Magnetorheological medical brace
OwnerClifford T. Solomon, Theodore C. Solomoninventors
Life of this patent
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Abstract
The magnetorheological (MAR) medical brace includes a flexible outer shell that fits around the anatomical area to be braced and a plurality of adjustable straps for securing the shell onto the anatomical area. The shell encases a MAR pack filled with magnetorheological fluid or gel. A plurality of magnets is attached to or encased in the shell to provide magnetic field acting on the MAR pack. The interaction of the magnetic field with the MAR pack adjustably increases or decreases the stiffness of the shell depending on the strength of the magnetic field. A control mechanism is provided for selective adjustment of the magnetic field and other functions.
Claims13
A magnetorheological (MAR) medical brace, comprising:
- a flexible outer shell having an ergonomic shape adapted to be proximate to an area of a user's anatomy;
- at least one MAR pack disposed inside the outer shell, the at least one MAR pack being filled with magnetorheological material;
- a plurality of magnets attached to the outer shell, the magnets exposing the MAR pack to magnetic field forces adjustably stiffening or loosening the magnetorheological material;
- and
- means for selectively adjusting a magnetic field strength of the magnets;
- wherein selective adjustment of the magnetic field strength of the magnets increases or decreases a degree of stiffness of the outer shell to thereby provide adjustable rigidity for optimum healing and support.
A method of bracing a skeletal structure of a subject, the method comprising:
- placing (1) a magnetorheological (MAR) medical brace proximate to the subject's body, the brace having:
- a flexible outer shell having an ergonomic shape adapted to be proximate to an area of a subject's anatomy;
- (2) a MAR pack disposed inside the outer shell, the MAR pack being filled with magnetorheological material;
- (3) a plurality of magnets attached to the outer shell, the magnets exposing the MAR pack to magnetic field forces which adjustably stiffen or loosen the magnetorheological material;
- and (4) a controller having means for selectively adjusting the magnetic field strength of the magnets;
- and
- selectively adjusting a magnetic field strength of the magnets to increase or decrease a degree of stiffness of the outer shell to thereby provide adjustable rigidity for optimum healing and support.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.