Variable Resistance Exercise and Rehabilitation Hand Device

a hand device and resistance exercise technology, applied in the field of variable resistance exercise and rehabilitation hand devices, can solve the problem of limited range of exercises that are available with these devices

Inactive Publication Date: 2009-01-15
NORTHEASTERN UNIV
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  • Summary
  • Abstract
  • Description
  • Claims
  • Application Information

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0005]The present invention is directed to an exercising and rehabilitation hand device that addresses the shortcomings of existing devices. The hand device according to the invention is portable and controllable by smart fluid-based brakes / dampers to provide a compact, lightweight mechanism whose resistance to motion can be changed on-the-fly, through computerize control, to vary the exercises that can be performed and tune the workout or rehabilitation session to the responses of the user.
[0006]Smart fluids are a category smart materials, those whose properties can be altered through the application of various stimuli such as electric fields, magnetic fields and heat. As exemplified herein, smart fluids can be incorporated into small but powerful dampers to create lightweight devices whose properties can be changed to adapt to changing requirements. In one embodiment, a brake / damper based on the class of smart fluids known as Electro-Rheological Fluids (ERFs) is presented as an example of a smart fluid-based brake / damper system. An exercise and rehabilitation hand device utilizing an ERF brake / damper according to the invention is compact and lightweight with strong, highly tunable torque and force capabilities; is fully portable with onboard sensors, power and control circuitry; and has real time capabilities for closed loop computer control for optimizing rehabilitation exercises while in use. In comparable embodiments of the invention, a magneto-rheological fluid could alternatively be used.

Problems solved by technology

Consequently, the range of exercises that are available with these devices is limited.

Method used

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  • Variable Resistance Exercise and Rehabilitation Hand Device

Examples

Experimental program
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Effect test

example i

Hand Rehabilitation Device with Pincer Handle Motion and Rotary Brake

[0039]This design for the novel hand rehabilitation device consists of four major subsystems: a) an ERF resistive element; b) a gearbox; c) handles and d) two sensors, one optical encoder and one force sensor, to measure the patient induced motion and force. Each subsystem includes several components of varying complexity. In general, all of the components were designed, with strength and safety in mind, to be non-magnetic, and optimized for regular and high-stress testing. The device is made of polymers (plastic) and non magnetic materials, so it can be used in a wide variety of environments including high magnetic fields.

[0040]The maximum gripping force that can be generated by the hand in males is 400 N and in females 228 N. All components were designed so that the device is capable of applying 150 N of force at the human operator's hand holding the device's handles (approximately 50% of a healthy hand's grippin...

example ii

Hand Rehabilitation Device with Linear Handle Motion and Rotary Brake

[0047]This proposed design for the novel hand rehabilitation device consists of five major subsystems: a) an ERF resistive element; b) a gearbox; c) ratchet system; d) handles and e) two sensors, one optical encoder and one force sensor, to measure the patient induced motion and force. Each subsystem includes several components of varying complexity. In general, all of the components were designed, with strength and safety in mind, to be non-magnetic, and optimized for regular and high-stress testing. The smart hand rehabilitation device is configured to rest next to the person so no weight would be felt by the individual. The device is made of polymers (plastic) and non magnetic materials, so it can be used in a wide variety of environments including high magnetic fields.

[0048]The maximum gripping force that can be generated by the hand in males is 400 N and in females 228 N. All components were designed so that t...

example iii

Hand Rehabilitation Device with Linear Handle Motion and Linear Damper

[0059]A second configuration of the hand device places a linear damper in line with the direction of motion. A novel ERF “concentric channel” damper (ERF-CCD) (FIGS. 12A and 12B) has been designed. There are several advantages to a linear configuration including decreased device complexity, reduced part count, and elimination of the need for gears, and a ratchet subsystem. The outer case of the damper is attached to the frame. The shaft attaches directly to the force sensor. Motion is captured using a linear encoder or a rotary encoder modified for linear use. The return force is provided by two springs or “bungie” cords that can be adjusted in length and stiffness. The overall stroke of the device can be quickly adjusted using shaft collars.

[0060]In commercially available linear ERF dampers, fluid flows through channels in or around outside of the piston. For these designs, to obtain maximum damping the piston mu...

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Abstract

An exercising and rehabilitation hand device is disclosed. The hand device according to the invention is portable and controllable by smart fluid-based brakes / dampers to provide a compact, lightweight mechanism whose resistance to motion can be changed on-the-fly, through computerize control, to vary the exercises that can be performed and tune the workout or rehabilitation session to the responses of the user.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application claims the priority of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60 / 661,625 filed Mar. 14, 2005 entitled, SMART VARIABLE RESISTANCE EXERCISE HAND DEVICE, the whole of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein.STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT[0002]N / ABACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]Various devices exist to provide training and rehabilitation exercises for the human hand. These devices are usually based on simple mechanical systems such as springs and designed to provide resistive forces. Heavy Grips® hand grippers and Digi-Flex® rehabilitation systems are among the hand / finger exercise devices that are currently available and use springs to strengthen the hand grip. Other commercially available exercise devices for the hand and finger are even simpler, such as a flexible putty that provides resistance when a user squeezes it. Other similar exercise devices utilize rubber balls, egg-shapes or f...

Claims

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Application Information

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Patent Type & Authority Applications(United States)
IPC IPC(8): A63B23/16
CPCA63B21/0056A63B2220/54A63B2220/16A63B23/16
Inventor KHANICHEH, AZADEHMUTO, ANDREWFISCH, ALLENWIENBERG, BRIANMAVROIDIS, CONSTANTINOS
Owner NORTHEASTERN UNIV
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