Vorrichtung zur gezielten mechanischen Unterstuetzung und Reizung von Muskelpartien

Beschrieben wird eine Vorrichtung zur gezielten mechanischen Unterstuetzung und Reizung von Muskelpartien vorzugsweise am menschlichen Koerper. Die Erfindung zeichnet sich dadurch aus, dass ein flexibles, geschlossenes Behaeltnis aus einem fluiddichten Material vorgesehen ist, das zur flaechigen Anlage an eine Koerperpartie ausgebildet und mit einem magneto- und/oder elektrorheologischen Fluid gefuellt ist, und dass eine Einrichtung zum Anlegen eines magnetischen und/oder elektrischen Feldes an das rheologische Fluid vorgesehen ist, um die Viskositaet und damit die Steifigkeit des rheologischen Fluids in dem Behaeltnis zu veraendern.

DE 19830559 C UPAB: 20000215 NOVELTY - A flexible, closed, watertight vessel lies flat on part of the body, filled with magneto- or electro-rheological fluid. A magnetic or electrical field is applied, varying viscosity and comparative stiffness of the fluid. DETAILED DESCRIPTION - Preferred Features: A coil with flexible windings inside the vessel, applies a magnetic field to magneto-rheological fluid it surrounds. Windings are located on the vessel internal wall. Using electro-rheological fluid, flexible condenser electrodes (12, 13) on the inner walls, part-surround the fluid to apply the electrical field. Sensor(s) determine the state of motion of the muscle or part of muscle; a controller determines the field applied to the fluid. The sensor is a strain gauge on the skin, and/or electrodes measuring its resistance. The vessel containing the fluid is integral to an elastic bandage. It is tubular, rubbery and conforms with the body part of interest. It is a jacket surrounding the upper body. The jacket includes the vessel, locating it near the loin and/or breast vertebra. Several vessels may be integrated, one for each part of the muscle. Corresponding sensors are provided. Control follows a given plan of activation. An energy source is included, making the unit autonomous. USE - For judicious support of human body posture, preventing static muscle exertion, and to train selected muscle parts, setting muscle movement against controlled, variable mechanical resistance, increasing dynamic muscle exertion (claimed). ADVANTAGE - The unit improves on e.g. elastic bandages in several respects. It is comfortable to wear and flexible in application. Mechanical resistance can be adjusted, precisely to suit the individual. Should a requirement for very frequent movement of a muscle arise, the resistance can be reduced and vice versa, avoiding repetitive strain.