System for creating artificial gravity conditions in micro and hypogravity environments

Abstract

A innovative resistance exercise system that helps preserve an astronaut's bone density, checks muscle atrophy and helps retain postural and gait stability during space missions while increasing neuromuscular activation and enhancing sensorimotor integration is presented. This innovative system comprises of a tight suit that covers the upper torso of the astronaut—from the top of the head to a little below the waist with magnets or electromagnets placed towards the lower end of the suit. When worn by astronauts on a magnetic or electromagnetic flooring (such as a treadmill's floorboard), a force of attraction is exerted on the magnetic end of the suit to create a downward pull that would be spread by the suit onto the muscular and skeletal systems of the astronaut right from the top of the head down to their feet (thereby also loading the vertebrae which extends into the neck region), as the astronaut seeks to keep his / her upright position. The suit may be used in combination with an internally ridged sole directed towards the plantar surface of the feet to stimulate the somatosensory receptors in this plantar surface of the feet. Prior methods of using chords to keep the astronaut in place on a treadmill restrict ease of movement, take a lot of time and do not load the head-neck region. The invention preserves the astronauts' good health longer and helps them function safely and efficiently in space or in the hypogravity of the Moon or Mars.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This application claims the benefit of priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60 / 607,845 filed Sep. 8, 2004 and entitled “SYSTEM FOR CREATING ARTIFICIAL GRAVITY IN ZERO GRAVITY CONDITIONS”, the subject matter of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein.TECHNICAL FIELD [0002] This invention relates generally to space travel and, more specifically, to a novel and improved method for creating an artificial gravity environment in zero-gravity conditions to counterbalance the detrimental effects of micro / hypo gravity on human physiology. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0003] Mankind has created and maintained a presence in space for a few decades now. Voyages into space have become relatively common today and there are space stations that are inhabited by humans, for over a year at a time. Such voyages and continued living in zero or microgravity conditions subjects the human body to physiological stresses not experien...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0018] Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a system and apparatus that acts as an effective countermeasure against the loss of bone density and muscle atrophy of astronauts in zero gravity conditions.

[0019] It is another object of the present invention to reduce the time spent by astronauts on counterbalance measures, while producing similar of better results.

[0020] It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a system and apparatus that may be used by astronauts during their regular routine.

[0021] It is still yet another object of the present invention to provide a system and apparatus that may be used during the astronaut's sleeping or resting period to counterbalance the loss of bone density and muscle atrophy of astronauts in zero gravity conditions.

[0022] It is still yet another object of the present invention to provide a system and apparatus that may be used to simulate later stages of long distance running and improve endurance and performance.

Problems solved by technology

Studies and prior experience has indicated that such long-term exposure to microgravity alters biological processes and detrimentally affects physiological responses in the human body.

Loss of bone density and muscle atrophy are two major problems.

They weaken to such an extent that it takes time for astronauts to recover even after coming back to earth and some astronauts' condition, reportedly, deteriorated to such an extent that they had to be carried on a stretcher upon return to earth.

While the simplest method happens to be regular and rigorous exercise, this takes up a lot of time.

Although NMES protocols have proven useful in minimizing muscle atrophy, they cause discomfort to those undergoing treatment and are impractical for spaceflight.

This presents a serious health risk to astronauts—even more so to those sent on voyages farther into the solar system such as to Mars, where the voyage might take two to three years.

Images