Composite springs, composite spring assemblies, and methods for making the same
AssigneeGRD Innovations, LLC
InventorsMichael Geldart, Tyler James Farnese, Yeram Lim
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Composite springs, composite spring assemblies, medical devices including the same, and methods of making and using the same are disclosed. The composite springs may comprise alternating layers of carbon fiber and fiberglass materials. A strengthening adhesive, such as an epoxy, may be used to bind the carbon fiber and fiberglass materials. A dampening member may be attached to the composite spring, thereby at least partially defining a composite spring assembly. The dampening member may dampen elastic/spring forces of the composite spring. The composite spring assembly may be attached to an orthotic device to provide a non-linear spring response during movement of the device.
Claims20
A composite spring assembly comprising:
- (a) a composite spring having a first component and a second component;
- wherein the first component comprises alternating layers of a carbon fabric and a fiberglass fabric;
- wherein the second component comprises alternating layers of the carbon fiber fabric and the fiberglass fabric;
- wherein, for both the first component and the second component, a strength adhesive adheres the carbon fiber fabric to the fiberglass fabric;
- an adhesive joining the first component to the second component;
- (b) a dampening member attached to the composite spring;
- (c) a head attached to at least the dampening member, wherein the head is adapted to attach to a medical device, wherein the medical device is an orthotic device, wherein the orthotic device is a knee brace, wherein during movement of the orthotic device, the composite spring provides a non-linear spring response.
A method comprising:
- determining at least one patient attribute for an orthotic patient;
- correlating the at least one patient attribute to at least one composite spring requirement for the orthotic patient;
- based on the determining step, selecting a composite spring for use in an orthotic device for the orthotic patient;
- and
- attaching the selected composite spring to the orthotic device.
A composite spring assembly comprising:
- (a) a composite spring having a first component and a second component;
- wherein the first component comprises alternating layers of a carbon fabric and a fiberglass fabric;
- wherein the second component comprises alternating layers of the carbon fiber fabric and the fiberglass fabric;
- wherein, for both the first component and the second component, a strength adhesive adheres the carbon fiber fabric to the fiberglass fabric;
- an adhesive joining the first component to the second component;
- (b) a dampening member attached to the composite spring;
- (c) a head attached to at least the dampening member, wherein the head is adapted to attach to a medical device, wherein the head comprises a slot.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.