Parallel Mechanisms in Layout of Human Musculoskeletal System

Abstract

The hypothesis about the structure of the musculoskeletal system of a human, as a system of coordinated parallel mechanisms, first expressed in the article. Clinical and technical examples demonstrate the similarity of the behavior of body segments and mechanical devices of a parallel structure in similar modes of operation. An explanation offered for the quantitative composition of the skeleton as a permanently inherited trait. It is known that parallel mechanisms are characterized by strict requirements to the proportions of links and special sizes and shapes of working and dead zones. It is concluded that the logic of a multi-link musculoskeletal system, as a logical mechanical machine, can be determined by the geometric-kinematic characteristics of parallel mechanisms with a given (inherited) number and configuration of links. Reasonings were given by generalizing the elements of the theory of mechanisms and machines in biomechanics. The work is the initial stage of identification of the inertial mass model of the musculoskeletal system of vertebrates for the needs of technology, medicine, and sports.