POSTURE MONITORING AND CORRECTION SYSTEM FOR BIKERS USING ULTRASONIC SENSORS

Abstract

The present invention relates to a posture monitoring and correction system designed for bikers to prevent discomfort and potential injuries associated with improper riding posture. The system incorporates ultrasonic distance sensors strategically positioned on the bike seat to detect the lateral and longitudinal movements of the biker's legs. When the sensors identify that the biker's legs have moved beyond a predetermined threshold, the system triggers an alert through a display integrated with the bike's speedometer. This alert serves as real-time feedback, encouraging the biker to adjust their posture accordingly. The system further includes a microcontroller that records the timing of sensor activations, enabling the analysis of posture patterns during rides. By addressing posture-related issues, the invention aims to enhance rider comfort and safety during long-duration biking activities.

Specification

Description:[0019].The following description provides specific details of certain aspects of the disclosure illustrated in the drawings to provide a thorough understanding of those aspects. It should be recognized, however, that the present disclosure can be reflected in additional aspects and the disclosure may be practiced without some of the details in the following description.
[0020].The various aspects including the example aspects are now described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which the various aspects of the disclosure are shown. The disclosure may, however, be embodied in different forms and should not be construed as limited to the aspects set forth herein. Rather, these aspects are provided so that this disclosure is thorough and complete, and fully conveys the scope of the disclosure to those skilled in the art. In the drawings, the sizes of components may be exaggerated for clarity.
[0021].It is understood that when an element or layer is referred to as being "on," "connected to," or "coupled to" another element or layer, it can be directly on, connected to, or coupled to the other element or layer or intervening elements or layers that may be present. As used herein, the term "and/or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.
[0022].The subject matter of example aspects, as disclosed herein, is described with specificity to meet statutory requirements. However, the description itself is not intended to limit the scope of this patent. Rather, the inventor/inventors have contemplated that the claimed subject matter might also be embodied in other ways, to include different features or combinations of features similar to the ones described in this document, in conjunction with other technologies.
[0023].The present invention relates to a posture monitoring and correction system designed for bikers to prevent discomfort and potential injuries associated with improper riding posture. The system incorporates ultrasonic distance sensors strategically positioned on the bike seat to detect the lateral and longitudinal movements of the biker's legs. When the sensors identify that the biker's legs have moved beyond a predetermined threshold, the system triggers an alert through a display integrated with the bike's speedometer. This alert serves as real-time feedback, encouraging the biker to adjust their posture accordingly. The system further includes a microcontroller that records the timing of sensor activations, enabling the analysis of posture patterns during rides. By addressing posture-related issues, the invention aims to enhance rider comfort and safety during long-duration biking activities.

[0024].The present invention relates to the field of health and wellness technologies, specifically focusing on posture monitoring and correction systems. More particularly, it pertains to devices and methods designed for use in the cycling and biking industries, utilizing sensor technology to enhance rider comfort and safety by providing real-time feedback on posture. This invention intersects various disciplines, including biomechanics, human-computer interaction, and wearable technology, aiming to address the common issues associated with improper posture during biking activities.
[0025].The invention is applicable to various types of biking, including recreational cycling, mountain biking, and long-distance touring, targeting both amateur and professional bikers who seek to improve their riding experience while minimizing the risk of musculoskeletal injuries. By integrating advanced sensing technology into the biking apparatus, this invention contributes to the broader field of ergonomic design and user health, promoting awareness and corrective measures for better posture management during physical activities.
[0026].Prolonged sitting and improper posture during biking are significant contributors to musculoskeletal disorders, particularly low back pain, which affects a large population of cyclists and bikers. This discomfort can stem from various activities, such as extended periods of sitting on bike seats, lifting heavy objects, or riding for long durations without adequate breaks. As a result, bikers often experience issues related to spinal alignment and overall body posture, leading to discomfort and a potential decrease in performance and enjoyment.
[0027].Research indicates that maintaining an optimal riding posture is crucial for reducing the risk of injury. Common postural deviations, such as excessive leg spreading, slouching, or leaning too far forward or backward, can lead to structural strain on the spine and surrounding musculature. Unfortunately, many bikers are often unaware of their poor posture until they experience discomfort, making it challenging to address these issues in real time.
[0028].Current interventions for improving posture primarily include manual monitoring, ergonomic seats, or general advice on proper riding techniques. While ergonomic bike accessories can help improve comfort, they often lack the functionality to provide dynamic feedback that actively encourages bikers to adjust their posture during rides. Moreover, existing technologies, such as fitness trackers or smartphone apps, typically focus on general fitness metrics rather than specific posture-related feedback, thus failing to adequately address the unique challenges bikers face.
[0029].The limitations of these traditional approaches underscore the need for a more proactive solution that integrates sensor technology into the biking experience. A system that can continuously monitor a biker's posture and provide real-time alerts would enable riders to make necessary adjustments on-the-fly, promoting better alignment and reducing the risk of injury.
[0030].The proposed posture monitoring and correction system utilizes ultrasonic distance sensors strategically placed on the bike seat to detect the lateral and longitudinal movements of the biker's legs. When the sensors identify leg movements that exceed a predetermined threshold, the system activates an alert through an integrated display, such as the bike's speedometer. This immediate feedback empowers bikers to correct their posture actively, enhancing their riding experience.
[0031].By combining advanced sensor technology with an intuitive user interface, the invention addresses the critical need for real-time posture monitoring in biking. This system not only aims to improve rider comfort and safety but also encourages healthier riding habits, potentially reducing the incidence of posture-related injuries among bikers.
[0032].The posture monitoring and correction system for bikers is a cutting-edge solution engineered to enhance rider comfort and mitigate the risks associated with improper posture during cycling activities. Prolonged periods of cycling, especially without adequate awareness of posture, can lead to various musculoskeletal disorders, including chronic back pain and discomfort in the hips, knees, and legs. This system addresses these issues by utilizing advanced ultrasonic distance sensors strategically positioned on the bike seat to continuously monitor the alignment of the biker's legs.
[0033].At the heart of this innovative system are two ultrasonic sensors that are placed on either side of the bike seat, oriented to detect the lateral and longitudinal movements of the biker's legs. These sensors emit ultrasonic waves, measuring the distance to the biker's legs in real time. The data collected is processed by a microcontroller, which is programmed to establish a predetermined optimal range for leg positioning. When the sensors detect that the biker's legs exceed this defined threshold-indicating a deviation from proper posture-the system activates an alert mechanism to notify the biker.
[0034].The alert mechanism is designed to provide immediate feedback through an integrated display, such as the bike's speedometer or a separate visual/auditory alert system. This can include flashing lights, beeping sounds, or messages displayed on a digital screen, thereby ensuring that the biker is promptly informed of any postural deviations. Such real-time feedback is crucial, as it allows the biker to make necessary adjustments while riding, promoting a proactive approach to posture correction rather than a reactive one.
[0035].In addition to its real-time monitoring capabilities, the system includes a data logging feature that records the posture data over time. This functionality allows bikers to review their historical posture patterns, providing insights into their riding habits and highlighting areas for improvement. By analyzing this data, bikers can make informed adjustments to their riding technique, further reducing the risk of injury and enhancing overall comfort during longer rides.
[0036].Installation of the posture monitoring system is designed to be user-friendly and accessible, requiring minimal tools and technical expertise. The ultrasonic sensors are easily mounted on the bike seat, and the microcontroller can be connected with a simple wiring setup. This versatility ensures compatibility with a wide range of bike models, making the system adaptable for various cyclists, from recreational riders to professional athletes.
[0037].Moreover, the system can be customized to suit individual rider preferences. For instance, bikers can set their own thresholds for leg movement based on their comfort and riding style. Additionally, the sensitivity of the sensors can be adjusted to accommodate different types of cycling, such as road biking, mountain biking, or urban commuting. This level of customization enhances the user experience, allowing each biker to tailor the system to meet their specific needs.
[0038].Ultimately, this posture monitoring and correction system represents a significant advancement in cycling technology, integrating modern sensor capabilities with ergonomic design principles. By empowering bikers with real-time feedback on their posture, the system not only enhances rider safety and comfort but also fosters awareness and encourages healthier riding habits. This innovation has the potential to transform the cycling experience, making it safer and more enjoyable for bikers of all levels. With its focus on posture management, this system stands to reduce the incidence of posture-related injuries, promoting longevity in the sport and contributing positively to the overall health and well-being of cyclists.
[0039].In conclusion, the posture monitoring and correction system for bikers addresses a critical need within the cycling community by providing a proactive and effective solution to the challenges posed by improper riding posture. With its innovative use of ultrasonic distance sensors, this system enables real-time monitoring of leg positioning, facilitating immediate corrective feedback that empowers bikers to maintain optimal posture throughout their rides.
[0040].By integrating advanced technology with user-friendly design, the system not only enhances rider comfort and safety but also promotes healthier cycling habits, reducing the risk of musculoskeletal injuries commonly associated with prolonged biking. The ability to log and analyze posture data further enriches the rider experience, offering valuable insights for continuous improvement.
[0041].This invention stands as a significant advancement in the fields of health and wellness, ergonomic design, and cycling technology, merging them to create a holistic approach to rider well-being. As more individuals seek to engage in cycling as a form of exercise, recreation, or transportation, the demand for effective solutions that prioritize health and comfort will continue to grow. The posture monitoring and correction system represents a timely response to this demand, with the potential to enhance the overall cycling experience for riders of all levels, fostering longevity in the sport and promoting a healthier lifestyle.
[0042].The implementation of this innovative system not only marks a leap forward in addressing posture-related issues in biking but also sets a new standard for future developments in cycling technology. By encouraging bikers to remain aware of their posture and providing the necessary tools to make adjustments in real time, this invention has the potential to transform the cycling landscape, ultimately contributing to safer, more enjoyable rides. , Claims:1.A posture monitoring system for bikers, comprising:
a) At least one sensor positioned on the bike seat for detecting the movement of the biker's legs relative to the seat;
b) A microcontroller connected to the sensor for receiving input regarding the distance of the biker's legs from a predetermined position;
c) A processing unit configured to determine whether the biker's posture is improper based on the detected leg movement;
d) An indicator system integrated with the bike's speedometer to alert the biker to adjust their posture when the sensor detects leg movement beyond a predefined threshold.
2.The posture monitoring system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the sensor is an ultrasonic distance sensor capable of measuring the distance between the biker's legs and the seat.
3.The posture monitoring system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the system is configured to store and compare timestamps of posture deviations detected by multiple sensors to determine the direction of movement of the biker's legs.
4.The posture monitoring system as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a visual or auditory alert system activated by the processing unit when improper posture is detected, providing real-time feedback to the biker.
5.The posture monitoring system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the sensor measures the biker's leg movement in both forward/backward and left/right directions, enabling a comprehensive monitoring of posture deviations.
6.A method for monitoring and correcting posture of bikers using a system, comprising:
a) Detecting leg movement through sensors positioned on the bike seat;
b) Determining the biker's posture based on the distance between their legs and the sensor;
c) Alerting the biker through an indicator on the speedometer when improper posture is detected.
7.The method as claimed in claim 6, wherein the system records and compares sensor input over time to monitor persistent improper posture and issues continuous alerts if necessary.

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