MUMBAI, India, June 30 -- Intellectual Property India has published a patent application (202621053379 A) filed by Waqar Mohsin Raza Naqvi; and Ad Vivum Education And Research Private Limited on April 27, 2026, for Self-Actuating Variable-Stiffness Rehabilitation Mat With Mechanically Modulated Magnetorheological Haptic Zones.
Inventors include Maheshkumar Baladaniya; Asawari Peter; Bhagyashree D. Kamble; Ankita R. Shripat; Ancy Vincent; and Waqar Mohsin Raza Naqvi.
The application for the patent was published on June 26, 2026, under issue no. 26/2026.
Abstract: A self-actuating variable-stiffness rehabilitation mat (100) for delivering real-time balance correction cues without electronic sensors, electromagnetic actuators, or software. The mat comprises a flexible top user-contact surface (301), a plurality of discrete haptic zones each containing a sealed chamber (306) filled with magnetorheological (MR) material, and for each zone a magnetic assembly comprising permanent magnets (307), a soft-magnetic flux return yoke (308), and a movable ferromagnetic armature (303) mechanically coupled to the top surface via a coupling member (304). Upon application of localized plantar load, downward displacement of the armature reduces a variable air gap (302), increasing flux density through the MR material and raising its yield stress and stiffness by a factor of 25:1 to 200:1. Underloaded zones remain compliant while overloaded zones stiffen, generating immediate somatosensory feedback with response latency less than 5 milliseconds that encourages automatic weight redistribution. The components form a cascading interdependent functional chain producing a synergistic haptic effect. Alternative embodiments include flux-shunt switches and bistable snap-through mechanisms. The invention requires zero electrical power and is applicable in stroke rehabilitation, hemiplegia therapy, vestibular retraining, elderly fall prevention, and domiciliary physiotherapy.
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