Patent ID: 9016159
Filing Date: 2015-04-28
Classification: A61B,B25J,G02B,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A flexible tool, comprising: a cylindrical backbone having a longitudinal axis; a plurality of circular ribs encircling the cylindrical backbone, the circular ribs being spaced alone the longitudinal axis of the cylindrical backbone; a plurality of projections extending radially outward from the cylindrical backbone, each of the circular ribs being connected with the cylindrical backbone by a portion of the plurality of the projections, the projections of the portion being spaced apart about the periphery of the cylindrical backbone, the circular ribs and the portions of the plurality of the projectings defining plurality of linked segments movable relative to one another; and stiffening means comprising a medium that fills spaces between the projections and the circular ribs of the linked segments, wherein the medium is switchable in use from a first state of relatively low stiffness in which the medium is fluid to a second state of relatively high stiffness in which the medium is rigid and subsequently switchable from the second state back to the first state, and the medium acts in the first state to flow through the spaces to allow relative movement between the linked segments, and the medium acts in the second state to lock the projections and the circular ribs between the linked segments and prevent the relative movement.