Center bearing assembly including support member containing rheological fluid
US5452957A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 22, 1994 |
| Grant date | Sep 26, 1995 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 22, 2014 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T74/2122
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A center bearing assembly includes a roller bearing adapted to receive and rotatably support a coupling shaft and a bracket adapted to be secured to a vehicle frame. A support member is provided which supports the roller bearing within the bracket. The support member includes a bladder formed of an elastomeric material. The bladder contains a rheological fluid which exhibits a significant change in its ability to flow or shear upon the application of an appropriate energy field. Preferably, the bladder contains a magneto-rheological magnetic fluid. By varying the power supplied to an electromagnet located adjacent the bladder, the vibration dampening characteristics of the support member may be varied depending upon the operating conditions of the vehicle.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.