Variable modulus body brace and body brace system
First Claim
1. A brace for at least a part of a body comprising:
- a first conductive fiber associated with a first polarity; and
a second conductive fiber associated with a second polarity different from the first polarity, the second fiber woven together with the first fiber and insulated from the first fiber; and
a selectively electrically activated cross-linking agent between the first and second fiber, wherein the agent is constructed to limit relative movement of the first and second fibers in a first active mode when the first and second fibers are electrified.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A brace for a part of a body includes a first conductive fiber associated with a first polarity, and a second conductive fiber associated with a second polarity different from the first polarity. The second fiber is woven together with the first fiber and insulated from the first fiber. The brace also includes a selectively electrically activated cross-linking agent between the first and second fibers. The agent is constructed to cross-link in a first active mode when the first and second fibers are electrified and is constructed to not cross-link in a second inactive mode when the first and second fibers are not electrified. The brace surrounds a body part, such as a knee or neck. The agent can include an ER fluid and/or EAP. A brace system includes a selectively electrically activated brace for the part of the body.
26 Citations
11 Claims
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1. A brace for at least a part of a body comprising:
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a first conductive fiber associated with a first polarity; and a second conductive fiber associated with a second polarity different from the first polarity, the second fiber woven together with the first fiber and insulated from the first fiber; and a selectively electrically activated cross-linking agent between the first and second fiber, wherein the agent is constructed to limit relative movement of the first and second fibers in a first active mode when the first and second fibers are electrified. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11)
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Specification