| abstract |
A hose, connector, and hose assembly are described with mechanical properties that can be varied by exposure to specific energy stimuli. The hose has a wall with a first material, a second material, and one or more energy conduits, wherein the first material has a first rigidity with a first variability, and the second material has a second rigidity with a second variability, the first variability depends on energy emitted from the one or more energy conduits, and the second variability is substantially independent of energy emitted from the one or more energy conduits. The second material may be disposed in inclusions that are positioned in the wall. The connector connects two such hoses together, providing connectivity for the inclusions and the energy conduits of two lengths of hose. The connector also provides an external connection to couple an energy source to the energy conduits of the hose. |