Electrorheological fluid structure having strain relief element and method of fabrication

An incline adjustor comprising:

• a polymeric first layer having a surface;
• a first conductive trace, forming at least a portion of the first layer surface, comprising a first electrode;
• a polymeric second layer having a first surface, wherein a portion of the second layer first surface is bonded to a portion of the first layer surface, wherein a portion of a channel is defined in the second layer, and wherein the channel at least partially coincides with the first electrode;
• a first patch, interposed between the first layer surface and the second layer first surface, spanning the channel and covering a portion of the first electrode;
• a polymeric third layer having a surface;
• a second conductive trace forming at least a portion of the third layer surface and comprising a second electrode and a second extension, wherein the second electrode follows a path of the channel, wherein a portion of the third layer surface is bonded to a portion of a second surface of the second layer, wherein the second extension branches away from the path of the channel and passes across the second layer second surface, and wherein the first layer, the second layer, and the third layer define a first chamber in fluid communication with the channel;
• and
• a second patch interposed between the second layer second surface and the third layer surface, wherein the second patch spans the channel and covers a portion of the second extension and a portion of the second electrode joined to the second extension,
• wherein the first chamber and the channel are filled with electrorheological fluid, and wherein the first chamber is configured so that a height of the first chamber varies in response to transfer of the electrorheological fluid into and out first chamber.