Electrorheological fluid force transmission and conversion device
US4896754A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 25, 1988 |
| Grant date | Jan 30, 1990 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 25, 2008 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH02K5/128
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An electrorheological fluid torque transmission and conversion system provides for variable control of torque in clutch and brake applications. Communication of mechanical energy between the drive elements is accomplished by magnetic coupling to eliminate the need for a dynamic fluid seal for interface of moving parts to the interior portion of the electrorheological fluid containment chamber. Permanent magnets are associated respectively with each of a first member and a second member which are magnetically coupled through a surface with low magnetic permeability such that the first member and second members rotate in unison. A variety of permanent arrangements may be utilized. Further, the drive element internal to the electrorheological fluid chamber may be both mechanically and electrically decoupled. A floating electrode may be capacitively coupled through the fluid to the power supply. Also provided are inner and outer conductive plates are provided for increased fluid surface contact area. Spacing between the inner and outer plates is determined by the thickness of inner and outer ring members therebetween, which may be easily removed and replaced for simplified assembly and…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.