Georgia Tech Research Corporation

Geza Frank Kogler

Omer T Inan

Sinan Hersek

Jennifer O Hasler

Hakan Toreyin

Mindy L Millard-Stafford

Caitlin Teague

Michael N Sawka

Hyeon Ki Jeong

I-Ting Chuang

Young-Hui Chang

Emily Simonds

Maziyar Baran Pouyan

Embodiments of the present disclosure relate generally to variable stiffness devices, including orthoses, that use the principles of granular jamming. In some embodiments, a device may comprise a cell having an air impermeable outer bladder. The outer bladder of the cell can define an internal pocket. A plurality of granular particulates may be disposed within the first cell. The stiffness of the cell can be altered by altering the negative internal pressure of the cell, thereby causing the granular particulates to compact, or jam. In some embodiments, a plurality of cells may be disposed within a device. The location of each of the plurality of cells may correspond to a location of a user's foot. The mechanical characteristics of each cell of the plurality of cells may be independently adjusted by adjusting the negative internal pressure of the cell.

Variable stiffness devices that use the principles of granular jamming and methods of use

Multi-modal sensing relating to joint acoustic emission and joint bioimpedance. Custom-design analog electronics and electrodes provide high resolution sensing of bioimpedance, microphones and their front-end electronics for capturing sound signals from the joints, rate sensors for identifying joint motions (linear and rotational), and a processor unit for interpretation of the signals. These components are packed into a wearable form factor, which also encapsulates the hardware required to minimize the negative effects of motion artifacts on the signals.

Wearable technologies for joint health assessment

Growing community of inventors

Atlanta, GA, United States of America

Geza Frank Kogler