Muscle training and physical rehabilitation machine using electro-rheological magnetic fluid

摘要

A force development system for controlling and generating variable shear forces in an exercise machine is disclosed for strengthening and developing body muscles during weight training or physical rehabilitation therapy. In the force development system, first and second members are movable with respect to one another and define an interspacial chamber therebetween. The interspacial chamber is filled with an electro-rheological magnetic fluid for selectively changing the shear stress characteristics in response to an applied magnetic field and for requiring a corresponding amount of force to move one of the first and second members with respect to the other of the first and second members. A magnetic field inducing mechanism is provided for selectively exposing the electro-rheological magnetic fluid means to a magnetic field of controlled intensity to selectively change the shear stress characteristics of the electro-rheological magnetic fluid.