System for abrasive jet shaping and polishing of a surface using magnetorheological fluid
US5971835A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 25, 1998 |
| Grant date | Oct 26, 1999 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 25, 2018 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB24C5/08
- WIPO fieldMachine tools
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A fluid having magnetorheological (MR) properties and including a finely-divided abrasive material is directed through a non-ferromagnetic nozzle disposed axially of the helical windings of an electric solenoid. The MR fluid may contain magnetosoft or magnetosolid particles or mixtures thereof. A magnetic field created by the solenoid orients and aligns the magnetic moments of the particles to form fibrils thereby stiffening the flowing MR fluid which, when ejected from the nozzle, defines a highly-collimated jet. Collimation of the MR material persists for a significant time outside the magnetic field, permitting use of the abrasive jet to shape and/or polish the surface of a workpiece at some distance from the nozzle. The jet is directed into a shroud against a workpiece mounted for multiple-axis rotation and displacement to meet predetermined material removal needs for shaping. The solenoid may be similarly mounted to also move the jet over the surface of the workpiece. The apparatus may be provided with a plurality of independently-powerable electromagnets disposed in a plane orthogonal to the jet for deflecting the jet as desired to a specific target area on the workpiece or t…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.