Shear thickening fluid based object control method and mechanism

US11835109B2 · kind B2 · 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: Dec 29, 2021
• Grant date: Dec 5, 2023
• Expiry date: May 31, 2042

Classification

• Technology area (CPC F): Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
• CPC primary: F16F2236/103
• WIPO field: Mechanical elements
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

A head unit system for controlling motion of an object includes a secondary object sensor and a head unit device that includes a shear thickening fluid (STF) and a chamber configured to contain a portion of the STF. The chamber further includes an alternative reservoir and a piston compartment. The head unit system further includes a piston housed at least partially radially within the piston compartment. The piston includes a piston bypass to control flow of the STF between opposite sides of the piston. The chamber further includes a set of fluid flow sensors and a set of fluid manipulation emitters to control the flow of the STF to cause selection of one of a variety of shear rates for the STF within the chamber.