Shear thickening fluid enabled object movement control mechanism

US11566641B1 · kind B1 · utility

Assignee

• Moshun, LLC · US

Inventors

• Timothy John Boundy · Deer Park, US
• Steven Michael Barger · Bartlett, US
• Terence Michael Lydon · Westmont, US
• Richard Michael Lang · Vaio Moiago, US
• Wilfredo Gonzalez, Jr. · Plainfield, US
• Darren Michael Boundy · Long Grove, US
• Eric McHugh · Naperville, US
• David Schuda · Wheaton, US
• George L. Wilson, IV · Kalamazoo, US
• Gary W. Grube · Rochester, US
• Jason K. Resch · Chicago, US
• Mario F. DeRango · Cary, US
• John Edward Buchalo · South Barrington, US
• Richard A. Herbst · Clarendon Hills, US
• Kurt Estes · South Bend, US
• Evan Anderson · Naples, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Nov 30, 2021
• Grant date: Jan 31, 2023
• Expiry date: Nov 30, 2041

Classification

• Technology area (CPC F): Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
• CPC primary: F16F2238/045
• WIPO field: Mechanical elements
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

A head unit device for controlling motion of an object includes shear thickening fluid (STF) and a chamber configured to contain a portion of the STF. The chamber further includes a piston compartment and an auxiliary compartment. The head unit device further includes an auxiliary bypass configured within the chamber, and a piston housed at least partially radially within the piston compartment. The chamber further includes a set of fluid flow sensors and a set of fluid manipulation emitters to control the auxiliary bypass to adjust the STF flow between the piston compartment and the auxiliary compartment to cause selection of one of a first range of shear rates or a second range of shear rates for the STF within the piston compartment.