Rate controllable damping mechanism
US4842106A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 8, 1987 |
| Grant date | Jun 27, 1989 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 8, 2007 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T403/21
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A rate controllable damping mechanism is disclosed. The mechanism includes a chamber disposed within a housing; an element mounted for movement within the chamber; a damping material, preferably a low melting temperature metal alloy, in the chamber for preventing the movement of the element at a first temperature and for damping the movement of the element at a second temperature; and a heater for selectively increasing the temperature of the damping material from the first temperature to the second temperature. Controlled damping is effectuated by heating the fluid material until it reaches a molten state at which the resultant fluid damps the movement of the element in a conventional manner. A novel method is also disclosed for structural stress relief.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.