Variable Modulus Body Brace Using Conductive Fiber Cross-Linking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional body braces are inadequate for prophylactic use due to their cumbersome design and inability to effectively resist valgus bending and concussion-related injuries, as they lack the necessary rigidity and moment of inertia to protect against sports-related injuries such as torn ligaments and concussions.
Innovation Solution
A brace system utilizing conductive fibers with a selectively electrically activated cross-linking agent, such as ER fluid or EAP, that changes modulus of elasticity in response to electrical activation, allowing for adaptive rigidity to accommodate movement and protect against injury by cross-linking when necessary.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a rigid brace structure is used to resist valgus bending and provide protection, then protection against sports-related injuries is improved, but comfort and ease of movement are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The brace incorporates a cross-linking agent that can dynamically change its state between cross-linked and non-cross-linked configurations based on electrical activation. This allows the brace to transition between rigid and flexible states, providing rigidity when protection is needed and flexibility when comfort and movement are prioritized, thereby resolving the contradiction between protective rigidity and movement comfort
Solution Approach 2:
The brace utilizes changes in the physical state of the cross-linking agent (from non-cross-linked to cross-linked) in response to electrical signals. This parameter change enables the brace to alter its mechanical properties - transitioning from a compliant state for comfort to a rigid state for injury protection - thus balancing the conflicting requirements of comfort and protection
2Ease of operation
If a flexible brace material is used to accommodate body movement, then comfort and ease of movement are improved, but resistance to valgus bending and injury protection are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The dynamic cross-linking mechanism allows the brace to be flexible during normal movement for comfort, then rapidly become rigid when valgus bending or injury threats are detected, providing both comfort and protection as needed without compromising either
Solution Approach 2:
The brace incorporates sensors that detect body movement and apply electrical signals to the cross-linking agent based on detected conditions. This feedback mechanism ensures the brace remains flexible during normal activity but automatically stiffens when injury-risk movements are detected, balancing comfort with protective resistance to valgus bending
3Reliability
If a constant rigid structure is used throughout the brace, then protection against injury is improved, but adaptability to different body movements and positions is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The brace employs a dynamically controllable cross-linking agent that can be activated or deactivated based on real-time detection of body movement and position. This enables the brace to adapt its rigidity level to match the user's activity state, providing protection during high-risk movements while maintaining adaptability and comfort during normal activity
Solution Approach 2:
The brace utilizes electrical activation to change the physical state of the cross-linking agent, thereby altering the brace's mechanical properties. This parameter change enables the brace to adapt to different movement conditions - remaining flexible during normal activity and becoming rigid only when injury protection is needed, thus achieving both protection and adaptability
4Strength
If traditional metal supports and composite structure are used, then structural strength and protection are improved, but device complexity and comfort are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates the need for traditional metal supports and complex composite structures by using a simpler fabric-based brace with an integrated cross-linking agent system. The protective function is achieved through the cross-linking mechanism rather than through complex structural components, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining strength
Solution Approach 2:
The brace replaces traditional mechanical reinforcement structures (metal supports, rigid composites) with an electrorheological system using a cross-linking agent that responds to electrical signals. This substitution achieves structural strength through field-based control rather than through complex mechanical structures, simplifying the overall device design
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The brace system provides enhanced protection against sports-related injuries by dynamically adjusting its rigidity in response to sensed threats, offering improved resistance to valgus bending and concussion forces, making it more comfortable for prophylactic use while effectively limiting movement and stress on vulnerable areas.
Implementation Method 1
The cross-linking agent is an ER fluid
Implementation Method 2
The cross-linking agent is EAP
Data Source
AI summary
A brace for a part of a body includes a first conductive fiber associated with a first polarity, and a second conductive fiber associated with a second polarity different from the first polarity. The second fiber is woven together with the first fiber and insulated from the first fiber. The brace also includes a selectively electrically activated cross-linking agent between the first and second fibers. The agent is constructed to cross-link in a first active mode when the first and second fibers are electrified and is constructed to not cross-link in a second inactive mode when the first and second fibers are not electrified. The brace surrounds a body part, such as a knee or neck. The agent can include an ER fluid and/or EAP. A brace system includes a selectively electrically activated brace for the part of the body.