Magneto-rheological fluid coupling
US5967273A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 17, 1997 |
| Grant date | Oct 19, 1999 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 17, 2017 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF16D2037/007
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A magneto-rheological fluid coupling (11) including a stationary electromagnetic coil (31) and cylindrical contact member (43) surrounding an input shaft (19), and in turn, being surrounded by the output coupling assembly (15). Input (63,65) and output (29) coupling members define a viscous shear chamber (71) disposed radially outward from the coil (31). A drive member (21) extends radially from the input shaft (19) and includes an annular portion (61) at least partially surrounding the coil (31) and driving the input coupling member (63,65). The stationary coil (31) and contact member (43) eliminates the need for electrical brushes, and the problems associated therewith, and the overall arrangement of the coupling (11) results in only radial non-working air gaps, such that the efficiency and repeatability of the device is substantially improved.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.