Dynamically rigidizing composite medical structures
US11478608B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 4, 2021 |
| Grant date | Oct 25, 2022 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 4, 2041 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61M2025/0915
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A rigidizing device includes an elongate flexible tube, a braid layer positioned over the elongate flexible tube, an outer layer over the flexible tube and the braid layer, and an inlet between the elongate flexible tube and the outer layer and configured to attach to a source of vacuum or pressure. The braid layer has a plurality of strands braided together at a braid angle of 5-40 degrees relative to a longitudinal axis of the elongate flexible tube when the elongate flexible tube is straight. The rigidizing device is configured to have a rigid configuration when vacuum or pressure is applied through the inlet and a flexible configuration when vacuum or pressure is not applied through the inlet. The braid angle is configured to change as the rigidizing device bends when the rigidizing device is in the flexible configuration.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.