Variable resistance cell
First Claim
1. A variable resistance cell device configured to provide a variable resistance response to a load factor, the device comprising:
- a) an enclosure with first and second chambers;
b) an orifice, operatively disposed between the first and second chambers, and sized to provide resistance against fluid flow therethrough;
c) a variable viscosity fluid, disposed in the enclosure and displacable between the first and second chambers though the orifice in response to the load factor; and
d) the variable viscosity fluid having a viscosity that is variable corresponding to the load factor to vary an ability of the variable viscosity fluid to flow through the orifice; and
e) the enclosure being compressible between;
1) a first position in response to a relatively larger load factor having a first larger dimension and in which a lesser amount of the variable viscosity fluid passes through the orifice into the second chamber; and
2) a second position in response to a relatively smaller load factor having a second smaller dimension and in which a greater amount of the variable viscosity fluid passes through the orifice into the second chamber;
f) a block, disposed in the enclosure, dividing the enclosure into the first and second chambers and forming the orifice between the block and the enclosure; and
g) a cup, formed around the first chamber, to receive the block therein in the second position.
8 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A variable resistance cell and method provides a variable resistance response to a load factor, such as a load, a load rate, a strain, a strain rate, a pressure, or a deflection. A variable viscosity fluid is displacable between first and second chambers of an enclosure though an orifice in response to the load factor. The variable viscosity fluid has a viscosity that is variable corresponding to the load factor to vary an ability of the variable viscosity fluid to flow through the orifice. The variable viscosity fluid can be a shear stiffening material that increases in viscosity with an increase in a load factor applied to the shear stiffening material, a magneto rheologic fluid responsive to a magnetic field, or an electro rheologic fluid responsive to an electric field. The enclosure can be compressible between first and second positions. In the first position, the cell is responsive to a relatively larger load factor and has a first larger dimension in which a lesser amount of the variable viscosity fluid passes through the orifice into the second chamber. In the second position, the cell is responsive to a relatively smaller load factor and has a second smaller dimension in which a greater amount of the variable viscosity fluid passes through the orifice into the second chamber
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Citations
32 Claims
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1. A variable resistance cell device configured to provide a variable resistance response to a load factor, the device comprising:
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a) an enclosure with first and second chambers;
b) an orifice, operatively disposed between the first and second chambers, and sized to provide resistance against fluid flow therethrough;
c) a variable viscosity fluid, disposed in the enclosure and displacable between the first and second chambers though the orifice in response to the load factor; and
d) the variable viscosity fluid having a viscosity that is variable corresponding to the load factor to vary an ability of the variable viscosity fluid to flow through the orifice; and
e) the enclosure being compressible between;
1) a first position in response to a relatively larger load factor having a first larger dimension and in which a lesser amount of the variable viscosity fluid passes through the orifice into the second chamber; and
2) a second position in response to a relatively smaller load factor having a second smaller dimension and in which a greater amount of the variable viscosity fluid passes through the orifice into the second chamber;
f) a block, disposed in the enclosure, dividing the enclosure into the first and second chambers and forming the orifice between the block and the enclosure; and
g) a cup, formed around the first chamber, to receive the block therein in the second position. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17)
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18. A variable resistance cell device, comprising:
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a) a flexible tubular sleeve forming an enclosure;
b) a block, disposed in the tubular sleeve, dividing the enclosure into first and second compartments with an orifice therebetween; and
c) a variable viscosity fluid, disposed in the enclosure of the tubular sleeve, the variable viscosity fluid having a viscosity that is variable corresponding to the load factor to vary an ability of the variable viscosity fluid to flow through the orifice; and
d) a cup, disposed in the tubular sleeve, to receive the block therein as the tubular sleeve is compressed. - View Dependent Claims (19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29)
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30. A variable resistance cell device, comprising:
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a) a flexible tubular sleeve, disposed between first and second members of a prosthetic foot, forming an enclosure;
b) a block, disposed in the tubular sleeve, dividing the enclosure into first and second compartments with an orifice therebetween; and
c) a variable viscosity fluid, disposed in the enclosure of the tubular sleeve, the variable viscosity fluid having a viscosity that is variable corresponding to the load factor to vary an ability of the variable viscosity fluid to flow through the orifice. - View Dependent Claims (31, 32)
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Specification