Controllable Training and Rehabilitation Device

Abstract

A muscle training and physical rehabilitation device is disclosed. The device is controllable by liquid based resistive units. The liquid based resistive unit utilizes either smart magnetorheological (MR) liquid whose resistance to motion can be adjusted by electromagnetism or by proportional valves with various liquids whose resistance can be controlled by an electronic signal. The MR fluid resistive units comprises a rotor supported by a bearing inside a housing, a stator mounted together with the housing to the mounting plate, and the MR liquid that flows inside the cavity formed by the vane of the rotor and chamber of the stator. The MR liquid is controlled by the applied electromagnetic field to adjust the resistance according to the exerted toque.

Description

[0001]This patent application claims the benefit of, priority of, and incorporates by reference U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61616938, entitled “Full Body Controllable Training and Rehabilitation Device” by Alexandr Shkolnik filed on Mar. 28, 2012.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]1. Field of the Invention[0003]The present invention relates generally to an exercise equipment, and more particularly, to a dynamic resistance exercise device.[0004]2. Description of the Related Art[0005]Various training and rehabilitation devices are used by individuals at home or as public facilities in community. These devices are usually based on simple mechanical systems such as the gravity force from a stack of weights, elastic force from springs, etc, which provide the resistance subjecting to the movement of human body to strengthen the muscles. A lot of exercise machines are developed to train different portion of body, such as stationary bicycles, rowing machines, treadmills, ski ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The patent describes a portable and controllable exercise device that uses smarter resistance. The resistance can be adjusted on the fly based on various variables, such as the user's response or volume ratio of magnetic particles in the fluid. The device can use liquid based resistive units, such as MR liquid, which allows for a large range of adjustable resistance very quickly. The device can also be electronically controlled, and can utilize a VR system to improve the enjoyment of exercising.

Problems solved by technology

However, these conventional exercise machines usually only provide fixed resistive force due to the fixed gravity and fixed elasticity.

Also, most of these conventional exercise machines are not capable of changing resistance in real time.

In the middle of the training, the only way of changing the weight is stopping the training and changing the number of weights, the same situation is for the spring based devices, which is quite inconvenient for the users.

Even worse, the conventional devices have limited range of forces.

They cannot be used by a large population of users with different ages and different physical conditions.

Even so, these devices are quite large and bulky.

Other disadvantages of existing exercise machines include annoying noises generated by material deformation and friction, and possibly ill-smelling odor generated by the lubrication oil or rust.

This noise and smell may dramatically reduce the enjoyment of the exercise and increase the boredom during the extended exercise period.

In addition, gravity and friction based system may be worn out after a certain time period which shortens the lifetime of the device.

These worn out exercise systems may injure users when they ultimately malfunction.

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