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Title:
MOTOR POWERED BY HUMAN MUSCLES
Document Type and Number:
WIPO Patent Application WO/2018/127822
Kind Code:
A1
Abstract:
Apparatus (1) comprises a frame structure (2), which can be free standing or attached to work-performing devices, to which the muscle force is transferred, by any suitable means of attachment; an adjustable height and/or tilt seat part (6); a mechanical motion generating device (7); a coupling (14) for transferring muscle power to other devices; means for transferring a mechanical movement from a motion generator (7) to a coupling (14) for transfer muscle movement for further utilization in other devices; guides (11) of the mechanical motion generating means (7) with a fixed slope angle from 0° to 90°; surfaces designed to be pushed by feet; devices adapted for performing a pulling motion (9); guides (12, 13) of devices adapted for performing a pulling motion (9).

Inventors:
GOLOSKOKOV NIKOLAJ (LT)
Application Number:
PCT/IB2018/050054
Publication Date:
July 12, 2018
Filing Date:
January 04, 2018
Export Citation:
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Assignee:
UAB VESTA (LT)
International Classes:
A63B22/00; A63B21/005; A63B22/20
Domestic Patent References:
WO2013072850A12013-05-23
Foreign References:
US5833256A1998-11-10
US4647035A1987-03-03
Attorney, Agent or Firm:
PETNIUNAITE, Jurga (LT)
Download PDF:
Claims:
Claims

1 . An apparatus (1 ) for converting human muscle power into work of a further device, the apparatus (1 ) comprising a frame structure (2), feet-operated parts (8) and arms-operated parts (9), a motion generating means (7), and a seat part (6), c h a r a c t e r i z e d in that the frame structure (2) includes means of attachment to further equipment; the seat part (6) is fixed to the frame structure (2); the means (9) for pulling motion is fixed at one end to the mechanical movement generating means (7), wherein the other end has means

(10) for manual pulling motion, wherein said mechanical motion generating means (7) are movably attached to guides

(1 1 ) with a fixed slope angle of 0° to 90°between the plane of the base of the frame structure (2), which is supported by the support surface, and the plane of the guides (1 1 ) of the mechanical motion generating means (7), and in that it comprises guiding elements (12, 13) for each means (9) for a pulling motion, which guide the means (9) for a pulling motion in a first direction and in a second direction for a continuous movement; means (5, 14.6') for transferring a motion generated by said motion generating means (7) to a coupling (14, 14') between the apparatus (1 ) and a further device.

2. Apparatus (1 ) according to claim 1 , wherein the mechanical motion generating means (7) are equipped with sliding means for sliding over the guides (1 1 ) of the motion generating means (7).

3. Apparatus (1 ) according to claim 1 , wherein the mechanical motion generating means (6) are equipped with rolling means for moving over guides (1 1 ) of the motion generating means (7).

4. Apparatus (1 ) according to anyone of the preceding claims, wherein one guiding element

(12) of the means (9) for pulling motion is attached to the frame structure (2), and the other guiding element (1 3) of the means (9) for pulling motion is attached to the motion generating means (7).

5. Apparatus (1 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the feet operated parts (8) are surfaces with high friction coefficient.

6. Apparatus (1 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the feet operated parts (8) are provided with feet-fixing means.

7. Apparatus (1 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the feet operated parts (8) are surfaces with adjustable and fixable tilt.

8. Apparatus (1 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the seat part (6) has means for locking the user's seating position.

9. Apparatus (1 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, having first movement direction of the means (9) for pulling being the same as the direction of movement of the feet operated parts (8) movable by pressing with feet, and the second movement direction in the opposite to that of the feet operated parts (8), wherein the means (9) for pulling are movable in both said directions at the same time.

10. Apparatus (1 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the coupling (14') for transmitting motion generated by the motion generating means (7) to another device for performing work comprises two axes (14.1 ', 14.2') on which pivots (14.3', 14.4') are mounted, which are connected through a flexible coupling (14.5') and a gripping member (14.6') operating in three steps, comprising such means of engagement with a flexible coupling (14.5'), which engage in one direction with a flexible connection (14.5') and, in the other direction, do not engage with a flexible connection (14.5').

1 1 . A method for converting human muscle power into work of a further device, comprising movement of motion generating means (7) where the motion generating means (7) are tilted at an angle of 0° to 90° over the guides (1 1 ), while acting on said motion generating means (7) by feet pushing motion and arms pulling motion so that the motion generating means (7) move from the first position, which is closest to the user (4) of the apparatus (1 ), to the second position, which is furthest from the user (4) of the apparatus (1 ), and where the first movement direction of each means (9) for pulling between the guide elements (12, 13) is parallel to movement direction of the motion generating means (7), and angle of second movement direction decreases in relation to movement direction of the motion generating means (7) from the seat part (6); wherein the motion of the motion generating means (7) is a reverse movement between the initial position near the stationary seat part (6), and the end position substantially further away from the stationary seat part (6); wherein the movement of each means (9) for pulling motion (9) between the guide elements (12, 13) thereof comprises acting on the motion generating means (7) by means (9) for pulling motion in at least two points, one of which is attachment point of the means (9) for pulling motion to the motion generating means (7), and the other one is the guide element (13) of the means (9) for pulling motion (9), attached to the motion generating means (7); and wherein the motion generated by the motion generating means (7) is transferred to the device for performing work through means designed to transfer movement generated by said motion generating means (7) to a coupling (14) between the apparatus (1 ) for converting human muscle force into device operation (1 ) and the device for performing work.

12. A method according to Claim 1 1 , wherein the apparatus (1 ) according to any one of the claims 1 to 1 0 is used.

Description:
MOTOR POWERED BY HUMAN MUSCLES

Field of the Invention

The invention relates to apparatus for transferring human muscle force to other devices for transforming muscle energy into mechanical energy, and, more specifically, to apparatus of simultaneous transfer of force generated by concurrent movement of legs and arms to other devices.

Background of the invention

In the areas where useful work can be done by using a human muscle power, like generating electricity, moving means of transportation, etc., the need exists to deliver the most of useful work with as low as possible human input, i.e. to generate maximum muscle power with a minimum exertion of the human body. In order for human muscles to generate the greatest possible power, the muscles of the upper and lower parts of the body must act at the lowest possible angle in relation to each other. The ideal case is where these forces operate in parallel and in one plane.

The human body has approximately 650 skeletal muscles. The work of skeletal muscles can be static and dynamic. Static work is needed to maintain a vertical position or a certain posture. When performing static work, the muscles do not shorten or lengthen, they just stiffen. During a dynamic work, the muscle acquires power by changing its length.

When using exercising equipment, a very small part of skeletal muscles performs efficient dynamic work. For example, while using an academic rowing simulator (T1 ), a user in initial position has his legs (K) bent and calves - in an upright position. Tricepses are used when stretching an arms (R) and flexing muscles of fingers and thumbs grip a handle for pulling. Back (N) muscles are relaxed, and the abdominal muscles are used to bend the torso forward. At the beginning of active use of equipment the main work is done by the leg muscles, followed by biceps of an arm being activated to pull the handle towards the abdomen. At the same time, the back muscles begin to work harder. During this phase, nearly all upper body muscles are activated. At the end of the pull motion, the abdominal muscles stabilize the body, while the middle buttock muscles and the quadriceps contract. Biceps and many other spinal muscles also contract to support the torso in the pulling-end position when the back is in the upright or reclined position. The use of body weight force factor in rowing allows rowing with lower force by compensating it with the weight force. During rowing, almost 90 percent of the skeletal muscles are working and it is possible to develop power of 2-2.5 hp or 1472-1840 watts. However, using this type of device, there is a large angle between arms, legs and back muscles, which results in most muscles of the upper body having to work more for body stabilization rather than for useful pulling work.

The muscles work most efficiently during deadlift movement, such as lifting the barbell weights (T2) from the ground to the waist or over head. During lifting of such weights about 90 percent of the skeletal muscles are working and can produce 4-4.5 hp or 2944-3312 watts. This occurs due to the action of all the muscles of the body in almost one straight line (Fig. 1 ), compared with academic rowing (Fig. 2).

There are known devices that are used to transfer human muscle power to motion formation means of a moving apparatus. US Patent Application No. US 08/273,267 discloses a drive and a control mechanism for a human-powered vehicles. The invention operates using power of both arms and leg, but position of a user in terms of the conversion of muscle power to vehicle movement and the control of vehicles by the extremities does not ensure the greatest possible use of muscle power due to position of the user's body during movement of legs and arms. Also, while legs perform stepping movements, each arm performs pulling movements separately. The same drawbacks are also found in the US patent application no. US 13,104,022, wherein the elements intended to be manipulated by arms and legs are arranged so that the user who controls them is in a sitting position during muscular load and, when pushing with legs and pulling with arms moves backward in a horizontal plane with respect to surface on which the vehicle moves.

Generation of electricity by muscle power is also not a new phenomenon. The most commonly used are bicycle, jogging, skiing or walking-type simulators equipped with electric power generators and other components necessary for the generation, transmission and storage of electric power. These are renewable energy sources based on human muscle work. Such simulators / electric power generators are disclosed in US Patent Application No. US 12/214,843. It includes several types of conventional simulators equipped with electric power generators and other components for the production, transmission and storage of electric power. The main disadvantage is that in all embodiments only a very small part of the human muscles is used and low power is generated, which makes the production of electric power ineffective.

Patent Application No. EP 1 1856176.0 discloses an electric power generator based on a rowing-type simulator. The device includes a main frame, a seat part movable on the frame, a part for pushing with legs, a part to be pulled by arms, a damping device for creating a resistance force, and a belt-driven wheel connected to a generator for generating electric power. In this case, movement of the wheel, which is rotated through the tensioned belt element, is created only by using a part of the simulator designed for pulling. Muscles of legs, back, stomach, and other muscles are used inefficiently, because all the power for generating electricity is created through tensile movement of the arms, whereas the foot-off movements require that the back muscles act in order for the user to be able to handle the tensile movements of arms and to support the user's upper part of the legs when the foot-off movements are performed. The design of the device does not allow the body muscles to be used effectively in order to develop the maximum force.

US patent application No. US 1 1 /214,370 discloses a device having a double load mechanism comprising two separate loading mechanisms: one for manual work, wherein the load is connected to pull-handles, and a second one for the leg work, wherein the load is connected to a movable seat. The puling movement by arms and the pushing movement by legs are performed simultaneously. This device also has a seat part with adjustable push-off angle. Thus the number of working muscles during leg work is increased, but due to the position adjusted to the pulling motion the user's muscles, along with the leg and back muscles, work less efficiently.

The invention eliminates drawbacks of prior art and increases efficiency of human muscle power transmission to other devices.

Short Description of the Invention

Embodiments of the present invention increase efficiency of transfer of human muscle power to a device for performing work. Apparatus (1 ) according to one embodiment comprises a frame structure (2), which can be free standing or attached to work-performing devices, to which the muscle force is transferred, by any suitable means of attachment; adjustable height and/or tilt seat part (6); a mechanical motion generating device (7); a coupling (14) for transferring muscle power to other devices; means for transferring a mechanical movement from a motion generator (7) to a coupling (14), designed to transfer muscle movement for further utilization in other devices; guides (1 1 ) of mechanical motion generating means (7) with a fixed slope angle from 0° to 90°; surfaces (3) designed to be pushed by feet; means adapted for performing a pulling motion (9); guides (12, 13) of devices adapted for performing a pulling motion (9).

Short Description of Drawings

Other features and advantages of the invention are described in the detailed description of the invention with reference to the following drawings:

Fig. 1 shows position of a human body when lifting a weight barbell.

Fig. 2 shows position of a human body during academic rowing;

Fig. 3 shows side view of the apparatus according to one embodiment of the invention. Fig. 4 shows side view of the apparatus according to another embodiment of the invention with special coupling for transferring motion generated by human muscles from the apparatus to a work-performing device;

Fig. 5 shows a special coupling for transferring motion generated by human muscles from the apparatus according to embodiment of the invention to a work-performing device.

Before submitting a detailed description of the invention with reference to embodiment example drawings, we note that identical elements are indicated by the same numerals in all the drawings.

Detailed description of the invention

It should be understood that numerous specific details are set out in order to provide a complete and comprehensive description of the embodiment example of the invention. However, the skilled person will understand that the level of details of embodiment examples does not limit the embodiment of the invention, which can be embodied without such specific instructions. Well-known methods, procedures and components have not been described in detail to make sure that embodiment examples are not misleading. Furthermore, this description should not be construed as limiting the embodiment examples.

An apparatus (1 ) for transferring human (4) muscle power to other devices for performing work, comprises a frame structure (2) which can be free standing or attached to work-performing devices, to which the muscle power is transferred, by any suitable means of attachment; an adjustable height and/or tilt seat part (6); a mechanical motion generating device (7); a coupling (14, 14') for transferring muscle power to other devices; means (5, 14.6') for transferring a mechanical movement from a motion generator (7) to a coupling (14, 14'), designed for transferring muscle movement for further utilization in other devices; guides (1 1 ) of mechanical motion generating means (7) with a fixed slope angle from 0° to 90°; surfaces adapted to be pushed by feet (8); means adapted to perform a pulling motion (9); guides (12, 13) of device adapted to perform a pulling motion (9).

It should be understood that the apparatus (1 ) is symmetric and the view of its elements on one side is the same as that on the other side.

The seat part (6) can be adjusted by changing height or angle only, or both height angle relative to the base of the frame structure (2). The seat part (6) can be fastened to the frame structure (2) directly or through an additional frame structure (not shown).

The coupling (14, 14') for transmitting muscle movement to other devices for further utilization may include, without limitation to this embodiment, a gearbox, which can be adjusted in such a way as to reduce or increase the force. Or this can be any other device that acts as a gearbox or a transmission of other kind. The coupling (14') may be comprising two axes (14.1 ', 14.2') on which the pivoting elements (14.3', 14.4') are mounted, which are connected through a flexible coupling (14.5'), such as a flat or toothed belt coupling or chain-type coupling. The flexible coupling (14.5') is controlled by a grip member (14.6'), which operates in three steps. During the first step, when the grip member (14.6') of the flexible coupling (14.5') is in the initial position and closest to one of the pivoting members, the grip member (14.6') engages with a flexible coupling (14.5') and is affected by means for transmitting mechanical movement from a motion generating means (7) to the coupling (14') for transmitting muscle movement to other devices for further utilization. During the second step the grip member (14.6') forces the flexing joint (14.5') to move by pulling or pushing motion so that the pivoting members (14.3', 14.4') begin to rotate and the muscular force is transmitted to two axes, at least one of which is connected to movement means (such as wheels, propellers, etc.) of the vehicle. During the third step the grip member is returning to its initial position without gripping with a flexible coupling. Means for mounting such coupling (14') to a vehicle means are not detailed as any suitable means can be used. Said mounting means can be part of any embodiment of the invention or may be part of the device to which the power generated by muscles is transferred.

Means for transferring mechanical movement from motion generating means (7) to a coupling (14, 14') and for transferring muscle movement to other devices for further utilization may include a gear rod, a belt coupling, a gripping device, or a device of other type suitable for connecting mechanical motion-generating means (7) and a coupling (14, 14') that transmits muscle movement to other devices for further utilization.

The mechanical movement generating means (7) comprise feet support surfaces (8) with adjustable and/or fixed angle; means for moving on guides (1 1 ), such as rolling bearings, rollers or sliding movement means, arranged on at least two sides of each guide, in order for the mechanical movement forming means (7) to move precisely in the direction defined by the guides (1 1 ). The mechanical movement generating means (7) may also include means for fixing user's feet to the feet support surface (8), such as locking straps or similar means that allow the mechanical movement generating means (7) to be returned to the initial position by pulling movement of the foot.

The mechanical movement generating means (7) further comprises means (9) for pulling and preferably at least two such means (9), such as a wire or any other flexible device with one end thereof being attached to the mechanical movement generating means (7), and with the other end thereof being provided with a grip element, such as a handle (10). The means (9) for pulling movement by user's hands is directed from the point of attachment to the mechanical movement generating means (7) to the first guide (12) of the means (9) pulling movement, which is attached to the frame structure (2) and comprises a rotating pulley or similar element. The first guide (12) directs the means (9) for pulling motion towards the second guide (13) that is fixed to the mechanical motion generating means (7).

The mechanical movement generating means (7) are returned to the initial position, located near the seat part (6), by feet action on the feet fixing elements. The mechanical movement generating means (7) can be also returned to the initial position by spring elements, electric actuators, or any other means that reduce or eliminate the force, with which a human must act on the mechanical motion generating means (7) in order to return them to their initial position.

An electronic monitoring panel with a speed sensor (not shown in the drawing) can be used for measurements.

The angle (β) between the plane of the base of the frame structure (2), which is supported by the support surface, and the plane of the guides (1 1 ) of mechanical motion generating means (7), is from 0 to 90 degrees.

A person sitting on the seat part (6) grips on the handles (10) of means (9) for pulling motion. At the same time feet are placed on the feet support surfaces (8). The feet can be fixed in such a way that they are immovably positioned in relation to the mechanical movement generating means (7).

In the initial position of the apparatus (1 ), the mechanical movement generating means (7) are closest to the seat part (6), thus allowing the hands to be positioned almost at the feet. In order to generate movement by the mechanical movement generating means (7), the legs act on the feet support surfaces (8) with pushing movement and, at the same time, the pulling motion is carried out by hands pulling the movement generating means (7) through the mans (9) for pulling motion. The means for pulling motion (9) at one end is attached to the mechanical movement generating means (7) and pull it in the same direction as the direction of the pushing movement of legs. The means (9) for pulling movement move through the first and second guides (12, 13) in such a way that the other ends thereof, where the handles (10) are, move in the opposite direction to the direction of movement generating means (7). The first direction of movement of each means (9) for pulling motion between the guides (12, 13) is substantially parallel to the direction of movement of the movement generating means (7), and angle of the second direction decreases with respect to the direction of movement of the movement generating means (7) from the seat part (6).

During operation of the mechanical motion generating means (7), the seat part (6) does not move. Thus the angle of 0 to 90 degrees between the plane of the base of the frame structure (2) and the plane of the guides (1 1 ) of mechanical movement generating means (7) allows to act on the mechanical movement generating means (7) with highest possible force of human muscles by utilizing almost 90 percent of skeletal muscles, similarly as the above mentioned 90 percent of human skeletal muscles are utilized when lifting the barbell from the ground up to the waist or over the head, which results in a force of 2 to 4.5 hp.

In the initial position, the upper body of the apparatus user is substantially perpendicular to the base, or slightly tilted forward; arms are stretched, and the hands are adjacent to the feet. The legs perform pushing movement, the hands perform pulling movement, and the muscles of back, neck, shoulders, abdomen, etc. are also involved. The linear and traction paths of the arm and leg movements are substantially in one line. When the mechanical motion generating means (7) move to the end position, the whole body of the user gradually stretches and the arms bend, i.e. at least the muscles of legs, arms, back and shoulders act at the smallest angle with respect to each other. In the end position of the motion generating means (7) the body of the user is in a nearly straight position. The motion is cyclic and consists of two phases: the active force phase and the passive phase of returning to the initial position. Return to the initial working position can be facilitated by the use of elastic elements. An inertial rotating mass (flywheel) can be used to compensate for the passive phase.

In another embodiment, the apparatus comprises all of the above mentioned components of the apparatus (1 ) and operates on the same principle, and further comprises other devices necessary for the transmission of electricity to the power storage and/or utilization devices which are not detailed, as these are a part of general knowledge about electricity transmission and storage.

The apparatus (1 ) comprises a device for conversion of mechanical energy into electrical energy, such as a DC generator and other devices, capable of converting mechanical movement into electrical energy, instead of the coupling (14, 14') for transmitting muscle power movement to other devices for work performing.

In yet another embodiment the apparatus comprises all the elements as in the first embodiment, just instead of an electric motor for the production of electricity the apparatus according to the invention is coupled to a transportation apparatus, which can be controlled by human muscle power with or without an additional source of power. This embodiment may also include a special coupling (14') for transferring mechanical movement for further utilization in other devices, such as a vehicle for propulsion thereof.

Use of the invention as described in above embodiments, not limiting to given examples in combination with a suitable engine of any type or alone, includes:

- ground vehicles, having at least two wheels with front and / or rear driving axles;

- SUVs with tracks;

- motorized snow vehicles with or without propellers;

- special road-cleaning vehicles; - special snow removal vehicles;

- special vehicles with lifting boom;

- farm tractors with implements,

- water vehicles with propellers, propeller screws, water cannons, also wings powered by crankshaft mechanism;

- underwater vehicles driven by propeller screws, water cannons, also wings powered by crankshaft mechanism;

- aircrafts, such as planes, helicopters, and ground effect vehicles (ekranoplans);

- lifting equipment where reducers or drives are used;

- power sources of compressors and home appliances, such as washing machines, etc.;

- other applications requiring a power of up to 3 kW for a short time.

Other embodiments include, but are not limited to such devices as hang gliders, underwater and waterborne vehicles, terrestrial two-wheel, three-wheel or four-wheel vehicles, lifting equipment, etc.

In all application cases the dimensions of the structure or means of attachment between the apparatus for transferring human muscle force to other devices and controlled devices may vary. Accordingly, the motion transfer assembly, such as belt coupling, chain or a coupling of another type, may also vary.

Alternatively, a mechanism such as a linear motion transfer mechanism can also be used instead of a rotary shaft in the human muscle force transfer device. The transmitted power can be reduced or increased by using a lever. The areas of use of the apparatus would include pumps, hoists, clamps, and water vehicles, such as aquaskippers.

Although the present description includes numerous characteristics and advantages of the invention together with structural details and features, the description is given as an example of the invention embodiment. There may be changes in the details, especially in the form, size and layout of materials without departing from the principles of the invention in accordance with the widely understood definition of terms used in claims.