초록 ▼

A controllable fluid device (20) for rehabilitation of injured or weakened complex appendages such as the hands and feet. The controllable fluid device (20)includes a reservoir (34)which contains a sufficient amount of controllable fluid (52)such as a Magnetorheological (MR) fluid. A magnetic field

A controllable fluid device (20) for rehabilitation of injured or weakened complex appendages such as the hands and feet. The controllable fluid device (20)includes a reservoir (34)which contains a sufficient amount of controllable fluid (52)such as a Magnetorheological (MR) fluid. A magnetic field generator (36)provides the magnetic field (H) which is applied to the controllable fluid (52) by a magnetic circuit (60). In one aspect, an electromagnet including a coil (58) and core (54) provides the magnetic field (H). The intensity of the magnetic field is controlled via a controller (38). In another aspect, the magnetic field (H) is provided by a permanent magnet (44) and a mechanical shunt mechanism (42) is used to vary the magnetic field intensity. Other embodiments include a heater unit (66) with optional thermostat (74).

대표청구항 ▼

A controllable fluid rehabilitation device for providing controllable resistive forces for rehabilitative exercise of a user\s body part, comprising: (a) a housing having a reservoir formed therein; (b) a volume of a magnetically controllable fluid contained in said reservoir for immersion of the bo

A controllable fluid rehabilitation device for providing controllable resistive forces for rehabilitative exercise of a user\s body part, comprising: (a) a housing having a reservoir formed therein; (b) a volume of a magnetically controllable fluid contained in said reservoir for immersion of the body part, said magnetically controllable fluid experiencing an apparent viscosity change when exposed to a magnetic field for providing said controllable resistive forces; (c) a magnetic field generator for generating said magnetic field which acts across said magnetically controllable fluid; and (d) a magnetic circuit of high magnetic permeability material for directing said magnetic field across said magnetically controllable fluid to bring about said apparent viscosity change.