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    • 专利摘要:
    ELEMENT WITH VARIABLE RIGIDITY CONTROLLED BY NEGATIVE PRESSURE. Element (1) with variable stiffness controlled by negative pressure, the element comprising: - gas-tight envelope (10); - a plurality of flexible layers (30, 30a, 30b, 30c, 30d, 30e) in the envelope, each layer (30, 30a, 30b, 30c, 30d, 30e) having a first surface (31, 41) and a second surface (32, 42); and, - a valve (20) adapted to evacuate the interior of the envelope (10); characterized by the fact that: - the first and second surfaces (31, 41, 32, 42) of two adjacent layers have a coefficient of friction between them that is higher than 0.5; - the first and second surfaces (31, 41, 32, 42) of two adjacent layers have adhesion properties, such that a normal force per unit area below 0.07 N / mm2 is required to separate them, and / or the energy per unit area required to separate them in the normal direction is below 6.7 J / m2.
    公开号:BR112015023746B1
    申请号:R112015023746-0
    申请日:2013-03-15
    公开日:2021-02-02
    发明作者:Maxime Bureau；Thierry Keller；Jan F. Veneman；Carolina Vera Martín
    申请人:Textia Innovative Solutions, S.L.；
    IPC主号:
    专利说明:

    TECHNICAL FIELD
    The invention relates to an element with variable stiffness controlled by negative pressure, such as suction or vacuum. The present invention is applicable: - to certain medical devices (such as plasters, functional orthoses, insoles and emergency medical devices, such as members for members and providing first aid for the entire body), - to sporting goods (such as skateboards, ski boots, surfboards and protective equipment for sports, such as helmets or chest and knee protectors), - safety elements that stiffen in the event of a collision or accident, - construction elements, for example example, to be used to make reconfigurable camping furniture or toys, - to molding elements for the production of composites, - to packaging elements, or - to safety elements that stiffen in the event of a collision or accident, for example, in automotive field. TECHNICAL FIELD
    It is known to use negative pressure, such as suction or vacuum to provide a means of converting an element from a flexible state, in which the element is easily formed and can be adapted to conform to a specific desired shape (such as a part of the human body), to a rigid state, in which the element is rigid and provides support, protection and / or stabilization, and vice versa. The basic structure of devices that employ negative pressure typically comprises internal fillers that are commonly mobile particles and a thin, flexible, air-tight outer cover. The structure normally allows the device to be easily and readily adjusted around the affected body and limbs. When the device reaches the desired shape in the desired position, it is subjected to negative pressure and then atmospheric pressure compresses the flexible outer cover and applies substantial pressure to the entire mass of particles. The frictional force between the particles and the cover resists relative movement between them, thereby providing rigidity. Typically, a valve is included to seal the cover when evacuated to maintain rigidity of the device. The soft state from the rigid state is usually achieved by opening the valve and blowing.
    Several patents on orthopedic devices using negative pressure have been published. US patent document 2005/0137513 discloses a structure for maintaining a homogeneous thickness for devices in order to support and stabilize an injured person or body parts. The device has an internal region enveloped by two flexible films, and the internal region is divided into two insertion bodies that are formed respectively with two bands of flexible and air-permeable material. Each insertion body is divided into chambers containing loose particles, by means of intersecting seams formed between the strips of material. The seams on both insertion bodies are staggered in both directions, in such a way that the particles combine to form a substantially homogeneously thick particle layer. However, this type of structure made of granules or particles has the problem of being very thick, which leads to practical limitations, such as the size for the purpose of transport, and a high volume which leads to problems, such as an evacuation time. long to reach the desired negative pressure level.
    In order to solve the problem of unwanted thickness and volume, the body fitting element with a controlled fitness disclosed in the patent document WO 2011/07985 is made of a gas-impermeable envelope involving a plurality of layers and having a valve adapted to evacuate the inside of the envelope. Each layer is made of a core made of a material with a high Young's modulus and flexibility coated on both sides with a covering layer made of a material with a high coefficient of friction. However, this type of body fitting element presents the following problems: - Once the vacuum is applied and the body fitting element is in its rigid state, when the valve is opened to go to the flexible state, the The fact is that the layers can get stuck together due to their stickiness, and the flexible state is not recovered properly. - In the rigid state, when under a bending stress, the layers can slide off (disconnect the coating from the core). - The body insert element disclosed in WO 2011/07985 included some strips made of a material with a low coefficient of friction, in order to properly recover the flexible state under atmospheric pressure. However, these bands reduce the effective friction surfaces, which consequently reduces the rigidity of the element in a rigid state and thus affects its proper functioning.
    In short, an element with controllable rigidity is necessary, which efficiently solves both problems of stickiness and delamination, in the scenario described above. DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
    The present invention relates to an element with variable stiffness controlled by negative pressure according to claim 1. Preferred embodiments of the element are defined in the dependent claims.
    It is an object of the present invention to provide an element with variable stiffness controllable by negative pressure that overcomes the problems of stickiness and delamination of existing elements with controllable stiffness. For this, the negative pressure controllable variable stiffness element of the present invention is fully reversible between the flexible and rigid states, while maintaining or even improving the stiffness ratio between the rigid and flexible state compared to the stiffness ratio current solutions.
    The negative pressure controlled variable stiffness element of the present invention comprises: - gas impermeable envelope; - a plurality of flexible envelope layers, each layer having a first surface and a second surface; and, - a valve adapted to evacuate the interior of the envelope.
    According to a first aspect of the invention, the first and second surfaces of two adjacent layers: - have a coefficient of friction between them that is higher than 0.5; and - have adhesion properties, such that a normal force per unit area of not more than 0.07 N / mm2 is required to separate them and / or the energy per unit area required to separate them in the normal direction being below 6.7 J / m2.
    Thus, the element of the present invention has a laminar structure comprising several layers and has the following properties: - high coefficient of friction between layers due to the selection of materials used and the fact that the entire surface of the layers supports friction; and, - low adhesion between layers, especially when there is no normal force.
    In this way, the first and second surfaces are slidable under atmospheric pressure.
    Another advantage of the present invention is that the layers can be made thinner than the layers of the prior art elements (which included coated core layers), due to the fact that the layers can be made of a simple or composite material with the properties necessary high friction coefficient and low adhesion properties, thereby eliminating the need for both the coating layer and core, and the corresponding adhesive layer between them.
    With the specific element configuration of the invention the element's stiffness ratio between its flexible and rigid states is improved: - first, because the layers are not stuck together under atmospheric pressure, which makes the element more flexible and easier to conform yourself in your softest state; and - second, since there is no need for low friction or seam strips, the friction surface is increased, which makes the element more rigid in its rigid state.
    Depending on the applications of the element, the layers can be made of a simple material, or they can be made of a plurality of fibers embedded in a matrix. In both cases, the layers can be made of a continuous or homogeneous sheet, or the layer can be made of a structure woven from ribbons or straps.
    Where the layers are made of a matrix reinforced with fibers, the fibers can be unidirectional, bidirectional or multidirectional. Only composites with unidirectional fibers are suitable for the structure woven with tapes.
    The fibers are preferably selected from fiberglass, carbon, aramid or polyester fibers. And the matrix is preferably made of a thermostable polymer or a thermoplastic polymer.
    According to another preferred embodiment, layers may comprise a core layer coated with at least one coating on one side of the core. Preferably, the core is coated with first and second respective coatings, one coating on each core side.
    These coatings are preferably made of a thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer.
    The adhesion properties of the layers are preferably measured using an adapted version of a standardized method, such as that of the ASTM D2979-01 standard, "Standardized test method for pressure sensitive tackiness of adhesives using an inverted probe machine". Preferably, the adhesion properties are measured using a probe stickiness test with a preload equivalent to atmospheric pressure and a waiting time of 100 s.
    The friction coefficient is preferably measured using a standardized procedure, such as the ASTM D 1894 standard "Standardized test method for static and kinetic coefficients of friction of film and plastic sheets".
    In the case of layers that are made of woven tapes, the adhesion properties can be measured using the probe stickiness test adapted to a specific number of tapes placed adjacent to each other on a flat surface, such that the resulting width is more higher than the minimum value defined by the standard.
    The adhesion properties of the layers are measured as they are in their conditions of use; that is, before any measurement is performed, to measure the adhesion properties of the layers of the element in the present invention the layers do not need to be cleaned beforehand; their adhesion properties must be measured under the same conditions as when they are in use inside the element.
    Other advantages and additional features of the invention will become apparent from the detailed description below and which will be particularly highlighted in the appended claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
    To complete the description and in order to provide a better understanding of the invention, a set of drawings is provided. Said drawings form an integral part of the description and illustrate a modality of the invention, which should not be interpreted as restricting the scope of the invention, but only as an example of how the invention can be carried out. The drawings include the following figures: Fig. 1 shows a cross-sectional view of an element with variable stiffness according to the invention. Fig. 2 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of the layers within the element. Figs. 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7 show perspective views of other possible modalities of the layers within the element. Fig. 8 is a perspective view of a section of an element according to the intended invention for medical applications. Fig. 9 is a top view of a straps fabric structure of the layers according to another embodiment of the element. Fig. 10 schematically shows the adapted method used in the present case to measure adhesion of the layers. DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
    The following description should not be taken in a limiting sense, but only for the purpose of describing the general principles of the invention. The next modalities of the invention will be described by way of example, with reference to the drawings mentioned above showing elements and results according to the invention. Fig. 1 shows a preferred embodiment of an element 1 with varying stiffness according to the invention. The element 1 comprises of an airtight stretch envelope 10 involving a plurality of flexible layers 30 and a valve 20 adapted to evacuate the interior of the envelope. The gas-impermeable envelope 10 is suitable to be subjected to a controlled pressure, and has a valve 20 adapted to evacuate the interior of the envelope.
    In a known manner, when the atmospheric pressure is within the envelope 10, the layers 30 are decompressed. When vacuum is applied, the flexible layers 30 are compressed together, increasing the friction between them, which in turn increases the rigidity of the element 1 as a whole. In this way, element 1 has variable state possibilities, from a flexible and soft state under atmospheric pressure to a rigid state when depressurized.
    The novelty of the present element 1 lies in the specific structure and material of the layers 30, as shown in fig. two; each layer 30 is made of a simple or composite material and has a first surface 31 on one side and a second surface 32 on the other side.
    In order for element 1 to work properly and its flexible or soft state to be adequately covered once a vacuum has been applied and subsequently released, it is important that the first and second surfaces 31, 32 of the layers are made of such materials, thickness and surface finish that results in both a high coefficient of friction and a low adhesion connection.
    The layers are such that the friction efficiency between the first surface 31 and the second surface 32 of two adjacent layers 30 is higher than that of materials normally used for lubrication. The coefficient of friction between the surfaces is above 0.6. More preferably, the friction coefficient is above 1.
    In order to measure the friction coefficient, a standardized procedure can be used, such as the ASTM D 1894 standard "Standardized test method for static and kinetic coefficients of friction of film and plastic sheets".
    An essential requirement of the layers is that they have low adhesion properties. By low adhesion it is understood that the tangential adhesion force between the first and second surfaces 31, 32 of two adjacent layers 30 is such that the layers 30 slide together where there is no normal force. In fact, the first and second layer surfaces have low adhesion properties such that a normal force per unit area below 0.07 N / mm2 is required to separate them (ie, a normal compressive force of -0.07 N / mm2), and / or the energy per unit area required to separate them in the normal direction being below 6.7 J / m2.
    This is an important feature to prevent the different layers from being stuck together since the vacuum is no longer applied and element 1 regains its flexible state.
    It must be considered that the friction and stickiness properties of the layers are not only influenced by the layer material, but also by the thickness and surface finish (Ra roughness) of the layer. That is why, in order to characterize the interface between the first and second surfaces 31, 32 of two adjacent layers 30, the friction and stickiness tests are carried out on two flexible layers 30 to take into account the effect of the manufacturing processes.
    The adhesion properties were measured through a probe stickiness test adapted with a preload equivalent to atmospheric pressure and a waiting time of 100s, which is the maximum time scale mentioned in the standard for establishing the adhesive properties.
    A standardized method for measuring adhesion of adhesives is described by the ASTM D2979-01 standard, "Standardized test method for pressure sensitive tackiness of adhesives using an inverted probe machine". In the present case, an adapted version of this method was used. The standardized method had to be modified since the adhesion between layers that are not adhesive is being measured; these layers have a lower adhesion force, and where the adhesion depends on the material, thickness and roughness of the layers. The layers can be cleaned with alcohol (or any other means) prior to measurement, as indicated in the standard. But it is possible to carry out the measurements without prior cleaning of the surface of the layers, in order not to change the adhesion properties of the layers under their conditions of use.
    What is important is that the standardized method is repeated several times, in order to have a number of statistically significant measurements, in such a way that it is possible to disregard outliers.
    The measurement method is shown schematically in fig. 10, where the force (F) is represented with respect to the displacement (δ) between the layers. The method of measuring adhesion is as follows: a-c) The surfaces of the layers are approximated at a constant speed, and at some point they come into contact with each other and are reached Fmax. c-f) The surfaces of the layers are separated at a constant speed of 5 mm / s according to the standard. More specifically: a-b) The surfaces move towards each other at constant speed, with no contact between them. b-c) Once there is contact between the surfaces, a compression force is developed by the movement, until it reaches its peak value Fmax. Then the movement between the layers ceases, and the force is maintained at the constant Fmax level. c-d) The surfaces move away from each other at constant speed. Initially, the compression force is removed, to a point where an adhesion force between the layers is developed until a maximum Fade value is reached. This adhesion force has a direction opposite to the initial compressive force. d-e) The adhesion force between the layers disappears through the disconnection of the surfaces. e-f) The surfaces are separated from each other without contact, at a constant speed.
    The specific adaptations to the standardized test are: - A 50 mm circular contact surface is used, instead of the standard 5 mm probe, due to the lower adhesion forces. In the case of a modality comprising tapes, a large number of tapes must be placed next to each other, so that when they are aligned together they cover the 50 mm circular surfaces. - A normal vertical probe machine is used instead of an inverted probe machine, due to the lower adhesive forces. - The adhesion test is performed between the actual layers of the element, instead of the test between a stainless steel probe and the adhesive. - The approach movement at constant speed is interrupted when the Fmax value is reached; at this point the probe machine is programmed to keep the static load constant at Fmax. The value of Fmax used is 200 N, which corresponds to a compressive load in the order of magnitude of the atmospheric pressure on the surface. - The probe is lifted vertically upwards from a resting surface during steps cf. - The static charge is maintained for 100 s (instead of for 1 s). - Actual layers are used in the test, instead of the thickness of the adhesive surface layer specified in the standard. - Values are weighted over at least five measurements. - Adhesion is characterized by: - by Fade / Asfurface, where Fade is the maximum force measured when disconnecting surfaces and Asfur is the area of the contact surface, and - by Wade / Asurface, where Made is the energy required to disconnect the two layers. Table 1 below shows examples of layers, whose adhesion properties were measured with the probe stickiness test adapted to little explained. Table 1

    A preferred embodiment of the element 1 of the invention is Example I, having the flexible layers 30 of fig. 2 includes thirty-seven layers 30, each layer having a thickness of 80 µm. Each layer is made of thermoplastic polyurethane, in this case, Epurex® 4201 AU (supplied by Epurex Films GmbH). The resulting element allows switching between a rigid state with a 167 MPa Young modulus (obtained at a negative pressure of -0.86 bar) and a flexible state with a 22 MPa Young modulus (measured at atmospheric pressure). Young's modulus was obtained for a strain of 0.2% -0.4%.
    For certain applications it is necessary that the element of the invention has a certain degree of stiffness. In order to obtain this rigidity, the layers of the element can be perfected as shown in any of the figs. 3-7. Fig. 3 shows another possible embodiment of layer 30a. In this case, layer 30a comprises a core 40 coated with a first coating 41 on one side and a second coating 42, said first and second coatings constituting the first and second surfaces of the layer. Usually, the first and second coatings 41, 42 are glued to the respective sides of the core 40.
    Core 40 is essentially a continuous sheet of flexible material having a high Young's modulus. Having a high Young's modulus means that the Young's modulus of the core is higher than the Young's modulus of the materials used, due to their elasticity. (for example, rubbers). In addition, the Young's modulus of the material constituting the core 40 is higher than the Young's modulus of the material of coatings 41, 42. The material that forms the nucleus 40 preferably has a Young's modulus above 0.2 GPa, such as such as LDPE, which provides the element with valid rigidity for certain applications.
    Preferably, the Young's modulus of the core material 40 is higher than 0.8 GPa.
    The core can be made from any of the following materials: - Thermoplastics, such as ABS, PEEK, PP, PEHD or PVC. - Metals, such as aluminum, brass or iron. - wood, paper.
    It is possible that the first and second coatings 41, 42 on each side of the core 40 are made of the same material, including specific layer thickness and surface finish, resulting in a high coefficient of friction and low adhesion properties, as is the case with layer shown in fig. 3. It is also possible that they are made of different materials, including specific layer thickness and surface finish, in such a way that each layer has the corresponding high friction and low adhesion properties when in contact with each other. Fig. 4 shows another possible layer 30b for the element of the invention. In this case, layer 30b comprises a core 40 and a first coating 41 only on one side of the core 40. The core 40 is made of a material with a high Young's modulus, and the coating 41 is made of a material with a modulus Young's lower. The thickness of the core 40 is higher than the thickness of the first coating 41. Also, in order to fully achieve the properties of low adhesion and high friction between the layers 30b in this embodiment, the coating 41 has a smooth surface finish while the surface finish of core 40 is rough.
    Additionally, in the layer 30a embodiment shown in fig. 3, it is important that the tangential adhesion force between layers 30a, that is, the tangential adhesion force between coatings 41, 42 of two adjacent layers (which are the surfaces in contact), be less than the tangential adhesion force maximum due to the bonding between coatings 41, 42 and core 40 in each layer 30a. This is also an important feature since, otherwise, the layers may be slipped off during bending.
    Similarly, in the embodiment of layer 30b of fig. 4, it is important that the tangential adhesion force between layers 30b, that is, the tangential adhesion force between the core 40 and a layer 30b and the lining 41 of the adjacent layer 30b (which are the surfaces in contact), be lower that the maximum tangential adhesion force due to the bonding between the liner 41 and the core 40 in each layer 30b.
    Suitable materials for the coatings are: some thermoplastic polyurethanes, Acronal / Styrofan resin (40% Acronal® 12 DE with 60% Styrofan® D422, from BASF), polyurea resin, silicone, rubber, silicone rubber, latex.
    To further improve the stiffness properties of element 1 for those applications that may require them (such as construction elements, the layers may comprise a fiber-reinforced matrix.
    As shown in fig. 5, layer 30c comprises a plurality of fibers 301 integrated into a matrix 302. Fig. 6 shows another layer 30d. This layer 30d is similar to the layer 30c shown in fig. 5. The difference is that the matrix 302 in layer 30d has two portions 303 that do not have any reinforcement fibers; these two portions 303 are made only of the matrix material.
    The matrix material in the case of figs. 5 and 6 have the corresponding high friction and low adhesion properties.
    A preferred embodiment of the element 1 of the invention, example II, having the flexible layers 30c or 30d of figs. 5 or 6 includes six layers, each layer having a thickness of 250 μm. Each layer is made of 204 g / mm2 fiberglass fabric (FG), integrated in a matrix made of thermoplastic polyurethane (from Epurex® 4201 AU). The fiber ratio is 73%. The resulting element allows switching between a rigid state with a Young modulus of 2876 MPa (obtained at a negative pressure of -0.86 bar) and a flexible state with a Young modulus of 84 MPa (measured at atmospheric pressure). Young's modulus was obtained for a strain of 0.2% -0.4%. Fig. 7 shows yet another possible modality of layers constituting the laminar structure of the element.
    Layer 30e in fig. 7 is similar to that of figs. 5 or 6, but in this case the matrix 302 reinforced with a plurality of unidirectional non-woven fibers 301 forms a core, which is further coated by coatings 41, 42 both ugly of the same material having high friction and low adhesion.
    The fibers in the layers of figs. 5-7 are unidirectional non-woven fibers. But it is also possible that the fibers are multidirectional or fibers forming part of a woven fabric.
    The fibers 301 in the embodiments shown in figs. 5-7 can be any of the following: glass fibers, carbon fibers, aramid fibers or polyester fibers. The matrix material 302 can be a thermostable polymer, such as epoxy, polyester, polyuria, vinyl ester, phenolic, polyimide, polyamide resins, or a thermoplastic polymer, such as ABS, PP, PEHD, PEEK, PVC, PU, etc. .
    In the following examples, the friction coefficient between surfaces made of a PUR resin (Polyol) with a PUR hardener (Isocyanate) was determined with a 60x54 mm metal block sled, weighing 268 g, and a pre-load of 0.2 N. The rest of the conditions used during the materials testing are those described in the ASTM 1894 standard: * Polyurea (RAKU-TOOL® PC-3411 resin with RAMPF® RAKU-TOOL® PH-3911 isocyanate), reinforced with bidirectional carbon fiber (200 g / m2). Its friction coefficient was measured to be 2.25. * Polyurea (RAKU-TOOL® PC-3411 resin with RAMPF® RAKU-TOOL® PH-3911 isocyanate), reinforced with bidirectional fiberglass fabric (204 g / m2). Its friction coefficient was measured to be 2.20.
    These two examples are used to measure the friction coefficient of the polyureas, in layer 30c where the surfaces are made of the same material as the matrix 302 reinforced with fibers 301 (Fig. 5).
    When element 1 is used as an orthopedic device, it is able to adapt to the individual shape of the patient's limb. In its flexible state, element 1 is adapted to conform to the member, and when vacuum is applied, element 1 closes in its rigid state to provide support and stabilization. For this purpose, it is important to have a high stiffness ratio between the flexible and rigid states in addition to each layer being preferably made of a material with a high Young's modulus. In an ideal case, the layers 30, when in the rigid state, are completely trapped by the negative pressure applied, the stiffness of the element is n2 times higher than in the flexible state under atmospheric conditions, n being the number of layers in the element . In the real case this stiffness increase factor of n2 is approximate, depending on the real friction coefficient that may still allow some sliding between the layers. For example, an element employing a thickness of 2.4 mm made up of layers of 0.4 mm each has a stiffness ratio between the rigid and flexible states of 36 (= 6A2). The stiffness ratio to be achieved by the element depends on the type of application. For example, a ratio of 4 is not sufficient in the case of placing an orthosis. For orthosis placement, an element with twelve thin layers and thus a 144-word ratio. But it is also possible to double the thickness of the layers, to include only six layers, and the resulting element to be sufficiently flexible and to be able to achieve a similar stiffness suitable for orthosis applications.
    In order to apply a homogeneous force during the compression of the different layers, as shown in fig. 8, the element 10 further comprises an air-permeable layer 50, such as a nested structure, inserted parallel with the layers 30a within the flexible envelope 10. The air-permeable layer 50 allows the vacuum to be uniformly distributed. For example, a plastic mesh made of 100 μm diameter wire and open cells of around 3x3 mm, provides a uniform pressure distribution.
    The valve 20 is inserted into the envelope 10 on the side next to the air-permeable layer 50. This prevents the air flow from being blocked by a layer 30a that is trapped in the valve orifice. In addition, the air-permeable layer 50 prevents the outer layer from sticking to the envelope, which could lead to loss of flexibility in the flexible state.
    As indicated above, it is desirable that the layers are made of material with a high Young's modulus to make an element with a high state of rigidity; but materials having a high Young's modulus usually have low extensibility. Due to the fact that they are not extensible they cannot fit any 3D format. In order to fit any 3D shape or format, especially those with uneven surfaces, in another possible embodiment of the invention (as shown in Fig. 9), layer 30f is provided in the form of woven straps or straps that add degrees of freedom to the layer. To keep this structure organized after repeated use and to avoid overlapping and losing straps, the edges of any 2D pattern can be sewn and cut, taking care to ensure that both ends of each strap in the pattern have been sewn.
    In order to make the tapes, the warp yarns 60 and the weft 65 that form the layer 30f, any of the flexible layers 30, 30a, 30b, 30c, 30d or 30e of the previous modalities are cut into tapes or straps of the desired width that are then woven.
    In cases where the layer is a composite material made of a fiber-reinforced polymer matrix, such as layers 30c, 30d or 30e, of figs. 5-7, it is also possible to directly manufacture the composite of the specified width.
    Making the fabric smaller, that is, with the straps of smaller width, allows a better adaptation. For adaptation to the human body, 3x1 twill fabric made with a tape or strap having a width of 4 mm and with a gap of 1 mm between the tapes / straps generates a good result. But any belt width can be used depending on the purpose.
    The tapes or straps can be made with a 600tex glass fiber wick (from PPG) leveled to a width of 4 mm. The fiber wicks are then impregnated with thermoplastic polyurethane (such as BASF's Elastollan® 890 A10), respecting a matrix / fiber volume ratio of around 30/70. In this case, the surface roughness should be around 1.27 to achieve the correct friction and stickiness properties of the first and second surfaces.
    It is also possible to make a smaller fabric using a 300tex glass fiber wick (from PPG) leveled to a width of 2.5 mm.
    A preferred embodiment of the element 1 of the invention, example III, having the flexible layers 30f shown in fig. 9 includes six layers, each layer having a total thickness of 450 μm. Each layer is made of straps or tapes, with a thickness of 160 μm, woven in a 3x1 twill. The straps are made with 600tex glass fiber (FG) wicks that are integrated in a matrix made of Epurex® 4201 AU thermoplastic polyurethane (or TPU reinforced glass fiber). The fiber ratio in this case is 60%. The resulting element allows switching between a rigid state with a 546 MPa Young modulus (obtained at a negative pressure of -0.86 bar) to a flexible state with a 24 MPa Young modulus (measured at atmospheric pressure). Young's modulus was obtained for a strain of 0.2% -0.4%.
    With regard to fabrics, many solutions are possible: normal, five-point plain, 16-point plain, 2x2 twill or 3x1 twill.
    Twill fabric has the advantage of being more flexible and draped than normal fabric. The smooth fabric is also a good option with respect to the trim capacity.
    In any case, regardless of the fabric used (normal, twill, plain, ..) in the preferred mode there is a gap of approximately 1 mm between each belt in both the warp and weft direction, in order to allow some degree of freedom between straps separate and thereby obtain sufficient trim to fit the human body. The following table 2 summarizes the main characteristics of the three examples I, II, III previously given for the layers within the element, and their properties. In the three examples, the layers of the element are wrapped in an airtight PP / HDPE bag. The element also contains a nylon mesh for the vacuum division, adding a total of 0.6 mm to the thickness of the element. Table 2


    In this context, the term "comprises" and its derivations (such as "comprising", etc.) should not be understood in an exclusive sense, that is, these terms should not be interpreted as excluding the possibility that what is described and defined can include other elements, steps, etc.
    In the context of the present invention, the term "approximately" and the terms of your family (such as "approximate", etc.) should be understood as indicative values very close to those that accompany the aforementioned term. This means that a deviation within reasonable limits of an exact value must be accepted, because a person skilled in the art will understand that such deviations from the indicated values are inevitable due to measurement inaccuracies, etc. The same applies to the terms
    权利要求:
    Claims (15)
    [0001]
    1. Element (1) with variable stiffness controlled by negative pressure, the element comprising: - gas-tight envelope (10); - a plurality of flexible layers (30, 30a, 30b, 30c, 30d, 30e) in the envelope, each layer (30, 30a, 30b, 30c, 30d, 30e) having a first surface (31, 41) and a second surface (32, 42); and, - a valve (20) adapted to evacuate the interior of the envelope (10); characterized by the fact that: - the first and second surfaces (31, 41, 32, 42) of two adjacent layers have a coefficient of friction between them that is higher than 0.5; - the first and second surfaces (31, 41, 32, 42) of two adjacent layers have adhesion properties, such that a normal force per unit area below 0.07 N / mm2 is required to separate them, and / or the energy per unit area required to separate them in the normal direction is below 6.7 J / m2.
    [0002]
    2. Element (1) according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that the layers (30, 30f) are made of a single material.
    [0003]
    Element (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the layers (30c, 30d, 30e, 30f) are made of a plurality of fibers (301) embedded in a matrix (302).
    [0004]
    4. Element (1) according to claim 3, characterized by the fact that the fibers (301) are unidirectional.
    [0005]
    5. Element (1) according to claim 3, characterized by the fact that the fibers (301) are bidirectional or multidirectional.
    [0006]
    Element (1) according to any of claims 3-5, characterized in that the fibers (301) are selected from glass, carbon, aramid or polyester fibers.
    [0007]
    Element (1) according to any of claims 3-6, characterized in that the matrix (302) is made of a thermostable polymer or a thermoplastic polymer.
    [0008]
    Element (1) according to any of claims 1-7, characterized in that each layer (30a, 30b, 30d) further comprises a core (40) coated with at least one coating (41, 42) in one side of the core (40).
    [0009]
    Element (1) according to any of claims 1-7, characterized in that each layer (30a, 30d) further comprises a core (40) coated with respective first and second coatings (41, 42), a coating on each side of the core (40).
    [0010]
    Element (1) according to any of claims 8-9, characterized in that the linings (41, 42) are made of a thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer.
    [0011]
    Element (1) according to any of claims 1-10, characterized in that the layers (30a, 30b, 30c, 30d, 30e) are made of continuous sheet.
    [0012]
    Element (1) according to any of claims 1-4 and 6-10 when dependent on claim 4, characterized in that the layer (30f) is made of a structure of woven tapes (60, 65).
    [0013]
    13. Element (1), according to any previous claim, characterized by the fact that the adhesion properties of the layers are measured using a probe adhesion test adapted with a preload equivalent to atmospheric pressure and a pre- standby load of 100 s.
    [0014]
    14. Element (1), according to claim 12, characterized by the fact that the adhesion properties of the layers are measured using a probe adhesion test adapted with a preload equivalent to atmospheric pressure and a pre- waiting load of 100 s, these measurements being carried out on a determined number of tapes (60, 65) placed adjacent to each other on a smooth surface.
    [0015]
    15. Element (1), according to any previous claim, characterized by the fact that the adhesion properties of the layers are measured in layers as they are being used.
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    ES2574603T3|2016-06-21|
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    US20150369325A1|2015-12-24|
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    法律状态:
    2018-12-04| B06F| Objections, documents and/or translations needed after an examination request according [chapter 6.6 patent gazette]|
    2019-12-24| B06U| Preliminary requirement: requests with searches performed by other patent offices: procedure suspended [chapter 6.21 patent gazette]|
    2020-12-01| B09A| Decision: intention to grant [chapter 9.1 patent gazette]|
    2021-02-02| B16A| Patent or certificate of addition of invention granted|Free format text: PRAZO DE VALIDADE: 20 (VINTE) ANOS CONTADOS A PARTIR DE 15/03/2013, OBSERVADAS AS CONDICOES LEGAIS. |
    优先权:
    申请号 | 申请日 | 专利标题
    PCT/ES2013/070177|WO2014140389A1|2013-03-15|2013-03-15|Element with variable stiffness controlled by negative pressure|
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