts for providing a guide of a seat cushion. This prevents a deviation of the perception of the shear force due to friction along the side of the cushion. Furthermore, it is preferably provided for the case to be provided with connecting means, such as comprising Velcro, for coupling to the top side of the shear force receiving means for transferring the shear force thereon. This prevents an incorrect measurement due to its slipping.
    For providing a uniform seating surface, it is furthermore preferable to provide filling means for filling space between the shear-receiving means.
    According to a further preferred embodiment, the shear force receiving means are substantially slat-shaped. A practical filling of the seat surface is hereby provided and a large receiving surface for receiving the shear force is realized. Furthermore, this contributes to the correct operation under deformation on a seat of a seat.
    The frame preferably further comprises at least one longitudinal element arranged rearwardly of the seat surface of the seat, from which at least one, preferably two or three, of the shear force receiving means is arranged extending in a forward direction, further preferably wherein at least 1, preferably 2 or 3 auxiliary elements of the frame are arranged parallel to the shear-receiving means. This achieves in an advantageous manner that the seat surface is for the most part filled with auxiliary elements and shear force-receiving means, whereby a balanced seat surface is realized. As a result, the difference with a seat surface of the seat is minimized while maintaining all the mentioned advantages of the shear measuring device.
    According to a further preferred embodiment, the shear force measuring device comprises a control module coupled to the sensor for receiving observations from the sensor, the control module comprising a memory for storing a series of observations therein for analyzing these measurements. An important advantage of such a preferred embodiment is that it is realized that the development of the shear force during use can be analyzed.
    For example, shearing forces can be lower in the morning than in the afternoon, so that a different adjustment of the seat or backrest or seat is generally required. It is precisely such developments that are often noticed too late by the person concerned or the person has no possibilities to take them into account without the present invention. An example is the observation of pelvic tilt, which condition is often insufficiently noticed.
    It also becomes possible to automatically adjust the seat based on the shear force measurement.
    To this end, the shear force measuring device preferably further comprises a sender receiver, such as comprising a Bluetooth or Wi-Fi module, for carrying out the observations to a computer device. The computer device can be used for analysis and adjustments. It is also envisaged that the data will be passed on directly to a therapist or doctor.
    A further aspect according to the present invention relates to a wheelchair or seat comprising a shear-force measuring device according to the present invention, which provides advantages as described in the foregoing.
    A further aspect according to the present invention relates to a method for performing a shear force measurement using a shear force measuring device according to one or more of the preceding claims, a method comprising steps for: - recording a series of observations by means of the sensor, with a predetermined mutual time distance, - storing the series of observations in a memory, - in the case of an active communication connection with a computer device, carrying out the observations to the computer device, which provides advantages as described above. Further aspects according to the present invention relate to a computer-readable carrier comprising computer program means for performing a method according to the invention when the computer program means are loaded in a control module of a shear force measuring device according to the present invention; and a computer-readable carrier comprising computer program means for receiving, when executed on a processing unit of a computer device, observations from a shear measuring device according to the present invention, which provides advantages as described above.
    FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a first preferred embodiment.
    FIG. 2 is a schematic representation in bottom view of this preferred embodiment.
    FIG. 3 is an exploded top view of a detail of the preferred embodiment.
    FIG. 4 relates to a further detail of FIG. 3.
    FIG. 5, 6, 7 are schematic perspective views of the preferred embodiment using a case.
    A preferred embodiment (Fig. 1 - Fig. 7) relates to a shear-force measuring device 1 comprising a frame 2 and shear-receiving means 5 extending perpendicularly from a base element 3 of the frame. The base element is provided for placement along the rear of the seat of the seat . In the frame there are two sensors 8, 8 'to which the respective shear force recording means 7, 1' are coupled. The shear force recording means 7, 1 'are movable in the direction of the arrows A.
    In the basic element 3 of the frame, in addition to the sensors 8, 8 ', an energy source 10 in the form of two batteries 14 is arranged. This energy source 10 feeds the control unit 9 and through it the sensors. The control unit 9 comprises a processing unit and memory for processing and storing observations made by the sensors 8, 8 '. These sensors each relate to a so-called load cell, which are attached on the side facing each other to the support bracket 15, which has a low U-shape. On the force measuring side 27, the load cell is coupled to the force receiving means 7, 7 '. Measurement signals from the load cell are transferred to the control unit 9 via connecting wires 29.
    The control unit further comprises a data connection by means of a wireless sender receiver, such as Bluetooth or WiFi. With this, the data regarding the observations can be transferred to a computer device (not shown). Through this computer device the observations can be analyzed and made visible. Alternatively, the control unit is provided with a loudspeaker for providing a relevant audible warning, such as beeps or voice messages. These are per se known ways of feedback of information. The control unit is operated by means of an operating button 19 on the outer side of the basic element 3.
    In addition to the basic element 3, the frame has two auxiliary elements 6, 6 'extending perpendicularly thereto. The auxiliary elements 6, 6 'are mutually connected by means of a connecting element 12, thereby jointly forming a substantially U-shaped element 4. This U-shaped element 4 is connected to the base element 3 by means of a hook construction. Alternatively, a screw connection or a Velcro connection is provided. The hook construction has two hook-in openings 16, 16 'of the basic element and two respective hook-in elements 17, 17' of the U-shaped element 4.
    The underside of the frame, the base element and the two auxiliary elements is provided with Velcro 12 for coupling to the inside 22 of a lower element 24 of a case 21. This coupling is clearly visible in FIG. 5. The respective outer side 23, being the underside, of the case is provided with material for a stable coupling with the seat of the seat. A stiff rubber is provided for this in this case.
    In FIG. 6 and 7, the operation of the inside of the device in combination with the case is shown. Over the frame elements 6, 6 'lies a slide assembly 31. This slide assembly is fastened with sheet 37' by means of a Velcro strap 32 to the top of the frame elements 6, 6 'with the respective Velcro tape 11. Between the frame elements 6 6 ', the sliding assembly 31 extends below the shear force receiving means 7, 7' and the filling elements 36, 36 '. The sliding assembly 31, comprising two sheets or layers of fabric 37, 37 'arranged on top of each other and mutually practically frictionlessly slidable, allows these shear force-receiving means and the filling elements to move freely in the direction of the arrows A relative to the bottom element 24 of the case.
    For the purpose of providing a connection between the top side of the shear-receiving means 7, 7 'and the filling elements 36, 36', the inside of an upper element 25 of the casing is provided with respective Velcro strips 47, 47 ', 46, 46' .
    For the purpose of providing lateral frictional limitations of a seat cushion arranged on the casing, the casing is provided on its sides with wall elements 34, 34 'which are attached to each other by means of a zipper 35, 35'. This is an intermediate layer that eliminates all friction as much as possible.
    The device is therefore used in a method for measuring the shear forces using the measured data.
    The foil of the sliding assembly 31, as referred to above as two or more layers, is effective in minimizing friction between the frame, with the auxiliary elements 6, 6 'fixed on the underside of the case and thus substantially fixed on the casing. seat of the chair, and with the force receiving blades 7,7 'substantially fixed on the top of the case. The film arranged against the underside of the case must therefore be movable with minimal friction relative to the film arranged against the top of the case. The friction-reducing means mentioned have been used for this purpose, such as by providing the film with a treatment and / or by means of the lubricants between the film layers. The existing definition of foil has been applied within this document. Foil is a thin, sometimes extremely thin sheet. Foil is a collective name for canvas that can be used for many applications. The definition of Technology in the Netherlands concerns: Foil - very thin material. Within the meaning of this document, at least sheets, layers, sheets of plastic, sheets of woven plastic, such as woven nylon, sheets of textile (cloth), layers of plastics, and coated and uncoated variants thereof are meant.
    In the foregoing, the present invention has been described with reference to a few preferred embodiments. Different aspects of different embodiments are considered to be described in combination with each other, all combinations considered to be considered by a person skilled in the art on the basis of this document to be included in the understanding of the invention. These preferred embodiments are not limitative of the scope of this document. The rights requested are defined in the appended claims. *****
    权利要求:
    Claims (26)
    [1]
    A shear force measuring device for measuring a shear force of a human body relative to a seat, such as a chair, car seat, wheelchair, airplane seat, comprising the device, - a framework for providing a mechanical, substantially sliding-free, connection to the seat - a force sensor arranged on the frame, - shear force recording means for receiving the shear force, which are coupled to the sensor, the shear force means being arranged and arranged such that shear force exerted on the shear force means is transferable to the sensor so that the shear force is perceptible by the sensor.
    [2]
    2. Shear measuring device as claimed in claim 1, comprising a sliding assembly that promotes substantially friction-free or low-friction sliding of the shear-receiving means relative to the sensor and / or the seat, wherein the sliding assembly preferably comprises coupling means, such as Velcro, for coupling to the framework.
    [3]
    3. Shear measuring device according to claim 2, wherein the sliding assembly is adapted to provide sliding of the shear-receiving means over an action stroke of the force sensor.
    [4]
    4. Shear measuring device as claimed in one or more of the foregoing claims, wherein an operating stroke of the force sensor is such that substantially no movement of the shear-receiving means is required.
    [5]
    A shear force measuring device as claimed in one or more of the preceding claims, wherein an operating stroke of the force sensor is in the range of one micron to one centimeter.
    [6]
    6. Shear measuring device as claimed in one or more of the foregoing claims, wherein the sliding assembly comprises at least two layers of foil with lubricants arranged between them and / or an amount of air.
    [7]
    7. Shear measuring device as claimed in claim 6, wherein the film or at least one layer thereof is processed, such as impregnated and / or coated, with a friction-reducing auxiliary material, such as by means of silicone, (poly) urethane.
    [8]
    8. Shear measuring device as claimed in one or more of the foregoing claims, wherein the shear-receiving means and / or the sliding assembly and / or the film comprises a nylon, polyester, polypropylene, polyethylene.
    [9]
    The shear force measuring device of claim 6, 7 or 8, wherein the lubricants comprise an oil, such as a silicone oil, a grease, such as a lubricating grease, a graphite-containing emulsion, or a gel.
    [10]
    A shear force measuring device as claimed in one or more of claims 6 to 9, wherein the sliding assembly comprises a layer formed from a deformable material, the deformable material comprising an elastic material or a gelatinous material.
    [11]
    11. Shear force measuring device according to one or more of the preceding claims, in which a basic element of the frame extends over a width of a third to the whole of the width of the seat forms a seat.
    [12]
    12. Shear force measuring device according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the frame comprises at least one, preferably two or three, auxiliary element extending from the basic element, such as forwardly extending.
    [13]
    13. Shear measuring device as claimed in one or more of the foregoing claims, comprising a use factor for enclosing during use at least a part of the shear-receiving means and / or providing a stable arrangement with respect to a seat of the seat, preferably comprising a non-slip bottom such as comprising a rubber.
    [14]
    14. Shear force measuring device as claimed in claim 13, wherein the case is provided with lateral upright side parts for providing a guide of a seat cushion.
    [15]
    15. Shear measuring device as claimed in claim 13 or 14, wherein the casing is provided with connecting means, such as comprising Velcro, for coupling to the top side of the shear-receiving means for transferring the shear force thereon.
    [16]
    16. Shear measuring device as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, comprising filling-in means for filling up space between the shear-receiving means.
    [17]
    A shear force measuring device according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the shear force receiving means are substantially slat-shaped.
    [18]
    18. Shear measuring device according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the frame comprises at least one longitudinal element arranged rearwardly of the seat surface of the seat, from which at least one, preferably 2 or 3, of the shear-receiving means is arranged , extending in a forward direction, more preferably wherein at least 1, preferably 2 or 3 auxiliary elements of the frame are arranged parallel to the shear-receiving means.
    [19]
    A shear force measuring device as claimed in one or more of the preceding claims, comprising a control module coupled to the sensor for receiving observations from the sensor, the control module comprising a memory for storing a series of observations therein for analyzing these measurements.
    [20]
    A shear force measuring device according to claim 19 comprising an output module, preferably comprising a sender receiver, such as comprising a Bluetooth or Wi-Fi module, for performing the observations to a computer device.
    [21]
    A shear force measuring device according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the sensor comprises a piezo element.
    [22]
    22. Shear measuring device as claimed in one or more of the foregoing claims, wherein the device functions in combination with many seats with many sitting surfaces, preferably wherein at least the shearing force receiving means, more preferably also at least a part of the frame, has such flexibility that it under shape adjustment functions under causing a curvature in that the seat surface deforms when the weight of the person presses down after sitting down.
    [23]
    Wheelchair or seat comprising a shear force measuring device according to one or more of the preceding claims.
    [24]
    Method for performing a shear force measurement, such as for the purpose of collecting data for setting up a wheelchair, using shear force measuring device according to one or more of the preceding claims, the method comprising steps for: - recording a series of observations by means of the sensor, with a predetermined mutual time distance, - storing the series of observations in a memory, - in the case of an active communication connection with a computer device, performing the observations to the computer device .
    [25]
    A computer-readable carrier comprising computer program means for performing a method according to claim 24 when the computer program means are loaded into a control module of a shear force measuring device according to one or more of claims 1 to 22.
    [26]
    A computer-readable carrier comprising computer program means for receiving from the computer device, when executed on a processing unit of a computer device, observations from a shear force measuring device according to one or more of claims 1 to 22.
    类似技术:
    公开号 | 公开日 | 专利标题
    EP2227113B1|2011-11-16|Pivotable seat
    NL9500509A|1996-10-01|Support device such as, for example, a cushion.
    US6857151B2|2005-02-22|Bead cushioning device
    Hostens et al.2001|Buttock and back pressure distribution tests on seats of mobile agricultural machinery
    US9480593B2|2016-11-01|Distraction and mobility back support
    US20090222992A1|2009-09-10|Adjustable seat cushion assembly
    Janssen-Potten et al.2000|Chair configuration and balance control in persons with spinal cord injury
    US10080700B1|2018-09-25|Walker harness
    NL2019006B1|2018-01-17|DETERMINATION DEVICE, WHEELCHAIR AND METHOD
    Cardoso et al.2018|Biomechanical investigation of prolonged driving in an ergonomically designed truck seat prototype
    Levesque et al.2017|Experimental comfort assessment of an active exoskeleton interface
    JP2015536199A|2015-12-21|Adjustable support system
    Gyi2013|Driving posture and healthy design
    US20100095459A1|2010-04-22|Pillow for use with wheelchair
    CN108158279B|2020-07-17|Dynamically adjustable cushion and juvenile seat equipped with same
    EP1787549A1|2007-05-23|Sitting cushion with improved comfort
    JP2020001695A|2020-01-09|Posture correction unit
    US5273342A|1993-12-28|Detachable headrest for aircraft
    SE470395B|1994-02-14|Back support device
    Kikuchi et al.2014|Adjustable sheet for intelligent seating system
    JP2019076299A|2019-05-23|Seat and seat control system
    KR101594170B1|2016-02-16|Wheelchair seat back structure with a position auxiliary functions
    JP2020099411A|2020-07-02|Cushioning material
    CN210540205U|2020-05-19|Mattress arranging device
    CN213283917U|2021-05-28|Nursing bed backrest structure
    同族专利:
    公开号 | 公开日
    EP3465109A1|2019-04-10|
    US20190178731A1|2019-06-13|
    NL2019006B1|2018-01-17|
    US11118986B2|2021-09-14|
    WO2017222366A1|2017-12-28|
    引用文献:
    公开号 | 申请日 | 公开日 | 申请人 | 专利标题
    US5297021A|1992-11-16|1994-03-22|Koerlin James M|Zero shear recliner/tilt wheelchair seat|
    JP2001050889A|1999-08-11|2001-02-23|Nippo Sangyo Kk|Device for measuring sliding friction coefficient of road surface|
    EP1181918A1|2000-02-28|2002-02-27|Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha|Care type electric wheelchair|
    US6715784B2|2000-05-31|2004-04-06|Sunrise Medical Hhg Inc.|Method programming and operating a wheelchair having tilt and recline functions|
    法律状态:
    优先权:
    申请号 | 申请日 | 专利标题
    NL2016871|2016-05-31|
    [返回顶部]