Smart sonic bearings for frictional force reduction and switching
US6724128B2 · kind B2 · utility
7Cited by
69References
46Claims
0Family size
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 1, 2002 |
| Grant date | Apr 20, 2004 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 1, 2022 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF16C32/0666
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An ultrastiff precision sonic bearing assembly and method thereof for controlling an effective coefficient of friction between two elements in slidable contact configured along an interface under a force sufficient to maintain contact and having static friction therebetween, by inducing a repetitive motion in one of the elements parallel to the interface thereby altering the effective coefficient of friction therebetween. The bearing assembly also provides for additional and independent electronic control over the average thickness thereof and senses the force thereon to allow the bearing assembly stiffness to be altered.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.