Methods and apparatus for layer jamming
US9664210B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 16, 2014 |
| Grant date | May 30, 2017 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 9, 2036 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF15B2211/89
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
In some implementations, bending or other shape changes of a device are actuated by inflating or deflating a bladder in the device. Then, once the desired new shape is achieved by this actuation, another bladder in the device is layer-jammed, to make the device rigid in the new shape. In some cases, sheets in the layer-jamming bladder are coated with abrasive particles. In some cases, layer jamming bladders are interwoven to form a woven device. The rigidity of the woven device can be anisotropically controlled. Layer jamming some, but not all, of the bladders in the woven device causes the woven device to have a rigidity that varies by direction. In some cases, a layer-jamming bladder includes a solid layer with a crease in it. As a result, the bladder can easily bend at the crease.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.