DESCRIPTION

Technical Field

The present invention relates to the field of devices for improving the performances of cyclists; more in particular, the object of the invention is a system for assessing the performances of a cyclist according to his/her position on the saddle, especially while actually using the bike.

State of the Art

As it is known, the cyclists’ performances greatly depend on his/her posture while pedaling.

In fact, while riding, the cyclist performs a rhythmic movement repeated over time in a particular position.

According to the position taken on the bike, the torso is bent, the neck and the head are extended, the lower limbs perform a dynamic work whilst the upper limbs perform a static work.

In order to optimize this work, the muscles shall be activated in a balanced manner, so as to have the necessary stability of articulations and an optimal thrust on the pedal.

The cyclist’s posture affects both the comfort and the yield, as the function of an articulation is determined by the position thereof and the muscles acting thereon.

In particular, the power exerted by the cyclist on the pedals greatly depend on his/her posture. Dozens of methods and biomechanical studies are known, linking the posture to the power exerted by the cyclist on the pedals. Mostly, these methods and studies have been carried out in the laboratory, and consist in analyzing the posture of the cyclist while he/she is pedaling on a stationary bike, and comprise, among other things, a visual analysis thorough vision systems, and the detection of the power exerted on the pedals of the stationary bike.

These studies could be even be very accurate and sophisticated; however, they have the drawback that, in order to carry out the method, expert staff is required, as well as a very sophisticated equipment; a further problem is the lack of information taken from real experience, verified on road, outside the laboratory.

Object and summary of the invention

An object of the invention is to overcome the drawbacks mentioned above of the methods and studies for assessing the cyclists’ performances.

Therefore, an important object of the invention is to provide a system for assessing the performances of a cyclist, which can be used with real data, directly taken during an “on road” training session, thus allowing the cyclist adjusting his/her posture on the bike and the way he/she exerts power on the pedals.

A further object of the invention is to provide a system for assessing the performances, which can be studied by the cyclist both in real time, during an on road session, and at a later time.

A further important object of the invention is to provide a system for assessing the performances, which is simple to be used by the cyclist.

These and other objects, that will be explained below, are achieved by means of a system for assessing the performances of a cyclist according to his/her position on the saddle, comprising

-a plurality of first sensors arranged in predetermined areas under the upper surface of the saddle in contact with the cyclist and adapted to measure the load of the cyclist’s weight on these predetermined areas,

-a first inertial platform functionally associated with the saddle and adapted to detect inclinations, displacements, and accelerations thereof,

-at least an assembly for measuring the power, to be associated with a respective foot of the cyclist, comprising:

• a shoe insole or midsole comprising at least one second sensor adapted to measure the pressure exerted by the foot of the cyclist on the insole or midsole while pedaling,

• a second inertial platform functionally associated with the insole or midsole or other part of the cyclist's shoe and adapted to detect inclinations, displacements, accelerations, and angular velocities thereof,

-an electronic device for managing the information from the sensors and from the first and the second inertial platform,

-wireless communication means arranged respectively between the sensors, the first inertial platform, the second inertial platform, and the electronic device,

-an electronic program adapted to calculate, based on the information from the sensors and from the first and the second inertial platform, the power exerted on the insole or midsole by the cyclist, and adapted to relate the calculated power to the position of the load of the cyclist’s weight on the saddle and/or to the lateral inclination of the saddle and/or to the slope of the road,

-a monitor adapted to show the cyclist, in real time, or at a later time, one or more of the following parameters: a) the power exerted by the cyclist on the insole or midsole, through at least a lower limb, preferably both the lower limbs, b) the lateral inclination of the saddle/bicycle, c) the slope of the road, d) the position of the load of the cyclist’s weight on the saddle, e) the power expressed as a function of the position of the load of the cyclist’s weight on the saddle, and/or of the slope of the road and/or of the lateral inclination of the saddle/bicycle, f) the bicycle speed.

Preferably, two assemblies are provided, one for each foot of the cyclist, each of which is formed by the insole or midsole with the at least one second sensor, and by the second inertial platform, to assess separately the power exerted by the two lower limbs.

Thanks to this system associated with the bicycle, the cyclist can assess his/her position on the saddle (detected through the first pressure sensors) over time and can observe how the power exerted on the pedals (measured through the sensorized shoes) varies over the same time, actually making a correlation between position and power. Moreover, in the preferred case of measuring the power exerted by both the lower limbs, with this system the cyclist can detect any asymmetry of the lower limbs and can adjust his/her posture. These assessments can be also done and verified during the on road session, thus achieving very realistic information, that are therefore very useful for optimizing the pedaling action (posture and load applied to the pedals).

The electronic program is preferably uploaded in the electronic device. Adequately, the electronic device is fixed to the bicycle used by the cyclist, for example on the handlebar thereof, but it can be also worn by the cyclist, for example in a pocket attached to the wrist or to the arm, or to the clothes, or in a backpack.

In this way, the cyclist can continuously monitor his/her performances and posture while riding, or verify them once back to home.

The electronic device can also be, preferably, a smartphone, a tablet or the like.

Obviously, also other types of electronic devices can be used. However, the important is, as mentioned above, that the electronic device preferably comprises a monitor to allow the cyclist to view the information and/or the calculations and/or the processing associated to, or made by, the electronic device.

As already mentioned, the system may preferably comprise a second electronic device, not directly associated with the cyclist nor with the bicycle, which can be operatively connected to the electronic device and on which the information from the sensors provided on the saddle and on the shoe and from the two inertial platforms can be downloaded at a later time. This second electronic device can be, for example, a personal computer, to which the first electronic device carried by the cyclist is connected, through a cable, or WiFi or Bluetooth connection or the like, to download the data stored therein.

The first sensors are preferably integrated with the body of the saddle. In this way, the sensors will be advantageously always arranged in the same position and allow accurate and constant measurements. Moreover, by integrating the sensors with the saddle it is no longer required to equip every time the bicycle with the various components of the system.

The first sensors associated with the saddle are preferably resistive sensors.

Adequately, also the first inertial platform is integrated with, or fastened to, the saddle. This allows having, in a single item (the saddle), all the electronic components to be fixed to the bicycle, thus saving a lot of time for installing the system.

More in particular, the saddle preferably comprises a first electronic equipment for managing the firs sensors and the first inertial platform (for example an electronic board), which also comprises respective wireless transmission means, for example Bluetooth technology, WiFi technology or the like; the first sensors are preferably wired to the first electronic equipment; the first inertial platform is adequately integrated with the first electronic equipment; the wireless transmission means of the first electronic equipment preferably allow the transmission of information of the first sensors and the first inertial platform to the electronic device.

The shoes are preferably cycling shoes of the type coupling to the pedals (preferably of the fast coupling/release type), allowing a rigid pedal-shoe structure.

Preferably, respective wireless communication means, such as Bluetooth technology, WiFi technology or the like, and the second inertial platform, are integrated with the cyclist shoe.

More in particular, and preferably, the shoe comprises a second electronic equipment for managing the at least one second sensor and the respective wireless transmission means (for example an electronic board). Adequately, the at least one second sensor can be wired to the second electronic equipment; the second inertial platform is preferably integrated with the second electronic equipment.

One or more sensors, for example resistive sensors, can be provided on the insole, or the midsole, of the shoe, the sensors being for example equal to the first sensors associated with the saddle.

In practice and adequately, the shoe (or preferably both shoes) are already ready for being used; it is sufficient that the cyclist wears it, and it can operate in the system of the invention.

Wired connections, in the present description, shall be intended in the widest meaning, i.e. comprising cables or being constituted by conductive tracks printed on boards (or a combination thereof). Practically, in a preferred base configuration, the system is formed by a sensorized saddle with integrated electronics, a pair of sensorized shoes and an electronic device receiving information from the saddle and from the shoes and processing the information in order to display them to the cyclist during the ride and/or at a later time.

As regards the outputs shown to the cyclist, in addition to the above mentioned parameters, at least one simplified plan profile of the saddle can be displayed on the monitor, and on this profile the values of the load of the cyclist’s weight are indicated at a given moment or time interval.

The profile is preferably subdivided into at least three areas, preferably into transversal bands, and in particular a front area, a central area, if necessary subdivided into two sub-areas, and a rear area of the saddle. The saddle area that is more stressed by the cyclist’s weight at a given moment or time interval can be therefore displayed or highlighted on the monitor. Alternatively, or in combination, an isometric map can be represented on this profile of the saddle, showing the load of the cyclist’s weight at a given moment or time interval.

Diagrams, or numerical values, can be also displayed on the monitor, illustrating the speed of the bicycle over time, the lateral inclination of the bike, the slope of the road, the power exerted on the pedals (shoes) at given instants or time intervals, and/or a combination of these parameters.

This configurations of the outputs allows an easy and quick understanding of the load distributed on the saddle and the power exerted by the cyclist.

Brief description of the drawing

Further characteristics and advantages of the present invention will be more apparent from the description of a preferred, although not exclusive, embodiment, illustrated by way of non-limiting example in the attached tables of drawing, wherein:

figure 1 is a schematic view of a cyclist on a bicycle using the system of the invention;

figure 2 is a schematic view of a smartphone to be used in the system of the invention;

figure 3 is a schematic exploded view of the saddle of the system of the invention;

figure 4 is a schematic sectional view of a shoe to be used in the system of the invention;

figures 5-7 schematically show three diagrams of the forces applied to the pedals for calculating the power applied to the pedals in the system of the invention;

figure 8 is a schematic view of a personal computer to be used in the system of the invention.

Detailed description of an embodiment of the invention

With reference to the above listed figures, a system for assessing the performances of a cyclist according to his/her position on the saddle is indicated as a whole with number 10.

The bicycle, with which the system 10 is associated, is indicated as a whole with number 11. The saddle of the bicycle is indicated with number 12, the handlebar with number 13 and the pedals with number 14. The cyclist is indicated with the letter C, and his/her shoes are indicated with number 15.

The saddle 12 comprises an upper face, which defines an upper outer surface 16 where the cyclist rests, and a lower face 17, where there is the connection with the rod S supporting the saddle.

First sensors 18 are distributed on the upper portion of the saddle, below the outer surface thereof (indicatively in correspondence of the whole surface that can be occupied by the cyclist, and at least on the front area, the back area and the central area thereof). Each first sensor 18 is adapted to detect the pressure of the cyclist, i.e. it is adapted to detect the load of the cyclist’s weight in the predetermined area where the sensor is provided. For example, each first pressure sensor 18 is a piezo-resistive sensor, printed on a first layer 19 of flexible material (for example through the same technique used for printed circuits), arranged between the rigid recess 12A and the soft upper portion 12B of the saddle. A second layer 20, made of semi-conductive material like “velostat” or piezo-resistive fabrics, is provided above these sensors. Therefore, above this second layer 20 there is provided the outer layer defining the upper outer surface where the cyclist rests. The sensors are piezo-resistive sensors, so that, by opposing a pressure orthogonally with respect to the surface where the sensor is provided, a change occurs in the electric resistance at the ends of the sensor. The electric resistance is proportional to the exerted pressure.

Each first sensor 18 is operatively connected, through a conductive track (not shown in the figures), to a first managing electronic equipment 21 , providing for example for an electronic board, arranged preferably on the lower part of the saddle 12. On the electronic board of this first managing equipment 21 there is also a wireless transmission module 30A, for example a first Bluetooth module, a WiFi module or the like.

A first inertial platform 22 (for example of the IMU type comprising a three- axis accelerometer, a three-axis gyroscope and a three-axis magnetometer) is operatively connected to the first managing electronic equipment 21 , this platform also being arranged under the saddle. The first equipment 21 and the first inertial platform 22 preferably constitute a common unit, rigidly arranged under the saddle. Therefore, the inertial platform 22, being rigidly connected to the saddle, and therefore to the bicycle, is adapted to asses the lateral inclination of the bicycle and the slope of the road.

In this example, both the shoes 15 of the cyclist C are provided with respective assemblies for measuring the power exerted, and in particular they are provided with respective pluralities of second sensors 23 adapted to measure the foot pressure during pedaling. Each shoe 15 is preferably fixed to the respective pedal 14 through a known fast lock/release device D.

Adequately, the second pressure sensors 23 (or even a single pressure sensor for each shoe) are fixed on a part of the inner insole 24 of the respective shoe (above this latter a further cleaning midsole can be arranged, not shown in the figures). Alternatively, the second pressure sensor 23 can be integrated with a portion of the midsole 15A. In further embodiments, the insole 24 can be removed from the shoe for being used with any other shoe.

Adequately, the second pressure sensors 23 are equal to the firs pressure sensors 18; they are therefore resistive sensors, printed on respective layers of flexible material (for example through the same technique used for printed circuits) and integrated with the insoles, in association with respective layers in semi-conductive material.

A second managing electronic equipment 25 is associated with each shoe 15, the equipment providing for example for an electronic board, arranged for example on the insole 24 or in any other part of the shoe, for example inside the sole or at the back of the heel area. On the electronic board of this second managing electronic equipment 25 a wireless transmission module is also provided, such as a second Bluetooth module or WiFi module 30B or the like. The second sensor 23 is connected via cable (or printed conductive track) to the second electronic equipment 25.

A second inertial platform 26 (for example of the IMU type comprising a three-axis accelerometer, a three-axis gyroscope and a three-axis magnetometer) is integrated with the second electronic equipment 25, i.e. it is integrated with the respective shoe.

The system 10 also comprises a first electronic device, such as a smartphone 27, for managing information coming from the first and the second pressure sensors 18-23 and the first and the second inertial platforms 22-26.

An electronic program P is uploaded in the smartphone 27, adapted to calculate, based on the information from the first and the second pressure sensors 18-23 and from the first and the second inertial platform 22-26, the power exerted on the pedals by the lower limbs of the cyclist C through the shoes 15, and adapted to relate the calculated power to the position of the load of the cyclist’s weight on the saddle, to the lateral inclination of the saddle and to the slope of the road. The electronic program is also adapted to calculate any asymmetries in the thrust on the pedals, and to relate them to the cyclist’s posture. The information, stored in the smartphone 27, can be therefore displayed on the monitor 28, all together or according to a preset order.

The power exerted by the lower limbs of the cyclist C on the pedals through the shoes 15 is calculated thanks to the second pressure sensors 23 and the second inertial platform 26. Especially this latter serves both to measure the spatial orientation of the shoe (“roll”,“pitch” and“yaw”) and to measure the pedaling tangential velocity.

Now reference will be made to figure 5. The total force (Ftot) acting on the pedal can be subdivided into three components. Without taking into account the ineffective lateral component (FI), the forces acting on the rotation of the pedal crank 14A are the radial force (Frd) and the tangential force (Ftg). The radial component acts parallel with respect to the pedal crank, while the tangential component acts perpendicularly with respect to the pedal crank, and therefore only the tangential force causes the rotation movement, whilst the radial force results in static friction. In figure 5 the forces are shown that act on the pedal while pedaling.

Therefore, the pedaling power is given by the tangential force multiplied by the tangential velocity, i.e.: P=Ftg ^* Vtg.

In the system of the invention, the second pressure sensor 23 in the shoe allows measuring the force perpendicular to the pedal, without taking into account the parallel component Fpx (see figure 6).

Moreover, the shoe coupled to the pedal does not allow transversal sliding. The relationship between the force measured by the second sensor 23 and the force allowing the rotation of the pedal crank (Ftg) is (figure 7): Ftg= Fp*cosp.

Therefore, the force will be calculated as P=Ftg ^* Vtg= |Fp| ^* |Vtg| ^* cos(P).

In other words, the power is the scalar product between the vector force, measured by the second pressure sensor, and the vector tangential velocity.

The product of the module of the tangential vector and cos(P) is simply the projection of the speed on the vector Force Fp, i.e. the component of the speed on the axes of the pedal coinciding with the axes of the second inertial platform (Vz).

The speed component Vz is calculated by the integration of the acceleration through adequate algorithms, measured always by the second inertial platform integrated with the shoe.

From this vector both the gravity acceleration (g) and the acceleration component due to the motion of the bicycle (at) shall be subtracted.

t2

( az - g - at)dt

ti This latter component is calculated through the first inertial platform installed on the saddle.

The smartphone 27 can be fixed, for example, to the handlebar (as shown in figure 1 ), so that the cyclist can see in real time the above mentioned information, and in particular his/her position on the saddle and the power exerted on the pedals in the same instant, and can adjust his/her posture accordingly.

As regards the outputs shown to the cyclist, to assess his/her position on the saddle detected by the first pressure sensors, on the monitor a simplified plan profile 31 of the saddle is displayed, on which the values of the load of the cyclist’s weight are visually indicated at a given moment or time interval.

The profile is subdivided into three areas, for example three transversal bands separated in the middle thereof, and in particular a rear area 31 A, a central area subdivided into two sub-areas 31 B, and a front area 31 C. According to the position of the cyclist on the saddle, where the load is greater, one of these areas will be highlighted. In practice, on the monitor there is displayed the saddle area that is most stressed by the cyclist’s weight at a given moment or time interval.

Alternatively, or in combination, on an analogous profile 32 of the saddle that can be displayed on the monitor, an isometric map 33 can be represented of the load of the cyclist’s weight at a given moment or time interval.

Numerical values K are also show on the monitor, illustrating the speed of the bicycle over time, the lateral inclination of the bicycle, the slope of the road, the power exerted by the right lower limb, the power exerted by the left lower limb, the power exerted on the pedals (more precisely on the shoes) at given instant or time intervals, and/or a combination of these parameters, as well as diagrams 34.

For example, in figure 2, in addition to the numerical values K, a diagram H is shown of the load on the area B (the area active at that moment) as a function of time (synchronized with mapping of the profiles 31 and 33), with the instant values G.

In other examples, diagrams may be provided of the power as a function of time, related to the load on the various areas of the saddle and/or to the lateral inclination of the saddle, the slope of the road and the speed of the bicycle.

Adequately, the smartphone can be also carried by the cyclist, for example in a pocket or in a backpack, and can be looked at later, to verify the information on the performances indicated above.

More adequately, the system 10 may comprise a second electronic device not directly associated with the cyclist or the bicycle, such as a personal computer 40, which can be operatively connected to the smartphone via cable or WiFi or Bluetooth or the like. Information from the first and the second sensors and from the first and the second inertial platforms can be downloaded in the personal computer 40 at a later time, and can be analyzed by an electronic program P, functionally similar to the program provided in the smartphone. Analogously to what occurs with the smartphone, on the monitor of the computer 40 the information on the parameters listed above can be displayed. In the example of figure 8, two diagrams have been added, relating to the two areas A and C, not uploaded.

Obviously, in other embodiments, the electronic device can be different than a smartphone, for example it can simply be a device for receiving and storing information from the first and the second sensors and from the first and the second inertial platform, that are subsequently downloaded on the personal computer 40, where the electronic program P is provided, allowing the analysis thereof and the calculation of the parameters indicated above and the visualization on the monitor thereof.

It is understood that what is illustrated purely represents possible non limiting embodiments of the invention, which may vary in forms and arrangements without departing from the scope of the concept on which the invention is based. Any reference numerals in the appended claims are provided for the sole purpose of facilitating the reading thereof in the light of the description before and the accompanying drawings and do not in any way limit the scope of protection.