Patent · US Expired

Controllable vibration apparatus

US5878851A · kind A · utility

133Cited by
26References
41Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateJul 2, 1996
Grant dateMar 9, 1999
Priority date
Expiry dateJul 2, 2016

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
  • CPC primaryF16F2228/004
  • WIPO fieldMechanical elements
  • WIPO sectorMechanical engineering

Abstract

A controllable vibration apparatus having an electrical connection to a controllable valve made through a single-strand electrical conductor. In one embodiment, the piston and rod are preferably used as the source of ground or return electrical path. An axially compressed sealing element provides radial sealing against the conductor. An accumulator including a flexible diaphragm provides separation of fluid and accumulator chambers. In magnetorheological (MR) fluid dampers, a special sealing system including a relationship between piston rod surface finish and particle size is provided. A surface treated metal bushing is used with a lip seal to prevent escape of fluid and support side loads. The controllable valve can be formed from top and bottom pole pieces spaced from an outer ring to define a passageway. The pole and ring are preferably secured together by non-magnetic bridging elements. Preferably, the coil assembly is configured with integral axially-extending pins for ease of connection. Push-on connectors preferably make the connection between the conductor and pins. In a two single-strand conductor version, one single-strand carries the incoming current and the other the o…

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.