Variable resistance hand rehabilitation device with linear smart fluid damper and dynometer capabilities

a hand rehabilitation and variable resistance technology, applied in the field of hand rehabilitation devices, can solve the problems of selective tunable resistivity and yield stress changes, and achieve the effects of reducing friction, increasing maximum force output, and accurate and smooth operation of the devi

Inactive Publication Date: 2010-02-18
NORTHEASTERN UNIV
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[0009]A variable resistance hand rehabilitation device and corresponding system are disclosed. Improvements over the prior art include: a new damping system or damper design, to reduce friction and increase maximum force output; a dynometer feature that enables converting

Problems solved by technology

However, when voltage is applied to at least one of the electrodes, an electric field is generated through

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  • Variable resistance hand rehabilitation device with linear smart fluid damper and dynometer capabilities
  • Variable resistance hand rehabilitation device with linear smart fluid damper and dynometer capabilities
  • Variable resistance hand rehabilitation device with linear smart fluid damper and dynometer capabilities

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Embodiment Construction

[0041]A Variable Resistance Hand Rehabilitation Device (VRHD) and a system using the VRHD are disclosed. The VRHD is a patient-actuated device adapted for isotonic, isokinetic, and / or variable resistance grasp and release exercises for mammalian extremities, e.g., the human hand. Its principal functionality is derived from an electro-rheological fluid-based controllable damping system (or damper) that allows continuously variable modulation of dynamic resistance throughout its stroke. Indeed, a desirable feature of the device is the use of electro-rheological fluids (ERF) to achieve tunable, computer controlled, resistive force generation. For this purpose, a change in yield stress observed in an ERF in response to an electric field can be exploited to produce virtually zero resistance when idle and selectively-tunable resistivity when an electric field is applied to the ERF.

[0042]The VRHD is an improvement of a controllable damper that is the subject of U.S. patent application Ser....

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Abstract

A variable resistance hand rehabilitation device and corresponding system. Improvements over the prior art include: a new damping system or damper design, to reduce friction and increase maximum force output; a dynometer feature that enables converting the dynamic device to a static grip force measuring device; a closed-loop controller; and a new graphic user interface for the medical practitioner and new virtual reality game software that allow accurate and smooth operation of the device and increased patient motivation.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]The present utility patent application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61 / 130,484 dated May 30, 2008 entitled “Variable Resistance Hand Rehabilitation Device With Linear Smart Fluid Damper And Dynometer Capabilities”.STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT[0002](Not applicable)BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]A device for hand rehabilitation is disclosed, and, more particularly, a one degree-of-freedom hand rehabilitation device that provides controllable resistance during hand-gripping and hand-releasing exercises and that is compatible with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is disclosed.[0004]Of the many impairments that result from stroke, perhaps the most disabling is hemiparesis of the upper limb because the impact on disability, independence, and quality of life is so marked. Stroke survivors typically receive intensive, hands-on physical and occupational therapy to en...

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Application Information

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IPC IPC(8): A63B21/00
CPCA61H1/0285
Inventor WEINBERG, BRIANKHANICHEH, AZADEHMAVROIDIS, CONSTANTINOSSHANNON, JAMESCONSOLINI, DONGALANIS, GEORGE
Owner NORTHEASTERN UNIV
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