Orthotics having rate-responsive, stretchable devices
AssigneeThe United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
InventorsEric D. Wetzel, Joseph K. Hitt, Robert B. Floersheim
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Abstract
Rate-dependent, elastically-deformable devices according to various embodiments can be stretched and recovered at low elongation rates. Yet they become stiff and resistive to stretching at high elongation rates. These device can be utilized in orthotics, braces, and circulation-enhancing compression garments for the prevention of injury, promotion of personal health, and/or enhancement in human performance. The rate-responsive properties of the devices are critical performance enablers, as they allow the devices to provide a unique balance of comfort and performance that cannot be achieved with conventional, passive straps, braces, and compression garments.
Claims21
An ankle orthotic device to be worn by a wearer comprising:
- a coupling element configured to couple to the lower leg of the wearer;
- a coupling element configured to couple to the foot of the wearer;
- and
- at least one rate-dependent, elastically-deformable device coupled to at least one of the coupling elements,
- wherein the orthotic is configured to resist ankle supination and/or ankle plantarflexion, and
- wherein the at least one rate-dependent, elastically-deformable device comprises:
- (i) an elastic-deformable confinement member, (ii) one or more filaments placed inside the confinement member, (iii) end effectors connected to the confinement member and couple to the one or more filaments;
- (iv) a shear-thickening fluid (STF) that fills the confinement member and wets the one or more filaments.
A knee orthotic device to be worn by a wearer comprising:
- a coupling element configured to couple to the upper leg of the wearer;
- a coupling element configured to couple to the lower leg of the wearer;
- and
- at least one rate-dependent, elastically-deformable device coupled to at least one of the coupling elements,
- wherein the at least one rate-dependent, elastically-deformable device comprises:
- (i) an elastic-deformable confinement member, (ii) one or more filaments placed inside the confinement member, (iii) end effectors connected to the confinement member and couple to the one or more filaments;
- (iv) a shear-thickening fluid (STF) that fills the confinement member and wets the one or more filaments.
A lower leg orthotic device to be worn by a wearer, comprising
- a coupling element configured to couple to the lower leg of the wearer;
- and
- at least one rate-dependent, elastically-deformable device,
- wherein the at least one rate-dependent, elastically-deformable device is configured to induce pressure on the lower leg to enhance blood circulation of the wearer, and
- wherein the at least one rate-dependent, elastically-deformable device comprises:
- (i) an elastic-deformable confinement member, (ii) one or more filaments placed inside the confinement member, (iii) end effectors connected to the confinement member and couple to the one or more filaments;
- (iv) a shear-thickening fluid (STF) that fills the confinement member and wets the one or more filaments.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.