Patent ID: 9700451
Date: 2017-07-11
CPC Classifications: A61F,A61N

Claim:
1. A magnetorheological (MAR) 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, the magnetorheological material comprising a combination of at least carbonyl iron powder and silicone oil and wherein the at least one MAR pack further comprises a plurality of elongate rod-shaped packets disposed at select locations inside the flexible outer shell, the plurality of elongate rod-shaped packets providing longitudinal structural reinforcement for the flexible outer shell; 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 a programmable control mechanism programmed by a physician to gradually decrease a degree of stiffness of the outer shell over a period of time by adjusting a magnetic field strength of the magnets.