Jamming methods and apparatus
US9764220B2 · kind B2 · utility
10Cited by
4References
7Claims
0Family size
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 3, 2012 |
| Grant date | Sep 19, 2017 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 28, 2036 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC E)Fixed Constructions
- CPC primaryE04F2290/044
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A reconfigurable device comprises flexible bladder that encloses a jammable material. The geometry of the device can be altered by unjamming the jammable material (making it flexible), changing the shape of the device while it is flexible, and then jamming the jammable material (making it rigid). In some applications of this invention, a joint connects rigid arms. The ends of the rigid arms are enclosed in the bladder. By varying the stiffness of the jammable material in the bladder, the stiffness of the joint can be controlled.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.